2024 Latin Grammy Awards Predictions Unveiled

As the 2024 Latin Grammys approach, Billboard’s Latin and Español editors share their insights and predictions for who will take home top honors. By analyzing trends and contenders, they explore the potential winners in categories like Record of the Year and Best New Artist.

Record of the Year

The 2024 Record of the Year race is tighter than ever, with top artists like Anitta, Bad Bunny, and Karol G bringing distinctly unique sounds. Billboard editors Sigal Ratner-Arias and Isabela Raygoza are especially drawn to “Igual Que Un Ángel” by Kali Uchis and Peso Pluma, noting its “heavenly” quality. Kali’s vocals have an ethereal feel, and Peso explores a gentler, softer tone, revealing a whole new side of his artistry. With its impressive chart-topping success, this track stands out as a favorite, praised for its luxurious, romantic sound.

Bad Bunny’s “Monaco” stands out as a serious contender. The song has a more somber and cinematic feel reminiscent of Hollywood. Editors Griselda Flores and Ingrid Fajardo appreciate the complexity of the track, showcasing Bad Bunny’s exploration of more mature vocal lines. Karol G’s “Mi Ex Tenía Razón,” featuring her Norteo persona, is another noteworthy song produced by Grammy winner Edgar Barrera. This track reveals a different side of Karol G, showcasing her gentle and fiery qualities.
With such varied contenders, the editors agree that predicting a winner in this category can be challenging. Each Song offers a unique flavor, from heartfelt ballads to genre-bending pop, making this one of the most exciting categories.

Album of the Year

The Album of the Year slot is slightly more eclectic, from Angela Aguilar’s old-school Bolero to Mon Laferte’s futuristic Autopoiética. Carín León’s Boca Chueca, Vol. 1 is a good one, praised for rock, country, and Carn’s brand of music Mexicana. Editors like Carn’s willingness to experiment and challenge the status quo without abandoning tradition.

The leaderboard is also led by Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, driven by a recent career reboot and highly emotional content that’s widely loved. On the other hand, Residente’s Las Letras Ya No Importance has been well-praised for its freewheeling songwriting. Editors like Sigal Ratner-Arias and Isabela Raygoza see it as a thoughtful and reflective album that stands out. Jessica Roiz, however, feels that Mon Laferte’s Autopoiética, mainly tracks like “Tenochtitlán,” brings a cultural depth and artistic experimentation that deserves attention.

In the end, Shakira, Carín León, and Residente emerge as leading contenders, each album presenting a distinctive vision and widening the possibilities for Latin music.

Song of the Year

The Song of the Year category is all about storytelling this year. “Caracas En El 2000,” Sigal Ratner-Arias is a vocalist who describes the Song as a song that takes you back to Venezuela’s past and reminds you of childhood and the good old days. It’s a nostalgic and exuberant song, the words of Danny Ocean, Elena Rose, and Jerry Di, and it speaks to Venezuelans and anyone who loves the nostalgia of home.

There are Jorge Drexler’s “Derrumbe” and Ruben Blades’ “A Me Sigo Encontrando,” both of which get their share by their poetic brilliance. The way Drexler and Blades sing and recite their music, from the musical traditions of Latin America, draws you into their intimate verses. “Según Quién” by Maluma and Carín León and “Te Lo Agradezco” by Kany García and Carín León also stand out for their relatability and emotional resonance. “Caracas En El 2000” and “Derrumbe” emerge as frontrunners, showcasing the range of Latin music’s storytelling power, from upbeat, nostalgic tunes to reflective ballads.

Fresh Voices Shaping the Future of Latin Music

This year’s Best New Artist nominees bring exciting new energy to Latin music, with groups like Latin Mafia and Darumas and solo talents like Ela Taubert leading the predictions. Latin Mafia’s genre-bending sound, blending rock, grunge, and Latin pop, has captured the attention of editors like Griselda Flores and Isabela Raygoza, who see them as a refreshing and bold addition to the scene.

Darumas’s funky R&B and Latin influences keep editors like Sigal Ratner-Arias intrigued. Ela Taubert’s pop appeal has garnered an increasing following thanks to her relatable lyrics and catchy melodies. Additionally, Taubert’s honesty and narrative integrity, emphasized by Ingrid Fajardo, position her well within this genre.

Both editors agree that Latin Mafia and Darumas are the new generation of Latin music. They are new and original but still maintain that genre feel. All of these artists are about to win new fans.

Also read: Remarkable Latin American Composers Who Shaped Classical Music

A Night to Celebrate Latin Music’s Diversity

With the 2024 Latin Grammys approaching, this year’s nominees showcase the many advancements and talents emerging in Latin music. Given that the nominees fall within very different genres and styles, they highlight the diversity of this bright mosaic of a musical landscape. With a mix of established stars and fresh voices celebrating the awards’ 25th anniversary, it promises to be a night filled with exceptional talent and cultural significance.