From May 27 through August 10, voting members of The Latin Recording Academy, the organization that for more than two decades has recognized the finest artists and musical productions in the Latin music industry, will take part in the nomination process for the 2026 Latin Grammy Awards.
This year’s edition is considered one of the most competitive in recent memory, and anticipation continues to grow as the music industry awaits the announcement of the artists and projects that will compete for Latin music’s highest honors. We spoke with Carlos Passage, an Associate Member of the Academy, to learn more about what lies ahead.
By Charlie Thompson
Carlos Passage, a Colombian music critic and journalist and an Associate Member of L.A.R.A.S. (The Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences), says the past year has been one of the most successful periods for the global music business, particularly in Latin America.
“According to IFPI (the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry), global recorded music revenues grew by 6.4% in 2025, reaching $31.7 billion. This demonstrates how the continued work and investment of record companies, together with their partnerships with artists around the world, are driving the industry’s evolution and generating positive results across all regions,” he says.
“But the best news for Latin America is that the regional market continued its upward trajectory, posting a 17.1% increase and marking its sixteenth consecutive year of growth. Brazil is now the world’s eighth-largest music market, while Mexico has entered the top ten. These are figures that should make us optimistic about the future,” he adds.
The global boom of Latin music is expected to be reflected in the upcoming Latin Grammy Awards. The process begins with voting members, who, between May 27 and August 10, will select the nominees for the awards ceremony scheduled to take place on November 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The official list of nominees will be announced on September 16.
“The Latin Grammy Awards are the most prestigious honors in Latin music, and this year we hope that more than 7,000 voting members from 62 countries will participate actively in choosing the best recordings and artists of the year,” Passage says.
He also highlights that The Latin Recording Academy has introduced new categories and eligibility criteria for the 2026 Latin Grammy Awards.
“These changes reflect the constantly evolving music landscape. Three categories have been renamed: in the electronic field, Best Latin Electronic Music Performance will become Best Electronic Music Performance; in the urban field, Best Urban/Fusion Performance will become Best Urban Performance; and in the classical field, Best Contemporary Classical Composition will be renamed Best Classical Composition.”
Passage notes that additional changes have been implemented in one of the Academy’s four General Field categories.
“There are new eligibility requirements for artists competing in the Best New Artist category. In addition, only human creators may submit works, receive nominations, or win a Latin Grammy Award. As a result, works generated solely by artificial intelligence without meaningful human authorship will not be eligible in any category.”
Finally, Passage points to a key trend shaping the global music business: paid music streaming services remain the industry’s primary growth engine.
According to IFPI, subscription streaming revenues increased by 8.8% last year and accounted for 52.4% of total global recorded music revenues. Today, more than 850 million people worldwide pay for a music streaming subscription.
The Latin Recording Academy is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring, and advancing Latin music and its creators. Recognized as the world’s leading authority on Latin music, the Academy is composed of music professionals and produces the Latin Grammy Awards, the most important night in Latin music, recognizing excellence in the recording arts and sciences. Through the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, it also provides educational opportunities and support programs for the music community.
