Residente, Rawayana, and Carín León were among the notable winners at the 2025 Grammy Awards‘ Premiere Ceremony on Sunday (Feb. 2), where most of this year’s trophies were awarded. Venezuelan band Rawayana won their first Grammy for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Music Album with “¿Quién Trae Las Cornetas?”
Lead vocalist Beto Montenegro addressed the audience in English before switching to Spanish, delivering an emotional poem dedicated to Venezuela.
Beto Montenegro’s Poignant Speech
“To my compatriots, let’s raise our heads with pride. Our music has been speaking to us for a while. With so much chaos in the world, it’s hard to put ourselves in our shoes,” Montenegro began. “We come from there, where the S’s are not pronounced. Where we improvise and flow. Supa, Apache, Neutro, Akapellah, we are the fu–ing bosses. For the nights, Simón Díaz. Forever Canserbero. Don’t let them sell you another candy.”
Residente and Carín León’s Major Wins
Residente and Carín León were not in attendance, but both received major wins. Residente now holds six Grammys and 28 Latin Grammys and won Best Música Urbana Album for “Las Letras Ya No Importan.” Carín León earned his first Grammy for Best Música Mexicana Album (including Tejano) with “Boca Chueca, Vol. 1,” which previously won Best Contemporary Música Mexicana Album at the 2024 Latin Grammys.
© Getty Images for The Latin Recor“My people, I am very happy about what just happened,” León said in a press release. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you for being part of this dream. Congratulations to all the nominees. Arriba Mexico, arriba Sonora, and arriba the H,” referring to his hometown of Hermosillo.
Tony and Mimy Succar’s Heartfelt Victory
Another heartfelt moment came when Tony Succar and his mother, Mimy Succar, won Best Tropical Latin Album for “Alma, Corazón y Salsa (Live at Gran Teatro Nacional).” Tony shared how his mother only recently launched her music career after dedicating her life to her family, while Mimy dedicated the award to Peru and her father. Later, Mimy also won Best Global Music Performance for her role in Sheila E.’s “Bemba Colorá,” alongside Gloria Estefan. Sheila E. reflected on her own Grammy journey: “The very first time I was nominated was 40 years ago today, 1985. Just know that it’s never too late to keep doing and dreaming.”
© Billboard via Getty ImagesLater in the evening, during the main gala at the Crypto.com Arena, Jennifer Lopez presented Shakira with the Best Latin Pop Album award for “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran.”
“This is incredible,” Shakira said as she accepted the fourth Grammy of her career. “I want to dedicate this award to all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country. You are loved, you are worth it, and I will always fight with you. And to all those women who work really hard every day to provide for their families, you are the real she-wolves, so this is for you too.”
© Getty Images for The Recording AAdditional Latin Grammy Winners and Nominees
Mexican-American hitmaker Edgar Barrera, who previously won three Latin Grammys in November, was nominated for Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical) but lost to Amy Allen. Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel took home two Grammys for Best Orchestral Performance and Best Classical Compendium for “Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina,” while the namesake composition won Best Contemporary Classical Composition.
Lucky Diaz and The Family Jam Band won Best Children’s Music Album for “Brillo, Brillo!” “I am a Mexican Chicano from Los Angeles and this recording represents us,” Diaz said. “In this time of great division, we must come together. This city is built on dreams, of dreamers and immigrants. I am very proud of this album.”
The Continued Global Impact of Latin Music
Latin music remained a strong presence at this year’s Grammys, with nominees including Anitta, Bad Bunny, Shakira, Kali Uchis, Peso Pluma, J Balvin, Juan Luis Guerra, and Marc Anthony. First-time nominees such as Feid and Young Miko added fresh talent to the prestigious event, solidifying Latin music’s continued global impact.