6 New categories reshape Latin music

Tonight, February 20, 2025, the Kaseya Center in Miami is abuzz as Premio Lo Nuestro kicks off, introducing six brand-new categories that are shaking up the music scene. These additions are a clear signal of where Latin music is headed, driven by fans who’ve turned TikTok hits and street anthems into global sensations. From dembow’s unstoppable rhythm to the electrified strum of corridos, these awards aren’t just keeping pace—they’re setting new standards.

A crown for Dembow’s reign

Let’s talk about Best Dembow Song—a category that’s way overdue. Born in the barrios of Santo Domingo, dembow is reggaeton’s wilder, rowdier cousin, built on rapid-fire rhythms and raw, unfiltered energy. What started underground has exploded into a global movement. This award isn’t about polished studio cuts; it’s about beats so hard they make dance floors quake. And if there’s one name leading the charge, it’s El Alfa. A genre trailblazer, his sound hits like a jackhammer—fans love it, and in a fan-voted show, that kind of hype is everything.

El Alfa at Billboard En Vivo Featuring Wisin

Nominees for Best Dembow Song (Mejor Canción Dembow):

Chimbala – “Che Che”
Rochy RD & Donaty – “Déjenme Rulay”
Fariana & El Alfa – “Dora”
El Alfa & Nfasis – “Este”
Lomiiel – “Hay Lupita”

Electro Corrido: Tradition meets tomorrow

Then there’s Best Electro Corrido, where ranchera tales collide with synth-soaked drops. Imagine corridos tumbados remixed for a rave. Artists like Carín León, who’s up for ten awards tonight, are leading this futuristic fusion, proving that mariachi can be as cutting-edge as any club anthem. It’s not about nostalgia—it’s about reinvention, where both abuelos and grandkids nod to the same electrified beat.

Peso Pluma performs at Golden 1 Center on August 30, 2024 in Sacramento, California.

Nominees for Best Electro Corrido:

Sebastian Esquivel, Blessd & Eugenio Esquivel – “Exceso”
Lalo Cruz – “Fresa Con Crema”
Codiciado, Joaquin Medina & Sheeno – “Gabachas”
Fuerza Regida & Marshmello – “Harley Quinn”
Peso Pluma & DJ Snake – “Teka”

Latin Pop Without Borders

Best Latin Fusion Pop Song feels like a love letter to crossover culture. These are the anthems of the diaspora, built by artists who refuse to pick a single lane. With fans who see themselves in these songs, this category is bound to be one of the night’s most competitive.

Rawayana at the 67th Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, CA, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025.

Nominees for Best Latin Fusion Pop Song:

Judeline – “Brujería!”
Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso – “La Que Puede, Puede”
The Marías – “Lejos De Ti”
Latin Mafia – “Siento Que Merezco Más”
Rawayana & Akapellah – “Veneka”

Power Duets and Genre-Bending Jams

Collaboration is the heart of Best Pop Urban Collaboration and Best Tropical Collaboration. The former could see a pop diva and a trap king join forces—picture a Thalía & Bad Bunny moment—while the latter might revive salsa’s golden duets with a modern twist. It’s all in line with tonight’s theme: “Uniendo Generaciones” (Uniting Generations).

Best Pop Urban collaboration

Shakira & Cardi B – “Puntería”
Danny Ocean – “Amor”
Lenny Tavárez – “El Yate”
Venesti – “Fanática del Reggaetón”
Anitta – “Funk Rave”
Daddy Yankee – “Loveo”
Manuel Turizo – “Ojos. Labios. Cara”
Mau y Ricky – “Pasado Mañana”
Peso Pluma & Kenia Os – “Tommy & Pamela”
Rauw Alejandro – “Touching The Sky”
Natti Natasha – “Ya No Te Extraño”

Nominees for Best Tropical Collaboration:

Gente De Zona & Celia Cruz – “Celia”
Prince Royce featuring Gabito Ballesteros – “Cosas De La Peda”
Fariana & Oro Solido – “El Caballito”
La India & Jacob Forever – “Fuera Fuera”
Sergio George & Wisin – “La Vida Es Una Fiesta”
Venesti, Nacho & Maffio – “No Es Normal”
Camilo & Evaluna Montaner – “Plis”
Motiff, Jonathan Moly, Luis Figueroa featuring Jimmy Rodriguez, Ronald Borjas & Nesty – “Salsa De Ahora”
Silvestre Dangond & Carlos Vives – “Tú o Yo”
Olga Tañón & Christian Alicea – “Vamos a Ser Feliz”

And then there’s Best Urban Fusion Song, where the only rule is no rules. Here, trap collides with cumbia, reggaeton crashes into jazz, and chaos fuels creativity. This category is a celebration of experimentation—the very force driving Latin music forward.

Best Urban Fusion Song

Bad Bunny – “Mónaco”
Don Omar, Wisin & Yandel – “Sandunga”
Farruko & Sharo Towers – “Carbon Vrmor”
Floyymenor & Cris MJ – “Gata Only”
Kapo – “Ohnana”