The 38th annual Premio Lo Nuestro is set to illuminate the global Latin music scene on Thursday, February 19, 2026, celebrating a year of vibrant artistry and cultural impact. This prestigious awards ceremony, a cornerstone event for recognizing excellence in Latin music, will bring together top artists, industry leaders, and passionate fans. The telecast promises a night of electrifying performances, heartfelt tributes, and the announcement of winners across numerous competitive categories.
This year’s edition is particularly noteworthy for its robust list of nominees, with several titans of the Latin music world leading the charge. Bad Bunny, Carin León, Myke Towers, and Rauw Alejandro have each garnered an impressive ten nominations, underscoring their dominant presence and critical acclaim over the past year. Following closely behind with eight nominations each are genre-bending artists Beéle and Karol G, alongside the powerful regional Mexican group Fuerza Regida. The nominees reflect a diverse range of genres and emerging talents, with Xavi securing seven nominations, and Alejandro Fernández, Elena Rose, J Balvin, Maluma, Morat, and Shakira each receiving six nods.
The theme for the 2026 ceremony, "Honrando lo que Somos" (Honoring Who We Are), is designed to celebrate the rich tapestry of Latin identity and its unifying power. This theme emphasizes pride in heritage, the cultural forces that connect generations, and the unique essence that defines Latin music across borders. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply within the industry and among its global fanbase, highlighting the enduring strength and evolution of Latin culture through its music.
The nomination process for Premio Lo Nuestro is a comprehensive undertaking, drawing from various metrics to ensure a fair and accurate representation of artistic achievement. Selections are based on airplay data from Uforia stations, combined with airtime on Univision Radio and extensive streaming data. A dedicated Television Committee, comprised of seasoned experts from the music and entertainment industries, also plays a crucial role in evaluating the nominees. This multifaceted approach ensures that the awards recognize artists who have not only achieved commercial success but have also made a significant artistic impact.
The eligibility period for the 2026 awards spans from September 30, 2024, to October 1, 2025, capturing a significant period of musical output and chart performance. This timeframe allows for a comprehensive review of songs, albums, and artists who have shaped the Latin music landscape during this critical period. The 44 categories encompass a wide spectrum of Latin music genres, including pop, urban, tropical, and regional Mexican music, providing a platform for diverse talents to be recognized.
How to Experience Premio Lo Nuestro 2026
For fans eager to witness the spectacle of Premio Lo Nuestro 2026, multiple viewing options are available. The awards ceremony will be co-hosted by a trio of charismatic personalities: the iconic Thalia, alongside television personalities Clarissa Molina and Nadia Ferreira. The main telecast is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Viewers in the United States can tune into Univision, UniMás, and Galavisión. For those who prefer streaming, the entire event will be accessible on ViX, covering both the U.S. and most Latin American countries, ensuring a broad and accessible global audience.
A Stellar Lineup of Performers
The stage at Premio Lo Nuestro 2026 will be graced by an extraordinary roster of performers, promising a night filled with unforgettable musical moments. Attendees and viewers can anticipate captivating performances from some of the most influential artists in Latin music today. The confirmed performers include a dynamic mix of established legends and contemporary superstars.
Among the artists slated to take the stage are:
- Romeo Santos: The undisputed "King of Bachata," known for his romantic ballads and electrifying stage presence.
- Cristian Castro: A beloved Mexican pop icon with a career spanning decades, celebrated for his powerful vocals.
- Juanes: The Colombian rock and pop superstar, celebrated for his socially conscious lyrics and innovative sound.
- Marc Anthony: A global salsa sensation and Grammy-winning artist, renowned for his high-energy performances.
- Maria Becerra: The Argentine rising star who has taken the urban music scene by storm with her unique style and infectious hits.
- Thalía: A multifaceted Mexican superstar, celebrated as the "Queen of Latin Pop," who also serves as a co-host for the evening.
This impressive lineup guarantees a diverse and dynamic showcase of Latin music, spanning various genres and appealing to a wide array of musical tastes. Each artist brings a unique energy and a dedicated fan base, ensuring the performances will be a highlight of the night.
Recognizing Legends: Special Awards at Premio Lo Nuestro
Beyond the competitive categories, Premio Lo Nuestro will also bestow five special honors upon individuals and groups whose contributions have profoundly shaped the Latin music landscape. These awards are dedicated to celebrating "iconic figures in Latin music whose legacies continue to shape the history and evolution of the genre," as stated in the official press release.
The recipients of these prestigious accolades for 2026 include:
- Arcángel: Will be honored with the Urban Icon Award, recognizing his significant impact and pioneering role in the urban music genre.
- Juanes: Will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his enduring career and profound influence on Latin music globally.
- Los Bukis: The legendary Mexican group will accept the Musical Legacy Award, celebrating their decades-long career and the indelible mark they have left on regional Mexican music.
- Manolo Díaz: Will be presented with the Visionary Award, honoring his forward-thinking contributions and innovative leadership within the music industry.
- Paloma San Basilio: The renowned Spanish singer will be awarded the Award for Excellence, recognizing her outstanding career and exceptional contributions to the broader world of music and entertainment.
These special awards underscore the depth and breadth of talent celebrated at Premio Lo Nuestro, highlighting not only current chart-toppers but also the artists and industry professionals who have built the foundation for Latin music’s global success.
A Celebration of Roots and Resilience
The theme "Honrando lo que Somos" is more than just a tagline; it’s a profound statement about the cultural significance of Latin music. In an era of increasing globalization, the ceremony’s focus on heritage and identity serves as a powerful reminder of the roots that nourish artistic creation. The music celebrated at Premio Lo Nuestro often bridges divides, uniting diverse communities through shared rhythms, stories, and emotions.
The nominations themselves reflect this cultural richness. The dominance of artists like Bad Bunny, Carin León, and Karol G in multiple categories showcases the broad appeal of contemporary Latin genres. Bad Bunny’s continued success, for instance, exemplifies the global reach of urban music, while Carin León and others highlight the enduring popularity and evolving sounds of regional Mexican music. The inclusion of artists like Juanes and Paloma San Basilio in special award categories ensures that the historical context and foundational influences of Latin music are also given their due recognition.
The event’s commitment to broadcasting across multiple platforms—traditional television and digital streaming—further emphasizes its dedication to accessibility. By making the ceremony available on Univision, UniMás, Galavisión, and ViX, Premio Lo Nuestro ensures that a wide audience, both domestically and internationally, can participate in this significant cultural moment. This strategic distribution plan is crucial for maintaining the event’s status as a premier destination for Latin music enthusiasts worldwide.
As February 19, 2026, approaches, anticipation for Premio Lo Nuestro continues to build. The combination of a star-studded lineup of nominees, a diverse array of performers, a meaningful theme, and a commitment to honoring both contemporary stars and legendary figures solidifies its position as a must-watch event for anyone interested in the dynamic and ever-expanding world of Latin music. The ceremony is poised to be a vibrant testament to the artistry, resilience, and cultural force that defines "who we are" in the global music landscape.
