Bad Bunny wins Album of the Year at the 2024 Latin Grammys for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, marking a historic moment for Puerto Rican music. Explore the night’s biggest wins, performances, and surprises.
Bad Bunny Captures Album of the Year at Latin Grammys, Marking a Historic Moment for Puerto Rico and Latin Music
The 26th annual Latin Grammy Awards delivered an unforgettable night in Las Vegas, but no moment resonated more powerfully than Bad Bunny’s historic win for Album of the Year. The Puerto Rican superstar, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, earned the night’s top honor for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, a bold and emotional tribute to his island that blends genres, cultures, and political energy. Although he entered the evening with 12 previous Latin Grammy wins, this marks the first time he has triumphed in one of the ceremony’s three major categories.
Bad Bunny appeared genuinely stunned as his name was called. Walking toward the stage, he even momentarily headed the wrong direction, a rare sign of nerves from one of the world’s most commanding performers. When he finally reached the microphone, he delivered a heartfelt message to Puerto Rico and the youth of Latin America, reminding fans why his voice carries far beyond music charts.
“There are many ways to show patriotism and defend our land — we choose music,” he said in Spanish, dedicating the win to young people who look to art as both an escape and a form of resistance.
A Night of Breakthroughs for Bad Bunny
In addition to winning Album of the Year, Bad Bunny secured four more Latin Grammys, sweeping several categories in the urban and reggaeton divisions. The victories come at a pivotal moment. The rapper is currently nominated for six Grammy Awards, including Album, Song, and Record of the Year—acknowledgment that solidifies his global influence. He is also set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in February, positioning him for a massive year of visibility across mainstream music and pop culture.
Bad Bunny’s triumph goes far beyond personal recognition. His win represents a shift in the Latin Recording Academy’s acknowledgment of genre-blending, socially aware, urban Latin music. DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS is not only a musical project—it is a personal narrative that honors Puerto Rico’s culture, struggles, and spirit. Fans and critics alike consider the album one of his most introspective and politically layered works.
Karol G and Alejandro Sanz Claim Major Honors
While Bad Bunny took home the top prize, other major categories celebrated familiar icons. Colombian superstar Karol G won Song of the Year for “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” an upbeat merengue track infused with Dominican flavor. The hit was co-written with Edgar Barrera and Andres Jael Correa Rios and has become one of her most successful cross-genre releases to date.
Meanwhile, Spanish legend Alejandro Sanz won Record of the Year for his emotive ballad “Palmeras En El Jardín.” In a light-hearted moment during his acceptance speech, Sanz joked, “Benito, I stole it from you. Forgive me,” causing Bad Bunny to laugh and applaud from the audience. It was a reminder of the warmth and camaraderie shared among some of Latin music’s biggest stars.
A Diverse Showcase Across 60 Categories
The Latin Grammys span a remarkable 60 categories, highlighting everything from pop, reggaeton, salsa, and regional Mexican music to behind-the-scenes achievements in engineering, songwriting, producing, and video creation. Many of these awards were announced before the official live broadcast, giving spotlight to the creatives who help shape the sound and visuals behind Latin music’s biggest hits.
A standout success story of the night was the Argentine duo CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, who collected five awards in pop, alternative, and music video categories for their vibrant and satirical album Papota. Their electrifying performance—complete with prop sewing machines, bodybuilders, and a high-energy medley—had the arena buzzing and showcased their fearless creative style.
New Voices and Legendary Icons Share the Stage
Mexican alt-pop artist Paloma Morphy earned the award for Best New Artist, marking the beginning of what many expect will be a long and influential career.
Legendary musicians also claimed recognition.
- Gloria Estefan won for traditional tropical music.
- Fito Páez took home honors in rock.
- Rubén Blades was celebrated in the salsa category.
These wins highlighted the Latin Grammys’ commitment to honoring both innovation and legacy within the global Latin music community.
Liniker Shines with Powerful Performances and Major Wins
Brazilian soul singer Liniker—who made history in 2022 as the first trans woman to win a Latin Grammy—returned this year with six nominations, including the top three categories. She ultimately secured three awards for Portuguese language album, song, and urban performance for her project Caju.
But it was her breathtaking performance of “Negona Dos Olhos Terriveis” that had the entire crowd on its feet. As Liniker danced and sang with infectious energy, stars like Gloria Estefan, Karol G, and Elena Rose joined in from their seats, making it one of the most memorable moments of the night.
A Celebratory, United Ceremony Amid Political Tensions
Despite ongoing political concerns affecting Latino communities across the United States, the night largely focused on joy, pride, and pan-Latin unity. One notable exception came from the iconic group Los Tigres del Norte, whose performance of “La Lotería” included visuals of immigrants’ rights protests and instruments decorated with Latin American flags, blending music with social commentary.
During their acceptance speech for Best Traditional Tropical Album, Gloria and Emilio Estefan honored the global Latin diaspora. “We dedicate this to all Latinos who keep succeeding all over the world,” said Emilio. “Long live Latin music.”
A Night to Remember for Latin Music
The 2024 Latin Grammys celebrated creativity, diversity, and cultural pride on one of the world’s biggest stages. With Bad Bunny’s groundbreaking win leading the way, the night marked another milestone in the rise of Latin artists who continue to shape global culture.
