See who stole the show during this year’s PLN.
2/19/2026
MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 19: (L-R) Prince Royce and Romeo Santos perform during Univision’s 38th Premio Lo Nuestro at Kaseya Center on February 19, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images)
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The 2026 Premio Lo Nuestro awards hit the Kaseya Center in Miami, Fla. on Thursday (Feb. 19) night, bringing out Latin superstars (Juanes, Romeo Santos), exciting up-and-comers (Yami Safdie, Santos Bravos) and some legends (Los Bukis, Paloma San Basilio).
Hosted by Thalia, Clarissa Molina, and Nadia Ferreira, this year’s Premio Lo Nuestro was packed with unforgettable moments. While awards were presented — most of them prior to the ceremony — the night was largely focused on showcasing incredible live acts.
This year, Bad Bunny and Carín León were the top winners, with six and five awards each, respectively. Artists such as Karol G, Maluma, and Yuridia also received multiple awards.
Five artists received special awards for their contributions to music and legacy: Arcángel was recognized with the Urban Icon Award; Juanes with the Lifetime Achievement Award; Los Bukis with the Musical Legacy Award; Manolo Díaz with the Visionary Award; and Paloma San Basilio with the Excellence Award.
If you want to see a complete list of the winners, we got you. If you want to read some of the best speeches, head here. And if you want to see stars on the red carpet, check out our photo gallery. But if you want to know which performers did it best at the 38th Annual Premio Lo Nuestro ranked, read on.
Matisse & Christian Castro
This ballad brought together two generations of romantics with “Conmigo Sin Ti.” Mexican pop band Matisse delivered a performance that fell slightly short of hitting some of the notes, accompanied by a live band featuring keys, drums, and electric guitar. Meanwhile, Cristian Castro, dressed in an elegant off-white suit, captivated with his timeless voice that has enchanted for decades. Melissa Robles looked stunning in a black lace dress, though parts of the live performance felt off-tune at moments. Originally released last October, “Conmigo Sin Ti” remains a nice listen on streaming.
Ha*Ash with María José
Ha*Ash, the famed pop-country duo, and Mexican pop powerhouse María José — known for her solo career and former role in Kabah — brought the power ballad to Premio Lo Nuestro with “Te Apuesto.” Their performance showcased impressive vocal chops that could even be felt from behind the screen. Dressed in sleek black leather, the trio looked effortlessly cool, with Ha*Ash’s gold microphones adding an elegant touch. While undeniably entertaining, the moment didn’t stray far from the ordinary — solid, but not groundbreaking.
Maluma & Kany García
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Colombian pop superstar Maluma and Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Kany García joined forces live for the first time with “1+1.” The stage was transformed into a charming Colombian town, complete with coffee bags, ranchero hats, and an enchanting setup featuring an adorable elderly couple sitting on a bench as passersby strolled by, while a live band perfromed. The visuals were undeniably captivating.
Kany stunned in leather pants, black heels, and a brown top paired with a vest, channeling a cowgirl-rockstar vibe. Maluma, freshly clean-shaven, sported a Colombian scarf in the colors of the flag. While their vocals felt like they had the potential to soar even higher, the stage design stole the show, making this moment one of the most visually striking of the night.
Tokischa
Perreo took full effect when Tokischa entered the Premio Lo Nuestro scene. She made her entrance atop a mechanical bull, seductively singing “Ridin,” her latest 2026 single. Grinding to the floor in classic “Latin twerk” style while belting out the risque line, “Quítate los chones, quítate el pantalón,” she brought that signature nastiness to the stage. Joined by partygoers clad in black leather, she rocked a striking snake-themed bra top that added to the unapologetic vibe overall. Nathy Peluso was seen getting out of her seat to cheer her on. Earlier, the Dominican provocateur turned heads on the red carpet with a daring outfit that left little to the imagination (recall Nipplegate?).
Carín León
“Lado Frágil,” though released in 2024, still hits hard. Carín León delivered a stripped-down performance, accompanied by a tololoche, steel-string guitar, and a 12-string guitar, letting the raw emotion of the song shine through. Dressed elegantly in his signature cowboy hat, León captivated the stage. However, for viewers watching from home, the constant bleeping of lyrics took away from the experience. Short and sweet, but undeniably powerful.
Mau y Ricky with Kapo
A stripped-down performance that let pure vocal talent shine, Mau y Ricky teamed up with Kapo to deliver “Te Quiero” with effortless charm. Midway through, about a dozen choir members joined, elevating the moment. The Venezuelan pop duo kept it casual yet stylish, while Kapo brought Colombian afrobeats flair to the stage.
Carlos Vives
Carlos Vives lit up the stage with his signature joyous energy, performing “Te Dedico,” his latest 2026 vallenato track. Accompanied by a vibrant accordion, the curly-haired Colombian legend proved once again he doesn’t need flashy theatrics to captivate. Dressed in a sleek black suit, Vives delivered authenticity, celebrating emotional connection in a world of fleeting relationships. A lovely song, indeed.
MAR
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Mar delivered a visually captivating performance, all while surrounded by vaqueros executing an impressive choreography. The daughter of Marco Antonio Solís is adding her own to the pop-fueled regional Mexican scene she’s repping. The singing was spot on, and the dancing kept things more entertaining, along with her shimmering, stunning one-piece outfit.
Codiciado
Codiciado is solidifying himself as a standout in the regional Mexican music scene with his heartfelt vocal delivery, which he showcased tonight while belting out the beautiful song “Déjame Dormir.” Although the track is a duet with Carin León, it was surprising that, despite León being in attendance, the two didn’t perform it together. Still, it was a nice moment.
Santos Bravos
Latin boy band Santos Bravos showcased why they’re one of Latin pop’s biggest rising sensations with their electrifying performance of “KAWASAKI.” Despite the short set, they commanded attention with riveting dance moves.
Thalia
Thalia brought Latin pop flair to the disco era with her remake of ABBA’s classic “Dancing Queen,” proving that there are countless ways to wear the crown. The Mexican superstar dazzled in a pink, rose-like fluffy dress as she gave the iconic track a Spanish, updated twist. Dancers soon joined her with giant feathered fans, elevating the theatrical vibe. Then came the irresistible twist — her dress transformed, revealing sparkly 70s-inspired outfit that captured the essence of the disco queen she embodied. Flirty and fun, but perhaps leaning more on spectacle than substance.
Maria Becerra
María Becerra demonstrated her love for Dominican dembow with a fiery performance of “Hace Calor,” originally featuring El Alfa and XROSS. She nailed the choreography, mirroring the moves from the music video, and rocked black leather while looking undeniably cute. A sizzling moment that matched the song’s energy perfectly.
Elena Rose & Beto of Rawayana
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Elena Rose and Rawayana frontman Beto showcased undeniable chemistry as they performed a selection of songs. Kicking things off with “Luna de Miel,” they began with a bed scene that set an intimate and captivating tone. Elena dazzled with her striking platinum blonde hair cascading almost to her thighs, while Beto made his entrance adorned with glowing lights and sunglasses. The performance seamlessly transitioned into a vibrant scene, featuring dancers in urban streetwear moving effortlessly around them. These Venezuelan artists radiated connection and presence throughout.
Sebastián Yatra, Silvestre Dangond & Gente de Zona
Sebastián Yatra and Silvestre Dangond brought the spirit of vallenato to the stage with their lively performance of “Una Vaina Bien.” Soon after, Gente de Zona joined in, delivering “Canción Para Regresar,” a track originally featuring Belinda and Lucho RK. The tropical vibes were on full display, with palm trees decorating the stage and an energetic crowd dancing along to the upbeat rhythm. The feel-good tropical pop energy was undeniable, enhanced by the playful visuals displayed on giant vintage TV screens that added a charming retro touch to the performance.
Paloma San Basilio Tribute
Elena Rose, Yami Safdie, and Sofía Reyes came together to deliver a spectacular tribute to Paloma San Basilio, celebrating her extraordinary 50-year career. Accompanied by Arthur Hanlon on the keys, the performance was a perfect blend of generations honoring a true icon of Latin music.
The tribute began with “Beso a Beso… Dulcemente,” a touching duet between Paloma and Safdie. While Safdie showed promise, she faltered slightly off-key at times, yet Hanlon’s refined piano accompaniment elevated the moment with brilliance. Elena Rose then joined the living legend for “Cariño Mio,” and while the newcomers brought fresh energy to the stage, it was clear that their vocal abilities couldn’t match the timeless power of Paloma’s voice.
The tribute reached its peak when all four women united for a stunning ensemble performance of “Juntos,” a symbolic closing that embodied the spirit of collaboration and legacy. As Paloma was honored, a presenter delivered the perfect sentiment: “La paloma que más alto vuela” or “The dove that flies highest.” Indeed.
Marc Anthony & Nathy Peluso
Marc Anthony and Nathy Peluso kicked off the 38th Annual Premio Lo Nuestro ceremony with their salsafied duet, “Como en el Idilio.” Peluso showcased her versatility as a multifaceted musician, effortlessly holding her own alongside a salsa legend. She stunned in a classy green dress adorned with fringes and lilac flowers in her hair, while Marc Anthony looked dapper as ever in black with his signature shades, capturing his effortless rockstar vibe. No flashy theatrics needed — the duo was backed by a vibrant salsa ensemble featuring a brass section and percussion, which added richness and energy to the opening number. Released earlier in February, the song is co-produced by Anthony and Venezuelan hitmaker Motiff. The classic-leaning salsa number was an elegant and fitting way to open the ceremony, as the two sounded absolutely fabulous together.
Gloria Trevi
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Gloria Trevi truly knows how to put on a show, delivering a captivating performance of “Un Abrazo” from her 2025 album El Vuelo. The Mexican icon has an unmatched ability to transform deep wounds into something transcendent. Dressed in a majestic gown with a flowing tail wide like a cloud, delicately adorned with lace, she sang against a dreamy backdrop of clouds. Her unmistakable voice soared over sweeping violins, setting a tone that felt almost spiritual. At one point, wings appeared on the screen behind her, adding a celestial touch as if she were an angel ascending. The stage design and mood could have easily been fitting for a church choir.
While Trevi’s performance was visually and vocally stunning, it’s surprising that the crowd didn’t react with the appreciation it deserved. Despite its undeniable beauty and emotional depth, this moment lands in the top 5 of the ranking.
Xavi
Xavi proved he doesn’t need any extra auto-tune, unlike some artists we suspected might have relied on it. The Mexican-American wunderkind delivered a strong vocal performance with “No Capea,” a song that typically features Grupo Frontera. While the Texas band was absent, Xavi did the song justice entirely on his own. He also performed “La Morrita” solo, once again without Carín León accompanying him.
The set was playful, featuring a handful of female dancers choreographed around pink-painted tires that gave the stage a rustic yet cheeky vibe. A giant “X” for Xavi made the star’s presence impossible to miss, and he topped it off with a nice touch — a monarch butterfly on his shirt.
Manolo Díaz Tribute
The set began with a nostalgic journey through vintage Latin pop, paying tribute to legendary Spanish songwriter Manolo Díaz. Mau y Ricky set the tone with their commanding presence, bringing rock ‘n’ roll energy to the stage with powerful drumming and impressive guitar fretwork. Melody added her magic by interpreting “Hay Que Venir Al Sur,” the iconic 1978 hit by Raffaella Carrà, putting her own spin on the classic tune. Café Quijano brought the heat with “Black is Black,” the timeless 1966 hit by Los Bravos, injecting new life into the melody while making it unmistakably their own. The segment was a true celebration of musical heritage, blending past and present in a dynamic tribute.
Ryan Castro, J Balvin & More
Ryan Castro brought the night to a musical close, kicking things off with “La Villa,” joined by Kapo and Gansta. The track, which samples Sister Nancy’s reggae classic “Bam Bam,” set the tone with a contagious rhythm. The performance featured house on stage — perhaps taking cues from Bad Bunny’s La Casita. Castro upped the swagger, donning a fur coat for “Tonto,” before fellow Colombian J Balvin stepped in with a matching coat to amplify the energy even further.
Romeo Santos & Prince Royce
Romeo Santos and Prince Royce brought the NYC subway 4 line — the one that connects Manhattan and the Bronx — to the Premio Lo Nuestro stage, bringing the heart of Dominican culture straight to Miami Beach. The New York Dominican legends delivered a spectacular blend of music, nostalgia, and storytelling, complete with visuals of the Brooklyn Bridge and New York landmarks.
Performing a medley of songs from their joint album Better Late Than Never, released last November, El Rey and El Príncipe de la Bachata delivered a show worthy of their legendary status. Dressed sharply in black suits, they captivated the audience with their smooth vocals, over slinky bachata riffs and sultry bongos — the sounds that have shaped New York’s Latin music scene. Later, the stage transformed again, this time into a bar setting with a giant dartboard as background. Beyond the visuals, their vocal delivery was flawless, proving once more why they’re icons of the genre.
Juanes
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Armed with an off-white electric Fender, shimmering black pants, and a “Se Habla Español” shirt, Juanes kicked off his set with effortless charisma. He began his medley with “Hagamos Que,” before diving into the electrifying riffs of the timeless “La Paga,” proving its impact even two decades later. But it was just a tease, as he transitioned to the softer, pop-infused “Es Por Ti.” The Colombian icon showed once again why he’s regarded as a living legend, one of the stars being celebrated this night for his unmatched contributions to Latin music.
Supported by his band, Juanes delivered hit after hit, including his unforgettable anthem “A Dios Le Pido,” which sent the crowd into a frenzy. Fans were ecstatic, as shots of the audience singing along to every lyric made the excitement palpable. Later in the evening, Morat presented Juanes with the Premio Lo Nuestro a la Trayectoria award, honoring his remarkable career. Juanes closed with an empowering message: “Let’s learn to play an instrument. There’s a lot of artificial intelligence, but we need emotional intelligence.”
Arcángel & Friends
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The energy was electric as Feid and Arcángel kicked off their set with the reggaetón song, “Mírame Baby,” released earlier this month. The duo, dressed in matching off-white streetwear and matching berets, brought smooth swag to the stage. But this was just the prelude — the night quickly shifted into a full-blown tribute to Arcángel’s legendary 20-year career, evolving into a medley that showcased his undeniable impact on Latin urban music.
Jhayco hit the crowd with Arcángel classic “Pa’ Que La Pases Bien”,” followed by J Balvin, who showed off some serious R&B vocal chops. Jay Wheeler then took the stage, setting up a scene that felt like Arcángel was surrounded by a musical version of Jesus and the 12 apostles. Mora and Sech kept the energy flowing, Sech delivering fan-favorite “Me Prefieres A Mí,” and Eladio Carrión made his way into the lineup. Each artist took their spot in what felt less like a tribute and more like a coronation.
“What an honor to be here tonight… My brother, your stature does not measure your greatness; it is not measured in inches, it is measured by impact,” said J Balvin to Arcángel. “I want you to know that you are a living legend.”
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