Latin Music: Reggaeton, Corridos and the Grammys — 2026-09-13
Peso Pluma has overtaken Bad Bunny as the leading finalist for the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards, signaling a major shift in regional Mexican dominance. Meanwhile, Natanael Cano continues to challenge government restrictions on corridos tumbados with his new album release and defiant public statements. In live music news, reggaeton festivals are expanding across South America, with major acts confirmed for upcoming dates in Uruguay and Venezuela.
Latin Music: Reggaeton, Corridos and the Grammys — 2026-09-13
Top developments
Peso Pluma Leads Billboard Latin Music Awards Finalists
On September 10, 2026, Billboard announced the finalists for its annual Latin Music Awards, with Peso Pluma securing the top spot with 17 nominations. This marks a significant transition from the previous year, where Bad Bunny held the record with 27 nominations. Peso Pluma is followed closely by Tito Double P, Fuerza Regida, and Karol G, highlighting the continued ascendancy of regional Mexican music in the mainstream Latin industry.
Natanael Cano Defies Government Pressure with New Album
Natanael Cano, a pioneer of the corridos tumbados genre, released his thirteenth studio album, Natanael Cano Vol. 1, in late August and continued to promote it through early September despite facing political scrutiny. During a presentation in Mexico City, Cano explicitly challenged the government's stance on "narcocorridos," stating he would sing them "until they kill him." The album has drawn criticism for alleged references to organized crime groups, specifically the "Salazar" clan linked to the Independent Cartel of Sonora, reigniting debates about the apology of crime in music.
Reggaeton Festivals Expand in South America
The "I Love Reggaeton" festival is set to arrive in Uruguay featuring 12 international figures, including Baby Rasta & Gringo, Alexis & Fido, and Ken-Y, celebrating the hits of the early 2000s. Simultaneously, in Venezuela, the "Legends Reggaeton Concert" was confirmed for November 14, 2026, at the Estadio Universitario in Caracas, further demonstrating the genre's enduring live performance power across the continent.
Local view
Mexican media outlets are closely monitoring the cultural clash between regional Mexican artists and state authorities. Infobae reports that Natanael Cano’s latest work is not just a musical release but a direct challenge to the debate on criminal apology, with three tracks on Natanael Cano Vol. 1 explicitly referencing the Salazar clan. This has sparked renewed criticism from political figures in Coahuila and other states, who argue the genre promotes violence.
In the United States, Los Angeles Times coverage highlights the demographic shift in award nominations, noting that Peso Pluma’s lead reflects a broader trend where regional Mexican artists are outpacing traditional pop and urbano stars in critical recognition.
Context & numbers
The 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards finalists show a clear hierarchy: Peso Pluma (17 nominations), Tito Double P, Fuerza Regida, and Karol G are the top contenders. This contrasts with the 2025 cycle, where Bad Bunny dominated with 27 nominations. The shift underscores the market share gained by regional Mexican genres over the last 12 months.
Additionally, Los Tigres del Norte were confirmed to lead the "El Grito de Independencia" celebrations in Mexico City on September 15, 2026, with a free concert expected to draw massive crowds, reinforcing the genre's deep roots in national identity despite ongoing controversies.
On the radar
- Billboard Latin Music Awards Ceremony: The winners will be announced in Miami in October 2026, with Peso Pluma favored to win Artist of the Year.
- Legends Reggaeton Concert: Scheduled for November 14, 2026, in Caracas, Venezuela, this event will feature veteran reggaeton artists, marking a significant return of large-scale urban concerts to the region.
- Harry Styles in Madrid: While not a Latin artist, Harry Styles announced two 2027 shows at the Metropolitano in Madrid, indicating high demand for stadium-level events in Spain, which may influence booking strategies for Latin superstars like Bad Bunny and Karol G for future tours.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
