The landscape of Latin music is shifting toward the vibrant cultural heart of Mexico as the HEAT Latin Music Awards—formerly and popularly known as Premios Heat—unveils its highly anticipated list of nominees for the upcoming 2026 ceremony. Leading the pack this year is Colombian global superstar Karol G, who commands an impressive 10 nominations, setting the stage for what promises to be a landmark celebration of Latin American sound and culture.

Announced on Thursday, September 24, the nominations highlight the most influential artists, albums, and viral tracks that have dominated global charts and cultural conversations over the past year. Karol G’s 10 nods span several major categories, including best female artist, best urban artist, and a prestigious album of the year nomination for her acclaimed project Tropicoqueta. Additionally, her infectious track "Bby WOW" earned a nomination for best viral song, underscoring her immense reach across both traditional streaming platforms and social media.

Close behind the Colombian powerhouse is Puerto Rican trap and reggaeton icon Bad Bunny, who secured nine nominations. Meanwhile, beloved balladeer Carlos Rivera and pop-rock icon Shakira pulled in seven nominations each, reflecting a diverse spread of genres and generational talent at the top of the ballot.

In a significant milestone for the organization, the 2026 edition of the event—officially titled the HEAT Latin Music Awards al Estilo Jalisco—will be hosted in Mexico for the very first time. This relocation is the result of a landmark collaboration with the government of Jalisco and the municipality of Puerto Vallarta, marking a historic chapter for the awards show as it expands its physical footprint within Latin America.

Diana Montes, general director of the HEAT Latin Music Awards, emphasized the emotional and cultural significance of the move in an official statement. "Jalisco is not simply providing us with a venue, it is giving us a home and a place to come together once again around music," Montes said. "We arrive with 10 years of Latin American history, and here we have found the hands that know how to bring it to life."

The festivities will officially kick off with HEAT Week, running from October 31 to November 5. The grand awards ceremony will subsequently take place on November 5 at the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center. For fans unable to attend the proceedings in person, the entire event will be streamed live on LosHeat.tv, where dedicated supporters from around the globe are already casting their votes to help their favorite artists secure victories across the extensive slate of competitive categories.

The complete list of nominees reflects the rich stylistic diversity of the current Latin music ecosystem, honoring everyone from heritage acts to boundary-pushing newcomers.

Best Male Artist

The category for best male artist brings together heavyweights from urban, regional Mexican, and pop genres. Nominees include Bad Bunny, Feid, Carín León, Alejandro Fernández, Carlos Rivera, Maluma, J Balvin, Manuel Turizo, Wisin, Alejandro Sanz, Quevedo, Rels B, Danny Ocean, and Ricardo Montaner.

Best Female Artist

Representing the powerful feminine force driving modern Latin music, the best female artist category features Karol G, Shakira, Elena Rose, Rosalía, Tini, Emilia, Anitta, Kenia Os, Aitana, Kany García, Greeicy, Mon Laferte, Cazzu, Yuridia, Belinda, Ana Mena, Gloria Trevi, and Thalía.

Best Group or Band

Group dynamics and ensemble performances are celebrated in this category, featuring Morat, Grupo Frontera, Grupo Firme, Ha*Ash, Maná, Fuerza Regida, Rawayana, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, Los Ángeles Azules, Banda MS, LATIN MAFIA, La Arrolladora Banda El Limón De René Camacho, Ke Personajes, Intocable, Grupo Niche, Santos Bravos, Cultura Profética, and Los Tucanes De Tijuana.

Best Rock Artist

Honoring the enduring legacy and modern evolution of Latin rock, the nominees include Maná, Molotov, Don Tetto, Arde Bogotá, Airbag, Aterciopelados, Zoé, No Te Va Gustar, Siddhartha, Enjambre, Panteón Rococó, The Warning, Babasónicos, Tan Biónica, Enrique Bunbury, Viniloversus, and Conociendo Rusia.

Best Pop Artist

Pop music’s finest songwriters and vocalists are recognized with nods for Camilo, Danny Ocean, Shakira, Alejandro Sanz, Carlos Rivera, Morat, Reik, Aitana, Luis Fonsi, Ha*Ash, Kenia Os, Rosalía, Yuridia, Matisse, Tini, Belinda, Mon Laferte, Gloria Trevi, María José, and Sin Bandera.

Best Urban Artist

The urban genre continues to dictate global streaming trends, represented by Beéle, Ryan Castro, Kapo, Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Karol G, J Balvin, Feid, Arcángel, Wisin, Farruko, Maluma, Young Miko, Rels B, Quevedo, El Malilla, Trueno, Bad Gyal, and Duki.

Best Tropical Artist

Tropical rhythms and Caribbean sounds take center stage through nominations for Carlos Vives, Prince Royce, Romeo Santos, Eddy Herrera, Elvis Crespo, Silvestre Dangond, Fonseca, Grupo 5, Corazón Serrano, Olga Tañón, Los Ángeles Azules, La Sonora Santanera, Ke Personajes, Miriam Cruz, Margarita, La Diosa de la Cumbia, Chino & Nacho, Américo, and El Blachy.

Best Salsa Artist

Celebrating the enduring traditions of salsa, the nominees feature Grupo Niche, Víctor Manuelle, Yiyo Sarante, Willy García, Luis Enrique, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Brunella Torpoco, Marc Anthony, Rubén Blades, Christian Alicea, Jerry Rivera, Grupo Cañaveral, Oscar D’León, Guayacán Orquesta, Luis Figueroa, and Tito Nieves.

Best Southern Region Artist

Highlighting talent primarily emerging from the southern cone of Latin America, this category includes Emilia, Tiago PZK, Trueno, Luck Ra, Gonzalo Genek, Mon Laferte, Tini, María Becerra, Cris MJ, Anitta, Marama, Duki, CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, Milo J, Cazzu, Pablo Vita, and Kidd Voodoo.

Best Andean Region Artist

Focusing on artists from the Andean nations, the nominees are Greeicy, Mau y Ricky, Jombriel, ALLEH, Dayanara, Andreina Bravo, Nanpa Básico, Lasso, Los Amigos Invisibles, Miguel Bueno, Joaquina, LA GURU, Mike Bahía, Juliana, Luister La Voz, Juan Duque, and FARIANA.

Best Northern Region Artist

Spanning talent from Mexico, Central America, and Caribbean territories, the northern region category features De La Rose, Michael Flores, Tito Double P, Majo Aguilar, Natanael Cano, Alfredo Olivas, Boza, Netón Vega, Oscar Maydon, Gabito Ballesteros, Remmy Valenzuela, Sech, Gente De Zona, Dei V, ROA, Lucía De la Puerta, Guitarricadelafuente, Alemán, and Gera MX.

Best New Artist

Breakout stars making their mark on the industry include Clarent, Paloma Morphy, DFZM, Macario Martínez, Santostefi Bravos, Ivan Cornejo, Netón Vega, LATIN MAFIA, El Bogueto, Kris R, Melody, Mar Solís, Dayanara, Omar Courtz, Miguel Bueno, Anna Sofia, Dani Flow, Lara Campos, and Yeri Mua.

Musical Promise

Recognizing rising acts with immense future potential, the nominees are Aria Vega, Kate Candela, Gonzy, Mario Girón, Marc Magán, Lowis Ye, Motherflowers, Kevis & Maykyy, Marcos Villalobos, Ana Sofi W, Jhon de la Torre, Lucero Mijares, Camila Fernández, Judeline, Cachirula, Vivir Quintana, Isadora, Yele, Lala García, Plan de Escape, Dani Barranco, and Yo soy Arango.

Influencer of the Year

Bridging the gap between music, lifestyle, and digital culture, the nominees for top digital creator include Alejo Igoa, Aldo Arturo, Ignacia Antonia, Araya Vlogs, Lucas Rangel, Davoo Xeneize, Tefi Valenzuela, Pamela López, Zully, Shirley Arica, Camilo Cifuentes, Aaron Mercury, Wendy Guevara, Nicola Porcella, Fede Vigevani, Paola Villalobos, Karime Pindter, Luisito Comunica, Yohana Vargas, Ignacio Baladan, La Segura, Alexis Omman, Berth-OH, Robe Grill, Rivers, LA COBRA, and Kim Shantal.

Best Regional Popular Artist

This category honors artists dedicated to regional popular styles, featuring Jessi Uribe, Paola Jara, Luis Alfonso, Pipe Bueno, Arelys Henao, Francy, Dayanara, and Natalia Jiménez.

Regional Mexican Artist

The booming regional Mexican genre is heavily represented by Lucero, Christian Nodal, Grupo Firme, Grupo Frontera, Fuerza Regida, Carín León, Alejandro Fernández, Alfredo Olivas, Alicia Villarreal, Ana Bárbara, Edén Muñoz, Banda MS, La Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho, Julián Álvarez y su Norteño Banda, Lenin Ramírez, Remmy Valenzuela, and Majo Aguilar.

Best Dominican Urban Artist

Highlighting the specific sound of the Dominican urban movement, nominees include El Alfa, Tokischa, La Perversa, Yailin La Más Viral, Chimbala, Rochy RD, Bulin 47, Donaty, Kiko el Crazy, La Insuperable, Shadow Blow, Don Miguelo, Arlene MC, Jey One, La Mas Doll, Lil Naay, and Ronny GTA.

Best Music Video

The artistic vision behind the year’s top visual projects is recognized in this category, featuring "Berghain" by Rosalía feat. Björk & Yves Tumor, "Rojo Profundo" by Dillom, "Bajo De La Piel" by Milo J, "Choka Choka" by Anitta & Shakira, "Dai Dai" by Shakira & Burna Boy, "La Villa" by Ryan Castro, Kapo & Gangsta, "DtMF" by Bad Bunny, "SUPERESTRELLA" by Aitana, "Sin Despedida" by Carlos Rivera & Alejandro Fernández, "Heterocromía" by Belinda, "NUEVAYoL" by Bad Bunny, "Pa’ Él" by Los Ángeles Azules & Tini, "Otro Como Tú" by Cazzu, "Tú y Yo y Tú" by Siddhartha, "Si se acaba el mundo" by Danna & El Malilla, "Papasito" by Karol G, "Dardos" by Romeo Santos & Prince Royce, and "Gimme More" by CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso.

Best Collaboration

Collaborative efforts that brought artists together across genres include "Te Apuesto" by Ha*Ash & María José, "VeLDá" by Bad Bunny ft. Dei V & Omar Courtz, "Cuando No Era Cantante / No Hay Loco Que No Corone" by El Bogueto & Yung Beef, "Me Jalo" by Fuerza Regida & Grupo Frontera, "Vivir Sin Aire" by Maná & Carín León, "Perlas Negras" by Natanael Cano & Gabito Ballesteros, "Para Que Seas Feliz" by Ricardo Montaner & Edén Muñoz, "El Final De Nuestra Historia" by Josi Cuen ft. Jorge Medina, "Fifty Fifty" by Kenia Os & Lola Índigo, "Coleccionando Heridas" by Karol G & Marco Antonio Solís, "A Medio Vivir" by Ricky Martin & Carín León, "Carteras Chinas" by Elena Rose, Camilo & Los Ángeles Azules, "DOLCE VITA" by Danna & Belinda, "BbY WOW" by Karol G, Judeline & Rusowsky, "La Graciosa" by Quevedo ft. Elvis Crespo, "Como en el Idilio" by Marc Anthony & Nathy Peluso, "Con el corazón" by Maluma & Yeison Jiménez, "Pa ti toa" by Ana Mena & Lola Índigo, "Andamos Ready" by Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Maffio & Izaak G, and "Así Fue" by Arthur Hanlon & Thalía.

Best Digital Content Platform

Recognizing podcasts, media networks, and online video series, the nominees are Alofoke Media Group, DIMELOKING, La Cotorrisa, El Factor Latino, Impresentables de LOS40, Spotify Sessions, Javier Paniagua ¿Qué es la música?, SongBook, Hermanos de Leche, CREATIVO by Roberto Mtz, Los Hombres Sí Lloran by Juan Pablo Raba, Contenido Extra by Jessie Cervantes, WestCOL, Las Alucines, Pinky Promise con Karla Díaz, Se Regalan Dudas, Karime Kooler, Alan por el Mundo, Leyendas Legendarias, and Future of Music.

DJ of the Year

The electronic music sphere and top club selectors are represented by Alok, Vintage Culture, Bizarrap, Deorro, The Martinez Brothers, Julio Victoria, Steve Aoki, Juan Magán, Mariana BO, DJ Adoni, Little D, and DJ Tao.

Song of the Year

The ultimate tracks that defined the cultural zeitgeist include "Todo lo fue" by Lenin Ramírez, "La Villa" by Ryan Castro, Kapo & Gangsta, "No Me Sé Rajar" by Alejandro Fernández, "Dai Dai" by Shakira & Burna Boy, "DtMF" by Bad Bunny, "La Perla" by Rosalía ft. Yahritza Y Su Esencia, "SUPERESTRELLA" by Aitana, "Niño" by Milo J, "BbY WOW" by Karol G, Judeline & Rusowsky, "Baile Inolvidable" by Bad Bunny, "La Graciosa" by Quevedo ft. Elvis Crespo, "Coleccionando Heridas" by Karol G y Marco Antonio Solís, "Osadía" by Edén Muñoz & Cristian Castro, "No Capea" by Xavi & Grupo Frontera, and "Eres Mi Nada" by Yuridia.

Producer of the Year

The architects behind the biggest hits include Tatool, Ovy On The Drums, XROSS, KBeaTz, Sky Rompiendo, Federico Vindver, MAG, Tainy, Edgar Barrera, Sergio George, and Rafa Arcaute.

Video Director of the Year

The creative minds directing the year’s best cinematic visuals are Stillz, Residente, Direct Tony, Jessi Terrero, Rodrigo Films, Pedro Artola, Nuno Gomes, Nicolás Méndez, and Darío Burbano y Felipe Mejía.

Album of the Year

Full-length projects competing for the top album prize include DtMF by Bad Bunny, LUX by Rosalía, Tropicoqueta by Karol G, En Las Nubes — Con Mis Panas by Elena Rose, MUDA by Carín León, Free Spirits by CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, ¿Dónde es el after? by Rawayana, Puerta Abierta by Kany García, ¿Y ahora qué? by Alejandro Sanz, LO QUE ME FALTA POR LLORAR by Grupo Frontera, La 8va Maravilla by Arcángel, De Rey A Rey by Alejandro Fernández, Almas by Carlos Rivera, EQUILIBRIVM by Anitta, Femme Fatale by Mon Laferte, and Julio Eterno by Juan Fernando Velasco.

Best Viral Song

Tracks that captured the internet and generated widespread social media trends feature "CHÉVERE" by Aria Vega, "Dai Dai" by Shakira & Burna Boy, "LA VILLA" by Ryan Castro, Kapo & Gangsta, "BbY WOW" by Karol G, Judeline & Rusowsky, "La Más Bonita" by AA, "COSITA LINDA" by Elena Rose & Justin Quiles, "Tú Eres Ajena" by Eddy Herrera, "Superestrella" by Aitana, "La Perla" by Rosalía, Yahritza y su Esencia, "Inglés en Miami" by Rawayana, "Hasta que te conocí" by Juan Gabriel, "Coqueta" by Fuerza Regida & Grupo Frontera, "Él me mintió" by Amanda Miguel, "Saca Punta" by Arlene MC X Alofoke Music X Jey One X La Mas Doll, and "Dichavate" by Ya Ice Dilan X Rey Tony X Helabusador.

Composer of the Year

Honoring the lyricists and master songwriters shaping the industry: Edgar Barrera, Cristian Maldonado (Master Chris), Keytin, Joss Favela, Horacio Palencia, Pablo Preciado, Edén Muñoz, Marcela de la Garza, Gian Marco, Elena Rose, Justin Quiles, Leonel García, José Luis Roma, and Jorge Drexler.

Best Song for a Video game, Series or Movie

Music tied to cinematic and interactive experiences includes "Zoo" by Shakira (Zootopia 2), "EOO" by Bad Bunny (Spiderman), "Pájaro Cantor" by Ácido Pantera & Cantora de Barro, "Qué Más Quieres" by The Warning (WWE 2K26), "La primera vez" by Juliana y Chromeo, "Sentimiento Raro" by Julieta Venegas (Nadie Nos Va A Extrañar), "Hasta que me quede sin voz" by Leiva, "Ahí estabas tú" by Carín León (Doménica Montero), "Colors" by Maluma (EA Sports 2026), "Almas" by Carlos Rivera (Hermanas: Un Amor Compartido), "Sin Despedida" by Alejandro Fernández & Carlos Rivera (Mi Rival), "ESTOY PUTIAO" by Feid, Sky Rompiendo & Dei V, and "Mentiras" by Daniela Romo & Belinda.

Fandom of the Year

The most dedicated fan bases in Latin music and entertainment are represented by VibraPerversa (La Perversa), Michaelistas (Michael Flores), Shililovers (Shirley Arica), Pablovers (Pablo Heredia), Chiviricas (Yailin), Team KittyPam (Pamela López), Club de fans de Dani Barranco (Dani Barranco), Team JLexis (J Lexis), Las Kenini (Kenia OS), Dreamiers (Danna), Belifans (Belinda), Riveristas (Carlos Rivera), Coders (CD9), Bichotas (Karol G), Tinistas (Tini), Gironers (Mario Girón), Team Andreina (Andreina Bravo), Yahalovers (Yahaira Plasencia), Aniitters (Anitta), and Cazzu Army (Cazzu).

Best Religious Song

Faith-based and inspirational music nominees feature "Voy Con Jesús" by Yele & Alex Zurdo, "Quién Contra Mí" by Elena Rose, "La Respuesta" by Gocho, "Si Volviera Jesús" by Víctor Manuelle, "Todo Va Estar Bien" by Barak & Tercer Cielo, "Despiértame" by Jesús Adrián Romero, "ABCD" by Daddy Yankee feat. Alex Zurdo, "Ayer Hablé con Dios" by Corridos del Rey, and "Solo hay uno" by Joel Rocco y Enoc Parra.