More than 700 artists representing over 1,700 releases were submitted for Best New Artist consideration at the Latin Grammys this year, according to the Latin Recording Academy. That massive pool of talent made it incredibly competitive — even chart-topping names didn’t necessarily make the final cut. Why? Because of one defining standard: a Single Rule Ensures the Latin Grammys Spotlight remains on truly emerging artists.
Unlike the Recording Academy’s Grammy Awards, where the Best New Artist category often reads like a chart-topper’s list — think Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Teddy Swims, and others — the Latin Grammys take a more curated, intentional approach. The Grammys define the category as honoring an artist whose recent work achieved a major breakthrough and impacted the musical landscape. But the Latin Academy has a narrower focus.
For the Latin Recording Academy, a Best New Artist is defined as “any performing artist or group who has not yet achieved a prominent level of regional recognition within the Latin market.” In simpler terms, it’s about spotlighting fresh, rising voices — not already-established names. According to Luis Dousdebes, the Academy’s Chief Awards, Membership, and Preservation Officer, the Latin Grammys use this platform to elevate 10 emerging artists from the Ibero-American region and present them to the world.
Another major distinction lies in the release limits. While both academies require a minimum of five singles/tracks or one album to qualify, the Grammys have no cap on prior output. But at the Latin Grammys, a pivotal rule introduced in 2021 restricts eligibility to artists with no more than three albums or 15 singles — or an equivalent combination. This Single Rule Ensures the Latin Grammys Spotlight stays firmly on artists who are still in the early chapters of their careers.
In today’s fast-paced music world, where new artists often flood streaming platforms with rapid-fire singles in hopes of going viral, this rule may seem restrictive. But it ultimately benefits artistry. It nudges artists to prioritize quality, narrative, and originality over quantity. Just look at recent winners like Joaquina and Ela Taubert, who emerged from Julio Reyes Copello’s Arthouse program in Miami and found success through a carefully paced strategy under Universal Music.
“While the Latin Academy acknowledges the evolving industry trend of frequent single releases as part of modern music marketing strategies,” Dousdebes explains, “it believes that placing a limit on the number of prior releases helps preserve the integrity and original intent of the category to recognize truly new and developing artists.”
In the end, it’s this thoughtful gatekeeping — this Single Rule Ensures the Latin Grammys Spotlight remains authentic — that makes the Best New Artist category a true celebration of discovery, not just popularity.
