Billboard Latin Music Awards

Criteria and categories

Awards are assigned according to an eligibility period and Billboard's tracking of performance on its Latin charts. Categories span genres and roles, awarding artists, songs and albums as well as industry contributors. Typical awards include:

• Artist of the Year and genre-specific artist awards
• Song of the Year (Hot Latin Song-based)
• Album of the Year (Top Latin Albums-based)
• new artist, songwriter, producer and touring awards

History and development

First presented in the mid-1990s, the ceremony grew alongside the mainstream expansion of Latin music into international markets. Over time the awards have adapted to industry shifts by incorporating digital sales, streaming and social engagement into the metrics that determine nominees and winners.

Significance and distinctions

The Billboard Latin Music Awards are valued for their data-driven approach. They differ from awards like the Latin Grammys, which are peer- or academy-selected, because Billboard's honors are earned through measurable commercial success. Special recognitions—such as lifetime achievement or humanitarian awards—are also occasionally presented to acknowledge long-term impact.

Ceremony and broadcast

The event is held annually and has been staged in various U.S. cities, often attracting leading artists across reggaeton, pop, regional Mexican, tropical and other Latin genres. It is televised and covered internationally, serving both as a celebration of chart success and a snapshot of contemporary trends in Latin music.