Bad Bunny leads a record-breaking night for Latin music

The 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards brought Miami to life this week, capping off Latin Week with a dazzling showcase of rhythm, pride and record-breaking artistry.

The event celebrated not only the biggest stars of Latin music but also the cultural pulse that continues to define the genre's global rise. Bad Bunny emerged as the undisputed star of the evening, taking home 11 trophies.

His achievements included the coveted Artist of the Year and Top Latin Album of the Year for 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos'. But the night's most emotional moment came when legendary Puerto Rican actor Rita Moreno surprised the 29-year-old superstar with the Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century award.

The two shared a brief salsa dance to 'Baile Inolvidable', creating a moment of pure intergenerational magic. "Today I see an artist who brings to the entire world that same passion that helped me never give up," Moreno said as she handed him the honour.

A visibly moved Bad Bunny replied, "Every time I hear other artists speak of me that way, it gives me the confidence that being myself has always been the right decision. I still feel like a young man who continues to dream."

Hosted by Colombian singer Goyo and Mexican presenter Javier Poza, the ceremony was broadcast live from Miami's James L Knight Center on Telemundo, Peacock and Telemundo Internacional.

It featured 49 award categories across Latin pop, tropical, rhythm and regional Mexican music — a reflection of the genre's extraordinary diversity.

Karol G followed as the second biggest winner with six awards, including Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year (Female) and Latin Airplay Song of the Year for her hit 'Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido'.

The Colombian singer also claimed Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year (Female), extending her reign as one of Latin pop's most dominant forces.

Fuerza Regida collected five awards, including Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year (Duo or Group), while Peso Pluma, Netón Vega and Óscar Maydon also earned multiple wins.

Special honours added a nostalgic and emotional layer to the night. Italian icon Laura Pausini accepted the Billboard Icon Award for her decades-long contribution to Latin and global music, while Elvis Crespo was inducted into the Billboard Hall of Fame.

Rising star Peso Pluma received the first-ever Billboard Vanguard Award, recognising his bold innovation in regional Mexican music.

For Bad Bunny, the awards underscored a historic run that has seen him redefine Latin stardom. His past four albums — 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' (2025), 'Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana' (2023), 'Un Verano Sin Ti' (2022), and 'El Último Tour del Mundo' (2020) — all topped the all-genre Billboard 200 chart, an unprecedented achievement for a Spanish-language artist.

Beyond the trophies, the Latin Week festivities that led up to the awards were a vibrant mix of panels, performances and tributes, highlighting how Latin music continues to shape global sound and identity.

Artists, producers and industry leaders gathered across Miami to discuss new trends in reggaeton, regional Mexican, bachata and Latin pop — genres that have moved from niche scenes to mainstream dominance.

The night ended on a celebratory note, with crowds dancing as the stage lights faded. As the rhythms of salsa, reggaeton and corridos filled the air, one thing was clear: Latin music's heartbeat has never been stronger.

Bad Bunny summed up the spirit best in his acceptance speech — "This is yours too, because you have me here. I receive it humbly, from the heart, and I'll remain the same."

In a year defined by milestones and music that transcends borders, the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards not only crowned its champions but reaffirmed that Latin culture — rich, proud and ever-evolving — continues to set the rhythm of the world.