The Latin Recording Academy has introduced updated category names and eligibility rules for the 2026 Latin Grammy Awards, effective immediately. Changes include restrictions on AI-generated works and revised limits for best new artist contenders. The awards are set for November 12 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
The Latin Recording Academy announced new guidelines on Wednesday to shape the 2026 Latin Grammy Awards, reflecting input from its roughly 7,000 members across 62 countries. These updates aim to adapt to the evolving music landscape while upholding award integrity, as stated by CEO Manuel Abud in a press release. “As our Academy continues to evolve, our focus remains firmly on our membership and the integrity of our awards process,” Abud said. “These updates are driven by our members, whose participation each year ensures the Latin Grammy Awards continue to stand as a benchmark for excellence in Latin music.” Three categories received name changes: best Latin electronic music performance becomes best electronic music performance; best urban/urban fusion performance shifts to best urban performance; and best classical contemporary composition is now best classical composition. For best new artist, eligibility now excludes those with more than three albums, 25 singles, or a combination exceeding these limits. Singles later included on albums do not count toward the single total, tightening previous thresholds of three albums or 15 singles set since 2021. The academy specified that only human creators qualify for submissions, nominations, or wins, barring works with no human authorship, such as those generated solely by artificial intelligence. Nominees for the awards will be revealed on September 16. The event is scheduled for November 12 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
