The Latin Grammys Moving to Spain; Here’s Why We Think It’s a Good Thing

Last week, the Recording Academy announced that for the first time in 23 years, the Latin Grammys will take place outside of the USA and in a Latin-speaking country: Spain. It was about time, if you ask me.

However, the announcement has come with a lot of controversy around why Spain, and not another Latin American country.

As always, in such a vast and diverse community it’s hard que llueva a gusto de todos. However, I didn’t see any outraged people in the past years that the Latin Grammys took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, a.k.a. Gringolandia.

There are three reasons I’m excited for this change:

1. It is taking place in a country whose language is Spanish, one of the two languages that are mandatory to participate.
2. Spain is the second country with more Latin Americans living in it outside of Latin America.
3. The Academy signed a 3-year contract with the Government of Spain, which is a good thing because it might mean that the Latin Grammys rotate every three years.
4. And most importantly, Shakira will have no excuse to attend and perform since it’s right where she lives… until she moves to Miami.

Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, said that Spain couldn’t be a better place to host the award ceremony.

What was your reaction when you heard the news?

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 15: (L-R) Laura Pausini and Thalía speak onstage at the Host Press Conference during the 23rd annual Latin Grammy Awards on November 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy)