As the Latin music world gears up for the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards, the race for Album of the Year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. A notable shift has taken place over the past year: Latin albums are increasingly being released as fully realized artistic statements rather than just collections of hit singles. This creative evolution is opening the door for more experimental and conceptual works — a trend reflected in this year’s frontrunners for the coveted prize.
While legacy acts have historically dominated the category — with icons like Juan Luis Guerra, Alejandro Sanz, and Juanes winning multiple times — the recent victories of Karol G and Rosalía show the Latin Recording Academy’s growing embrace of rising stars. With this dynamic mix of established legends and bold newcomers, here are the top contenders according to 2025 Latin Grammy Predictions.
Rauw Alejandro – Cosa Nuestra (Sony Latin)
Despite his status as a major figure in reggaetón and Latin pop, Rauw Alejandro has yet to be nominated for Album of the Year — but that could change with Cosa Nuestra. Deeply inspired by New York’s rich musical heritage, the album blends old-school sounds with modern production. Featuring standout collaborations with Bad Bunny, Romeo Santos, and Laura Pausini, it’s a conceptual journey through Latin genres, elevated by Alejandro’s distinctive style.
Tracks like the title song fuse retro Cuban son with R&B improvisations, while “Tú Con El” brings hardcore New York salsa to the dancefloor. Released in late 2024, Cosa Nuestra helped usher in a wave of roots-based records and was supported by an ambitious theatrical arena tour, further solidifying Alejandro’s bid.
Bad Bunny – DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (Rimas)
Bad Bunny, already a global superstar, has received multiple Album of the Year nominations — including one for Oasis with J Balvin — but has yet to clinch the win. DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS may finally be his moment. The album is both nostalgic and politically resonant, reflecting on Puerto Rican identity and community pride.
Opener “NUEVAYoL” sets the tone by sampling El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico’s classic “Un Verano en Nueva York,” blending tradition with a fresh edge. Beyond its themes and sound, the album stands out for incorporating rising Puerto Rican talent in the production. With Bad Bunny’s massive global influence, 2025 Latin Grammy Predictions place him as a strong contender for a long-overdue victory.
Gloria Estefan – Raíces (Crescent Moon Records/Sony Music Latin)
Gloria Estefan’s 30th studio album Raíces marks her first Spanish-language release in 18 years and is a powerful return to form. Calling it a modern take on her seminal Mi Tierra, Estefan reconnects with her Cuban roots through soulful melodies and impeccable production led by her husband Emilio Estefan Jr.
But Raíces is more than a nostalgic callback — it’s a vibrant fusion of past and present, showcasing Estefan’s unmatched voice and cultural resonance. With a legacy that helped shape Latin pop itself, Estefan could see another Grammy night triumph, especially given how central themes of heritage and reinvention resonate with 2025 Latin Grammy Predictions.
Fuerza Regida – 111XPANTIA (Rancho Humilde/Streetmob/Sony Latin)
111XPANTIA made history by debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, the highest-ever debut for a Latin duo or group. But beyond its commercial success, the album marks a confident return to Fuerza Regida’s musical roots. After experimenting with EDM and urban styles, they come back to norteño and corridos with sharp production and bold storytelling.
Opening track “GodFather” creatively reinterprets the iconic film score with a música mexicana twist, capturing the group’s evolution and cultural confidence. This artistic maturity could make 111XPANTIA one of the most unexpected yet deserving entries in the 2025 Latin Grammy Predictions spotlight.
Joaquina – al romper la burbuja (Universal Music Latin)
Joaquina stunned the industry in 2023 when she became the youngest ever Latin Grammy winner for Best New Artist. Now, her debut album al romper la burbuja is building on that momentum. Featuring 14 emotionally raw tracks that reflect the honest struggles of a 21-year-old navigating adulthood, the album is as relatable as it is refined.
Joaquina’s lyrics speak directly to her generation, but her songwriting shows wisdom well beyond her years. In a genre that hasn’t seen a breakout female singer-songwriter like her in some time, Joaquina could become the next face of Latin music — making her entry in this category a defining moment for 2025 Latin Grammy Predictions.
Final Thoughts
With an eclectic mix of genres, generations, and geographies, this year’s 2025 Latin Grammy Predictions for Album of the Year capture the vibrant diversity of Latin music today. Whether it’s the genre-blending brilliance of Rauw Alejandro, the cultural weight of Bad Bunny’s vision, or the heartfelt resurgence of Gloria Estefan, the category is full of deserving contenders. One thing is certain: the 2025 Latin Grammys will celebrate not only commercial success but also bold artistic statements that define the sound of this moment.
