Which Latino artists will walk away with a Golden Gramophone at the 2019 Grammys on Sunday?
Billboard Latin’s editorial team made their predictions on who should and will win in the four Latin categories. These are educated guesses based on the marketplace and past voting behavior, not endorsements of one artist over another.
Our participants are Leila Cobo, Billboard‘s vice president, Latin industry lead; Pamela Bustios, Latin charts manager; Jessica Roiz, assistant editor for Billboard.com; and Latin contributor Judy Cantor-Navas.
Here are our predictions:
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BEST LATIN POP ALBUM
Prometo, Pablo Alboran
Sincera, Claudia Brant
Musas (Un Homenaje Al Folclore Latinoamericano En Manos De Los Macorinos), Vol. 2, Natalia Lafourcade
2:00 AM, Raquel Sofía
Vives, Carlos Vives
Judy Cantor-Navas: Should win, 2:00 AM by Raquel Sofía
Will win, Musas (Un Homenaje Al Folclore Latinoamericano En Manos De Los Macorinos), Vol. 2 by Natalia Lafourcade
Leila Cobo: Should win, Carlos Vives’ Vives is a mix of big hits (“La bicicleta,” “Robarte un beso”), roots tracks (“El sombrero de Alejo”) and just plain beautiful Carlos Vives songs. While it doesn’t break new ground, it’s hard to find an artist who so consistently delivers great material.
Will Win, Natalia Lafourcades’ Musas has proven to be a critic darling. She may walk away with this one.
Pamela Bustios: Should and will win, Musas (Un Homenaje Al Folclore Latinoamericano En Manos De Los Macorinos), Vol. 2 by Natalia Lafourcade. The album is an homage to Latin American folklore that traverses through Cuban bolero nuances with Lafourcade jabbing out phrases of contemplation, detachment, flourishing and joy throughout its songs.
Jessica Roiz: Should win, 2:00 AM by Raquel Sofia. In this album, the Puerto Rican singer pours her heart out singing about spite, lack of love and broken hearts, intertwining all her feelings with refreshing acoustic guitar riffs.
Although I’d love to see Raquel walk away with the Grammy, I’d have to agree with the ladies and say that Natalia Lafourcade’s masterpiece will win in this category.
BEST LATIN ROCK, URBAN, OR ALTERNATIVE ALBUM
Claroscura, Aterciopelados
Coastcity, COASTCITY
Encanto Tropical, Monsieur Periné
Gourmet, Orishas
Aztlán, Zoé
JR: I’m a fan of every artist in this category, especially of Aterciopelados. But, I highly believe that Monsieur Perine’s Encanto Tropical will win this category. The album has strong infectious tropical vibes, it’s refreshing to the ear and overall an enchanting production.
LC: Should win, Orishas’ comeback is a delectable urban fusion and a reminder of why urban beats made us sit up and listen in the first place. However, the album was not widely heard in the U.S.
Will win, Monsieur Periné’s Encanto Tropical comes with heavy promo from the Latin Grammys.
JCN: Should and will win, Encanto Tropical by Monsieur Periné.
PB: Should win, Claroscura by Aterciopelados. It’s time. Aterciopelados has consistently set the ground for palpable artistry that toys with Latin American popular sounds. After a decade of absence, the Colombians dive into an area of experimentation. The album teems with their archetypal Latin American folk instrumentation. However, Claroscura delves into an almost mystical platform concocting an interplanetary vibration: calm and enraged, happy and melancholic, light and dark, flanked by pop, rock, vallenato, blues, hip-hop and more.
Will win, Zoé’s Aztlán. In Aztlan, Zoé navigates a contemplative and personal narrative. Carefully crafted, the album burgeons with insightful lyrics of interpersonal connection, convoluted love stories that travel through time, introspection and resignation. Synth-pop keyboards, warm bass strokes, strident guitar riffs and gentle drum patterns all co-exist on the basis of the band’s essence but in a more mature landscape.
BEST REGIONAL MEXICAN MUSIC ALBUM (INCLUDING TEJANO)
Primero Soy Mexicana, Angela Aguilar
Mitad Y Mitad, Calibre 50
Totalmente Juan Gabriel Vol. II, Aida Cuevas
Cruzando Borders, Los Texmaniacs
Leyendas De Mi Pueblo, Mariachi Sol De Mexico De Jose Hernandez
¡México Por Siempre!, Luis Miguel
PB: Will win, Luis Miguel’s ¡México Por Siempre!
JCN: Should win, Cruzando Borders by Los Texmaniacs.
Will win, ¡México Por Siempre! by Luis Miguel.
LC: Wouldn’t it be awesome if Little Angela Aguilar, with her glorious voice, walked away with this one for her debut album Primero Soy Mexicana?
Will win, Luis Miguel’s ¡Mexico por siempre! already won album of the year at the Latin Grammys.
JR: I agree with Leila. I would love to see Angela Aguilar walk away with her first-ever Grammy for her magical debut album. However, Luis Miguel, who nabbed album of the year at the 2018 Latin Grammys, will most likely win in this category.
BEST TROPICAL LATIN ALBUM
Pa’ Mi Gente, Charlie Aponte
Legado, Formell Y Los Van Van
Orquesta Akokán, Orquesta Akokán
Ponle Actitud, Felipe Peláez
Anniversary, Spanish Harlem Orchestra
LC: This category of mostly little-heard albums could go in any direction. My bet is Juan Formell y Los Van Van’s Legado on the strength of their legacy.
JCN: Should and will win, Orquesta Akokán by Orquesta Akokán
PB: Will win, Orquesta Akokán by Orquesta Akokán
