Latin Grammys 2026 Special Awards: Best Quotes From Lila Downs, Chichí Peralta & More Honorees

The Latin Recording Academy honored six prominent Latin music artists on November 9, 2026, for their lifetime achievements. Spanish-Mexican singer Alaska, Cuban-Mexican musician Francisco Céspedes, Mexican singer-songwriter Lila Downs, Brazilian artist Daniela Mercury, and Dominican singer-songwriter Chichí Peralta each received Lifetime Achievement Awards. Panama's Omar Alfanno was awarded the Trustees Award for his significant contributions to Latin music.

Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, praised the honorees for their indelible mark on Latin music culture. At the ceremony in Las Vegas, hosted by Dominican merengue singer Milly Quezada, each artist shared their thoughts on receiving the Special Awards.

Alaska, reflecting on her unique place in the music industry, noted her ability to bridge mainstream and underground audiences, and her success in both mainstream and independent markets. Omar Alfanno emphasized the crucial role of songwriters in Latin music, stating that without them, singers would not have enduring music. Francisco Céspedes explained his desire to create music that resonates on a personal level, touching romantic and intimate moments for listeners.

Lila Downs, moved to tears by the recognition, remembered her childhood dream of singing in the mountains of Oaxaca and expressed gratitude to her roots and Mexico for giving her identity and stories to sing. Daniela Mercury highlighted her commitment to inclusive music that celebrates joy, rights of the LGBT community, and stands against discrimination.

Finally, Chichí Peralta shared his thoughts on the transformative power of creativity, noting that it involves trying, failing, and starting over, but ultimately discovering multiple possibilities in one's imagination. Technology, he stressed, cannot replace the essence of human creativity.