Billboard Latin Music Awards Announce New Fan Favorite Artist Category: Here’s Who Is Competing & How to Vote

As anticipation builds for the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards, set for October 22 in Miami, a significant shift in fan engagement is underway with the introduction of the inaugural Fan Favorite Artist category. This new accolade empowers the public to cast their votes and directly influence one of the evening’s major honors.

The nominees for this fan-driven award represent some of the most influential figures in Latin music today. Included among the five finalists are Fuerza Regida, Karol G, Peso Pluma, Prince Royce, and Tito Double P. These artists have distinguished themselves not only through commercial success but also by capturing the attention and devotion of Latin music audiences worldwide.

Peso Pluma emerges as a frontrunner this year, leading nominations across multiple categories such as Artist of the Year and Global 200 Latin Song of the Year. Fuerza Regida closely follows, also nominated in 12 categories, highlighting their expansive presence in both traditional and digital charts. Karol G, a staple in the genre's contemporary scene, holds nine nominations, including notable recognition for Artist and Tour of the Year. Rounding out the top contenders, Prince Royce secures eight nominations, with accolades spanning Tropical Artist of the Year and song-specific awards.

Voting for the Fan Favorite Artist award is accessible and inclusive, inviting fans aged 13 and above residing in the U.S., Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. Each eligible voter can submit up to 20 votes daily, split between Google and NBCUniversal accounts, enhancing the democratic nature of the selection process. The voting window closes shortly before the live ceremony, ensuring the winner is revealed in real time during the broadcast.

The ceremony itself will unfold at Miami’s James L. Knight Center, beginning with a blue carpet event an hour prior to the 8 p.m. ET show. This event promises a convergence of Latin music’s brightest talents, featuring performances and presentations by a diverse lineup including Carlos Rivera, Elvis Crespo, Ozuna, and emerging acts like Yahritza y Su Esencia.

Beyond the competitive categories, the evening will also honor icons who have shaped Latin music’s trajectory. Cristian Castro is set to receive the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award, while Rubén Blades will be recognized with the Billboard Icon Award. Additionally, Rosalía will be inducted into the Billboard Hall of Fame, and Fuerza Regida will earn the Billboard Vanguard Award for their innovative contributions.

The awards event coincides with Billboard Latin Music Week, a multi-day showcase from October 19 to 22 in Miami Beach that features performances by high-profile artists such as Maluma, Pitbull, and Kany García. This timing underscores Billboard’s commitment to celebrating Latin music’s growing influence through both industry recognition and fan participation.

Broadcast on Telemundo and Peacock, with streaming options via the Telemundo app and international channels, the awards maintain broad accessibility across the Americas and Caribbean. This wide reach complements the interactive voting campaign, which marks a notable evolution in how Latin music fans engage with one of the genre’s most prestigious platforms.

While the Fan Favorite Artist category is a newcomer, its impact is expected to be profound, reflecting the shifting dynamics between artists and audiences in the digital era. As fans prepare to cast their ballots, this fresh channel for recognition underlines the increasing power of listener voices in shaping music accolades.

With the lineup of nominees, honorees, and performers confirmed, the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards are poised to offer a landmark celebration of Latin music’s vibrant present and promising future.