Who is Sara Schell, the Newcomer Nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the 2026 Latin Grammys?

Twenty-three-year-old Sara Schell has attained a remarkable breakthrough by earning a nomination for Songwriter of the Year at the 2026 Latin Grammy Awards. Alongside established figures like Edgar Barrera and Yoel Henríquez, Schell stands out as the only newcomer in the category, signaling a notable entrance into the Latin music songwriting elite.

Her nomination also includes a nod for Best Pop Song for co-writing “A La Niña Que Fui” with Kany García, a track that exemplifies Schell’s capacity to collaborate with veteran artists while bringing fresh perspectives. This recognition comes barely six years after she graduated from high school in Venezuela, a testament to the swift trajectory of her songwriting career.

Schell’s early connection to music was fostered at the Vicente Emilio Sojo Conservatory in Barquisimeto, where she began classical training at age four. Her experience as a cellist included international representation for Venezuela, complemented by lessons in piano and singing. However, songwriting became her primary channel for artistic expression starting at around 15 years old when she penned her first song in response to a personal breakup.

The pandemic in 2020 abruptly altered her initial plan to study business in London. Instead, relocating to Mexico and the closure of universities forced her to pivot creatively. Utilizing social media platforms such as Instagram, she engaged with established writers through virtual sessions, which laid the groundwork for her professional songwriting career.

A significant opportunity emerged in 2024 when Schell traveled briefly to Miami with demos, seeking industry connections. There, she encountered several songwriting collaborators and attracted the attention of Nir Seroussi from Interscope, who facilitated introductions that led to her signing with Wide Eyed Entertainment. This professional support helped her place songs with major artists and labels.

Among her most notable songwriting credits are “PXTXS” for Fuerza Regida, which gained attention as an unorthodox bolero addressing heartbreak and self-destruction, and “Gabriela” by KATSEYE, which reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. Both tracks underscore her versatility and ability to adapt her writing across genres and markets.

Schell’s catalog also includes collaborations with artists like Fonseca, Rawayana, J Balvin, Becky G, Óscar Maydon, Nicki Nicole, Diego Torres, and Manuel Carrasco. Several of these songs have achieved top chart positions on Latin airplay and regional Mexican airplay charts, affirming her growing influence in Latin music circles.

Her creative partnership with Kany García on “A La Niña Que Fui” illustrates how Schell’s external viewpoint can inspire thematic directions in songwriting, as García confirmed the song’s concept evolved from Schell’s suggestion. This highlights Schell’s ability to contribute meaningfully beyond lyrics and melodies, impacting the conceptual framework of her collaborations.

Though Schell has released some music as a performer in recent years, she remains committed primarily to writing for others. Signed with MPub and Wide Eyed Publishing, she emphasizes songwriting as her main vocation rather than developing a solo performing career.

The nomination announcement caught her by surprise, underscoring the fast-paced and unforeseen nature of her rise. Producer Héctor Mazzarri informed her of the accolade, leading to a moment of disbelief. Her reaction reflects the rarity of such rapid emergence in an industry often dominated by long-established names.

From an industry perspective, Schell’s swift accumulation of high-profile placements and chart successes points to a shift in how music careers can develop in the digital age. Her initial use of social media and remote collaborations during the pandemic exemplifies new pathways for emerging talent to connect with major players and penetrate competitive markets.

Moreover, Schell’s Venezuelan roots and classical training suggest a deep musical foundation that informs her songwriting craftsmanship. Her incorporation of traditional elements, such as the bolero style in “PXTXS,” combined with contemporary Latin pop and urban genres, positions her as a versatile contributor to the evolving Latin music soundscape.

Schell’s trajectory illustrates the increasing recognition of young, cross-cultural songwriters who bring both technical skill and authentic storytelling to global Latin music. Her presence among veteran nominees signals the Latin Recording Academy’s openness to fresh voices influencing the genre’s future direction.