Premios Juventud arrived in Europe with a historic first edition in Marbella, but there was no single artist to claim the night. Aitana, Alejandro Fernández, Prince Royce, Romeo Santos and Shakira each won three trophies, creating a five-way tie that reflected the show's cross-generational, cross-genre ambitions. Surprisingly, or maybe not so much, none of them were there to pick up their awards.
Aitana's home-country victory lap included Best Euro-Song for 'Superestrella,' Best Pop Album for Cuarto Azul and Couple Goals with Plex. Alejandro Fernández won My Favorite Track for 'Me Está Doliendo' with Carín León, Best Pop/Ballad Song for 'Sin Despedida' with Carlos Rivera, and Best Mexican Banda Music Song for 'El Rey,' his collaboration with his late father Vicente Fernández. Prince Royce and Romeo Santos swept the tropical categories together with 'Dardos,' 'Lokita por Mí' and their album Better Late Than Never, while Shakira took Female Premios Juventud Artist, Best Pop Song for 'Bésame' with Alejandro Sanz and OMG Collaboration for 'Dai Dai' with Burna Boy.
The results also delivered a few clear storylines.
Ángela Aguilar won one award, The Perfect Collab, for 'No Quiero Hablar' with Marc Anthony, while Cazzu took Best Cumbia Song for 'Con Otra.' Christian Nodal, despite a prominent return to the stage, went home without a trophy.
Rosalía was also shut out, a notable outcome considering her standing as one of the most internationally visible Spanish artists and a nominee in major categories. Carín León, the night's leading nominee with nine nods, collected two awards: My Favorite Track with Alejandro Fernández and Best Mexican Music Album for Palabra de To's (Seca).
For León, the ceremony was a stop in what could become one of the biggest weeks of his career. He will become the first Latino artist to headline the Sphere in Las Vegas with a seven-show run from Sept. 4 through Sept. 13, timed to Mexican Independence Day celebrations. Sphere describes the engagement as a landmark moment for Spanish-language music at the venue, where the Sonora-born star will perform across two weekends.
The awards came after a show designed to make its new European home part of the narrative. Jesús Vázquez hosted alongside Alejandra Espinoza and Clarissa Molina, and the opening number was an overt nod to the setting: Farruko, Juan Magán and DJ Rous performed 'Marbella Nights,' the official anthem of Premios Juventud 2026, alongside 'Yapaque' with Greeicy and 'Madrid.'
The production then bounced from legacy performances to debuts and television premieres. Mau y Ricky performed 'Aiaiaiaiai'; Natanael Cano premiered 'Mar Azul' and 'CR7' on television; and Camilo unveiled 'Árbol,' a preview of his upcoming album Para Cuando Sean Mayores, which arrives Sept. 9.
Ángela Aguilar delivered one of the night's most theatrical performances, singing 'Cielito Lindo' with a live mariachi and symphonic ensemble behind her. Nodal, similarly, brought mariachi to 'Amé' in a performance that was among the most anticipated of the night, even if it did not translate into a win.
Elvis Crespo made his Premios Juventud debut by premiering 'Pa' Bailar' and 'La Graciosa' with Quevedo. The Spanish star followed with a medley of 'Columbia,' 'Al Golpito' and 'La Graciosa,' joined by Sofía Marrero, Raquel González, Mayte Cabrera and Alicia Padilla. Kenia Os and Xavi used the stage for the live world premiere of 'Malas Mañas,' while Elena Rose and Alleh performed 'Tututu' on television for the first time, along with 'Quién Contra Mí.'
The show's generational handoff was most visible in Santos Bravos, HYBE Latin America's first Latin boy band. The group won Favorite Group or Duo of the Year and New Generation Male Artist, then made its awards-show debut performing 'Velocidade.' Aria Vega, named New Generation Female Artist, also made her performance debut with a medley of 'Tototo,' 'Cule Poco (sirena_besarico_costeña)' and 'Chévere.'
Premios Juventud also honored Antonio Banderas, Marc Anthony, Yandel and La Oreja de Van Gogh as Agents of Change. Marc Anthony performed 'Aguanile,' 'Valió la Pena,' 'Pa' Ya Voy' and 'Vivir Mi Vida'; Yandel offered a symphonic medley of 'Clemente' and 'Necesidad'; and La Oreja de Van Gogh, marking 30 years, performed 'Rosas.' Arlene MC and Jey One closed the show with 'Saca Punta,' bringing Dominican dembow to the final act.
Marbella is only the opening chapter of an unusually packed awards season. The Billboard Latin Music Awards will take place Oct. 22 during Billboard Latin Music Week, which runs Oct. 19-22 at the Faena Forum in Miami Beach. The HEAT Latin Music Awards will hold their ceremony Nov. 5 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, following a week of events from Oct. 31. The 27th Latin Grammy Awards are set for Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with nominations due to be announced Sept. 16. The Rolling Stone en Español Awards follow on Nov. 26 in Mexico City.
