Premios Juventud 2026: The Best Performances Ranked

Premios Juventud made its European debut Thursday night (Sept. 3), bringing the youth-focused Latin music awards to the Starlite Auditorium in Marbella, Spain. The 23rd edition marked the first time the show had been staged outside the Americas, turning the Costa del Sol into a meeting point for Latin music’s biggest names and Spanish pop’s homegrown stars.

Under the theme “Conéctate al Vibe,” the ceremony capped the inaugural PJ Fest, a weeklong TelevisaUnivision initiative that stretched from Miami to Houston, Los Angeles and Marbella. The night also honored Marc Anthony, Yandel, and La Oreja de Van Gogh as Agents of Change, while early winners included Shakira and Burna Boy.

From reggaetón reimagined with orchestral flourish to nostalgia-fueled Spanish pop and arena-ready salsa, these were the performances that made Premios Juventud’s first trip to Europe count.

Natanael Cano Brings Corridos Tumbados’ Wild Side

Natanael Cano brought the beautiful mess. With a beer in hand, his shirt unbuttoned and sweat already setting in, the corridos tumbados pioneer took the stage for “Mar Azul,” flanked by a tuba, two requintos and a steel-string guitar. It was loose, loud and gloriously imperfect.

Kenia OS & Xavi Premiere Their Sultry ‘Malas Mañas’

Kenia OS and Xavi brought one of the night’s most anticipated collaborations to the stage with the live premiere of “Malas Mañas.” Blending corridos’ melodic pull with bachata-inflected rhythm, the pair delivered a sleek, flirtatious performance that played to their contrasting star power.

Farruko, Greeicy & More Open PJ With a Genre-Bending Marbella Moment

Farruko and friends set the tone as the night’s opening acts, flexing the genre-hopping versatility that has defined his career. He began alongside Juan Magán and DJ Rous with “Marbella Nights,” the event’s new anthem, before Greeicy joined him for their Latin Airplay No. 1, EDM-driven collaboration “Yapaque,” featuring Steve Aoki.

Ángela Aguilar Brings México’s Mariachi Spirit to Spain

Ángela Aguilar delivered one of the night’s most elegant performances with a stirring rendition of the Mexican standard “Cielito Lindo.” Dressed in a traditional gown with braids, the singer was backed by a sweeping orchestra, bringing a touch of mariachi grandeur to the award ceremony’s first night in Spain.

Eladio Carrión Gives ‘Maniac’ a Club-Ready Latin Makeover

Eladio Carrión put his own stamp on “Polaroid,” which reworks Michael Sembello’s 1983 pop classic “Maniac” for a new generation. With rap verses, a muscular beat and a gigantic Polaroid backdrop, the Puerto Rican star transformed the familiar hook into a club-ready urbano banger.

Wisin and Kapo Bring Reggaetón Fire Across the Atlantic

Reggaetón pioneer Wisin turned Premios Juventud into a full-on perreo party, opening with the classic “Saoco” before welcoming Kapo for the televised world premiere of “Muévelo Pa’ Mí.” Their high-energy linkup made a strong case for reggaetón’s enduring, cross-generational pull.

Santos Bravos Deliver a Boy-Band Master Class

Santos Bravos arrived in crisp white, commanding the stage with the polished choreography, pop-star presence and club-ready sound that explain their immediate appeal. The performance felt like a K-pop-scale production made for Latin pop’s next boy band.

Quevedo, Elvis Crespo & Las Cuatro Turn Canarias Into the Main Stage

Quevedo made his Premios Juventud debut feel rooted in home. With a giant projection of the Canary Islands behind him, the Spanish star opened with “Columbia” before Elvis Crespo emerged for their first live performance of “La Graciosa,” a collaboration that bridges Quevedo’s island-bred urbano sound with Crespo’s Caribbean pop pedigree.

Marc Anthony Delivers Salsa Superstar Power

Honored as an Agent of Change, Marc Anthony brought the kind of seasoned star power only a salsa icon can summon. The singer ran through a hit-filled medley of “Aguanile,” “Valió La Pena,” “Pa’lla Voy” and “Vivir Mi Vida,” with the crowd rising to its feet for the enduring final anthem.

La Oreja de Van Gogh Makes ‘Rosas’ Bloom

Over thirty years into their career, La Oreja de Van Gogh delivered a homecoming-worthy highlight with their timeless anthem “Rosas.” Honored as an Agent of Change, the Spanish band took the stage as dozens of pink roses bloomed across the screen behind them, proving why the track remains one of Spanish pop’s most enduring hits.