Juno Awards Add Latin Music Recording of the Year Category Starting in 2026

The Junos are announcing a new category.

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) have announced the introduction of Latin Music Recording of the Year.

A CARAS media release notes that this new category "celebrates the vibrant and growing contributions of Latin artists to the Canadian music scene. This crossover category will recognize excellence across all Latin American genres and languages, giving artists a platform to shine on Canada’s biggest music stage."

Ricardo Taco (Live Nation Canada), co-chair of the committee, said, “we are extremely grateful to The Junos for giving us the opportunity to elevate our music and culture through the introduction of this new category. This recognition not only highlights the growing impact of Latin music in Canada, but also gives our artists a powerful platform to share their stories, rhythms, and heritage with a wider audience.”

For full details on category eligibility, visit here.

The introduction of the category follows criticism for the Canadian award show's lack of representation and support of the growing genre.

Last October, a new national report explored the rise of Latin music in Canada and the need for more industry support. Entitled 'Understanding The Barriers and Opportunities of the Latin Music Community in Canada,' the report, commissioned by the group Speaking Non-English, emphasized the need for music industry investment to avoid "a massive missed opportunity." It also identified structural and financial challenges in the Canadian music ecosystem and the lack of support and representation of Latin artists and industry professionals.

The report highlights the Junos specifically as an institution that was lacking in support. Researches noted that of the country's top 11 genres, Latin music was the only one without its own category. "Many Latin artists already surpass the average Junos winner in terms of consumption — even without accounting for major names like Jessie Reyez," said Martín Añón, co-founder and president of Speaking Non-English, at the time. "The community is aware of this disparity, which only heightens their frustration."

Añón also said that a proposal for a Latin Music Recording of the Year category was in development, with over 50 letters of endorsement from the music community.

The new category also follows a controversy last year in which the reggae recording, Christian/gospel album and children's album categories were planned to be put on hiatus, but after outcry from the industry — including some who raised inclusivity concerns around the removal of two predominantly Black-led genres — those plans were cancelled.

Last year, the Junos also introduced the South Asian recording of the year category, which was won by AP Dhillon.

CARAS is also refining submission guidelines for both rap album/EP of the year and rap single of the year. Starting this year, vocalists must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents to be eligible. Head here for submission dates.

The 55th annual Juno Awards and Juno Week 2026 will be hosted in Hamilton, Ontario from March 26 to Sunday, March 29, 2026 culminating with The Juno Awards at TD Coliseum on March 29.