Lila Downs, Chichí Peralta & More Named 2026 Latin Recording Academy’s Special Awards Honorees

The Latin Recording Academy announced its 2026 special awards recipients on Tuesday (June 30).

As part of its annual Special Awards Presentation during Latin Grammy week, Mexican-Spanish singer Alaska, Cuban-Mexican musician Francisco Céspedes, Mexican singer-songwriter Lila Downs, Brazilian artist Daniela Mercury and Dominican singer and songwriter Chichí Peralta will receive this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, Panamanian singer and songwriter Omar Alfanno will receive the Trustees Award. And, for the second consecutive year, the Latin Music Educator Award will be presented to an educator whose name has not yet been revealed.

“It is a great privilege to honor these living legends — an exceptional group whose influence transcends generations and genres — who continue to enrich and redefine our musical heritage,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, in a press statement. “We are delighted to celebrate their extraordinary careers, along with the recipient of the Latin Music Educator Award, during the 27th Annual Latin Grammy Week.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to performers who have made unprecedented contributions of outstanding artistic significance to Latin music; the Trustees Award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions, other than in performance, to music during their careers. Both are voted on by The Latin Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees.

The Latin Music Educator Award, in partnership with the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, will recognize one music educator making a significant impact by incorporating Latin music into their curriculum. 

The 2026 Latin Recording Academy’s Special Awards private ceremony will be held on Nov. 9 in Las Vegas.

Read on to learn more about the honorees, in the words of the Academy.