#United States #New York #ASCAP #Keityn #Romeo Santos

ASCAP Latin Music Awards 2026

The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) has recognized the best in Latin music at the El Premio ASCAP 2026 ceremony, celebrating the songwriters and composers who have made a significant impact over the past year. This year’s event saw Keityn triumphantly receiving the ASCAP Latin Songwriter of the Year award for the third time, highlighting his impressive repertoire of hit songs. Keityn is celebrated for his contributions to several chart-topping singles, including "Ángel," "Coleccionando Heridas," and "Hiekka." His success in the Latin music scene is a testament to his exceptional songwriting skills and ability to connect with audiences.

In a parallel recognition, the renowned Romeo Santos, often referred to as the King of Bachata, was awarded the ASCAP Latin Songwriter/Artist of the Year for the third consecutive time. Santos continues to dominate the music charts with songs such as "Angel" and "Desde Hoy," solidifying his status as one of the prominent figures in the Latin music industry. His compelling performances and songwriting prowess have earned him acclaim and admiration worldwide.

The spotlight of the night also shone on ASCAP Latin Song of the Year, awarded to "Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido," a beautifully crafted piece performed by Karol G, which took the charts by storm, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs for 14 consecutive weeks. The song is co-written by ASCAP's Rios and published under Capital Music Puerto Rico LLC and Kobalt Music Publishing, showcasing the collaborative efforts behind its success. The song’s resurgence on the charts, following a powerful performance at Coachella, speaks volumes about its enduring popularity.

Universal Music Publishing Group was acknowledged as the Latin Music Publisher of the Year for the fourth year in a row, thanks to their extensive catalog that includes songs like "Baile Inolvidable" and "Cosas Pendientes." Their commitment to promoting and uplifting Latin artists through strategic publishing is commendable and shows the vital role they play in the industry.

Another highlight of the awards was Daddy Yankee setting a new record as the most awarded Latin ASCAP songwriter of all time. This year he took home two more awards for his uplifting anthem "Sonríele" and the sultry collaboration with Karol G, "Latina Foreva." Since the inception of the ASCAP Latin Awards, Daddy Yankee has consistently been recognized for his contributions, solidifying his legacy in the music industry.

The night also honored emerging talents and songwriters such as Julito Gastón, who won his first ASCAP Latin Award for co-writing Bad Bunny's global hit "Baile Inolvidable" with Antonio Caraballo. Other notable winners include Feid, Justi Barreto, Xavi, Natanael Cano, Tito El Bambino, and Selena Gomez, showcasing a vibrant mix of established and newer artists contributing to Latin music.

ASCAP's dedication to honoring songwriters, composers, and publishers showcases the organization's commitment to celebrating creativity and talent in the Latin music industry. The winners were selected based on comprehensive data reflecting terrestrial and satellite radio plays, as well as streams customized by Luminate Data.

About ASCAP

ASCAP is a dynamic membership association representing over 1.1 million songwriters, composers, and music publishers worldwide. Founded to support and uphold the rights of music creators, ASCAP efficiently collects and distributes royalties, ensuring that its members earn fair compensation while advocating for the value of music on Capitol Hill. To learn more about ASCAP and its initiatives, visit www.ascap.com.