The Best New Artist category is one of the coveted awards at the Latin Grammys and one that has predicted beloved stars like Calle 13, Silvana Estrada, and Karol G. Last year, the award went to Latin pop’s Ela Taubert, who has since released her debut album Preguntas a Las 11:11 with a Max Martin-produced cut. For the 2025 ceremony, which takes place on Nov. 13 in Las Vegas, 10 artists from across Latin America, the US, and Spain are vying for the award.
Rolling Stone caught up with three of 2025’s promising nominees to discuss their music and their reaction to be nominated for Best New Artist. We spoke to Isadora, the daughter of Latin pop icon Chayanne, about blazing her own trail; Paloma Morphy, a Mexican singer-songwriter who is reshaping the sound of alternative music; and Yerai Cortés, the first flamenco guitarist to be nominated for the award.
Isadora
What does the nomination for Best New Artist mean to you?
Being nominated is a dream come true. I’ve dreamt of the Latin Grammys since I was young, grew up watching the awards, and I’ve always admired the artists who have been nominated in this category, including the incredible artists nominated this year. I’ve seen Best New Artist winners and nominees become some of the most influential artists in the world, and it’s an honor for me to even be considered among them.This nomination feels like a sign from God telling me that I’m on the right path.
I love the video of you celebrating your nomination with your parents. How do you feel to be following in the footsteps of your father while carving out your own space in Latin pop music?
I admire my dad for everything he is. He’s an incredible artist, an incredible performer … and also — not to be corny, sorry — truly the best dad in the world. Sharing this passion with him is something really special, and I’ve learned so much from him, not just about music but about life. He’s taught me to do everything with love, to be honest and true to who I am, and to enjoy every step of the journey. I’m letting that advice guide me and take me wherever I’m meant to go.
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Why did you want to fuse Latin pop with music of the Caribbean in your debut album La Isla?
The blend of Latin pop with Caribbean elements honestly came from wanting to be as true as possible to who I am. It wasn’t something I sat down and planned out; it was more about pouring who I am, and the influences I grew up with into the music. I grew up in Miami, surrounded by so many cultures, rhythms, and stories. There was always music, warmth, and a lot of love. At home my family has always been very proud of where we come from and they made sure we were too. So it felt natural for all of that to show up in my songs. I try to honor my roots in everything I do, not just in my art but in how I move through the world.
What do you want to accomplish next with your music?
I want to keep growing, but not just in numbers; I want to grow in depth, in emotion. I want to keep learning, experimenting, and pushing myself to be the best version of who I can be. I want the music to keep finding the people it’s meant for. And I want to keep connecting. Playing live and feeling that energy come back to me. I just played my first show in a really long time, and connecting with the audience like that was so special. I definitely want more of those moments: real, honest, full of love.
Yerai Cortés
How do you feel about being nominated for Best New Artist?
For me, this nomination is very beautiful and important because it’s only once in your life that you can be nominated for this. To be there, be a part of the ceremony, and enjoy this musical rite of passage is amazing. I’m very happy about this nomination because it was a surprise for me. I didn’t expect to be nominated in this category.
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What does it mean for you to be the first flamenco guitarist to be nominated for Best New Artist?
I honestly didn’t know that. For me, that’s very exciting because all those first times are very important for me, for my team, my genre, my city, and flamenco music. It’s not only a door that’s opening for me, but for more guitarists and flamenco artists. I feel very honored.
You starred in C. Tangana’s documentary about you called The Flamenco Guitar of Yerai Cortés. What was it like to work on that project with him?
We started to record the documentary at the same time that we were getting to know each other. As the documentary was progressing, our friendship was growing as well. Aside from taking me to the most important award shows, I healed wounds, got closer to my family, and rewrote my story with this documentary. Most importantly, I now have a friend that I consider to be like a brother to me for the rest of my life. I’m so happy to have crossed paths with Puchito [C. Tangana]. He’s an amazing person.
What do you want people to take away from your style of flamenco music?
I want people to be excited by it, to have a good time with it, and be carried away by the emotions and stories within my songs. I don’t have any one goal in mind. I feel proud. Thanks to the guitar and my profession, it’s been like a passport for me to meet beautiful people and places. I continue to learn about flamenco and music in general. I’m sharing music and experiences with artists that I admire. I want to keep having moments like that.
Paloma Morphy
What does the nomination for Best New Artist mean to you?
Honestly, it means many things to me. It’s something I’ve dreamed of for the past year since kicking off my career as an artist. It’s also a sign that I’m on the right path. When I started making music, I quit my other job. I was doubting if this was something for me. Life is giving me signs that I have made the right choice.
How do you feel about being nominated for Best Alternative Song for “(Sola)”?
That’s even more crazy! This past year, I was just thinking about Best New Artist and it never crossed my mind that one of my songs could be nominated for something. It’s one of the first songs that I wrote. To be nominated with other artists that I admire, this is major for me. I’m happy that one of the songs I wrote in my room without thinking about any kind of recognition is nominated for a Latin Grammy.
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Where did the idea come from to mix different genres within your music?
I’m not thinking about the genres. It’s more like I’m writing a song and it’s that song that guides where I go with it. I want to explore music and all the genres within it. I like all types of music. People didn’t expect “La Mexicana,” which is very different from anything that I’ve put out before.
Is your new single “La Mexicana” a hint of what’s to come in the future?
“La Mexicana” is a very special and important song for me. I wouldn’t say it’s a hint of what’s to come. It’s showing another side to me that I’m discovering as I move along in this career. Maybe in the future, I’ll do trap, rap, or a bolero. I want to have fun making music.
