Colombians Morat and Beele among the winners at the Los40 Music Awards, a Spanish music gala held in Valencia, Spain. Credit: Andrea Herrera / Secretary of Culture of Mexico City, CC BY 2.0.
Several Colombian artists shone at the gala held yesterday in Valencia, Spain, which hosted the 20th edition of the LOS40 Music Awards Santander 2025 — marking the first time the event took place in the modern Roig Arena. More than 18,000 people attended the show, which combined a red carpet, major performances, and awards for artists of diverse nationalities.
Throughout the evening, some of the biggest names in Spanish and international music were honored, but several Colombian artists also stood out, reaffirming their presence in the global Latin music scene.
The city came alive for more than four hours with a format that included a pre-show, red carpet, social segment, and a deliberate focus on Latin and urban music. The inclusion of Colombian artists was no coincidence: it reflects a transforming market where Latin and urban genres hold a central place.
At the same time, the gala did not forget its Spanish and European roots, showing that today’s global pop scene transcends borders.
Morat and Beéle among Colombian winners at Spain’s LOS40 Music Awards
In the city of Valencia, Spain, the LOS40 gala held last night, Friday, November 7, delivered top-tier recognitions: Ed Sheeran was one of the main stars, receiving the awards for Best Artist and Best Album for Play, while also dominating the international categories.
Meanwhile, Spanish artist Aitana won Best Spanish Artist of the Year and was also recognized for Best Tour with Metamorfosis Season. The tribute to Rosalía, who received the Global Icon award, added an emotional note to the ceremony, which also connected with the recent social impact of the heavy rains in the region. Overall, the evening reflected a combination of spectacle, industry, and social awareness.
Among the extensive list of awardees, Colombian artists stood out for both their awards and stage presence. Morat, the band from Bogotá, experienced one of the night’s strongest moments: their performance was among the most celebrated of the event, and although they didn’t take home all the prizes they were up for, their nomination for Best Latin Album (Ya es mañana) and for Best Latin Collaboration for “Me toca a mí” with Camilo secured them a central place in the Latin pop conversation.
Similarly, Beéle emerged as one of the night’s winners in the urban and Latin categories: he took home the award for Best Latin Album with Borondo, as well as Best Urban Collaboration for “Hiekka” with Nicky Jam. And Feid’s performance could not go unnoticed — he received the award for Best Latin Tour (Fastest Tour) and reaffirmed his status as a Colombian artist with global reach. These recognitions highlight a moment of splendor for Colombian music at international award shows.
Nuestros chicos anoche recibiendo el premio a MEJOR ARTISTA O GRUPO EN DIRECTO 🥹 pic.twitter.com/EmJRhexPPR
— Morat Nation 🍳 (@moratnation) November 8, 2025
Two decades honoring Spanish-Language music
The Los40 Music Awards, one of the most important distinctions in the music industry in Spain and Latin America, were created in 2006 as an initiative of Los40, the music radio station of the Prisa Radio group. Their goal was to recognize the year’s most outstanding artists — both national and international — and strengthen the connection between radio and young audiences.
The event originated from the former Premios 40 Principales, first held at Madrid’s Palacio de los Deportes. That inaugural edition brought together artists such as Shakira, Alejandro Sanz, and La Oreja de Van Gogh, marking the beginning of an annual event that soon became a benchmark of Spanish-language pop culture.
Over the years, the awards have evolved alongside the industry. In 2016, they adopted their current name, Los40 Music Awards, reflecting a more global identity aligned with the rise of digital platforms and social media. Since then, they have expanded their categories, incorporating recognitions for urban music, new talents, and the international reach of Latin American artists.
The event has also crossed borders. Cities like Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and more recently, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have hosted the galas, which have become large-scale spectacles combining live performances, stage technology, and global media impact.
With artists like Rosalía, Karol G, Ed Sheeran, and Aitana among their honorees, the Los40 Music Awards remain a barometer of trends in the Spanish-speaking music world. More than just a form of recognition, they represent the evolution of a radio station that has managed to reinvent itself without losing its connection to music and new generations.