WATCH: Carlos Santana Opens 2025 Latin Grammys With Grupo Frontera, Maluma & Christian Nodal
Photo by Getty Images.
Latine rock pioneer Carlos Santana kicked off the 2025 Latin Grammys with a show-stopping tribute to the enduring power of Latine music (Nov. 13). Live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV, Maluma, Christian Nodal, Edgar Barrera, and Grupo Frontera, joined him for a multi-generational performance, singing hits like “Oye Como Va,” “Corazón Espinado,” and “Me Retiro.”
Santana opened the 2025 Latin Grammys with one of his most iconic classics, “Oye Como Va,” delivering a commanding performance that blended his signature guitar virtuosity with the vibrant rhythms that have defined his legendary career. He was joined by Maluma, whose smooth vocals and contemporary flair added a fresh dimension to the timeless hit, creating a dynamic cross-generational moment. The Colombian star was also the show’s co-host.
The energy continued to build as the spotlight shifted to a heartfelt rendition of “Corazón Espinado,” where Santana was accompanied by regional música mexicana sensation Christian Nodal. His distinctive vocal style brought new emotional weight to the beloved song, bridging traditional Mexican influences with Santana’s unmistakable rock-Latine fusion. The collaboration served as a powerful reminder of the broad reach and cultural richness of Latine music.
Elevating the celebration even further, Grupo Frontera took the stage to join Santana for an electrifying performance of their collaborative track “Me Retiro.” Acclaimed producer and songwriter Edgar Barrera also joined them, adding flair on guitar.
Together, the ensemble delivered a seamless blend of styles-banda, norteño, Latine rock, and pop, reflecting the diversity and evolution of the genre. The artists created a moment that showcased not only Santana’s enduring influence but also the vibrant talent emerging from Mexico and across the Latine music world. Their performance set the tone for the night, celebrating unity, heritage, and artistic innovation while officially kicking off the festivities with unforgettable energy and pride.
Barrera, who joined Bad Bunny as one of the most nominated acts at the 2025 Latin Grammys, won Songwriter of the Year. Grupo Frontera will be performing again, this time their viral hit with Fuerza Regida, “ME JALO.”