Premios Juventud, a celebration of the best in Latin music, will take place this week at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida. The three-hour awards show will include six world premieres, eight TV exclusives, and a handful of memorable performances.
While individuals working in the arts and entertainment industry will get their time in the spotlight, Premios Juventud will also recognize the significant events taking place in the world today, including the protests by the Cuban people against their communist government.
Here are six key moments to look out for at the 2021 Premios Juventud, airing this Thursday, July 22, at 7 p.m. EST on Univision.
Cubans Unite
Support for the citizens of Cuba will be front and center at the awards show as the country continues to protest the communist regime in hopes of ending the decades-old dictatorship. Many Cubans blame their government for the growing economic crisis, which has led to worsened living conditions, a rise in COVID-19 infections, and a lack of food and medicine. Celebrities on the docket for the awards show include Cuban entertainers like Gente de Zona, Joncien, Lena, Malena Burke, Yailenys Pérez, Yotuel, Camila Cabello, Emilio Estefan, and Pitbull, among others.
Reunited & It Feels So Good
Venezuelan pop duo Chino y Nacho have reunited. The two-man group, consisting of Jesús Alberto Miranda Pérez (Chino) and Miguel Ignacio Mendoza Donatti (Nacho), formed in 2007. Three years later, they won a Latin Grammy for Best Urban Album for Mi Niña Bonita. In 2017, the pair split before reuniting in 2020 to release their single “Raro.” Fans can’t wait until they take center stage at the awards show.
La Dinastía Aguilar
Pepe Aguilar, and his two children Leonardo and Ángela, will perform classic mariachi songs together at the show. Pepe is a Mexican American singer and songwriter who has sold over 12 million albums worldwide. His son Leonardo, 21, is a two-time Latin Grammy nominee who released his last album, Tu Mendigo Recuerdo, in 2019. His daughter Ángela, 17, was nominated for a Grammy Award and two Latin Grammys. She released the album Baila Esta Cumbia last year.
World Premieres & Exclusives Galore
Musicians including Gloria Trevi, Myke Towers, Natti Natasha, Tainy and Yandel, and Tommy Torres will present some world premieres at the event. There will also be TV exclusives from Chimbala, Justin Quiles, Zion & Lennox, KAROL G, Becky G, El Alfa, and Anitta and Lunay.
CNCO Menos Uno
The Latin American boy band will perform in public for the first time since Joel Pimentel announced his separation from the group in May. CNCO is even using the new hashtag #CNCONuevaEra to help define their new group.
Agents of Change
Premios Juventud will present the Agent of Change award to three young Latinos who impact their communities and across the globe. This year’s honorees are Steven Ferreiro, the founder of Giving Hope and Helping Others; Daphne Frias, a social activist who advocates for immigrant rights and against gun and domestic violence.