# Pancho Céspedes receives the Latin Recording Academy's Excellence Award in Las Vegas

**Date:** 11/11/2026

Cuban-Mexican singer-songwriter Francisco "Pancho" Céspedes received the Latin Recording Academy's Musical Excellence Award on Monday, November 9, 2026, at a ceremony held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, according to Billboard Español. The Academy also honored Alaska, Lila Downs, Daniela Mercury and Chichí Peralta with the award, while Omar Alfanno received the Board of Directors Award.

"If you ever had a romantic or intimate moment listening to my songs, that was my goal," Céspedes said in his speech, according to Billboard. Excelsior reported that he recalled arriving in Mexico and the opportunity that led Luis Miguel to record his song "Pensar en ti" for the album Aries, and that he closed with the words "Long live freedom!"

A native of Santa Clara, Céspedes released his first solo album, Vida loca, in 1997. The special awards ceremony precedes the main Latin Grammy gala, set for Thursday, November 12, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and airing on Univision. Eight Cuban artists are among this year's nominees.