Undoubtedly, the Grammys' best regional Mexican music album (including tejano) category is among one of the most hard-fought prizes for Latin artists.
The five nominees' styles range from norteño to mariachi, and there is no obvious winner in this category.
This year, three of the five nominees are already Grammy-winning artists. Intocable and Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea have both won two golden gramophones, while Mariachi Los Camperos have one under their belt. Joss Favela, who was previously up for a Grammy in 2017 for his Hecho a Mano album and Latin Grammy-nominated norteño band La Energia Norteña, are also contenders for the best regional Mexican music album.
The 2020 Grammys air at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday CBS.
Learn more about the best regional Mexican music album (including tejano) nominees below.
CAMINANDO, JOSS FAVELA
A Grammy nod for Joss Favela’s second album Caminando further cements Favela as one of the most influential artists in the new era of Mexican regional music. This is the second Grammy nomination for Favela after his debut album Hecho a Mano also received a nomination for best regional Mexican album back in 2017. The 13-track album, all penned by Favela, stays true to his mariachi-style, banda and acoustic melodies that explore the topics of love and heartbreak. In Caminando, which translates to "walking," the 29-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter features collaborations with other artists, including Becky G, whom he tapped for the pop song “Pienso en ti.” “I’m walking towards the path of doing what I always wanted to do since I was a child,” Favela previously said about his album. “I’m walking towards the path of music, being an artist and performing on stage while sharing with the public what I feel. I’m not the same person that I was yesterday and that is the reason why I live.”
PERCEPCIÓN, INTOCABLE
Produced by music legend Don Was, who is known for working with Elton John and The Rolling Stones, Intocable’s Percepción is a 14-track norteño album featuring heartfelt songs and collaborations with other songwriters, such as Joss Favela and Luis Louie Padilla, who were tapped to co-write some of the tunes on the album. With Percepción, Intocable collected their 21st Regional Mexican Albums top 10. “We are extremely proud of this project,” Intocable previously told Billboard. “When we make a new record, we never try to top the previous one. Instead, we truly enjoy and live the moment. Every song, note and word come from our hearts.” In their 25 years in music, Intocable are 10-time Grammy nominees and have previously won two awards.
POCO A POCO, LA ENERGIA NORTEÑA
After launching their career in 2008 by performing at weddings and quinceañeras, the Dallas-based norteño-style band earned their first Grammy nomination with Poco a Poco. The 12-track set includes covers of classics like “Eres Divina” and original songs that stay true to the band’s romantic norteño melodies.
20 ANIVERSARIO, MARIACHI DIVAS DE CINDY SHEA
Grammy-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea earn a spot in this category thanks to their 20 Aniversario set that includes 16 songs featuring instrumental covers of mariachi classics like “La bikina” and their take on Banda MS’ “El color de tus ojos,” along with original compositions. This is Mariachi Divas' eighth nomination in the past 12 years. The all-female ensemble, who have performed and collaborated with other artists such as Alejandro Fernández, Ozomatli and Natalia Jiménez, have won twice in the category: in 2008 for Canciones de Amor and A Mi Manera in 2013.
DE AYER PARA SIEMPRE, MARIACHI LOS CAMPEROS
The influential mariachi ensemble, founded by late mariachi legend Nati Cano, nabbed a Grammy nomination for their 14-track album titled De Ayer Para Siempre (From Yesterday to Forever). In their album, Maricahi Los Camperos revitalize classic rancheras and boleros such as “María bonita” and “El reloj.” The group won in this category back in 2008 with Amor, Dolor y Lágrimas: Música Ranchera.
