Marc Anthony and Wisin got everyone dancing with the world premiere of their collaboration “Que Me Quiera Ma.” On a yellow-dominated stage resembling the facade of a hotel, and surrounded by a body of dancers in matching bikinis, the salsa icon and the reggaeton superstar turned up the heat with their lively new song. It was a moment that cheered up the audience after a series of less impressive performances.

“Esto es Panamá, aquí no camina cualquiera,” Venezuela’s rising star Louis BPM shouted at the start of his set alongside Puerto Rican maverick Farruko, who donned a bulletproof vest. Both dressed in army-inspired gear, together they kicked off with the infectious trap number “Pancc,” the lead track from their recent joint album 167BPM. Wearing a durag and a shirt that read, “Yo vivo en Venezuela y no quiero guerra,” Louis struck a balance between resistance and a plea for peace. The duo kept the momentum alive with their electrifying reggaetón number “Oe Oe,” amping up the crowd before being joined by dreadlocked Domincian artist Makako el Cerebro for the rhythmic “Maracaibo.” 

Natti Natasha looked like a fairy as she revealed the gender of her baby during the premiere of her emotional ballad “Traje Aquí.” In what marked one of the most moving moments of the evening, the Dominican star — dressed in an ample, flowing white dress — sang sweetly accompanied by the National Youth Symphony Orchestra before a pink light illuminated her, clearly indicating what she’s expecting. It’s a girl!

Premios Juventud featured a moving tribute to the legacy of Panamanian songwriting. Duo Gaitanes and Omar Alfanno opened the segment with a rendition of “A Puro Dolor,” the pop ballad written by Alfanno and made famous by Son by Four in 2020. They followed with “Muy Dentro de Mi,” and the tribute culminated with Erika Ender, one of the nation’s most celebrated songwriters, taking the stage to perform her global phenomenon “Despacito,” a song she co-wrote that forever changed the landscape of Latin music. It was another moment of Panamanian pride, appropriate and well-deserved for celebration.

Carlos Vives delivered an invigorating showcase that blended music, passion, and purpose. Honored as an “Agente de Cambio” at the award ceremony, Vives took the stage in a sleek black ensemble, exuding charisma and heart as he paid homage to the power of music as a force for good. Joined by the legendary Sergio George, who pounded the piano keys with electrifying energy, and the always-dapper Grupo Niche, dressed in pristine white suits, the stage lit up with energetic salsa. Together, they delivered Vives’ timeless hit “La Tierra del Olvido,” and “Fabricando Fantasias” originally by Tito Nieves.

A sparkling black-clad salsa troupe danced around them, adding even more fire to the performance. The moment culminated with Wisin presenting Vives his well-deserved award, acknowledging him as a shining example of someone who uses his talent to build a better future.

Premios Juventud kicked off with a powerful musical number honoring Panama, featuring Boza, Farruko, Los Rabanes, Nando Boom, Natti Natasha, Samy and Sandra Sandoval, Sech, and Willie Colón. The performance united musical genres and generations in an explosion of music, dance, and color, with dancers in traditional costumes and dozens of musicians on stage.

In a medley of Panamanian classics (or songs alluding to Panama) — from Colón and Héctor Lavoe’s “La Murga” to the Sandovals’ “La Gallina Fina,” Los Rabanes’ “Señorita a Mí Me Gusta Su Style,” Nando Boom’s “Ellos Benia Dem Bow,” and El General’s “Qué Es Lo Que Quiere Esa Nena,” covered by Sech, Boza, and Farruko — it was the perfect start to the evening and set the bar high.