Reggaetón pioneers Luny Tunes and Venezuelan singer-songwriter Elena Rose are set to be honored with the BMI President’s Award and BMI Impact Award, respectively, at the 2026 BMI Latin Awards, taking place March 19 at the Fontainebleau Coastal Convention Center in Miami Beach, Fla.
The special accolade will recognize Francisco “Luny” Saldaña and Víctor “Tunes” Cabrera as pioneers of reggaetón and for shaping the genre’s sound during it breakthrough to global prominence in the 2000s. “Luny Tunes are architects of reggaetón’s golden era and catalysts for its global rise,” said Jesús González, BMI’s vp of creative, in a press release. “We’re honored to recognize their enduring legacy alongside rising star Elena Rose, whose songwriting talent and artistry continue to captivate audiences.”
Elena Rose will be celebrated for her contributions to Latin music as both a prolific songwriter and a rising solo artist, who last year, released her debut studio album, Bendito Verano. The LP earned the No. 10 spot on Billboard‘s 25 Best Latin Albums of 2025: Staff Picks list.
During the event, BMI will acknowledge the songwriters and publishers of the most performed Latin songs in the U.S. over the past year. Awards such as the BMI regional Mexican song, songwriter and publisher of the year, as well as the BMI contemporary Latin song, songwriter and publisher of the year will be presented during the ceremony.
The private event will be hosted by BMI president/CEO Mike O’Neill, BMI executive vp of chief revenue & creative officer, Mike Steinberg, as well as González.
As the 2026 BMI President’s Award recipients, Luny Tunes join an ensemble of music creators who have previously received the accolade, such as Benny Blanco, Luis Fonsi, Ellie Goulding, Horacio Palencia, Pitbull, T-Pain and Wisin y Yandel and more.
Elena Rose will join Tito Double P, Edgar Barrera, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Arlo Parks, RAYE, P2J and Tems, among others, in receiving the BMI Impact Award.
