[1] The award is given to solo artists or groups that first establish an identity to the public as a performer and release a Spanish or Portuguese language recording during the period of eligibility.
Benefiting from the release of the documentary Buena Vista Social Club, which launched him to stardom, Ferrer received the award at age seventy-three after being a performer for sixty years.
[4][5] The next three award recipients were Juanes, Jorge Moreno, and David Bisbal.
[7] The bands Calle 13 and Jesse & Joy won the next two awards, followed by singers Kany García, Alexander Acha, Alex Cuba, Sie7e, Mexican DJs 3Ball MTY, Gaby Moreno, Mariana Vega, Manuel Medrano, Vicente García, Karol G, Nella and Mike Bahía.
[8][9] Since its inception, the award has been presented to musicians or groups originating from Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Spain and Venezuela.