The accolade was established to recognize the most talented performers of Latin music.
[1] The nominees and winners were originally selected by a voting poll conducted among program directors of Spanish-language radio stations in the United States and also based on chart performance on Billboard Latin music charts, with the results being tabulated and certified by the accounting firm Deloitte.
[1][2] At the present time, the winners are selected by the audience through an online survey.
Mexican singer-songwriter Ana Gabriel won in four consecutive ceremonies.
Mexican-American singer Jenni Rivera, Cuban-American artist Gloria Estefan, Italian performer Laura Pausini and Mexican singers Thalía and Paulina Rubio have received two awards each.