The 3X Latin GRAMMY–nominated Puerto Rican artist is recognized for inspiring and empowering young generations to embrace their most authentic selves
San Juan, PR (3/19/2026) – The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) will host the 27th Annual National Youth Awards Ceremony in San Juan, Puerto Rico, honoring Álvaro Díaz and six National Youth Awardees (see link for bios) from across the United States. The Huella Award was created to recognize young, Latino trailblazers in the public eye whose cultural impact leaves a lasting imprint on youth and the country.
Álvaro Díaz, a rising Puerto Rican star redefining the new wave of Latin urban music on the global stage, will become the first-ever recipient of the Huella Award. The honor celebrates his inimitable sound and style, as well as the inspiring path he continues to forge, empowering young people to embrace their most authentic selves through his voice and his art.
“Álvaro represents the spirit, creativity, and authenticity that is shaping our community and America,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “He is an embodiment of what is possible through his music and serves as a role model for youth, including the young honorees who will be recognized with him at the National Youth Awards ceremony. The Huella Award represents the unique imprint he has made on our youth, community and country.”
A 3X Latin GRAMMY–nominated, fashion-forward rapper, he has established himself as one of the most compelling voices shaping the future of Latin urban music. In 2025, he sold out his entire Latin America & Spain tour and delivered two landmark, fully soldout nights at Puerto Rico’s iconic Coliseo.
His upcoming album OMAKASE, out later this year, has already been named one of the “Most Anticipated Latin Albums of 2026.” Its first single, “Paranoia,” produced by award-winning producer Tainy, was also featured on “The 50 Best Latin and Spanish-Language Songs of 2025.”
Díaz additionally received a platinum plaque for surpassing 2.8 billion streams across the Andean countries, as well as a gold plaque for his deluxe album SAYONARA, which was recognized as the No. 1 Latin album of 2024. The project includes the hit “XQ ERES ASÍ” featuring Nathy Peluso, who delivered a standout performance at the 37th Hispanic Heritage Awards.
Throughout his career, Díaz has collaborated with major artists including Rauw Alejandro, Sebastián Yatra, Karol G, and Daddy Yankee, all of whom are Hispanic Heritage Awards honorees. He has also worked with Tainy, FEID and Nathy Peluso amongst many others.
He was also named Male Rising Star at Premios Tu Música Urbano in 2025 and has earned additional nominations at Premio Lo Nuestro and Premios Juventud.
About the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and the Youth Awards
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education, workforce development, societal impact, leadership and culture. Through the 27-year-old Youth Awards, thousands of high school students from all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and D.C., have been recognized for their achievements in the classroom and community, and their focus on a career path in all STEM areas, entrepreneurship, media, public service, and other categories. Visit www.HispanicHeritage.org.
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