Born in Kansas City and raised in Puerto Rico, Eladio brings a bicultural perspective to his music, bridging Latin and U.S. audiences.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) announced today that Latin GRAMMY®-winning, multi-platinum artist Eladio Carrión, one of the leading voices in Latin music, will receive the Inspira Award at the 39th Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards in recognition of a compelling journey defined by persistence, reinvention and an enduring commitment to inspiring the next generation.
The Awards will take place on September 10, 2026, at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. Carrión will be recognized alongside other 2026 Honorees including Rep. Joaquin Castro (Public Service Award), Singer-Songwriter Mon Laferte (Social Justice Award), Singer-Songwriter-Actress Ximena Sariñana (Music Award), and the People of Minnesota (Humanitarian Award). Additional honorees, performers, and the host will be announced over the next two weeks. Watch this video to learn more about the Hispanic Heritage Awards. Sponsorship opportunities are available for the Awards and HHF’s year-round mission.
“From competitive swimmer and digital creator to an award-winning songwriter, rapper, entrepreneur and global superstar, Eladio Carrión’s evolution reflects the power of embracing new opportunities, taking chances, developing your talents and believing in yourself,” said Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “His journey reminds young people that everything is possible with vision and ganas. He is truly an inspiration.”
With more than 5 billion YouTube views and 5.1 billion streams, Eladio Carrión has established himself as one of the leading voices in Latin music, collaborating with artists including Bad Bunny, Lil Wayne, Karol G, 50 Cent, Future, J Balvin, Big Sean and Peso Pluma. His latest album, CORSA, earned critical recognition from outlets including Rolling Stone en Español and Complex, with a deluxe edition set for release this fall.
“I’m really grateful to receive the Inspira Award from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation,” said Eladio Carrión. “I’ve always believed in betting on yourself, staying true to where you come from and using your platform to open doors for the next generation. I’m proud to represent Puerto Rico and our Latino community, and I’m thankful for everyone who’s been part of this journey.”
Beyond music, Carrión is a global ambassador for New Balance and has expanded his influence across sports and culture through partnerships with Major League Baseball, the NFL and WWE. He has performed at major festivals including Coachella, Governors Ball and SXSW and sold out arenas around the world.
The Hispanic Heritage Awards are considered among the highest honors for Latinos by Latinos The Awards were established by the White House in 1988 to commemorate the creation of Hispanic Heritage Month in America and are recognized as “America’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration” and supported by more than 40 national, Latino-serving institutions.
Past Awardees have included: Rita Moreno, Gloria Estefan, Bad Bunny, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Ricky Martin, Fania All-Stars, Junot Diaz, José Feliciano, Isabel Allende, Carolina Herrera, Jose Andres, Carlos Vives, Alejandro Sanz, Juanes, Antonio Banderas, Juan Luis Guerra, Anthony Quinn, J Balvin, Zoe Saldaña, Los Tigres Del Norte, Oscar de la Hoya, America Ferrera, Pedro Martinez, Astronaut Dr. Ellen Ochoa, Gael Garcia Bernal, Carlos Santana, Salma Hayek, Linda Ronstadt, Richard “Crazy Legs” Colon, and many others. Find all past HHA Honorees HERE.
About the Hispanic Heritage Awards
The Hispanic Heritage Awards serve as a launch of HHF’s year-round mission, focused on economic mobility, stronger communities, positive narratives and cultural pride through education, workforce development, service, societal impact, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Visit https://hhflink.org/WeAreHere for a video highlighting HHF’s award winning programs, and visit the website at www.HispanicHeritage.org. Follow HHF on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok. Listen to the HHF podcast Fritanga on your favorite streaming service and HHF YouTube channel.
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For more information on the 39th Hispanic Heritage Awards, please contact John Reilly, [email protected] or Nicolás Peña, [email protected]
For Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Jessica Herrera [email protected]
