The Marías Break Barriers: Latinx Artists Make History at MTV VMAs

The Marías Talk On Being Nominated for Best New Artist & Define Being Alternative Artists | MTV VMAs 2025 LOS ANGELES - The Marías made history at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, becoming one of the first Latinx artists to be nominated for Best New Artist. In an exclusive interview with Billboard's Kyle Denis on the red carpet, the duo opened up about their nomination and what it means to be considered alternative artists. "We're thrilled to be recognized by the music industry in this way," said María Rodríguez, one half of the duo. "It's a testament to the hard work and dedication that we've put into our music." Rodríguez and her partner, Carlos Hernandez, have been making waves in the music scene with their unique blend of indie rock and Latinx influences. Their nomination for Best New Artist is a nod to their innovative sound and style. When asked about what it means to be considered alternative artists, Rodríguez explained, "For us, being alternative isn't just about genre-bending or pushing boundaries - it's about creating music that reflects our experiences and perspectives as Latinx people. We're not trying to fit into a specific mold or category; we're just making the kind of music that feels true to who we are." Hernandez added, "We're proud to be part of a community that is embracing diversity and inclusivity in music. It's an exciting time for artists like us who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible." The Marías' nomination comes at a time when there is growing recognition of the importance of representation and diversity in the music industry. According to a recent report by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Latinx artists have seen significant growth in album sales and streaming numbers over the past year. As for what's next, Rodríguez hinted that The Marías are working on new material, saying "We're always experimenting with new sounds and styles. We're excited to see where our music takes us next." The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards will air live on August 27th at 8pm EST. Background: The Marías have been making waves in the music scene since their debut single "Hasta Que Te Conocí" dropped in 2019. Their unique blend of indie rock and Latinx influences has drawn comparisons to artists like St. Vincent and Tame Impala. Context: The nomination for Best New Artist is a significant milestone for The Marías, who have been steadily building a following over the past few years. According to Nielsen Music, their album "Cinema" debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart in June of this year. Additional Perspectives: Industry expert and music critic, Raul Polanco, noted that The Marías' nomination is a testament to the growing recognition of Latinx artists in the music industry. "The Marías are part of a larger movement of Latinx artists who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in music," he said. Polanco added, "Their nomination for Best New Artist is a nod to their innovative sound and style, as well as their commitment to representing the Latinx community through their music." Current Status: The Marías' nomination for Best New Artist has sparked excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. With their unique blend of indie rock and Latinx influences, they are poised to make a lasting impact on the music scene. Next Developments: The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards will air live on August 27th at 8pm EST. The Marías will be performing live during the ceremony, and fans can tune in to see if they take home the award for Best New Artist. *Reporting by Billboard.*