Key Takeaways:
– Juan Luis Guerra wins Best Record and Best Album at Latin Grammys.
– The 25th Latin Grammy awards were held in Miami’s Kaseya Center.
– Carlos Vives received the Person of the Year honor, presented by Jon Bon Jovi.
– Karol G bags Best Urban Music Album.
– Luis Fonsi clinched Best Pop Vocal Album title.
– Edgar Barrera scored three awards, including songwriter and producer of the year.
– New Latin Electronic Music Performance category awarded to Shakira and Bizarrap.
The spotlight of the Latin Grammy Awards celebrated their 25th edition in Miami’s Kaseya Center this year, where Juan Luis Guerra’s hit fusion ‘Mambo 23’ from ‘Radio Guira’ won big.
Juan Luis Guerra Soars at the Latin Grammys
Dominican singer and songwriter Juan Luis Guerra went home with the most coveted awards of the night. He bagged both the Best Record and Best Album awards, adding to his already impressive line up of accolades.
This event marked a new peak in Guerra’s celebrated career, affirming his marked impact on the global popularity of Bachata music. At 67, Guerra proves there are no age limits to making great music.
Carlos Vives, 2024 Person of the Year
The festive event started on a vibrant note with a tribute to Carlos Vives, the ‘Person of the Year’. Colombian artists Juanes, Camilo, and Sebastian Yatra joined him on stage. Jon Bon Jovi, the rock legend himself, presented Vives the Achievement Award. Vives now joins the elite club of past winners, which includes musicians of the calibre of Ruben Blades and Juanes.
In a surprise move, Bon Jovi paired with Pitbull to perform a club remix of his anthem ‘It’s My Life’. This intersection of genres took the audience by surprise, earning thunderous applause.
Karol G and Luis Fonsi Earn Awards
Meanwhile, Karol G’s mixtape ‘Manana Sera Bonito (Bichota Season)’ nabbed the Best Urban Music Album award. This win follows just one year after her earlier studio album achieved the prestigious Album of the Year prize at the Latin Grammys.
Pop sensation Luis Fonsi did not take a backseat either. He scooped the Best Pop Vocal Album award for ‘El Viaje’, asserting his presence in the Latin music scene.
Edgar Barrera, the Star Producer Bags Three Awards
Edgar Barrera, renowned for his collaborations with artists like Karol G, Shakira, Peso Pluma and Madonna, was well-rewarded on the night too. With the most nominations, he ended up taking home three trophies, including Songwriter and Producer of the Year.
New Talent Makes a Mark
Rising star Ela Taubert, who performed her viral track ‘Como Pasa?’ with Joe Jonas, ended up winning the Best New Artist award. It was a moment of excitement and emotion as the young artist accepted her award in joyful tears.
The Birth of Latin Electronic Music Performance Category
In a move recognizing the rise of electronic music, the inaugural Latin Electronic Music Performance award was clinched by Shakira and Bizarrap. Their track, ‘Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53 (Tiësto Remix),’ placed them in the Latin Grammy history books as the first winners of this new category.
Tributes and Performances Galore
The gala also included performances from various artists in different genres of Latin music. An ode to regional Mexican music from Becky G, Angela Aguilar, and Leonardo Aguilar with a mariachi band stole the show. Not to mention Marc Anthony’s salsa segment that featured classics like ‘Lloraras’ and ‘Vivir Lo Nuestro’.
In a heartfelt tribute to the late bossa nova king Sergio Mendes, Brazilian artist Anitta delivered a touching performance. Despite not picking up any awards, her moving tribute honored Mendes’s immense contribution to Brazilian music.
All in all, the 25th Latin Grammy Awards showcased the vibrant diversity and rich heritage of Latin music, reminding us of its growing influence in the global music scene.