Karol G, Edgar Barrera and Carlos Vives win big as Latin Grammys celebrates 25 years – Foxton News
The 2024 Latin Grammy Awards celebrated 25 years of recognizing the best of Latin music in Spanish and Portuguese.
Miami Hosts a Star-Studded Night
The Kaseya Center in Miami, the epicenter of Latin culture in the U.S., came alive Thursday night with electrifying performances. Highlighting Latin music’s explosive growth, now the nation’s fastest-growing streaming genre, the event featured over 700 artists competing in 58 categories, according to Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy.
Juan Luis Guerra Dominates with Top Awards
Merengue and bachata legend Juan Luis Guerra claimed the night’s top honor: Album of the Year for Radio Güira. His dynamic performance of “Mambo 23” also earned Best Tropical Song and the prestigious Record of the Year.
Jorge Drexler’s Emotional Surprise Win
Uruguayan singer-songwriter Jorge Drexler won Song of the Year for “Derrumbe,” a reflective two-minute piece. Drexler, visibly moved, dedicated his award to his late father, saying, “He taught me to understand the complexities of love in all its shades.”
Carlos Vives Kicks Off with Career Tribute
Colombian artist Carlos Vives opened the show, celebrating his 30-year career of modernizing traditional vallenato music. Performing hits like “Fruta Fresca” and “La Bicicleta,” Vives closed his set with fellow Colombian stars Camilo, Juanes, Sebastián Yatra, and others.
Bon Jovi Honors Vives
Rock icon Bon Jovi presented Vives with the Person of the Year award and later performed a remixed version of “Now or Never” alongside Cuban-American rapper Pitbull.
Tributes to Latin Music Icons
More than 30 artists delivered stunning tributes throughout the evening. A highlight was a homage to Mexican legends José José, Vicente Fernández, and Juan Gabriel, performed by Reik, Leonel García, Alejandro Fernández, David Bisbal, and Carlos Rivera.
Anitta and Rising Stars Shine
Brazilian pop star Anitta captivated audiences with a stripped-down rendition of “Mil Veces” and bossa nova classics. Rising talents like Eladio Carrión, Quevedo, and Myke Towers brought fresh energy, while Joe Jonas and Ela Taubert delivered a standout Spanglish performance.
Marc Anthony Honors Salsa and Tropical Music
Marc Anthony joined forces with salsa legend Sergio George for a tribute to tropical music, culminating in a powerful duet of “Vivir Lo Nuestro” with La India.
Edgar Barrera and Nathy Peluso Lead the Wins
Mexican-American producer Edgar Barrera led with nine nominations, winning Songwriter of the Year, Best Regional Song, and Producer of the Year.
Spanish-Argentine artist Nathy Peluso triumphed with three awards, including Best Alternative Song for “El Día Que Perdí Mi Juventud.” Peluso, the most-awarded female artist of the night, reflected on her journey, saying, “Art is about putting your heart and faith into it.”
Other Notable Wins
- Karol G took home Best Urban Music Album for Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season).
- Luis Fonsi won Best Pop Vocal Album for El Viaje.
- Draco Rosa claimed Best Pop/Rock Album for Reflejos De Lo Eterno.
A Celebration of Latin Music’s Legacy
The evening celebrated Latin music’s rich history and its bright future, showcasing icons and emerging stars alike in a dazzling display of talent and diversity.
