The 2024 Latin Grammy Awards are here, and it’s a turning point. This year’s event celebrated 25 years of honoring the best of Latin music in Spanish and Portuguese.

Thursday night’s ceremony at the Kaseya Center in Miami, considered the epicenter of Latin culture in the United States, was packed with star-studded performances that highlighted the explosive growth of Latin music in recent years; fastest growing stream type.

According to Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud, more than 700 artists were nominated in 58 categories this year.

Juan Luis Guerra, the master of merengue and bachata, was the biggest winner of the night and received the album of the year award with “Radio Güira”.

The Dominican singer electrified the stage with her creative performance of her hit song “Mambo 23”, which also won the award for the best tropical song of the year and the prestigious record.

The Uruguayan singer-songwriter took the other big prize, winning song of the year for “Derrumbe,” a two-minute song he described as a simple and introspective song, in a win that surprised many, including Jorge Drexler himself.

Drexler dedicated his award to his father, who died two weeks ago. “He is the person who taught me to understand the complexity of love in all its shades, from the best moments to the saddest moments,” Drexler said.

Colombian singer-songwriter Carlos Vives delivered a special opening performance honoring his 30-year career, focusing on reinterpreting “vallenato” and other folkloric sounds of his hometown for a mainstream global audience.

Vives performed some of her biggest hits, including “Fruta Fresca” and “La Bicicleta” and was followed by Colombian singers Camilo, Juanes, Sebastian Yatra et al.

Rock icon Bon Jovi took to the stage to present Vives with a special award recognizing him as “the best.” Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year.

“This is for my country, Colombia, because I continue to believe that in music there are ideas for coexistence in diversity,” Vives said in his acceptance speech.

Bon Jovi didn’t leave the Latin Grammys without performing a remix version of his mega-hit “Now Or Never” with Cuban-American rapper and producer Pitbull.

According to the Latin Recording Academy, more than 30 artists took the stage to honor the memories of important figures who made great contributions to Latin music.

The first epic tribute of the night was dedicated to singer José José, mariachi singer Vicente Fernández and singer-songwriter; all three were late Mexican cultural icons. Reik, Leonel García, Alejandro Fernández, David Bisbal and Carlos Rivera performed the memorial service.

Brazilian pop star Anitta He performed a stripped-down version of the nominated hit “Mil Veces” with musician Tiago, as well as some of the most well-known bossa nova tunes made famous by the late Sérgio Mendes.

The show is also designed to embrace young artists who are paving new paths in the industry, from a medley featuring up-and-coming urban artists such as Eladio Carrión, Quevedo, Myke Towers, to a performance of Spanglish by Joe Jonas and Ela Taubert that won best new awards. artist.

The Venezuelan singer’s performances also reflected this spirit. Danny OceanPuerto Rican experimental musician Álvaro Díaz and Trueno, who has already won the award for best urban fusion/performance.

Latin singer-songwriters Elena Rose, Kali Uchis and Emilia Mernes captivated audiences with their distinctive vocal performances and charismatic stage presence.

Latin music icon Marc Anthony performed and executive produced the special episode with his spectacular salsa performance. Sergio George To pay homage to the tropical music genre. The event ended with a duet of Anthony and La India’s unforgettable hit “Vivir Lo Nuestro”.

With nine nominations, producer and songwriter Edgar Barrera was the most nominated artist. like that for the second year in a row leading the nominations. Barrera is responsible for hits such as “Un x100to” as well as “Mi Ex Tenía Razón” by Grupo Frontera and Bad Bunny. Karol G.just to name a few.

Among the winners who received their awards during the televised show were Carin León’s “Boca Chueca, Vol. 1” for best contemporary Mexican music album, Draco Rosa’s “Reflejos De Lo Eterno” for best pop/rock album, and Kany Garcia“García” for best traditional pop vocal album.

Karol G won the best urban music album award for “Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season)”. “Despacito” singer Luis Fonsi He won the best pop vocal album award for “El Viaje”.

Most of the winners had already received their gramophone-shaped trophies at the awards ceremony. Latin Grammy premiere event Thursday afternoon at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Barrera won three awards: songwriter of the year, best regional song and producer of the year.

“I can’t believe it,” Barrera, who is Mexican American, said after winning the third prize. “Because all the producers I have been nominated with are an inspiration to me.”

Spanish Argentinian singer Nathy Peluso, known for her powerful vocals and genre-bending music, also received three awards during the pre-show. His song “El Día Que Perdí Mi Juventud” earned him the award for best alternative song, “Aprender A Amar” won for best rap/hip hop song, and his album “Grasa” earned him the award for best long-form music video. .

“Art is about putting your heart and your faith into it,” Peluso said as he accepted the final award. “Thanks to music and ‘Grasa’ for giving me so many blessings. It allowed me to find myself and create something I can be proud of.”

Peluso finished the night as the most awarded female artist at this year’s Latin Grammy awards.