Latin Grammys
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The 2023 Latin Grammys opened on a high note, and a culturally resonant choice, with the beautiful Rosalía.
With the awards show held in Seville, Spain, at Fibes on Thursday (Nov. 16), the Latin Grammy-winning singer performed the somber 1985 ballad “Se Nos Rompió El Amor,” originally sung by Rocío Jurado, written by La Magdalena and Manuel Alejandro — a great tribute to her native Spain.
“Se nos rompió el amor/ de tan grandioso/ jamas pudo existir/ tanta belleza” (or “Our love broke/ so great/ it could never have existed/ so much beauty”), she crooned with an enchanting vibrato, filled with gut-wrenching emotion. She wore a slinky-yet-elegant black gown, with her long hair down and golden earrings. Meanwhile, 21 flamenco guitarists backed her up. Her performance was received with a standing ovation.
November 16 is also the International Day of Flamenco, a centuries old genre that was born in Andalucía, making the the night even more special.
Notably, this marked the first instance of the Latin Grammys being hosted internationally, outside the confines of the U.S., adding an extra layer of significance to Rosalía’s performance in her homeland.
Last year, her third full-length Motomami earned her album of the year and best alternative music album at the awards show. This victory marked Rosalía as the first female artist to clinch the album of the year award twice as a lead artist.
The 2023 Latin Grammys feature performances from Andrea Bocelli, Alejandro Sanz, Bizarrap, Borja, Camilo, Carin León, Christian Nodal, David Guetta, DJ Premier, Édgar Barrera, Eslabón Armado, Feid, GALE, Iza, Joaquina, Juanes, Kany García, Laura Pausini, Leon Leiden, Maluma, Manuel Carrasco, Maria Becerra, Milo J, Natascha Falcão, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, Paola Guanche, Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro, Sebastián Yatra and Shakira.
Check back to Billboard.com throughout the night for the latest news on performances, special awards and more.
Laura Pausini assures that she will never forget the night she lived in Seville on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, when she became the first artist born outside of Latin America or Spain to be honored as the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, and only the third woman to receive the recognition (after Gloria Estefan and Shakira.)
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The Italian superstar, who over three decades has made sure to release each of her albums simultaneously in Spanish, conquered the Spanish-speaking world early on with anthems like “La Soledad,” “Se Fue,” “Inolvidable” and “Amores Extraños,” creating an unbreakable bond not only with her fans, but with her colleagues in the Latin industry — many of whom consider her a close friend today.
On Wednesday, on the eve of the Latin Grammy Awards, about 30 of them took the stage to celebrate her by performing songs from her well-known repertoire: From Alejandro Sanz, India Martínez and Ana Mena, who opened the evening with a medley of “Nadie Ha Dicho” and “Volveré Junto A Ti,” to Beret, Danny Ocean and Ovy on the Drums (playing keyboard,) who closed the show with “Se Fue” before handing over the mic to Pausini herself.
Accompanied by an orchestra, stars such as Andrea Bocelli, Luis Fonsi, David Bisbal, Carlos Vives, Anitta and many more surprised the honoree at the traditional annual dinner and concert, considered one of the most important events of Latin Grammy Week. Words like “reference”, “pride” and “modesty” resonated among the participants, who highlighted Pausini not only as an exceptional singer, but as a generous, warm and simple human being.
“Our person of the year is a genuine, authentic artist with a deep sensitivity, who has turned her lyrics into songs of all time,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, during the gala. “Winner of a Grammy and four Latin Grammys, Laura has always remained faithful to her romantic style and to a tireless search for musical excellence. And what you won’t find in any biography, but we all know, is that she is a great girl.”
Among the most notable performances of the night, Fonsi and David Bisbal sang “Inolvidable” with a vocal feat that earned them a standing ovation at the FIBES Seville Conference and Exhibition Centre. Mon Laferte and Christian Nodal offered a beautiful cover of “Como Si No Nos Hubiésemos Amado;” Andrea Bocelli sang an Italian version of Charles Aznavour’s “She”, “Uguale a Lei;” and Anitta and Tiago Iorc, along with trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, surprised everyone with a cover of the romantic ballad “En La Ausencia De Ti” in Portuguese.
Fonseca, Silvestre Dangond and Carlos Vives created one of the funniest moments with their version of “Quiero Decirte Que Te Amo” that started as a violins-led ballad and soon transformed into a vallenato, before culminating in a kind of fight between the three of them for the honoree’s love.
Pausini reacted to all this with laughter and tears, making hearts with her hands and even standing up to hug the singers on the edge of the stage. Evidently moved, she was accompanied by her parents, her sister, her husband Paolo Carta and her daughter Paola.
Also singing were Malú and Niña Pastori (“La Soledad”), Carin León and Vanesa Martín (“Amores Extraños”), Pablo López and Antonio Orozco (“Verdades A Medias”), Pablo Alborán and Elena Rose (“Yo Sí (Io sì )”), Reik and Bebe (“Entre Tú Y Mil Mares”), and Ángela Aguilar and Pepe Aguilar (“El Valor De Seguir Adelante”).
Fonsi, who called Pausini a “sister” and highlighted her spontaneity and great sense of humor, was the one to present her as the 2023 Person of the Year.
“Your passion, your ethics, your daily effort, your respect for the audience, for your colleagues, your respect for the stage, and your level of perfectionism — mi gente, when I say level of perfectionism it is a freaky, freaky, freaky level,” the Puerto Rican star said. “But that’s why you are what you are, that’s why you’re so great and you’ve come so far.”
Pausini, appealing to the sense of humor that her friend had just highlighted, sang “And I… I am the Person of the Year” to the melody of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” making everyone laugh.
“I will never forget this in my life. I will never live a night like this again,” she said upon receiving her trophy, thanking everyone involved in her career and in her life for accompanying through it all. She noted that, during the last 30 years, she has had a privileged life not only because she has “the great pleasure of being able to sing in Spanish,” but because from very early on she felt “adopted” by the Latin industry and community, “like a daughter, like a sister, like family.”
“You’ve raised me from a teenager until today, giving me the possibility of being the most Latin Italian in the world!” she exclaimed to cheers. “It seems to me that today is the day in which we confirm to the entire world that our adoption is legal, that our hands will not let go, and above all that our hearts will remain together. I promise this.”
With her husband and musical director on guitar, Pausini closed her big night on stage with a medley of “Durar”, “La Soledad”, “Víveme,” “En Cambio No”, and a cappella renditions of “Amores Extraños” and “Entre Tú Y Mil Mares.
Kany García, Camilo and Evaluna, among other artists, serenaded Alejandro Sanz at an event hosted by Sony Music during Latin Grammy week in Sevilla, officially welcoming the Spanish star to his new label.
Producer Javier Limón, a close friend of Sanz’s, hosted the event along with Afo Verde, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Latin-Iberia, and José María Barbat, president of Sony Music Iberia.
“We’re here on an unforgettable night because we have the opportunity to celebrate the arrival of Alejandro Sanz to our great Sony Music family,” said Verde, who signed Sanz to Sony this past June.
”We know the extraordinary artist that’s inside you. We know of your drive and passion for your work, your curiosity for new artists, the support you give those who are starting off, your generosity with your colleagues, your commitment to causes of fairness and the value of your friendship,” added Barbat.
Camilo, Evaluna, Niña Pastori, Kany García, J·Noa, Darumas, Yerai Cortés and Montse Cortés performed some of Sanz’s emblematic songs, including “Amiga Mía” (J Noa), “Cuando nadie me ve” (Kany García) and “Desde cuando” (Camilo y Evaluna). The honoree enjoyed the evening from a table set in a semi private area, from which he could see the performances.
Other artists, including Malú, Ana Mena, Arde Bogotá, Omar Montes, Reik, Nicki Nicole, Kenia OS and María José Llergo, were also at the event ,which took place in Hacienda Azahares.
This year, Sanz is nominated for a Latin Grammy for song of the year for “Nasa” alongside Camilo, and record of the year for “Correcaminos” with Danny Ocean.
Sanz thanked his “Dear Sony family” for the warm welcome. “It’s been a beautiful night to get together again and begin this new stage, in addition to a prelude to a week where we’ll celebrate music. Let’s enjoy and celebrate!” he said.
The 24th annual Latin Grammy Awards promises to be an unmissable celebration. This year’s ceremony will be the first to be held internationally, taking place at the Conference and Exhibition Centre, broadcasted from FIBES in Seville, Spain on Thursday (Nov. 16).
Sebastián Yatra, Roselyn Sánchez, Danna Paola, and Paz Vega will take on hosting duties for the event, featuring nominations spanning from Karol G to Shakira and Edgar Barrera (for full list of nominees, click here). The Latin Grammys will unite some of the most prominent figures in Latin music, celebrating their achievements and hits from the past year.
The telecast will air on Univision, UniMás, and Galavisión in the U.S. at 4:30 p.m. ET. In Spain, the broadcast on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) begins at 10:30 p.m. CET.
Discover who is performing, presenting and hosting the 2023 Latin Grammys, as well as how to watch below.
Performers
The following artists are among those who are confirmed to take center stage at the 2023 Latin Grammy Award Show:
Andrea Bocelli
Alejandro Sanz
Bizarrap
Borja
Camilo
Carin León
Christian Nodal
David Guetta
DJ Premier
Édgar Barrera
Eslabón Armado
Feid
GALE
Iza
Joaquina
Juanes
Kany García
Laura Pausini
Leon Leiden
Maluma
Manuel Carrasco
Maria Becerra
Milo J
Natascha Falcão
Ozuna
Pablo Alborán
Paola Guanche
Peso Pluma
Rauw Alejandro
Rosalía
Sebastián Yatra
Shakira
Presenters
Anitta
Carlos Ponce
Carlos Vives
John Leguizamo
Jorge Drexler
Luis Figueroa
Fonseca
Majo Aguilar
Mon Laferte
Natalia Lafourcade
Nicki Nicole
Pedro Capó
Tiago Iorc
Yandel
Hosts
Danna Paola
Paz Vega
Roselyn Sánchez
Sebastián Yatra
Person of the Year
Laura Pausini
“Laura Pausini is one of the most talented and beloved artists of her generation whose commitment to advocacy and equal rights is exemplary,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Throughout her more than three-decade career her extraordinary voice continually breaks down barriers across languages and genres, creating a special bond with audiences around the world.”
Pausini will be celebrated at a special star-studded gala and tribute concert, where an array of artist and friends will perform renditions of her renowned repertoire.
How to Watch
Viewers have the option to catch the Latin Grammys on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S. at 4:30 p.m. ET. In Spain, the broadcast on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) begins at 10:30 p.m. CET.
The ceremony will be televised on TNT at 7:30 p.m. in Mexico, 8:30 p.m. in Panama and Colombia, 9:30 p.m. in Venezuela, and 10:30 p.m. in Argentina and Chile.
The global reach of the event extends to over 80 countries, so be sure to check with your local broadcasters for additional airing details.
The 24th annual Latin Grammy Awards promises to be an unmissable celebration. This year’s ceremony will be the first to be held internationally, taking place at the Conference and Exhibition Centre, broadcasted from FIBES in Seville, Spain on Thursday (Nov. 16).
Sebastián Yatra, Roselyn Sánchez, Danna Paola, and Paz Vega will take on hosting duties for the event, featuring nominations spanning from Karol G to Shakira and Edgar Barrera (for full list of nominees, click here). The Latin Grammys will unite some of the most prominent figures in Latin music, celebrating their achievements and hits from the past year.
The telecast will air on Univision, UniMás, and Galavisión in the U.S. at 4:30 p.m. ET. In Spain, the broadcast on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) begins at 10:30 p.m. CET.
Discover who is performing, presenting and hosting the 2023 Latin Grammys, as well as how to watch below.
Performers
The following artists are among those who are confirmed to take center stage at the 2023 Latin Grammy Award Show:
Andrea Bocelli
Alejandro Sanz
Bizarrap
Borja
Camilo
Carin León
Christian Nodal
David Guetta
DJ Premier
Édgar Barrera
Eslabón Armado
Feid
GALE
Iza
Joaquina
Juanes
Kany García
Laura Pausini
Leon Leiden
Maluma
Manuel Carrasco
Maria Becerra
Milo J
Natascha Falcão
Ozuna
Pablo Alborán
Paola Guanche
Peso Pluma
Rauw Alejandro
Rosalía
Sebastián Yatra
Shakira
Presenters
Anitta
Carlos Ponce
Carlos Vives
John Leguizamo
Jorge Drexler
Luis Figueroa
Fonseca
Majo Aguilar
Mon Laferte
Natalia Lafourcade
Nicki Nicole
Pedro Capó
Tiago Iorc
Yandel
Hosts
Danna Paola
Paz Vega
Roselyn Sánchez
Sebastián Yatra
Person of the Year
Laura Pausini
“Laura Pausini is one of the most talented and beloved artists of her generation whose commitment to advocacy and equal rights is exemplary,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Throughout her more than three-decade career her extraordinary voice continually breaks down barriers across languages and genres, creating a special bond with audiences around the world.”
Pausini will be celebrated at a special star-studded gala and tribute concert, where an array of artist and friends will perform renditions of her renowned repertoire.
How to Watch
Viewers have the option to catch the Latin Grammys on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S. at 4:30 p.m. ET. In Spain, the broadcast on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) begins at 10:30 p.m. CET.
The ceremony will be televised on TNT at 7:30 p.m. in Mexico, 8:30 p.m. in Panama and Colombia, 9:30 p.m. in Venezuela, and 10:30 p.m. in Argentina and Chile.
The global reach of the event extends to over 80 countries, so be sure to check with your local broadcasters for additional airing details.
The 10 2023 Latin Grammy nominees for best new artist showed what they’re made of on Tuesday night (Nov. 14) at the Best New Artist Showcase. The event hosted by the Latin Recording Academy for the second consecutive year highlights and promotes these emerging talents.
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From Colombian singer-songwriter Maréh to Puerto Rican artist GALE, Brazilian singer Natascha Falcão, Mexican band Conexión Divina, Colombian pop/rock trio Timø, Venezuelan singer-songwriter Joaquina and more, one-by-one they took the stage to perform a song of their own and another one by an artist who’s inspired them.
“This is a very significant event within Latin Grammy Week because it elevates the nominees in the category of best new artist, and this category gives life to a fundamental part of the Academy’s mission, which is to celebrate the new generation of creators and support them on their path on the world stages,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, at the beginning of the ceremony.
“With these types of initiatives we reaffirm our commitment to supporting new talents. Especially… where diversity and inclusion are promoted,” he added. “The 10 nominees who will perform on this stage today represent precisely that, and they require your full support.”
Held at the Centro Cultural Magallanes in Seville, Spain, the showcase began with host David Bisbal — winner of the Latin Grammy for best new artist in 2003 — performing a medley of hits, including “Esclavo de sus Besos,” “Bulería” and “Ave María,” which got the crowd dancing. “Twenty years ago I was nominated to this same award, so I can understand perfectly what this means to them,” the Spaniard star said.
This year, each nominee was introduced by a well-known artist who served as their “godparent.” Carlos Vives supported Colombian singer Ana del Castillo, saying that she “represents the female revolution of vallenato”; Christian Nodal presented Conexión Divina, noting that “regional Mexican music is experiencing a historic moment largely thanks” to young people like them; Yotuel introduced GALE, whom he called “an incredible musician… [whose] spirit will make her conquer the whole world”; and Gaby Moreno backed Joaquina, whom she praised for her “tremendous talent for capturing experiences and feelings of her generation.”
The latter two were among the most applauded of the night, with Joaquina performing a cover of “Es Por Ti” by Juanes accompanied by the in-house band and a powerful piano rendition (which she played herself) of her ballad “Rabia”. GALE, who closed the showcase, played her hit “Problemas” and Shakira’s “Inevitable.”
Other nominees who had outstanding performances included Mexican singer Paola Guanche, who presented her soulful ballad “Prohibido” and Celia Cruz’s classic “Bemba Colorá;” Conexión Divina, with their sublime “Odio” and Marco Antonio Solís’ “Si No Te Hubieras Ido;” and the Brazilian Falcão with a beautiful performance of her song in Portuguese “Banho de Flor.”
Maréh brought some bossa nova flavor with “Amuleto” and also performed “Pedro Navaja” by Rubén Blades; León Leiden sang “A Thousand Ways” and Miguel Bosé’s “Morena Mía;” Ana del Castillo performed “A Medias” and a cover of “Amores Extraños” by Laura Pausini; Mexican Borja “Rimas del Verbo Amar” and Alejandro Sanz’s “Y Si Fuera Ella;” and Timø “Conquistar El Planeta” plus “Mariposa Tecknicolor” by Fito Páez.
The annual Latin Grammys — which will be held outside the United States for the first time — will be broadcast from the Conference and Exhibition Centre in Seville, Spain on Thursday (Nov. 16) at 8 p.m. ET on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 p.m. CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Danna Paola, Sebastián Yatra, Roselyn Sánchez and Paz Vega will serve as co-hosts.
Carin León gave a brief but magical show on Tuesday night (November 14) during Latin Grammy week at the Amazon event “La Cultura that Connects Us” in Seville, Spain. The Mexican music star surprised his fans with a series of duets that included Spanish singer Omar Montes, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Kany García and Mexican icon Pepe Aguilar, in an apparently improvised moment.
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With the former, he performed his new collaboration “Ron con Coca,” released exclusively through Amazon Music earlier this month and which combines traditional sounds from both countries. “Up with Spanish music!” said León when inviting Montes to join him onstage, with the Spaniard artist adding that he somewhat nervous because it was the first time they were performing it live.
A bit later, he called García to sing their July-released collab “Te Lo Agradezco,” with both showing off their great vocal prowess. But one of the biggest surprises was Aguilar, who was enjoying the show with his daughter, singer Ángela Aguilar, in the front row and their preseence did not go unnoticed by León.
“As maestro Pepe Aguilar taught me,” León said after reaching hight notes with impressive power, immediately inviting him to come up and sing something with him. “And what are we going to sing, güey? No manches!” Aguilar told him once onstage. After a quick exchange, they decided on José Alfredo Jiménez’s classic “Te Solté la Rienda,” creating beautiful harmonies on the spot.
Held outdoors at the emblematic Setas de Sevilla — an imposing white pergola-shaped structure located in the central Plaza de la Encarnación — the show began with a performance by Spanish singer María José Llergo, who also impressed with her combination of flamenco and pop.
Latin Grammy Week ends on Thursday (Nov. 16) with the annual awards ceremony, which will be held for the first time outside the United States, at the Conference and Exhibition Centre in Seville. The show will air starting at 8 p.m. ET on Univision, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 p.m. CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain.
Watch Tuesday’s performances by Carin León and María José Llergo below.
The 24th Latin Grammy Week celebrations continue in Seville, Spain, with a unique tribute to Flamenco in The Plaza España on Monday (Nov. 13). Among the celebrities that assisted the gala were Anitta, Danna Paola, David Bisbal, Juanes, Lola Índigo, Pablo López and more.
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“Flamenco Is Universal” was held during the Santalucía Universal Music Week, where more than 130 artists gathered to perform and create an audiovisual work.
Jesús López, the Chairman and CEO of Universal Latin America and Iberian Peninsula, kicked off the evening with a powerful speech that resonated with the audience. He highlighted that Spanish music has traveled far and wide across the globe and stated unequivocally that flamenco, a proud national legacy, is indeed a universal art form.
Jesus Lopez
“Flamenco is a way of living, it is a way of expressing yourself, it is a way of behaving in life, it has many connotations, UNESCO declares it an intangible heritage of humanity. It is a music that is highly discussed because the purists want it to be one way. Still, today, a young generation is fusing flamenco with hip-hop, with reggaeton, with electronic music, and that shows you that flamenco is more alive than ever,” López told Billboard during the red carpet.
At the red carpet event, David Bisbal, Vanessa Martin, Pablo López, and other emerging pop flamenco artists such as Lola Índigo, spoke to Billboard to express how significant it is for them to share their folkloric music traditions with the world and what it means to them.
The evening began with a performance by Rosario, the daughter of the iconic Lola Flores. The artists graced the stage for almost four hours, starting with a beautiful rendition of Granaínas by Doña Carmen Linares, who was awarded the Latin GRAMMY of Honor in 2023.
All the flamenco families were seated in the front row: Camarón’s sons and widow, Paco de Lucía’s daughters and his widow, La Farruca surrounded by her children, and the Morente family. All of them attended with admiration for the tributes to their sagas, brought to the stage by Tomatito, la Macanita, Niño Josele, Rancapino Chico, Pedro El Granaíno or Marina Heredia, among others. Vicente Soto with his daughter Lela took Jerez to the stage; Dorantes played the piano for Alba Molina to pay tribute to her parents; and Lole and Manuel, and the Morente family (Estrella and Kiki), backed by their usual lineup, paid a heartfelt tribute to Enrique, whose voice was heard in his immortal Omega.
At the halfway point of the gala, Sara Baras appeared with her tribute to Carmen Amaya, who left the audience stunned after the cante and toque that characterized the first part of the show. She was followed by Israel Fernández and Diego del Morao, who paid tribute to the Niña de los Peines.
The president of the Junta de la Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, the mayor of Seville, José Luis Sanz, Sebastián Yatra, Juanes, Anitta, David Bisbal, Manuel Carrasco, Danna Paola, Lola Indigo, Pablo López, Joaquina, Greeicy, Vanesa Martín, Pastora Soler, Los Morancos, Nati Abascal, Morat, Antonio Carmona, Timø, Boris Izaguirre and a long eclectic list of personalities of music, acting, journalism and culture enjoyed a special sound: the flamenco.
Held for the first time outside the United States, the annual Latin Grammys will be broadcast from the Conference and Exhibition Centre in Seville, Spain, on Nov. 16 on Univision starting at 8 p.m. ET, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 p.m. CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Danna Paola, Sebastián Yatra, Roselyn Sánchez and Paz Vega will serve as co-hosts.
The 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards Week commenced its festivities in Seville, Spain on Sunday (Nov. 12) with the Special Awards presentation. The honorees of the evening included esteemed figures such as Carmen Linares, Mijares, Arturo Sandoval, Simone, Soda Stereo, Ana Torroja, Alex Acuña, Gustavo Santaolalla, and Wisón Torres, all recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Latin music landscape.
“We are extremely honored for the opportunity to recognize these great figures of Ibero-America, whose musical legacy continues to inspire new generations,” Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud said of the 2023 honorees.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is granted to artists who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in the field of Latin music. This year, the honorees include Spanish singer-songwriter Carmen Linares, renowned for her profound grasp of flamenco; Mexican artist Mijares, after spending three decades in the industry scoring international hits; and Arturo Sandoval, a Cuban-American trumpeter and co-founder of the groundbreaking group Irakere, who has displayed his versatility in Latin jazz and classical composition.
Also recognized were the iconic Argentine rock group Soda Stereo; Brazilian singer Simone, who left an indelible mark on the MPB movement with her prolific discography; and Ana Torroja, the voice of the Spanish pop trio Mecano, who embarked on a successful solo career and has experimented with a variety of musical styles.
The Trustees Awards are given to individuals who have made substantial contributions to Latin music beyond performance. This year’s winners were Argentine composer Gustavo Santaolalla, for his pioneering work in various genres, particularly Latin rock; Peruvian percussionist Alex Acuña, who left his mark on the tropical music scene; and Puerto Rican guitarist Wisón Torres, for his unique ability to arrange and harmonize vocal quartets, leaving a lasting impact on Latin American music throughout his more than 75-year career.
The honorees were celebrated during a private event in the Teatro Lope de Vega in Sevilla, Spain. Below are quotes and more information about the nine honorees.
Alex Acuña
Image Credit: Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for Latin Recording Academy
Who will have a big night at the 2023 Latin Grammys? Each year, Billboard offers its analysis of who will win and who should win in the main categories (song of the year, record of the year, album of the year and best new artist).
This year, leading up to Latin Grammys on Thursday (Nov. 16), we’ve gathered our Latin editorial team and embarked on a lively discussion, with educated guesses based on the marketplace and past voting behavior (not endorsements). Our participants are Leila Cobo, Billboard’s chief content officer, Latin/Español; Jessica Roiz, assistant editor, Latin; Griselda Flores, senior writer, Latin; Ingrid Fajardo, social media manager & Latin’s staff writer; Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard Español’s deputy editor; and Isabela Raygoza, Billboard Español’s associate editor.
For the first time held outside the United States, the annual Latin Grammys will be broadcast from the Conference and Exhibition Centre in Seville, Spain on Nov. 16 on Univision starting at 8 p.m. ET, UniMás and Galavisión in the U.S., and at 10:30 p.m. CET on Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) in Spain. Danna Paola, Sebastián Yatra, Roselyn Sánchez and Paz Vega will serve as co-hosts.
Here are our predictions:
“No Es Que Te Extrañe,” Christina Aguilera
“Carretera y Manta,” Pablo Alborán
“Déjame Llorarte,” Paula Arenas Featuring Jesús Navarro
“Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” Bizarrap Featuring Shakira
“Si Tú Me Quieres,” Fonseca & Juan Luis Guerra
“Mientras Me Curo Del Cora,” Karol G
“De Todas Las Flores,” Natalia Lafourcade
“Ojos Marrones,” Lasso
“La Fórmula,” Maluma & Marc Anthony
“Despechá,” Rosalía
“Correcaminos,” Alejandro Sanz Featuring Danny Ocean
Griselda Flores: I think Shakira and Bizarrap should win and will win. “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” is the perfect example of a song that should be up for record of the year, because this honors the producer and Bizarrap is super hot right now. Pair him up with Shakira, who’s had a massive year, and they double their chances of winning. They are two well-known names for voters, and because of that and because the production of this song is incomparable, it deserves to win. That music session also had a massive impact culturally — it was playing everywhere!
Leila Cobo: The Shakira Bizarrap session should win. I think that the way Bizarrap produced this track is really masterful — so is the way he produces every track for every artist, but what he did here, just like quoting her old songs and making the references that are both lyrical and musical, is so clever. He was able to read her. There’s a lot to discover in that song, and I think from a production standpoint, it was brilliantly done. It’s a great example of production and songwriting being done at the same time — you could almost see this whole thing being created before your eyes. However, I’m not sure it will win. Voters might go for Christina Aguilera’s “No Es Que Te Extrañe,” Pablo Alborán’s “Carretera y Manta” or Fonseca and Juan Luis Guerra’s “Si Tú Me Quieres,” which is a beautiful song.
Sigal Ratner-Arias: I agree with you, Leila. I feel that Bizarrap’s song with Shakira stands out, because it’s so different and so original musically, in terms of the lyrics and how it’s put together. It’s very masterfully done, every detail of the song is perfect. On the other hand, I don’t know if it’s going to win, because it could go to “Si Tú Me Quieres,” which is very beautiful. I re-listened to Lasso’s “Ojos Marrones” and I think it’s perfect pop from start to finish and beautifully produced. That has a chance, too.
Isabela Raygoza: Not to jump on the bandwagon but the Shakira-Bizarrap session is also my favorite, although I suspect the winner could be Natalia Lafourcade’s “De Todas Las Flores.” I think it’s such a beautiful recording. She’s a darling for the Latin Grammys and it was captured on analog tape and produced by Adan Jodorowsky, the French-Mexican producer, who is a fantastic musician. The live instruments and how the orchestration comes together really did it for me. I predict that song will win, but my favorite is Bizarrap and Shakira’s session.
Natalia Lafourcade performs in concert during Noches del Botánico Music Festival at Real Jardín Botánico Alfonso XIII on July 8, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.
Jessica Roiz: I would love to see Shakira and Bizarrap take it, because it would make a statement given how powerful this song was when it dropped at the beginning of the year. However, I do have other favorites on this list that have grown on me musically. “La Formula” is one of those, because it has really good melodies — it’s not your typical salsa song, it has some urban in there. I feel that the Recording Academy noticed it too, and that’s why it’s on the list. But I also agree with Sigal about “Ojos Marrones.” I wouldn’t be mad if Lasso takes it.
Ingrid Fajardo: It would be nice if Shakira won, but I feel that it also might not go to her. I agree about “Ojos Marrones” having a big chance, but my favorite is Karol G’s “Mientras Me Curo del Cora.” The way they created that song with the chorus really moved me. That added a lot to the production.
La Cu4rta Hoja, Pablo Alborán
A Ciegas, Paula Arenas
De Adentro Pa Afuera, Camilo
Décimo Cuarto, Andrés Cepeda
Vida Cotidiana, Juanes
Mañana Será Bonito, Karol G
De Todas Las Flores, Natalia Lafourcade
Play, Ricky Martin
EADDA9223, Fito Paez
Escalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así, Carlos Vives
Ratner-Arias: Natalia is on the list and she is a darling, and presents another album with classic sounds and deep lyrics, folkloric and poetic sounds. But Karol’s Mañana Será Bonito presents a very contemporary and eclectic album with an inspiring message of empowerment, and it touched the hearts of so many people. This is the album of the year with songs like “Provenza,” “Mientras Me Curo del Cora,” “TQG” with Shakira. It should win, and hopefully it will.
Cobo: I second all of that. And yes, the Latin Grammys could make a statement by giving it to a woman, but also give value the things that are [commercially] successful. But Juanes or Natalia Lafourcade could also win.
Flores: I will say these are all solid albums — it’s a tough choice. I had to write up this category for our Latin Grammys guide, so I listened to all the nominated sets and some here are truly moving. Paula Arenas and Andres Cepeda’s respective albums are really gorgeous. But I do have to say that Mañana Será Bonito, being as intentional as it is and a history-making album, should win and will win. Karol G deserves that recognition. I’m rooting for her.
Fajardo: Karol’s album was a complete mix of everything, and it was super empowering, but in a soulful way: the importance of healing yourself. That album made me feel all the emotions, and you don’t always connect like that with an entire album.
Raygoza: I actually also really like Carlos Vives’ album. I know it’s not a popular choice, but it’s a beautiful contribution to Latin music in general. While he continues to update vallenato for this generation, he does resurrect the music de Rafael Escalona, whom he famously played in his telenovela. He delivers that zest for life, the music, the production, and I really love that he honors Escalona’s unique way of songwriting. The lyrics and the music are beautiful, and it offers diversity to the Latin genre.
Roiz: Maybe Carlos Vives can take this one. He puts so much hard work and research into all his projects. He’s so passionate about his genre, and that reflects in his music, so I feel that his hard work will be rewarded as album of the year. He goes that extra mile to bring out these types of albums, like he did with Cumbiana. But I also think Vida Cotidiana by Juanes could win because it’s Juanes’ comeback album. But Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito should win. More than Karol experimenting with genres, it really shows her healing process, and it made a lot of us heal along with her.
Carlos Vives in 2023.
“Acróstico,” Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno, L.E.X.U.Z, Luis Fernando Ochoa & Shakira, songwriters (Shakira)
“Amigos,” Pablo Alborán & Maria Becerra, songwriters (Pablo Alborán Featuring Maria Becerra)
“De Todas Las Flores,” Natalia Lafourcade, songwriter (Natalia Lafourcade)
“Ella Baila Sola,” Pedro Julian Tovar Oceguera, songwriter (Eslabon Armado, Peso Pluma)
“NASA,” Edgar Barrera, Camilo & Alejandro Sanz, songwriters (Camilo & Alejandro Sanz)
“Ojos Marrones,” Luis Jiménez, Lasso & Agustín Zubillaga, songwriters (Lasso)
“Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” Santiago Alvarado, Bizarrap, Kevyn Mauricio Cruz & Shakira, songwriters (Bizarrap Featuring Shakira)
“Si Tú Me Quieres,” Fonseca, Yadam González & Yoel Henríquez, songwriters (Fonseca & Juan Luis Guerra)
“TQG,” Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Karol G, Ovy On The Drums & Shakira, songwriters (Karol G Featuring Shakira)
“un X100to,” Bad Bunny, Edgar Barrera, Marco Daniel Borrero & Andres Jael Correa Rios, songwriters (Grupo Frontera Featuring Bad Bunny)
Flores: I would love to say that “Ella Baila Sola” is going to win, but I think this made more sense as record of the year, because the sound is so refreshing and it put at the forefront a new style of musica Mexicana with charchetas, trambones, a tololoche. I’m not sure it has a good chance to win song of the year. My prediction is that “un x100to” will win, because the Academy will want to recognize a regional Mexican song, and with superstar Bad Bunny attached and Edgar Barrera as its songwriter — who is the most nominated artist this year — I think it could take the award.
Cobo: This is a hard one. I think “Ella Baila Sola” could win. It so deserves to win. The other day I was in an Uber with a Cuban driver who he had a playlist of reggaeton, and suddenly “Ella Baila Sola” comes on. This song pierced through everything. This is perhaps the only regional Mexican song that doesn’t live solely on regional Mexican playlists. I think that song should win, I hope it does. It’s a gem. If not, “TQG” by Karol and Shakira could win. But if they are going to go the Grammy way, it could go to Alejandro Sanz and Camilo for “NASA.”
Pedro Tovar de Eslabón Armado y Peso Pluma
Raygoza: I also agree that “Ella Baila Sola” should’ve been in record of the year category. It really gets you up on your feet. It’s transcended so much. This category is one of the most difficult for me because there are so many good ones. I want to mention Shakira’s music session with Bizarrap. Leila wrote a great article where she dissected the lyrics and how forward and upfront it is to name-call someone, but in such a brilliant way. The unapologetic storytelling is a significant departure from the typical breakup song. The songwriting in general is so bold, and I think it would be unconventional for the Academy to award this song, but I do feel that it embodies all characteristics to win this category as well. However, it’s not the song I think will win. Grupo Frontera and Bad Bunny integrated in an incredible way to bring that song to life. The songwriting is very clever, and I love the way that the title “un x100to” juxtaposes the enduring power of love with the short-lived life of a cellphone. Bad Bunny’s way of delivering the song is seamless. It’s an irresistible cumbia, norteño song.
Ratner-Arias: I would love to see that song win but, although it may come as a surprise to you, of all three Shakira songs that are here, the one that has the best chance of winning song of the year is “Acróstico.” It is one of the most sensitive and vulnerable songs, not from a Colombian superstar, but from a mother and wife. It has heartbreakingly sensitive lyrics, written in an acoustic way with the names of her children, and Shakira exhibits a mixture of vulnerability and strength while trying to come out of that dark stage of her life. I think “Acróstico” has a chance.
Roiz: I would say “Ella Baila Sola” and “Un x100to” should win for the reasons you’ve all mentioned. Regional Mexican has had such a big moment, so how can the genre not win song of the year? But also “TQG” is up there for me, because everytime I hear it, I think of how important it is for women now to listen to this song because it’s so full of empowerment. This isn’t the type of songs we grew up with, which had a more submissive theme.
Fajardo: I feel that “NASA” has a high probability of winning. Regardless of the fact that they are all darlings, Camilo, Alejandro Sanz and Edgar Barrera, this song thrives in storytelling. I would also like Shakira and Bizarrap to win — the way they composed the song is incredible.
Borja
Conexión Divina
Ana Del Castillo
Natascha Falcão
Gale
Paola Guanche
Joaquina
Leon Leiden
Maréh
Timø
Flores: I think this is a good best new artist category. Mostly all artists nominated are actually super new. I think GALE should win. For starters, she’s been a songwriter for major artists — that will help her — and now she’s making a space for herself as a recording artist. She’s talented both as a singer and songwriter. Her sound is very different too — she can do pop, rock, ballad, urban. She’s very diverse, and I like what she brings to the table.
Cobo: It’s a big advantage that GALE has written for a lot of big names. She’s been in the room with a lot of writers and producers, a lot of people that vote, and that will go in her favor.
Ratner-Arias: I am between GALE and Joaquina. GALE seems to be a spectacular artist — we saw her in concert last year at Latin Music Week, and she impacted me there. She’s also written for many people, so she has the chops, she has the look, she has everything to be a super artist and she will go far. But the award will go to Joaquina. Since she emerged from Julio Reyes Copello’s Arthouse before signing with Universal, I was impressed by her ability to tell stories with deep themes that affect her generation, with a lyrical and musical sensibility that goes beyond her years.
Juan Luis Guerra told me the other day, “Have you heard Joaquina?,” because he knows I am Venezuelan. He is impressed by her and told me that she reminds him of Shakira in her beginnings. I feel that she has connected with her generation, the girls at her shows sing at the top of their lungs. She has a sweetness, charisma and sincerity that is necessary among so much superficiality. She has much deeper lyrics of the same love that Shakira once sang about in her beginnings.
GALE photographed on October 3, 2023 at the Faena Forum in Miami.
Roiz: I would like to see GALE take this award. I remember we had a WhatsApp dinner two years ago in Los Angeles for Women’s History Month, and I sat next to her and that’s where I met her. She told me she was so nervous about launching her music career. Everything about her — from her personality to her lyrics about unsolicited D-pics, which is something her generation deals with — is very honest, which I like, and she is like a modern-day Avril Lavigne, a rocker girl who can adapt to any genre. I hope she wins. I’m also a sucker for Leon Leiden because he’s so innovative. He’s also so refreshing, but I don’t think he’ll win.
Raygoza: When I saw GALE sing live in New York, I was very impressed. She reminded me of female rockers of the ’90s. She has that essence — her delivery, her confidence. She’s very cool and very likable. Another nominee I would like to see win is Ana del Castillo. She has a powerful voice and she is very promising in the vallenato genre. She’s been around and has a trajectory in the genre and she boasts a very tough persona. She’s sensual but tough and can hang out with the boys. I like that tough personality in a female to show that badass-ery. Either GALE or Ana would be cool to win the award.
Fajardo: I like GALE. She has a very good chance of winning. I’m with Isabela about Ana del Castillo, because she is the only woman who represents her genre. She may be a bit too sexy, but she is the female version of vallenato. But I’m not sure she has a real chance of winning.