On Nov. 17, the Latin Grammys garnered today’s most-demanded stars in our communities to perform on one stage – and they did not disappoint. We were captivated by each performer’s talent and event production while also getting a glimpse of what their music career is all about. From reggaeton hits to heart-wrenching ranchera songs and eccentric tracks, our community’s talented artists repeatedly proved that Latine music couldn’t be put into one box.
This year, the award show took place at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay in Sin City, a switch-up from 2021’s MGM Grand Garden Arena. Nonetheless, the energy was at its highest and felt throughout the city.
Besides presenting the prestigious awards, the ceremony hosted 18 genre-bending performances from some of 2022’s most popular artists. These performances included: a tribute to the award show’s Person of the Year, Marco Antonio Solís, by the event’s hosts Thalia, Luis Fonsi, Laura Pausini, and with Sin Bandera, Carin León, Gente de Zona, Aymée Nuviola, and Goyo (ChocQuibTown); Romeo Santos singing his love-drunk anthem “Bebo”; and Carlos Vives and Camilo joined by Nicole Zignago and Best New Artist winner Silvana Estrada for a touching performance of “Baloncito Viejo.” The Brazilian global star Anitta hosted the award show and sang her hit “Envolver,” taking us to Brazil with a rhythmic medley.
Throughout the award ceremony, we also witnessed Nicky Jam performing his 2015 hit “El Perdón” with the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation scholarship winners. Additionally, we were treated to an exceptional performance of Jorge Drexler’s “Tocarte,” this time featuring the English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello; and Chiquis and Banda Recoditos’ union performance of “Entre Besos Y Copas,” and “Me Siento A Todo Dar.”
That wasn’t all, though – to continue celebrating the biggest night of Latine music, here are five of our favorite performances getting buzz from the Latin Grammys.
Rauw Alejandro’s Futuristic Medley
We’re here for Rauw’s futuristic Saturno era. While he didn’t give us aliens, he sure gave us an out-of-the-world experience. During his performance, he took us to another planet with his medley that consisted of “Desesperados,” “Lejos del Cielo,” “Más De Una Vez,” and “Punto 40.” How he accomplished what he did in less than five minutes is beyond us. But with the help of his oversized bug-eyed sunglasses, his Matrix-like dressed background dancers, and the actual JABBAWOCKEEZ, Rauw made it happen. Not only did the masked and silent dancers make an appearance, but they joined Rauw’s moves during “Punto 40.”
Christina Aguilera & Christian Nodal Team Up
Another surprising duo was the mariachi-assisted performance of Christina Aguilera and Christian Nodal. The two crooners sang “Cuando Me Dé la Gana” off Aguilera’s Latin Grammy-nominated album Aguilera – and needless to say, this was a moment to remember. The two complemented each other’s powerful heart-wrenching ranchera voices. We all know Xtina’s show-stopping voice is hard to miss, and we’re excited to see her sharing that talent within rancheras. Xtina and Nodal coming together on stage unlocked a Latin Grammy experience we didn’t know we needed.
Karol G's Sensual Extravaganza
Undoubtedly, Karol G is riding a successful wave this year. Following her viral $trip Love Tour, she’s already making an impression on this critical music award stage. She started her medley by singing her steamy track, “GATÚBELA,” under red lighting. She then switched the vibe up to her hit single “PROVENZA,” one of this year’s most-streamed songs. During this song, Karol took the performance to the audience, sharing the microphone with an excited fan. She then wrapped up her medley with her newest single, “CAIRO,” as she danced across the foggy stage. Karol was joined throughout her performance by her longtime collaborator, Ovy On The Drums, on the DJ decks. He produced two of the three jams performed.
Rosalía’s Eclectic Performance
The Spanish singer-songwriter swept this year’s Latin Grammy awards. Not only did she win four categories (including Album of The Year for MOTOMAMI), but she also delivered a minimalistic and genre-bending performance medley of “HENTAI,” “La Fama,” and “Despecha.” She served the audience a taste of the different genres she touches on her now Latin Grammy award-winning album — all while wearing an iconic glossy skin-tight Catwoman-like bodysuit. Furthermore, the icing on the cake was a quick dance with her boyfriend and fellow artist Rauw Alejandro during “Despecha,” which, unsurprisingly, had the crowd going.
Sebastián Yatra’s Performs Hit With John Legend
The popular Colombian artist sang his hit “Tacones Rojos” for the first time ever with artist John Legend on stage. They converted the popular song to a bilingual jam that had the audience on their feet. For this special performance, the camera’s POV was only black-and-white as Yatra started off the track in a minimalist squared stage. After the intro, Legend appears on stage with his English-language verse, accompanying Yatra’s original lyrics as Yatra makes his way to Legend. The two stars are then shown grooving on stage together, complemented by top-hatted background dancers with batons.