Bad Bunny and Selena Gomez were among the Latinx talent highlighted at this year’s Hispanic Heritage Awards. The night also included memorable performances from artists like Sech and Jessie Reyez.
Colombian singer-songwriter Sebastián Yatra hosted the 33rd Hispanic Heritage Awards. During this time of the COVID-19 (or Coronavirus) pandemic, the show consisted of pre-recorded speeches and performances that were shot in Latin America and the U.S.
The awards kicked off with Bad Bunny receiving the Vision Award for his work doubling as a Latin music superstar and celebrity activist. He’s continued to highlight his homeland of Puerto Rico’s need for national aid. “I have already been recognized many times musically, but that they recognize me in a more human way, in a more personal way, for my actions is a plus,” Benito said.
Yatra called Selena Gomez “a renaissance woman” who has “proudly paved the ways for Latinas in entertainment. The Mexican-American star received the Arts Award. “I’m just really grateful that I’ve had so many beautiful opportunities, and to be a voice in the [Latinx] community means a lot,” she said. “It’s a big responsibility and I love that. I promise more to come in the future for all kinds of stuff.”
Among the standout performances, Reyez sang a Spanglish version of her song “Far Away” next to an alter that included pictures of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Vanessa Guillén. Sech performed an acoustic take of his smash hit “Relación.” Legend Award recipient Linda Ronstadt was saluted by Latinas like Carla Morrison, La Marisoul, Lupita Infante, Gaby Moreno, and Jesse y Joy’s Joy Huerta singing her timeless tunes.
Other honorees of the night included America’s essential farmworkers, who were collectively highlighted with the Hero Award, Jessica Alba, who received the Business Award, and Yatra, the Inspira Award recipient. The Hispanic Heritage Awards aired on PBS and was streamed on PBS.org.
