There’s never a dull moment on the biggest night for Latine music. The 23rd annual Latin Grammy Awards brought the heat to Las Vegas, NV, and gathered many of the biggest names in music under one roof at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay on Nov. 17.
The Latin Recording Academy pulled all the stops with their programming that night. Thalía, Luis Fonsi, Laura Pausini, and Anitta were on co-hosting duties and led the audience through the exciting ceremony. They opened the show with a medley in tribute to Marco Antonio Solís, who was being honored that evening as the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year. A starry lineup of performers included Rauw Alejandro, Christina Aguilera with Christian Nodal, Karol G, Rosalía, Sebastián Yatra, among others. Co-host Anitta also cleared some room in her schedule for a memorable performance.
The major winners that night include Uruguayan vet Jorge Drexler who earned six trophies, and Bad Bunny, trailing closely behind with five awards. With all the different genres and nationalities being represented, this year’s ceremony further proved that Latine music and its many talented recording artists are making major waves around the globe.
Beyond the incredible performances and hard-earned trophies, there were major moments that left fans chattering both inside the arena and those watching the broadcast at home. From historic and heartwarming wins to a performance that may have been too hot for TV to handle, this year’s Latin Grammys was a crowd-pleaser and an unforgettable night. These are some of our favorite moments.
Bad Bunny’s “Tití Me Preguntó” Becomes First Dembow Track to Win a Grammy
History was made before the ceremony could formally begin when Bad Bunny’s megahit “Tití Me Preguntó” won a Latin Grammy for “Best Urban,” becoming the first dembow song to ever be awarded a Grammy. “I dedicate this Grammy to the Dominican Republic,” he wrote on Twitter, acknowledging dembow’s Dominican origins. “And to the entire movimiento of dembow. To the artists, producers, dancers, video directors! Thank you for the inspiration, this Grammy is for you.”
“Tití Me Preguntó” also earned another award for “Best Urban Fusion.” Benito could not be present as he continues his historic and record-breaking “World’s Hottest Tour. in South America.
Liniker Becomes First Trans Artist to Win a Latin Grammy
A long overdue honor was awarded before the broadcast when Liniker made history as the first trans person to win a Latin Grammy. The Brazilian singer-songwriter’s Indigo Borboleta Anil won “Best MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) Album.” “It’s the first time a transgender artist wins a Grammy,” she said in her acceptance speech before receiving a standing ovation and bursting into tears.
95-Year-Old Singer Becomes Oldest Person to Win “Best New Artist”
One of the most awe-inspiring moments of the evening came when Ángela Álvarez became the oldest person to win “Best New Artist” at 95. “I would like to thank the Academy and everyone who helped me to get to this moment,” said Álvarez while reading her notes. In her acceptance speech, she also thanked her late daughter Marucha and her grandson, producer Carlos José Álvarez, who was by her side for the big moment.
“To those who have yet to achieve their dreams: even though life is difficult, there’s always a way out,” she continued. “With faith and love you can achieve it, I promise you. It’s never too late.” Even through the broadcast, you could tell that members of the audience were getting misty-eyed as they leaped to their feet for a standing ovation.
The Cuban singer-songwriter was the subject of Miss Angela, a documentary released last year that followed her journey from living in pre-revolutionary Cuba to her professional music debut at age 90.
Anitta’s Set Was Too Hot for TV – & Sebastián Yatra Felt the Heat
Anitta, who was on co-hosting duties, also had the honor of being one of several performers on the star-studded performance lineup. After singing her hit single “Envolver,” she closed out her set with a Brazilian funk medley that included “Rave de Favela,” “Machika,” and “Vai Malandra.”
That segment may have proven to be too hot and heavy for Univisión. The network seemingly blurred moments of the performance where Anitta and her league of dancers twerked to the rhythms. However, Brazil’s simulcast of the ceremony on TNT was not altered.
In another blink-and-you-miss-it moment, Anitta spotted Colombian singer Sebastián Yatra in the front row and took an opportunity to dance with him. Now that they’ve gotten this out of the way, is it too soon to ask for a collaboration from them?
Rosalía Reaches New Milestone with Historic “Album of the Year” Win
Rosalía broke yet another major record when MOTOMAMI was awarded “Album of the Year” at the end of the night. With the honor, the Spanish singer has become the first female artist to win the honor twice. Rosalía’s El Mal Querer album won in 2019. She ties with Calle 13 and Luis Miguel as the third most-awarded recording artists in the category. Rosalía was also the most awarded female of the night, with four total wins.
“MOTOMAMI is the album I’ve had to fight the most for,” she said during her acceptance speech. “But I kept moving forward and it’s given me the most joy. Thank you for always supporting my music.” The singer doesn’t seem to show signs of slowing down soon, as she mentioned in her speech that she will hit the recording studio the following day.