We got a desperately needed escape from reality watching this year’s 34th Premio Lo Nuestro awards show, which brought us all types of moments. From being at a groovy disco club to a rave to a rosebud-covered garden to even a whole church sermon (rebirth and all) — yeah, it was a lot to take in. But we were entertained! Between the glamorous red carpet fashion that challenged the traditional black-tie and gown attire to the ongoing talk and unexpected moment of Farruko’s televised religious rebirth, the award show took us through a journey from start to finish on Feb. 24.
The audience enjoyed a range of music performers from reggaeton to cheesy pop and even a taste of flamenco. The award show’s spectacles helped us escape this global and collective trauma with three hours of exciting performances that included tropical singer Olga Tañón, the surprising duo of Pepe Aguilar and El Fantasma, and even a #TBT moment with Wisin y Yandel. We witnessed steamy moments, including Anitta’s performance of “Envolver” and Romeo Santos’ “Sus Huellas.” And y’all know that Pitbull “Mr. 305” could not miss out on anything related to Miami; the entertainer came through, transforming the stage to an EDM event.
Of course, there was a moment of silence for the devastating war that is currently happening between Ukraine and Russia, which is inevitably in our minds as we get through the day. But even then, the audience was given the privilege to tune out of the real-life events and focus on entertainers that demonstrated their talents on screen for the night.
With that being said, here are some of our favorite performances of this year’s Premio Lo Nuestro — what impressed us, what inspired us, and what straight out had us wanting more.
Farruko's Gospel Reinterpretation of "Pepas"
The buzz has been all around Farruko’s recent life-changing events, where he has been shying away from singing his hits to open and pursue a new chapter of religion for himself. Premio Lo Nuestro allowed him to showcase this transition of faith and music, and he did it wonderfully. Farruko went through a religious rebirth through national TV, metaphorically letting go of his old music. In the midst of performing his medley, he gave a nod (almost a last goodbye) to his past hits such as “Pepas” and “El Incomprendido,” each reworked to a more haunting choir version. He then focused on his new era when he performed his new graceful single “Gracias” with Pedro Capo and O’Neill.
The Vicente Fernandez Opening Tribute
The opening number featuring vocals from Ángela Aguilar, Christian Nodal, Camilo, Grupo Firme, and David Bisbal dedicated to the late legend Vicente Fernandez moved the crowd. Each of them sang covers of the icon’s hits, then came together to sing “De qué manera te olvido.” With the background full of photos of “El Rey de la Música Ranchera,” it was hard not to think of his family in both mourning and appreciating the gesture.
Paulina Rubio's Untouchable Repertoire of Classics
This year’s “Trayectoria Award” went to La Chica Dorada’s three-decade-long trajectory, and she did not miss a beat performing her nine-song medley. Performing hit after hit – from “Ni Una Sola Palabra” to her English-language “Don’t Say Goodbye” to the classics “Mío” and “Yo No Soy Esa Mujer,” she reminded us why she’s still recognized with such prestigious awards. She is really that girl.
Angela Aguilar... That's It... That's the Tweet
The Princess of Mexican Music delivered a stunning performance dressed in an elegant rose budded light pink gown, surrounded in a flower-filled box singing “La Malagueña,” joined by her mariachi and flamenco dancers. She stays creating a peaceful aura through every performance.
Maluma Giving Papi Versace Behavior
Coming all badass in a motorcycle’s backseat, the recipient of the Ídolo Global award got on stage and instantly brought the electric and sensual vibe he is known for. Once the Colombian pop star starts performing, he keeps your attention. Last night, he sang “Mama Tetema,” “Cositas Del USA,” and “L.N.E.M. (GATA).”
Christian Nodal in His Feelings
In an emo-ranchero fashion, Nodal performed “Ya No Somos Ni Seremos” on a minimalistic stage. Surrounded by glimmering poles full of light bulbs, the ambiance was one of a romanticized sad cowboy. Decked in a red leather suit and black Tejana, Nodal brought us to our feelings thinking of our exes. Y’all know he’s going through a lot lately.
Sebastian Yatra's Disco Realness
Dressed in a glittery suit and dancing on a stage full of disco balls, Yatra brought the groove to Premio Lo Nuestro. One thing about Yatra is that he can make a crowd feel good — and he did just that as he performed his latest single, “Tacones Rojos.”