Rauw Alejandro went big for his 2024 MTV Video Music Awards debut. On Wednesday night (Sept. 11), he captivated the audience with an action-packed performance alongside actor Anthony Ramos, proudly showcasing his Puerto Rican heritage.
Alejandro kicked off his performance with a cinematic and explosive entrance featuring Ramos. Once on stage, he delivered “Touch the Sky” wearing a sleek black trench coat. In a surprise highlight, Alejandro paid homage to Puerto Rican culture by performing “Diluvio” with traditional bomba dancers and musicians. He then took the audience back to the Lavoe era, singing and dancing to “Déjame Entrar” on a rooftop set, even getting Sabrina Carpenter moving to the song.
Rauw Alejandro was tied with Anitta as the most-nominated Latine artist of the night, with nominations for Best Latin, Best Cinematography, and Best Choreography for the “Touching the Sky” music video. These were his first MTV VMAs nominations, marking a significant milestone in his career. He is currently wrapping up his next album, Cosa Nuestra, inspired by Hector Lavoe and Willie Colón’s iconic LP of the same name.
Alejandro seemed to use the red carpet to welcome that era with oversized sunglasses that seemingly channeled Lavoe. The glasses were a nice and meaningful touch to the sleek sophistication of his all-black tailored ensemble.
Alejandro made a major career change last year after parting ways with his longtime manager Eric Duars. He has also teased a new era with his recent singles “Touching the Sky” and “Déjame Entrar.” Alejandro recently revealed that he has embraced his birth name with the new persona Raúl Alejandro y Su Orquesta. The name change marks a return to his Puerto Rican roots when salsa bandleaders ruled.