Juan Luis Guerra Triumphs at 25th Latin Grammys
Dominican singer Juan Luis Guerra, winner of Record of the Year for "Mambo 23," Best Merengue/Bachata Album for "Radio Güira," and Best Tropical Song for "Mambo 23" during the 25th Annual Latin Grammy Awards at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on November 14, 2024. ©Zak Bennett / AFP

Juan Luis Guerra triumphed at the 25th Latin Grammys, winning Best Record and Album for Mambo 23. The Miami gala celebrated Latin music legends, rising stars, and vibrant performances honoring the genre's rich history and cultural influence.

Juan Luis Guerra was the big winner at Thursday's Latin Grammys gala, taking home the coveted Best Record and Best Album prizes for his fusion hit Mambo 23 from the album Radio Guira.

The 25th-anniversary awards show was held at Miami's Kaseya Center, following last year’s ceremony in Spain—the first time the event took place outside the United States.

The festivities kicked off with a vibrant tribute to Carlos Vives, named the 2024 Person of the Year. Colombian stars Juanes, Camilo, and Sebastian Yatra joined Vives onstage to honor his legacy.

Jon Bon Jovi presented Vives with the Achievement Award, previously awarded to icons like Ruben Blades and Juanes. Bon Jovi also performed alongside Pitbull in an electrified club remix of "It’s My Life," titled "Now or Never."

Karol G won Best Urban Music Album for her mixtape Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), a year after her studio album of the same name claimed Album of the Year.

Tributes to Sergio Mendes

Luis Fonsi won Best Pop Vocal Album for El Viaje. Meanwhile, Edgar Barrera, known for producing hits with Karol G, Shakira, Peso Pluma, and Madonna, led the nominations with nine. He won three awards, including Songwriter and Producer of the Year.

Nathy Peluso also took home three awards, while reggaeton superstars Karol G and Bad Bunny each won a trophy.

Ultimately, it was Guerra, the 67-year-old credited with globally popularizing bachata, who emerged as the night’s standout winner.

Brazilian artist Anitta didn’t win any awards but celebrated her heritage onstage with a poignant tribute to Sergio Mendes, the bossa nova legend who passed away at 83 earlier this year.

Joe Jonas performed a bilingual version of Ela Taubert's viral hit Como Pasa?. Taubert later tearfully accepted the Best New Artist award. The duo’s remix will debut on streaming platforms at midnight.

The new category for Latin Electronic Music Performance went to Shakira and Argentine DJ Bizarrap for Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53 (Tiësto Remix).

The evening featured numerous performances, including an ode to regional Mexican music from Becky G, Angela Aguilar, Leonardo Aguilar, and top nominee Barrera, accompanied by a mariachi band performing Por el Contrario.

Marc Anthony headlined a joyous salsa tribute alongside stars like La India, performing classics such as Llorarás and Vivir Lo Nuestro.

With AFP

 

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