Photo: Sharon Lopez
Javiera Mena
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Javiera Mena On New Passion-Fueled EP 'I. Entusiasmo' & Being The First Lesbian Latina To Perform At Coachella
Chilean synth-pop queen Javiera Mena shares the inspiration behind her latest project, 'I. Entusiasmo,' and helping open doors for the LGBTQ+ community on stage in the Latin music industry
In her latest music video, "Diva," Javiera Mena celebrates LGBTQ+ culture as people from all walks of life get their lives on the dance floor to the empowering icy club cut from her new EP, I. Entusiasmo. The Chilean synth-pop queen has always let her rainbow flag fly high throughout her career and in the video, there is no dance floor more liberating than hers. As people dance to her rhythm, she sings to the diva of the night: "I am so ready, my love/ To receive your sensuality."
"It's very much an anthem for the community," Mena tells GRAMMY.com. "The video is out in time for Pride and my birthday was on June 3, so it’s a very queer celebration."
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In the EP, released on May 26, Mena comes through with more club-ready jams. While she's now known for her fresh dance tracks, Mena started out as an alternative singer/songwriter with her coming-of-age LP. The leading electronic artist in Latin music also throws in a few ballads on the new EP that are reminiscent of her debut album, 2006's Esquemas Juveniles. Now coming on 15 years into her career, it is evident she's continuing to look into the future of dance music. As Mena continues to expand in the scene, she’s making space for queerness in the Latin music industry. From the get-go, she’s represented the LGBTQ+ community as an openly lesbian artist. One of her most memorable messages was through her 2014 Otra Era single "Espada" where her love for electronic music and her queer identity intersect. In the '80s-styled visual, swords are flying and women holding each other in a deep embrace.
Mena has also made history for the community. At Coachella in 2019, Mena, who has remained an independent artist in her decades-plus career, broke ground for both Latin and queer artists as the first openly lesbian Latina to perform at the music festival. Now she's warming up for a new album with I. Entusiasmo being the first taste of the project. In an interview over Zoom, Mena talked about the inspiration behind her EP, what it takes to stay independent and the meaning behind more Latinas in the industry coming out as lesbians.
What do you like about working with synth-pop and electronic music?
I love that there's like an infinite amount of sounds to work with. I have my synthesizer. Turning the knobs and experimenting—It's a sound that's very much today and current. It's also personal to me. I also like to bring those melancholic melodies of the '80s into today.
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2014's "Otra Era" is your most popular song on Spotify. What was the inspiration behind that song?
It's crazy that that's my most popular song because I didn't have any expectation for this to be a popular song. This is an example of the [belief] that the best songs are the ones you're not thinking, "Oh, this is going to hit!" That song doesn't have a chorus. It's all verse, verse, and verse. It's a very romantic song that talks about falling in love with someone and hallucinating that it's happening in other eras of time. That's the kind of hallucination that falling in love produces.
"Espada'' has become an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community. What was the inspiration behind that song?
It's a song that the gay and lesbian people really like. Of course I'm talking about a sword, and it can be seen as something phallic. The lesbians see it as lesbianism. The music video is very lesbian. I believe the music video really helped the song explode. The song did very well in the U.S. because a lot of gay clubs were playing it.
You wrote "Agüita" for Danna Paola and it's become a gay anthem in Mexico. What was that experience like to work with her?
They called me directly from MTV to write a song for a novela called Niñas Mal. I wasn't familiar with her. At that time, she was just starting off. I met her when we performed the song at the MTV Millennial Awards. She was very nice. I'm very cool with her now. That's definitely become her gay anthem. The gay people loved it and the clubs in Mexico helped that song explode.
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How did you feel about performing at Coachella in 2019?
Wow! That was the last Coachella before the pandemic. That was amazing. That was for both weekends. I got to know a lot of people. I saw a lot of shows. We [created] a show that came out great, and a lot of people from the LGBTQ+ community came out to see it. Also, I was the first Latina artist that's lesbian to perform at Coachella, so I was representing. That opened the door wide for me to the U.S. That was one of the most important experiences that I've lived.
Why did you name your new EP I. Entusiasmo?
The word Entusiasmo also means passion, fire, and picking yourself up. I believe this EP has fire in it. A lot of the songs talk about passion, falling in love and heartache. I also started making this EP when the Chilean protests were happening. That was a social movement that moved the people and there was a lot of enthusiasm and fire in the streets. I was looking for a word synonymous with fire and I found enthusiasm. I love how that word sounds. All of these songs on the EP have a lot of enthusiasm and fire in them.
What was the experience like to work with Chico Blanco in the song "Diva"?
I met him here at a party in Madrid. He's a young guy. We have our love for house and '90s music in common. To me, he was the perfect person for this collaboration. I sent him the song. He doesn't only sing on it, but he helped produce it too. At the end, this beautiful song came out of it.
"Dos" is like a power ballad on the EP. It's a very different song for you.
I wanted to go back to the ballads that I did on my first albums. With piano and strings. I love ballads, but I don't release a lot of them because it's very difficult for me to make one. I really have to think when I'm making a ballad. I have a lot of respect for people who write ballads. I don't release that many ballads, but when I do, it comes out incredible.
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How do you feel to see more artists in the LGBTQ+ community in Latin music?
I love to see that happening. There have been a lot of women that have come out, like Joy Huerta from Jesse y Joy and Kany García. Before it was more men coming out like Ricky Martin, but not as many women. I feel that each time a woman comes out, they're being an example for girls and boys to love who they love so that this isn't an issue in the future. Unfortunately, right now it is an issue so being part of the community needs to be claimed and said so that the world embraces it more hopefully.
Do you have advice for artists that are trying to be independent like you are?
Yes, to be very strategic with your things, and to use social media well. Find your place in social media. Don't copy other people. I think authenticity is what's really valued on social media, which will lead to more engagement. Obviously as well, to keep working hard every day because it's difficult being independent. Everything depends on you. Like in any job, if you don't move or pick up the phone, nothing's going to happen. To be independent is a bit like being a workaholic, working 24/7. But if you love it, that's going to fill your heart with drive, and you can do great things. Right now these times are more for independent music. You can do it. You can make a hit as an independent artist.
You're going on 15 years since your debut album, Esquemas Juveniles. What have you learned about yourself in that time?
Wow! Now I feel like a vintage artist because of that album. I feel like there are young people now, like 20-year-olds, that like that album. To me, that feels great because my songs are aging and beautifying well. That's all an artist can ask for. To continue being current, and that's what's happening to me. I'm very happy. I feel like I did a great job making music that came from my heart without ever betraying myself. I'm still that same artist that I was then.
Photo: Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy
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10 Meaningful Moments From The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs: Karol G's Heartfelt Speech, Tributes To Late Legends & More
The 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMYs was a celebration indeed, spotlighting contemporary stars like Carín León and Anitta while paying homage to veterans like Carlos Vives and Juan Luis Guerra who have paved the way. Revisit 10 highlights here.
One would have expected plenty of pomp and circumstance as the Latin GRAMMYs celebrated their 25th year anniversary. But there were no lengthy speeches or self-congratulatory videos during the Nov. 14 telecast.
This year, the telecast focused on the things that matter: saluting the magic of undying genres like salsa, rock and bossa nova. Honoring the legacies of such Latin American trendsetters as Carlos Vives and Juan Luis Guerra. Giving artists a carefully curated space where to showcase their craft and inspiration.
From the stark cinematic moods of reggaetón to the healing warmth of Afro-Caribbean roots and the bold expansion of música mexicana, here are 10 of the most exciting celebratory moments from the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.
The Music Of Carlos Vives Is A Priceless Cultural Treasure
Colombian singer/songwriter Carlos Vives was The Latin Recording Academy's 2024 Person Of The Year — a fitting recognition to his groundbreaking fusion of the accordion-heavy vallenato music of his land with rock, pop and even reggae. Vives' path of innovation began with the 1993 album Clásicos de la Provincia, and, like the Latin GRAMMYs, his career has evolved much over the last 25 years.
The singer kicked off the telecast with a career-spanning medley of hits such as "Fruta Fresca" — a rollicking gem off his 1999 classic El Amor de mi Tierra — and the more recent "La Bicicleta." At the end of his performance, he was joined by an enthusiastic group of fellow singers, including Juanes and Camilo. This brisk summary of his creative genius underscored his innate ability to connect with the essence of Latin American culture.
Read More: Watch: Carlos Vives Performs "La Bicicleta," "Robarte Un Beso" & More At The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs
The Moody Soundscapes Of Urbano Continue To Expand
Jagged regaetón beats and ominous trap atmospherics are a natural component of the Latin pop DNA. But the urbano universe continues to grow, experimenting with novel song structures while incorporating references to other genres.
Early on in the telecast, three contemporary stars joined forces for a segment that showcased the ever evolving side of urbano. Eladio Carrión ("Mama's Boy") Quevedo ("Columbia") and Myke Towers ("La Falda") combined their proven commercial appeal with a sophisticated vision.
A True Master Never Stops Learning His Craft
Let's just say that this year's ceremony was a memorable evening for perennial Latin GRAMMY favorite Juan Luis Guerra. The 67-year-old singer/songwriter won the coveted Record Of The Year and Album Of The Year awards, and cherished his Dominican roots in his acceptance speech.
But Guerra also let the music speak for itself in a mesmerizing performance of Record Of The Year winning track "MAMBO 23." A stunning display of craftsmanship, it begins with a dembow beat, incorporates electronic loops, and also switches between the haunting qualities of spiraling bachata lines and the raucous party vibe of traditional merengue — all within the same song. Clearly, Guerra continues to learn and further refine his musical lexicon with each new project.
Read More: Juan Luis Guerra Sweeps The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs With 'Radio Güira'
Three Mexican Legends Are Sorely Missed
Alejandro Fernández | Photo: Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy
There was a reflective quality to this year's telecast, which included tributes to classic genres and luminaries of the past. Perhaps the most poignant, though, was the segment dedicated to three late giants of Mexican music: Juan Gabriel, José José and Vicente Fernández.
The delicate sadness of Juan Gabriel's "Hasta Que Te Conocí" (performed by Reik and Leonel García), the apocalyptic balada pathos of José José's "El Triste" as a duet (a duet with Carlos Rivera and David Bisbal), and the unapologetic joy of Vicente Fernández's "No Me Sé Rajar" (fittingly, by his son Alejandro) — illustrated the monumental sway that these masters still hold in the Latin music zeitgeist.
Salsa Lives On — And It Grooves Like Crazy
While it is true that the heyday of salsa took place during the '70s and '80s, this is a genre that simply refuses to grow stale. And to prove it, a parade of stars delivered a dazzling tribute to the tenets of salsa fever.
Venezuela's Oscar D'León offered a swinging reading of his 1974 classic "Llorarás," while Colombia's Grupo Niche had the audience chanting along to the chorus of "Una Aventura." Tito Nieves and young stars Luis Figueroa and Christian Alicea were also present, while the salsa romántica royalty of Marc Anthony and La India revived their '90s mega-hit "Vivir Lo Nuestro" in stunning, dynamic form.
Latin Pop Thrives On Emotional Connection
After winning three Latin GRAMMYs last year on the strength of the genre defining Mañana Será Bonito — including the coveted Album Of The Year — KAROL G added another award to her collection on the 2024 telecast. The Colombian star's eclectic 2023 mixtape, Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), won in the Best Urban Music Album category, at a moment when KAROL G is celebrated as one of the world's biggest pop stars.
As she collected the Latin GRAMMY, she focused on the things that matter. "This is about the love that I share with my fans," said a visibly moved KAROL. "And my family, which makes my life so much easier. Without them, I wouldn't have my mental health." The same feeling of emotional openness permeates the songs in both Mañana Será Bonito projects.
This Is Not Your Parents' Música Mexicana
It is definitely not a coincidence that música mexicana is experiencing a massive wave of popularity. The charisma and musical talent of stars like Peso Pluma, Grupo Frontera and Fuerza Régida is augmented by the vision of innovators such as Carín León, who blends effortlessly the folk roots of his native Sonora with cool touches of country and blues.
Introduced by Julieta Venegas and Mon Laferte, León performed "Despídase Bien" — the ending track of his extraordinary 2024 album, Boca Chueca, Vol. 1 — backed by a full band and choir. A thorny electric guitar solo and rousing gospel vocals added gravitas to a song that is Mexican to the core, but does not hesitate to venture out of the box in search of true emotion.
The Old Bossa Nova Classics Are Indestructible
There were no sassy baile funk riddims when Brazilian stars Anitta and Tiago Iorc joined forces for a couple of songs in a dimly lit section of the stage. Instead, the duo launched into a fragile, understated version of Anitta's "Mil Veces," backed only by acoustic guitar and the diva's gorgeous voice.
This intimate moment was followed by "Mas Que Nada" — the whimsical 1963 tune by Jorge Ben that turned Sérgio Mendes and his band Brasil '66 into one of the architects of the bossa nova movement. Mendes passed away in September of this year, and the luminous interpretation by Anitta and Iorc served as the most elegant tribute possible.
Visceral Rock n Roll Will Never Go Out Of Style
One of the most intense moments of the telecast lasted less than two minutes — but will stay in the mind of anyone who ever prophesied the death of rock.
Hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, The Warning — a trio made up by sisters Daniela, Alejandra and Paulina Villarreal Vélez — delivered a welcome jolt of rock 'n'roll with a ferocious version of their hit "Qué Más Quieres." The performance was a reminder of how much raucous fun a trio of guitar, bass, drums, and gutsy vocals can generate. And yes, Latin rock is in excellent health, thank you.
Read More: Watch: The Warning Bring Hard Rock Power To The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs With "Qué Más Quieres"
At The End Of The Day, It's All About The Songs
As is often the case with Latin GRAMMY darling Jorge Drexler, the Uruguayan troubadour had some deep thoughts to share when he received the Song Of The Year honor for the exquisite "Derrumbe" — a non-album single he released in February of this year.
"This is madness," Drexler said after exchanging a hug with Juanes, who announced the winner. He pointed out that he hails from a very small country, and that "Derrumbe" itself was a sad and short song — una cancioncita, he called it.
He thanked the Latin Recording Academy for healing his chronic imposter syndrome and proving that a delicate, unassuming tune like his could win. Then again, that's one of the main missions of the Latin GRAMMYs: to acknowledge the power of a great song to inspire and transform.
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Behind The Scenes At Latin GRAMMY Week 2024: Inside VIP Celebrations & More
The Latin Music community has been celebrating with a full week of festivities leading up to the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs in Miami, Florida. Here are some behind-the-scenes moments from the biggest week in Latin Music.
The Latin music community is buzzing with excitement following a week of events leading up to the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. Held at Miami's Kaseya Center on Nov. 14, the 2024 GRAMMYs showcased the best and the brightest in global Latin sounds.
In the lead-up to The Biggest Night In Latin Music, a series of festivities offered a rare glimpse into the heart of Latin music’s vibrant culture. Latin GRAMMY Week brought artists, producers, and fans together on star-studded red carpets and intimate industry events — each of which was electric with anticipation, celebration, and reflection.
Read more: 2024 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Full Winners & Nominations List
Continue celebrating 25 years of Latin Music excellence with a glimpse behind the scenes at some of the unforgettable moments that have made this week in Miami one to remember.
Leading Ladies Got Their Flowers
One of the first events of Latin GRAMMY week was the 8th edition of the Leading Ladies in Entertainment, a heartfelt celebration of women who have made significant contributions to the arts and entertainment world.
The event was hosted by Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist Becky G (who also performed at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs) and was held inside inside the Loews Hotel. Portraits of honorees Ana Rosa Santiago, Vivir Quintana, Julieta Venegas and Diana Rodríguez were displayed on elegant arches draped in peach and gold. A warmth and intensity buzzed throughout the room, which was amplified by Becky G's encouragement.
Each honoree's speech reflected the event's theme of elevating women and inspiring the next generation of female leaders. Quintana's powerful speech shared sage wisdom with aspiring music professionals in the room. “You absolutely do not have to change anything about yourself. Just work on your talent, be who you are, and follow your inner compass always,” she told the crowd, sparking a standing ovation.
In a sweet touch to the already outstanding celebration, attendees were invited to create personalized bouquets. The gesture left honorees and guests alike feeling empowered and appreciated, with the evening both symbolically and quite literally giving everyone their flowers for their contributions to Latin music and culture.
Nominees "Swam" With The Big Fish
The Latin GRAMMY Awards do more than recognize artistic excellence — they invite nominees into a circle of industry peers who celebrate each other's achievements. At the Latin GRAMMY Nominee Reception, this vibrant community bonded over a deep appreciation for the artistry, dedication, and hard work it takes to earn this peer-voted honor.
The crowd at the Frost Science Museum’s Ocean Gallery was a mix of first-time Latin GRAMMY nominees such as Latin Mafia and Carlos Rivera, international stars such as Alok, and recently-announced nominees for the 2025 GRAMMYs. Producers and collaborators who work with J Noa, Peso Pluma, Residente, Anitta and Kali Uchis were also in attendance. Guests represented a range of genres and disciplines: violinists, songwriters, DJs, salsa musicians, and even the singing clowns of Payasitas Nifu Nifa, who make children’s music, mingled energetically.
Nominees proudly donned their medallions, capturing this pivotal career moment on the red carpet and posing in front of a giant, golden GRAMMY. The reception featured a stunning aquarium view, and guests could watch the fish, sharks, and stingrays swimming peacefully above them and snapped more photos. The aquarium was a fitting scene: this year’s class of nominees certainly got here by making waves in the music industry.
The Future Sounded Bright As Rising Stars Hit The Stage
Held at Miami Beach’s Faena Forum and presented by Mastercard and Bank of America, the third annual Best New Artist Showcase brought an exciting spotlight to the future of Latin music. Over a performance-filled day, each of the seven Best New Artist nominees brought their unique flavor to the stage.
From Nicolle Horbath’s fresh popteño style to 13-year-old Kevin Aguilar’s heartfelt mariachi and corridos, every performance showcased a captivating fusion of genres. The crowd was especially energized when the three-piece girl group DARUMAS delivered an electrifying rock cover of Whitney Houston’s "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," getting everyone on their feet.
Other standout performances included Agris, Cacá Magalhães, Os Garotins, Íñigo Quintero, Sofi Saar, and Ela Taubert. Ultimately, it was Ela Taubert who took home the Latin GRAMMY on Thursday night, and she closed out the week with an emotional performance of her hit "¿Cómo Pasó?" alongside Joe Jonas at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.
This showcase not only highlighted the diverse talent shaping the future of Latin music but also gave attendees an unforgettable opportunity to experience the next generation of superstars up close.
Carlos Vives' Life & Influence Was Fêted
The annual Latin GRAMMY Person Of The Year Year celebration honored Colombian artist and philanthropist Carlos Vives. The annual event drew a crowd of about 2,000 attendees to the Miami Beach Convention Center, including legends in Latin music and the next generation of stars.
Guests arrived in ornate attire, enjoying drinks and capturing memories with the Glambot’s interactive photo experience. Among the star-studded crowd were Camilo, Grupo Frontera, Rico Love, Aymee Nuviola, AleMor, and many more. The mayor of Miami also took the stage to offer a few heartfelt words of appreciation for Vives’ contributions.
The evening culminated in a historic moment when six previous Latin GRAMMY Person Of The Year honorees gathered to pay tribute to Vives, a powerful salute to his legacy and impact on the Latin music community. Onstage at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, Carlos Vives was saluted by 2023 MusiCares Person Of The Year Jon Bon Jovi.
Somos Familia
In collaboration with the Recording Academy’s Florida Chapter, Latin music producers and artists gathered to celebrate in true Miami fashion — with a party.
Attendees filled the venue’s balconies for the best views, while Latin GRAMMY nominees such as Cimafunk, Agris, Latin Mafia, and Trooko were spotted among the crowd. Guests danced and mingled to a mix of '80s classics and rock, all delivered in a Spanglish blend that had the crowd singing along. But the night truly came alive during a series of energetic performances from the likes of five-time Latin GRAMMY winner Luis Fonsi, The Warning, and Bruses.
Prior to taking the stage, Fonsi and his bandmates shared a sweet moment. The group sang "Happy Birthday" and brought out a cake for their guitarist, exemplifying the tight-knit family bond that defines the Latin music community.
GRAMMY U Gained On The Ground Experience
Throughout the week, over 75 GRAMMY U members volunteered on the talent team escorting artists such as Gloria Estefan and DARUMAS.
Florida Chapter Member Amy Torres shared her experience: "My dream has always been to work in the Latin music industry so this is a dream come true. This week, I’ve seen a lot of artists I’ve admired growing up and made connections both within GRAMMY U and outside of the organization."
Patience Murray, a non-student GRAMMY U Member and singer/songwriter based in Florida, described GRAMMY Week as a "mind-blowing experience." "Being able to witness a music event of this caliber and magnitude felt like a once-in-a-lifetime manifestation exercise, and I'm grateful to have seen the stages I dream to one day perform on," she said, adding that her favorite part of the week was connecting with other GRAMMY U members.
"I have gained so much respect for the talent teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every show looks effortless and enjoyable for the fans," Murray added.
2024 Latin GRAMMY Week was the definitive celebration of music's power to connect and inspire. As Latin music cements its place on the global stage, it’s clear that these artists are not only shaping the future of the industry but also fostering a greater sense of shared identity that transcends borders.
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Photo: Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy
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Juan Luis Guerra Sweeps The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs With 'Radio Güira'
The legendary Dominican artist won Album Of The Year for a fifth time with his 2023 EP.
The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs marked 25 years of Latin music excellence with a gala evening in Miami, one of the world capitals for the Latin music industry. Replete with dazzling performances from legends and rising acts, tributes and tearful acceptance speeches, the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMYs was certainly one for the books.
In an evening with many leading lights, onelegend stood out as the night’s star: singer, songwriter and musician Juan Luis Guerra.
Guerra already had two dozen Latin GRAMMYs on his CV — as well as three GRAMMYs — but his run at this year’s Latin GRAMMYs netted several new pieces of hardware. His honors included the award Album Of The Year for Radio Güira, the inventive 2023 concept EP released with his band 4.40, and Record Of The Year for "Mambo 23," a hyper-speed merengue epic from the EP. Radio Güira also took the prize for Best Merengue/Bachata Album, while "Mambo 23" also won for Best Tropical Song.
These were Guerra's first wins in a major category since 2015, when he won Album Of The Year for Todo Tiene Su Hora at the 16th Annual Latin GRAMMY awards. Guerra has won Album Of The Year as an artist in 2007, 2010 and 2014, and in 2012 he won for his production work on Juanes' MTV Unplugged album.
Despite his familiarity with the Latin GRAMMYs stage, Guerra appeared emotional when he walked up to the stage for the last time to accept the award for Album Of The Year from Carlos Vives. Holding his Latin GRAMMY, Guerra praised God and credited Jesus with inspiring the album.
Earlier in the night, Guerra delighted the crowd at Miami’s Kaseya Center with a performance of "Mambo 23," featuring the full band. Dressed in his iconic newsboy cap and neckerchief, he launched into the dance floor burner on a stage illuminated in flashing neon. Boiler Suit-clad dancers completed a scene that was somehow both unassuming and spectacular.
Guerra has had a four-decade long career of innovating in Caribbean music, while bringing genres such bachata to international fame. Radio Güira continues the theme of boundary pushing. It has been praised for its experiments in combining old and new genres, from merengue to reggaeton, with dashes of jazz and blues.
Check out the complete list of winners and nominees at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.
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Watch: Luis Fonsi Performs "Despacito" & Two More Of His Classics At The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs
Just after winning his sixth Latin GRAMMY, the Puerto Rican star celebrated his win — and career — with a feel-good performance of "No Me Doy Por Vencido," "Despacito" and "Santa Marta."
The legacy of Luis Fonsi's career practically goes hand-in-hand with the history of the Latin GRAMMY Awards. Fresh off his win for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, the Puerto Rican pop icon performed a medley of his greatest hits.
The career-spanning performance began with his beloved 2008 ballad, "No Me Doy Por Vencido." In a sparkling orange suit, Fonsi belted his heart out to the song that's become an anthem of hope.
Dancers then joined him onstage for a sultry performance of his 2017 global smash, "Despacito," which had the whole audience — including Marc Anthony and his wife Nadia Ferreira — dancing along. Fonsi then closed out his live medley with the upbeat "Santa Marta" from his latest album, El Viaje; he danced into the audience where this year's Person Of The Year honoree, Carlos Vives, sang along with him.
The ambitious El Viaje, which was recorded in several different countries around the world, earned Fonsi a Latin GRAMMY win for Best Pop Vocal Album. It marks his 11th Latin GRAMMY nomination to date; he has won six Latin GRAMMYs, four of those thanks to "Despacito," which won Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year in 2017.
"What I'm most proud of is just that — it's a song that represents my heritage, my language, and the love of my island, Puerto Rico," Fonsi told GRAMMY.com about "Despacito" back in 2022. "It has that swag, that thing, that sabor that we carry in our blood. It's a celebration of all of that."
Just after the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, Fonsi will add an exciting first to his resume: his film debut. The singer will star in the rom-com Say A Little Prayer, which opens in theaters on Nov. 22.
Check out the complete list of winners and nominees at the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs.
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