Latin Music to Take Center Stage in Dedicated Grammy Celebration
Table of Contents
A special broadcast will honor the genre’s significant influence, as the Recording Academy prepares to spotlight Latin music with “A Grammy Celebration of Latin Music” on Dec. 28. The two-hour TV special, airing on CBS at 8 p.m. Pacific time, arrives ahead of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 1 at downtown Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena.
Recognizing a Lasting Impact
For years, Latin music has often been underrepresented at the main Grammy Awards show. This dedicated celebration aims to rectify that, acknowledging the genre’s “lasting impact and influence in the United States,” according to a CBS press release. The program is modeled after previous Grammy “salutes” honoring iconic artists such as The Beatles, Prince, and Whitney Houston.
Star-Studded Performances and Interviews
The televised event promises a dynamic lineup of performances from a diverse range of artists. Ángela Aguilar, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Gloria Estefan, Luis Fonsi, Maren Morris, Laura Pausini, Prince Royce, Carín León, the Warning, Robin Thicke, and Billy Idol are all slated to take the stage. Adding to the spectacle, the cast of the Tony-winning Broadway musical “Buena Vista Social Club,” nominated for a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album, will also perform.
Beyond the performances, the special will feature insightful interviews with Latin music and Grammy icons. Among those sharing their stories will be Daddy Yankee, Emilio Estefan, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rita Moreno, and Carlos Santana.
A Legacy of Grammy Success
The program offers a chance to reflect on the achievements of Latin artists within the Recording Academy. Rita Moreno, for example, secured her sole Grammy win at the 15th Grammy Awards for her work on “The Electric Company,” a victory that was a crucial step in her journey to becoming an EGOT winner – earning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. She completed the coveted quartet in 1977 with an Emmy for her appearance on “The Muppet Show.”
Carlos Santana’s 1999 album, “Supernatural,” remains a landmark achievement, tying the record for the most Grammy wins in a single night with eight awards at the 42nd Grammy Awards – a feat previously accomplished by Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in 1984.
Rising Stars and Established Nominees
The upcoming 68th Grammy Awards are poised to be a significant moment for Latin artists. Bad Bunny has made history as the first Spanish-language artist to receive nominations in several top categories, including record, album, and song of the year, for his critically acclaimed album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.”
Emerging talent is also gaining recognition. Argentine duo Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso received their first Grammy nomination for their EP “Papota” in the Latin rock or alternative album category. Should they win, they would become the second Argentine group to achieve this honor, following Los Fabulosos Cadillacs in 1998.
Edgar Barrera, a frequent collaborator with leading Latin artists, has secured his third consecutive nomination for Songwriter of the Year (Nonclassical) for his work with Karol G, Juanes, Shakira, Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera, Young Miko, Marco Antonio Solís, Manuel Turizo, and Santana. Indie band the Marías and global girl group Katseye, featuring Venezuelan Cuban American artist Daniela Avanzini, are both nominated in the Best New Artist category.
This celebration and the nominations signal a growing recognition of the power and artistry within the Latin music community, promising a vibrant future for the genre on the global stage.
