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Rosalia Makes History with Grammy Nomination for Best New Artist

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It’s a brand new (artist)day for Rosalia…

The 26-year-old Spanish singer/songwriter has earned the first two Grammy nominations of her career, including a historic nod for Best New Artist.

Rosalia

Rosalia, a five-time Latin Grammy winner, is the first all-Spanish language singer to be nominated in the best new artist category. Other Latino artists have been nominated in the category over the years, including Vikki Carr in 1963, and Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and Esperanza Spalding have won the award. Even José Feliciano won best new artist in 1969, bolstered by his hit version of the Doors’ “Light My Fire.” But the previous nominees and winners were not, however, honored for their work recorded exclusively in Spanish.

Rosalia’s second nomination comes in the Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album category for her second studio album, El Mal Querer. The album took home all the Latin Grammy awards it was nominated for, including Album of the Year, one of the top awards of the night.

Bad Bunny picked up two nominations… in the same category.

The 25-year-old Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton singer-rapper is nominated in the Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album category for his Latin Grammy-winning debut album X 100PRE, as well as his collaborative album with J Balvin, Oasis.

Esperanza Spalding, a four-time Grammy winner, including Best New Artist, has picked up two nods this year. 

The 35-year-old part-Latinajazz bassist and singer is nominated in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category for her album12 Little Spells. She’s also up for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals for serving as the arranger on her own single track “12 Little Spells (Thoracic Spine).”

Vince Mendoza is back in familiar territory…

The 58-year-old Latino music arranger, conductorand composer, a multi-Grammy winner, has picked up four nominations. 

He’s nominated in the Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals category for his work on Trisha Yearwood’s “Over The Rainbow.” 

Mendoza picked up two nods in the Best Instrumental Composition category for conducting Fred Hersch & The WDR Big Band’s “Begin Again,” as well as composing “Love, A Beautiful Force,” his single with Terell Stafford, Dick Oatts and the Temple University Studio Orchestra.

Emilio Solla is in the running for a Grammy this year…

The Argentine pianist and composer is nominated in the Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella category for arranging “La Novena,” his single with the Emilio Solla Tango Jazz Orchestra.

Diego Figueiredo picked up a nod

The 39-year-old Brazilian musician is nominated in the Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals category for arrangement alongside Cyrille Aiméeon Aimée’s “Marry Me A Little.”

Camila Cabello, a two-time Grammy nominee last year, has earned a nod this year…

The 22-year-old Mexican and Cuban singer and former Fifth Harmony member is nominated in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category for her collaboration with Shawn Mendes, “Señorita.” 

Cardi B has earned a nod this year…

The 27-year-old half-Dominican American rap superstar, who picked up her first Grammy at this year’s awards show for her debut album Invasion of Privacy, is up for Best Rap Performance for her work opposite Offset on “Clout.”

Rodrigo y Gabrielahave reason to celebrate…

The Mexican acoustic guitar duo, comprised of Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero, picked up its first Grammy nomination. Rodrigo y Gabriela is nominated in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category for Mettavolution.

Jessie Reyez is a first-time Grammynominee…

The 28-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter is nominated in the Best Urban Contemporary Album category for her sophomore album Being Human In Public. The album picked up a Juno Award in her home country of Canada for RnB/Soul Recording of the Year.

Sebastian Plano is celebrating his Grammy nod…

The Argentine composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist is nominated in the Best New Age Album category for his albumVerve.

Melissa Aldana has picked up her first Grammy nomination…

The 30-year-old Chilean tenor saxophone player is nominated in the Best Improvised Jazz Solo category for “Elsewhere.”

The nominees in the Best Latin Jazz Album include Chick Corea & The Spanish Heart Band (Antidote), Thalma De Freitas with Vitor Gonçalves, John Patitucci, Chico Pinheiro, Rogerio Boccato & Duduka Da Fonse (Sorte!: Music By John Finbury), Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis & Rubén Blades (Una Noche Con Rubén Blades), David Sánchez (Carib), and Miguel Zenón (Sonero: The Music of Ismael Rivera)

The Best Latin Pop Album nominees include an eclectic mix of artists: Luis Fonsi (Vida), Maluma (11:11), Ricardo Montaner (Montaner), Alejandro Sanz (#ELDISCO), and Sebastian Yatra (Fantasía).

In addition to Bad Bunny, J Balvin and Rosalia, the nominees in the Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album category include Flor De Toloache (Indestructible) and iLe(Almadura).

The Best Regional Mexican Music Album (including Tejano) include Joss Favela (Caminando), Intocable (Percepción), La Energia Norteña (Poco A Poco), Mariachi Divas De Cindy Shea (20 Aniversario), and Mariachi Los Camperos (De Ayer Para Siempre).

The Best Tropical Latin Album nominees include Marc Anthony (Opus), Luis Enrique + C4Trio (Tiempo Al Tiempo), Vicente Garcia (Candela), Juan Luis Guerra 4.40 (Literal) and Aymée Nuviola (A Journey Through Cuban Music).

The Best Musical Theater Album nominees includeHadestown, with Eva Noblezada as one of the principal soloists, and Moulin Rouge! The Musical, with Karen Olivo as one of the principal soloists. It’s the first Grammy nod for both Noblezada, who is half-Mexican American, and Olivo, who is part Puerto Rican and Dominican American.

Gustavo Dudamelis back in the hunt for a Grammy…

The 38-year-oldVenezuelan-Spanish conductor and violinist, who won his first Grammy in 2011, is nominated in the Best Orchestral Performance category for conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonnic’s “Norman: Sustain.”

FKA Twigs has picked up her first Grammy nomination…

The 31-year-old part-Spanish singer is up for Best Music Video for her acclaimed music video for “Cellophane.”

Lizzo led the pack with eight nods, while Billie Eillish and Lil Nas Xfollowed close behind with six nominations each. All three musicians are first-time Grammy nominees.

Alicia Keyswill return as host the ceremony for the second year in a row, making her the third womanand the first female musician to host the show twice.

The Grammy Awardswill take place on January 26 at the Staples Centerin Los Angeles. The broadcast will air live on CBSat 5:00 pm PT/ 8:00 pm ET.

Here’s a look at the categories with Latino nominees:

GENERAL FIELD

Best New Artist
Black Pumas
Billie Eilish
Lil Nas X
Lizzo
Maggie Rogers
Rosalía
Tank and the Bangas
Yola

POP FIELD

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
“Boyfriend” — Ariana Grande & Social House
“Sucker” — Jonas Brothers
“Old Town Road” — Lil Nas X & Billy Ray Cyrus
“Señorita” — Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello

CONTEMPORARY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Best Contemporary Instrumental Album:
Ancestral Recall — Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah
Star People Nation — Theo Croker
Beat Music! Beat Music! Beat Music! — Mark Guiliana
Elevate — Lettuce
Mettavolution — Rodrigo y Gabriela

R&B

Best Urban Contemporary Album:
Apollo XXI — Steve Lacy
Cuz I Love You (Deluxe) — Lizzo
Overload — Georgia Anne Muldrow
Saturn — Nao
Being Human In Public — Jessie Reyez

RAP

Best Rap Performance:
“Middle Child” — J.Cole
“Suge” — DaBaby
“Down Bad” — Dreamville ft. J.I.D, Bas, J. Cole, Earthgang & Young Nudy
“Racks In The Middle” — Nipsey Hussle ft. Roddy Ricch & Hit-boy
“Clout” — Offset ft. Cardi B

NEW AGE

Best New Age Album:
Fairy Dreams — David Arkenstone
Homage To Kindness — David Darling
Wings — Peter Kater
Verve — Sebastian Plano
Deva — Deva Premal

JAZZ

Best Improvised Jazz Solo:
“Elsewhere” — Melissa Aldana, soloist
“Sozinho” — Randy Brecker, soloist
“Tomorrow Is The Question” — Julian Lage, soloist
“The Windup” — Brandford Marsalis, soloist
“Sightseeing” — Christian McBride, soloist

Best Jazz Vocal Album:
Thirsty Ghost — Sara Gazarek
Love & Liberation — Jazzmeia Horn
Alone Together — Catherine Russell
12 Little Spells — Esperanza Spalding
Screenplay — The Tierney Sutton Band

Best Latin Jazz Album:
Antidote — Chick Corea & The Spanish Heart Band
Sorte!: Music By John Finbury — Thalma De Freitas With Vitor Gonçalves, John Patitucci, Chico Pinheiro, Rogerio Boccato & Duduka Da Fonseca
Una Noche Con Rubén Blades — Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis & Rubén Blades
Carib — David Sánchez
Sonero: The Music Of Ismael Rivera — Miguel Zenón

LATIN

Best Latin Pop Album:
Vida — Luis Fonsi
11:11 — Maluma
Montaner — Ricardo Montaner
#ELDISCO — Alejandro Sanz
Fantasía — Sebastian Yatra

Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album:
X 100PRE — Bad Bunny
Oasis — J Balvin & Bad Bunny
Indestructible — Flor De Toloache
Almadura — iLe
El Mal Querer – Rosalía

Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano):
Caminando — Joss Favela
Percepción — Intocable
Poco A Poco — La Energia Norteña
20 Aniversario — Mariachi Divas De Cindy Shea
De Ayer Para Siempre — Mariachi Los Camperos

Best Tropical Latin Album:
Opus — Marc Anthony
Tiempo Al Tiempo — Luis Enrique + C4 Trio
Candela — Vicente García
Literal — Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
A Journey Through Cuban Music — Aymée Nuviola

AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC

Best American Roots Performance:
“Saint Honesty” — Sara Bareilles
“Father Mountain” — Calexico With Iron & Wine
“I’m On My Way” — Rhiannon Giddens With Francesco Turrisi
“Call My Name” — I’m With Her
“Faraway Look” — Yola

MUSICAL THEATER

Best Musical Theater Album:
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life And Times Of The Temptations — Saint Aubyn, Derrick Baskin, James Harkness, Jawan M. Jackson, Jeremy Pope & Ephraim Sykes, principal soloists; Scott M. Riesett, producer (Original Broadway Cast)
Hadestown — Reeve Carney, André De Shields, Amber Gray, Eva Noblezada & Patrick Page, principal soloists; Mara Isaacs, David Lai, Anaïs Mitchell & Todd Sickafoose, producers (Anaïs Mitchell, composer & lyricist) (Original Broadway Cast)
Moulin Rouge! The Musical — Danny Burstein, Tam Mutu, Sahr Ngaujah, Karen Olivo & Aaron Tveit, principal soloists; Justin Levine, Baz Luhrmann, Matt Stine & Alex Timbers, producers (Original Broadway Cast)
The Music Of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child – In Four Contemporary Suites — Imogen Heap, producer; Imogen Heap, composer (Imogen Heap)
Oklahoma! — Damon Daunno, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Ali Stroker, Mary Testa & Patrick Vaill, principal soloists; Daniel Kluger & Dean Sharenow, producers (Richard Rodgers, composer; Oscar Hammerstein II, lyricist) (2019 Broadway Cast)

MUSIC FOR VISUAL MEDIA

Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media:
The Lion King: The Songs — (Various Artists)
Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood — (Various Artists)
Rocketman — Taron Egerton
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse — (Various Artists)
A Star Is Born — Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper

COMPOSING/ARRANGING

Best Instrumental Composition:
“Begin Again” — Fred Hersch, composer (Fred Hersch & The WDR Big Band Conducted By Vince Mendoza)
“Crucible For Crisis” — Brian Lynch, composer (Brian Lynch Big Band)
“Love, A Beautiful Force” — Vince Mendoza, composer (Vince Mendoza, Terell Stafford, Dick Oatts & Temple University Studio Orchestra)
“Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Symphonic Suite” — John Williams, composer (John Williams)
“Walkin’ Funny” — Christian McBride, composer (Christian McBride)

Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella:
“Blue Skies” — Kris Bowers, arranger (Kris Bowers)
“Hedwig’s Theme” — John Williams, arranger (Anne-Sophie Mutter & John Williams)
“La Novena” — Emilio Solla, arranger (Emilio Solla Tango Jazz Orchestra)
“Love, A Beautiful Force” — Vince Mendoza, arranger (Vince Mendoza, Terell Stafford, Dick Oatts & Temple University Studio Orchestra)
“Moon River” — Jacob Collier, arranger (Jacob Collier)

Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals:
“All Night Long” — Jacob Collier, arranger (Jacob Collier Featuring Jules Buckley, Take 6 & Metropole Orkest)
“Jolene” — Geoff Keezer, arranger (Sara Gazarek)
“Marry Me A Little” — Cyrille Aimée & Diego Figueiredo, arrangers (Cyrille Aimée)
“Over The Rainbow” — Vince Mendoza, arranger (Trisha Yearwood)
“12 Little Spells (Thoracic Spine)” — Esperanza Spalding, arranger (Esperanza Spalding)

PACKAGE

Best Recording Package:
Anónimas & Resilientes — Luisa María Arango, Carlos Dussan, Manuel García-Orozco & Juliana Jaramillo-Buenaventura, art directors (Voces Del Bullerengue)
Chris Cornell — Barry Ament, Jeff Ament, Jeff Fura & Joe Spix, art directors (Chris Cornell)
Hold That Tiger — Andrew Wong & Fongming Yang, art directors (The Muddy Basin Ramblers)
i,i — Aaron Anderson & Eric Timothy Carlson, art directors (Bon Iver)
Intellexual — Irwan Awalludin, art director (Intellexual)

NOTES

Best Album Notes:
The Complete Cuban Jam Sessions — Judy Cantor-Navas, album notes writer (Various Artists)
The Gospel According To Malaco — Robert Marovich, album notes writer (Various Artists)
Pedal Steel + Four Corners — Brendan Greaves, album notes writer (Terry Allen And The Panhandle Mystery Band)
Pete Seeger: The Smithsonian Folkways Collection — Jeff Place, album notes writer (Pete Seeger)
Stax ’68: A Memphis Story — Steve Greenberg, album notes writer (Various Artists)

CLASSICAL

Best Orchestral Performance:
“Bruckner: Symphony No. 9” — Manfred Honeck, conductor (Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)
“Copland: Billy The Kid; Grohg” — Leonard Slatkin, conductor (Detroit Symphony Orchestra)
“Norman: Sustain” — Gustavo Dudamel, conductor (Los Angeles Philharmonic)
“Transatlantic” — Louis Langrée, conductor (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra)
“Weinberg: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 21” — Mirga Gražinytė-tyla, conductor (City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra & Kremerata Baltica)

MUSIC VIDEO/FILM

Best Music Video:
“We’ve Got To Try” — The Chemical Brothers, Ellie Fry, video director; Ninian Doff, video producer
“This Land” — Gary Clark Jr., Savanah Leaf, video director; Alicia Martinez, video producer
“Cellophane” — FKA twigs, Andrew Thomas Huang, video director; Alex Chamberlain, video producer
“Old Town Road (Official Movie)” — Lil Nas X & Billy Ray Cyrus, Calmatic, video director; Candice Dragonas, Melissa Larsen & Saul Levitz, video producers
“Glad He’s Gone” — Tove Lo,  Vania Heymann & Gal Muggia, video directors; Natan Schottenfels, video producer

Jesús López to Receive Desi Arnaz Pioneer Award at the La Musa Awards

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Jesús López has a pioneering spirit…

The chairman and CEO of Universal Music Latin America and Iberian Peninsula will receive the Desi Arnaz PioneerAward at the seventh annual La Musa Awards from the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.

López, who is responsible for Universal Music Groupoperations in all Spanish and Portuguese-speaking territories of the world, will receive the recognition for his many contributions throughout his professional career. 

The Desi Arnaz Pioneer Award was created by the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame in honor of the early television visionary, songwriter and entertainer, who developed the iconic comedy show I Love Lucy, which he produced and starred in with his wife, Lucille Ball.

For more than four decades, López has worked with some of the greatest artists in Latin music, including Juan Luis Guerra, Juanes, José Luis Perales, Joan Manuel Serrat, Mecano and Juan Gabriel. Most recently, he has launched the careers of Karol Gand Sebastian Yatra, among many of a new generation of acts. Lopez was also behind the global hits “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee and J Balvin’s “Mi Gente,” which were pivotal in the current explosion of Latin music.

Lopez’s roster of international hits also includes Los del Rio’s “Macarena,” “La Camisa Negra” by Juanes, and “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias featuring Descemer Buenoand Gente de Zona.

Previous recipients of the award include Quincy Jones, Nat King Coleand Raul Pablo Alarcon Sr. 

The La Musa Awards ceremony will take place on October 24 at the James L. Knight Centerin Miami. This year’s class of inductees includes Ivy Queen, Willie Colón, Michael Sullivan, Chico Novarroand Armando Larrinaga.

Alejandro Sanz Tops List of Latin Grammy Nominees with Eight Nods

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Alejandro Sanz is this year’s Latin Grammys darling…

The 50-year-old Spanish singer/songwriter is the top-nominated artist for the 20th annual Latin Grammy Awards. 

Alejandro Sanz

Sanz, a 17-time Latin Grammy winner, is up for eight awards this year, including Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album, for #ElDisco. 

Additionally, two of Sanz’s tracks — “No Tengo Nada” and “Mi Persona Favorita” (featuring Camila Cabello, a three-time nominee this year) — are competing against each other in the Song of the Year and Record of the Yearcategories.

Sanz’s compatriot Rosalía is nominated for five awards.

The 26-year-old Spanish singer’s groundbreaking flamenco set El Mal Querer will go head to head against Sanz, her advocate (Rosalía sang at Sanz’s Person of the Year tribute in 2017) in the Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Albumcategories. 

Rosalía also has three separate singles, only one of them from her album, competing in different categories: “Aute Couture,” is up for Record of the Year; “Con Altura” with J Balvin, and featuring El Guincho, is up for Best Urban Song; and “Pienso en tu Mirá” (from El Mal Querer) is up for Best Pop Song. El Mal Querer is up for Best Engineered Albumand Best Recording Package. El Guincho, Rosalía’s co producer, is also up for five awards.

This year’s nominations skewed more pop and alternative, with urban totally absent from the main categories (minus Rosalía’s genre-bending fare). It almost felt like a rebuke against a global trend that has seen Latin urban music in all its forms gather record-breaking views on YouTube, streams on Spotify and Apple and positions on the Billboardcharts.

Instead, artists like Bad Bunny (with two nominations), Ozuna and Daddy Yankee(with only one each), were found only in the urban categories. 

The most nods in the urban/reggaeton realm went to newcomer Sech, with three, including his multi-artist “Otro Trago,” which competes in the Best Urban Songcategory against Ozuna(“Baila Baila”), ChocQuibtown’s  “Pa Olvidarte”; Rosalía and J Balvin’s “Con Altura”; and De La Ghetto’s “Caliente” featuring J Balvin. 

Following Rosalía, veterans Juan Luis Guerra, Fonseca and Andrés Calamaro are up for four awards each, as is percussionist and bandleader Tony Succar. All have nominations in the main categories, with Fonseca, Calamaro and Succar all vying for Album of the Year. Meanwhile, Guerra’s “Kitipún,” a slow bachata with jazz undertones, is up for Song and Record of the Year. 

In video of the year, the representation came in the form of social commentary from Brazil (via Criolo’s “Boca du Lobo,” a harrowing look at Brazil’s societal crisis) and Spain (with rapper Nach’s “Los Zurdos Vienen Antes”). 

This year’s Best New Artist nominees include Argentine trap star Paulo Londra; Colombian rising star Greeicy; and Nella, a Venezuelan jazz singer from Berklee College of Music. 

Nominations to the Latin Grammys were selected from approximately 15,500 submissions across 50 categories, of recordings released during the eligibility period (June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2019).

The Latin Grammys will air live on November 14 from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arenain Las Vegas on Univision. 

Here’s a partial list of nominees. (For a full list, visit http://Latingrammy.com.)

Record Of The Year:
“Parecen Viernes” — Marc Anthony
“Verdades Afiladas” — Andrés Calamaro
“Ahí Ahí” — Vicente García
“Kitipun” — Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
“Querer Mejor” — Juanes Featuring Alessia Cara
“La Plata” — Juanes Featuring Lalo Ebratt
“Aute Couture” — Rosalía
“Mi Persona Favorita” — Alejandro Sanz & Camila Cabello
“No Tengo Nada” — Alejandro Sanz
“Cobarde” — Ximena Sariñana

Song Of The Year:
“Calma” — Pedro Capó, Gabriel Edgar González Pérez & George Noriega, songwriters (Pedro Capó)
“Desconstrução” — Tiago Iorc, songwriter (Tiago Iorc)
“El País” — Rubén Blades, songwriter (Rubén Blades)
“Kitipun” — Juan Luis Guerra, songwriter (Juan Luis Guerra 4.40)
“Mi Persona Favorita” — Camila Cabello & Alejandro Sanz, songwriters (Alejandro Sanz & Camila Cabello)
“No Tengo Nada” — Alejandro Sanz, songwriter (Alejandro Sanz)
“Quédate” — Kany García & Tommy Torres, songwriters (Kany García & Tommy Torres)
“Querer Mejor” — Rafael Arcaute, Alessia Cara, Camilo Echeverry, Juanes, Mauricio Montaner, Ricardo Montaner & Tainy, songwriters (Juanes Featuring Alessia Cara)
“Un Año” — Mauricio Rengifo, Andrés Torres & Sebastián Yatra, songwriters (Sebastián Yatra Featuring Reik)
“Ven” — Fonseca, songwriter (Fonseca)

Best Pop Song:
“Bailar” — Leonel García, songwriter (Leonel García)
“Buena Para Nada” — Paula Arenas, Luigi Castillo & Santiago Castillo, songwriters (Paula Arenas)
“Mi Persona Favorita” — Camila Cabello & Alejandro Sanz, songwriters (Alejandro Sanz & Camila Cabello)
“Pienso En Tu Mirá” — Antón Álvarez Alfaro, El Guincho & Rosalía, songwriters (Rosalía)
“Ven” — Fonseca, songwriter (Fonseca)

Best Urban Fusion/Performance:
“Tenemos Que Hablar” — Bad Bunny
“Calma (Remix)” — Pedro Capó & Farruko
“Pa’ Olvidarte (Remix)” — ChocQuibtown, Zion & Lennox, Farruko Featuring Manuel Turizo
“Con Calma” — Daddy Yankee Featuring Snow
“Otro Trago” — Sech Featuring Darell

Best Urban Music Album:
Kisses— Anitta
X 100Pre — Bad Bunny
Mi Movimiento— De La Ghetto
19 — Feid
Sueños — Sech

Best Urban Song:
“Baila Baila Baila” — Ozuna & Vicente Saavedra, songwriters (Ozuna)
“Caliente” — J Balvin, René Cano, De La Ghetto & Alejandro Ramirez, songwriters (De La Ghetto Featuring J Balvin)
“Con Altura” — J Balvin, Mariachi Budda, Frank Dukes, El Guincho, Alejandro Ramirez & Rosalía, songwriters (Rosalía & J Balvin Featuring El Guincho)
“Otro Trago” — Kevyn Mauricio Cruz, Kevin Mauricio Jimenez Londoño, Bryan Lezcano Chaverra, Josh Mendez, Sech & Jorge Valdes, songwriters (Sech Featuring Darell)
“Pa’ Olvidarte” — René Cano, ChocQuibtown, Kevyn Cruz Moreno, Juan Diego Medina Vélez, Andrés David Restrepo, Mateo Tejada Giraldo, Andrés Uribe Marín, Juan Vargas & Doumbia Yohann, songwriters (ChocQuibTown)

Best Alternative Music Album:
Latinoamericana— Alex Anwandter
Discutible —Babasónicos
Bach — Bandalos Chinos
Prender Un Fuego— Marilina Bertoldi
Norma— Mon Laferte

Best Traditional Tropical Album:
Andrés Cepeda Big Band(En Vivo)— Andrés Cepeda
Vereda Tropical— Olga Cerpa y Mestisay
Lo Nuestro— Yelsy Heredia
A Journey Through CubanMusic— Aymée Nuviola
La Llave Del Son— Septeto Acarey

Best Singer-Songwriter Album:
Acústica— Albita
Contra El Viento— Kany García
Amor Presente— Leonel García
Algo Ritmos— Kevin Johansen
Intuición— Gian Marco

Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album:
Mi Persona Preferida— El Bebeto
Sigue La Dinastía… — Alex Fernández
Más Romántico Que Nunca— Vicente Fernández
Indestructible— Flor De Toloache
Ahora — Christian Nodal

Best Norteño Album:
Por Más —Bronco
Las Canciones De La Abuela— Buyuchek
Mitad Y Mitad— Calibre 50
Percepción — Intocable
Amo — La Maquinaria Norteña

Best Long Form Music Video:
“Anatomía De Un Éxodo” — Mastodonte
“Piazzolla, Los Años Del Tiburón” — Astor Piazzolla
“Hotel De Los Encuentros” — Draco Rosa
“Lo Que Fui Es Lo Que Soy” — Alejandro Sanz
“Déjame Quererte” — Carlos Vives

Netflix Streaming New Documentary About Alejandro Sanz

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Here’s your chance to delve deeper into the life of Alejandro Sanz…

Netflix has begun streaming a new documentary about the 49-year-old Spanish singer/songwriter in the United States and Latin American countries.

Alejandro Sanz

The documentary, though, is still not available in Sanz’s native Spain.

Netflix had previously announced that Sanz: Lo Que Fui es lo Que Soy would be released last Saturday, August 18.

When it didn’t appear on the streaming site, Sanz’s followers were quick to proteston social media.

On Monday (August 20), the film’s sudden appearance on Netflix was quickly followed by fans expressing their relief.

The documentary captures Sanz’s journey from playing rock songs with friends on the streets of his neighborhood as a teen to playing flamenco guitar with Paco de Lucia, to recording the two biggest-selling albums in Spain and becoming one of Latin music’s biggest stars while remaining “a normal person.”

Shakira, Miguel Bosé and Juan Luis Guerra are among the many other artists who make appearances in the film.

Lo Que Fui es lo Que Soy had a theatrical premiere at the Malaga Film Festival on April 19, and showed in theaters around Spain. But Spanish viewers who have been waiting to watch it on Netflix are still waiting.

Alejandro Sanz Notches 11th Top 10 Album on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums Chart 

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Make that 11 hit albums for Alejandro Sanz…

The 49-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter’s new live effort, +ES+: El Concierto, debuts at No. 7 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart (dated December 30) with 3,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending December 14, according to Nielsen Music.

Alejandro Sanz

Most of that total is driven by traditional album sales, bolstered by an edition of the album that comes with a DVD of a live concert. The arrival gives Sanz his 11th top 10-charting set.

The live album — released December 8 via Universal Music Latino — is his 13th set to chart and features a bevy of guest stars. Among them: Juan Luis Guerra, Juanes and Laura Pausini.

The new live album celebrates the 20th anniversary of his fifth studio effort, Mas, which was released in 1997 and peaked at No. 5 the following year. It was his first album to reach Billboard‘s charts.

Further, Sanz collects his eighth top five on the Latin Pop Albums chart as the new set opens at No. 2. He’s notched three No. 1s on the list: Sirope (2015, one week at No. 1), La Musica No Se Toca (2012, five weeks at No. 1) and Paraíso Express (2009, one week at No. 1).

The new release follows his Latin Grammys  performance (November 16), where he was honored as person of the year 2017.

Carlos Vives Partners with Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation for Berklee College of Music Scholarship

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Carlos Vives is helping the next generation of musicians…

The 56-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter has partnered with the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation to provide financial support to an accepted student at Berklee College of Music toward a bachelor’s degree,

Carlos Vives

“Carlos Vives not only represents musical excellence and achievement, but the equally significant qualities of generosity and altruism,” said Manolo Diaz, the senior vice president of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, adding “His legacy will also include changing the life of the scholarship recipient.”

The Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, which provides support to Latin students at Berklee College, is now accepting applications for the Carlos Vives Scholarship, valued at up to $200,000.

“The ability to support a new generation of Latin musicians brings me great joy,” said the 11-time Latin Grammy and two-time Grammy winner in a press statement.

Vives now joins the list of previous superstars, like Enrique Iglesias, Juan Luis Guerra and Miguel Bosé, who have provided college-level scholarships for Latin music students.

For more information on how to apply, visit LatinGRAMMYCulturalFoundation.com.

Marc Anthony Among Artists to Perform at “Unidos Por Puerto Rico” Concert & Telethon Event

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Marc Anthony is ready to unite for a cause…

Puerto Rico’s First Lady, Beatriz Rosselló, announced the resumption of “Unidos Por Puerto Rico” concert and telethon event, with the 49-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer among the featured artists.

Marc Anthony

The charitable initiative was originally organized in early September to help those affected by Hurricane Irma and now joins the effort to raise funds for damages caused by Hurricane Maria.

In addition to Anthony, the concert-telethon will feature Luis Fonsi, Juan Luis Guerra, Ednita Nazario, Olga Tañón, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Zion & Lennox, Carlos Vives, Maluma, La Secta, Tito el Bambino, Vico C, Nicky Jam, Jowell & Randy, Pirulo y La Tribe, Víctor Manuel, Wisin, Ozuna and Yandel, among others.

The artists will also unite for a song and video titled “Isla Bendita“, which will honor the event.

“United for Puerto Rico” will air on October 22 directly from Puerto Rico through more than 20 Spanish Broadcasting System radio stations and on television through Telemundo, Univision and Mega TV in the U.S.

“Puerto Rico needs us now more than ever after suffering the scourge of two consecutive hurricanes,” said the Rosselló in a statement.

To make a donation for the victims of Irma and Maria visit www.unidosporpuertorico.com for more information.

Daddy Yankee to Perform at This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards

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Daddy Yankee is readying for another performance on the big stage…

The 40-year-old Puerto Rican superstar is confirmed to perform at the 2017 Billboard Latin Music Awards, taking place April 27 at the University of Miami‘s Watsco Center.

Daddy Yankee

Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi will take the stage for the worldwide television premiere of their monster hit “Despacito.” The pair recently dropped a new remix featuring Justin Bieber, and after just 24 hours on YouTube, it became the biggest musical debut on the streaming platform, surpassing 20 million worldwide views.

During Daddy Yankee’s performance, the five-time finalist will also debut a new track.

Other performers throughout the night include J Balvin, Nicky Jam, Gente de Zona, Zion y Lennox, Alejandro Fernández and Morat.

Mexican actress Kate del Castillo, from the Netflix series Ingobernable, and Puerto Rican actor and singer Carlos Ponce will host the awards ceremony that will air live on Telemundo. Presenters include ChocQuibTown, Sofía Reyes, Olga Tañón, Sin Bandera, Juan Luis Guerra and Ednita Nazario, among others.

The Billboard Latin Music Awards are the culmination of the Billboard Latin Music Conference, taking place April 24-27 at the Ritz Carlton Miami Beach.

Arjona to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards

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It’s an extra special recognition for Ricardo Arjona…

The 53-year-old Guatemalan singer-songwriter and chart-topping artist  will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 Billboard Latin Music Awards on April 27.

Ricardo Arjona

Arjona will receive the special accolade to honor his outstanding career that spans over 30 years and includes 16 studio albums, 36 hits on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs, five No. 1’s and 20 entries on the Top Latin Albums chart. Past Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Marco Antonio Solís and Roberto Carlos.

Arjona will also perform for the first time ever at the Billboard Latin Music Awards joining a star-studded lineup with acts such as Luis Fonsi, J Balvin and Nicky Jam.

Mexican actress Kate del Castillo, from the Netflix series Ingobernable, and Puerto Rican actor and singer Carlos Ponce will host the awards ceremony. Presenters throughout the night include artists like ChocQuibTown, Sofía Reyes, Olga Tañón, Sin Bandera, Juan Luis Guerra and Ednita Nazario.

The Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will air live on Telemundo from The Watsco Center at the University of Miami, are the culmination of the Billboard Latin Music Conference, taking place April 24-27 at the Ritz Carlton Miami Beach.

To register, visit BillboardLatinConference.com.

Valoy Receives “Gran Soberano Award” at the Premios Soberanos

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It’s a Gran prize for Cuco Valoy…

The 80-year-old Dominican singer-songwriter has received the Gran Soberano award, the top arts prize at the Dominican Republic’s Premios Soberanos.

Cuco Valoy

Valoy was given the honor during a show featuring an opening performance by Juan Luis Guerra and “Merengue King” Johnny Ventura.

Valoy, who has been performing and recording for half a century, said he was dedicating the award to Los Virtuosos, the band that accompanied him early in his career, when he was a pioneer in taking Dominican music to Europe, “where few knew where our country is located.”

Earlier in the show, the legendary singer-songwriter was honored with a performance by his son, Ramon Orlando, singer Henry Garcia and popular urban music act Mozart La Para, who joined in interpreting “Juliana,” one of Valoy’s hits.

Guerra and Ventura were joined on stage by dozens of dancers, with the performance climaxing with everyone simulating Dominican pitcher Fernando Rodney throwing an imaginary strike, a gesture that became popular in the country when the Dominican Republic won the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Guerra also received an award in the category of most prominent artist or group abroad.

Puerto Rican reggaeton singer Wisin performed his hit, “Vacaciones,” and received huge applause from the audience when he received the Soberano International Prize.

The audience at Santo Domingo’s Eduardo Brito National Theater also enjoyed a performance by some members of the disbanded La Coco Band orchestra, founded about 30 years ago, which revolutionized merengue with contagious rhythm and simple lyrics.

Bachata artist Leonardo Paniagua, honored at the show for his long career, recalled the early days of the style, when it was difficult for him to be accepted on major stages.