Carlos Vives Named Latin Recording Academy’s 2024 Person of the Year

Posted on May 26, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Vives is set to receive the highest honor from the Latin Recording Academy.

Twenty-five years after leading the list of nominees for the first edition of the Latin Grammys, the 62-year-old Colombian singer, songwriter and actor has been named the 2024 Person of the Year.

Vives — winner of 18 Latin Grammy Awards, two Grammy Awards and a Billboard Latin Music Awards Hall of Fame inductee — “will be honored for his more than three-decade career as a multifaceted singer and composer, as well as for his continued commitment to environmental and social initiatives,” per the Latin Recording Academy.

“Carlos Vives is one of the most prolific and beloved artists of our time, whose commitment to Latin music and support for the new generations truly personifies the values of our Academy,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “We honor him as our Person of the Year for his vast contributions to our musical heritage and for his many philanthropic initiatives.”

“It’s still surprising to me,” Vives told Billboard Español this week in an exclusive interview. “It’s like a message that the Academy gives at the end, because 32 years ago I chose a path [that was unconventional]. To be successful, to be commercial, there was one way. This other path that’s cultural or has to do with your identity, that doesn’t work, [they would say].”

In Wednesday’s press release, he added: “I am honored and moved to have been chosen as the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. It is the reward for an authentic journey, for a wonderful team and, above all, it is the recognition of the musical spirits of our Latin American diversity. These spirits taught us to love and enrich our language, to take care of it and to respect it in order to exalt humanity with it.”

Born in Santa Marta, Colombia, Vives is one of the most respected artists in Spanish-language music and a pioneer of a new Latin American sound, redefining traditional Colombian vallenato by incorporating to it pop and rock sounds. With No. 1 hits on the Billboard charts such as “Volví a Nacer,” “Fruta Fresca” and “La Bicicleta” with Shakira, among others, has become an ambassador of Colombian and Latin American culture around the world.

His commitment to good causes transcends the musical realm. In 2015, he created the Tras La Perla initiative to promote the sustainable development of Santa Marta and its ecosystem. In addition, he created the Escuela de Música Río Grande to offer artistic experiences to children and young people, and founded the record label Gaira Música Local to promote new Colombian talent. He’s also been a strong advocate and generous supporter of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation since its inception, the Latin Recording Academy highlights, and sponsored its annual Prodigy Scholarship in 2018.

His latest album, Escalona: Nunca Se Había Grabado Así, earned him his 18th Latin Grammy when it was crowned best cumbia/vallenato album in 2023. This year he was also recognized with the ASCAP Founders Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

Vives will be feted as Person of the Year at a special star-studded gala and tribute concert where an array of artist and friends will perform renditions of his renowned repertoire. Details of the event, to be presented in November during the 2024 Latin Grammy week in Miami, will be announced at a later date.

The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry as well as their humanitarian efforts.

Past honorees are Laura Pausini (2023), Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).

Ronaldinho to Co-Host Celebrity Soccer Match “The Beautiful Game” in Orlando This June

Posted on May 21, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Ronaldinho is organizing a legendary match…

The 43-year-old Brazilian retired professional footballer has co-created and will co-host The Beautiful Game, a celebrity soccer match, with fellow legend Roberto Carlos.

In partnership with Loud and Live, the match will take place on Friday, June 23, at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Fla. The gam is set to kickoff at 7:30 pm ET.

The match will feature a star-studded lineup of players from around the world, coming together to celebrate the diversity, connection and passion that centers around the global love for soccer.

Fans can purchase tickets to the match here, with more information including additions to the roster announced at a later date.

Ronaldinho, a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or winner, is known for his mesmerizing footwork, incredible ball control and signature ‘joga bonito’ style. The former FC Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain icon has a legion of fans worldwide and is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

Roberto Carlos, a former Real Madrid star and World Cup winner, is known for his trademark runs down the left flank and powerful left foot. He has featured for some of the world’s most prominent clubs, including Inter Milan, Fenerbahçe and Corinthians.

“Following the amazing success in South Florida last year, it is great to take this experience to Orlando. We are looking forward to meeting the fans and to making a lifetime memory for everyone,” said Carlos.

“I had the opportunity to play in many parts of the world, but being able to reunite my friends and our families in Central Florida for a soccer fest in Orlando, with many legends, is a dream coming true. This place is magical and I am sure the soccer fans in Orlando will showcase how passionate they are for the beautiful game,” said Ronaldinho.

“We’re excited to host this fantastic game and give our fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this collection of legends play, all on one field, at Exploria Stadium,” said Orlando City President of Business Operations Jarrod Dillon. “We’ve been able to host so many fantastic events at Exploria Stadium and really solidify ourselves as Florida’s home for the world’s game. We look forward to once again showcasing our fantastic venue and The City Beautiful to the world.”

In addition to the action-packed match, the event will also feature pre-game and halftime entertainment.

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Carlos Rivera Releases New Album “Leyendas,” Featuring Duets with Iconic Singers

Posted on May 30, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Rivera is celebrating for a legendary moment…

The 35-year-old Mexican singer has released his new album Leyendas, in which he shows off his young spirit and classic heart.

On the album, Rivera duets with older, iconic singers on some of their best-known tracks.

From Roberto Carlos’ “Un Millón de Amigos” to José Luis Rodríguez’s “Agárrense de Las Manos,” Rivera traverses the Latin American songbook with the care of someone who grew up admiring, and finally emulating, the voices and personalities that defined Latin pop in the ’70s and ’80s.

These are big arrangements, big strings, big voices, big productions, and it’s a reminder of another face of Latin music.

Rivera took great care to curate the songs by artists who’ve passed: The set includes Rocío Dúrcal’s “Amor Eterno” and José José’s “Amor, Amor,” both recorded from existing tracks.

The most poignant inclusion is Armando Manzanero’s “Todavía,” which Rivera was actually able to record live with Manzanero during the pandemic, just a few months before his death.

It’s a reminder that there’s no reason to wait to celebrate greatness.

Anitta to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammys

Posted on November 9, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Anitta is heading to the Latin Grammys…

The 27-year-old Brazilian singer has been added to the list of performers set to take the stage at this year’s Latin Grammys, according to the Latin Recording Academy.

Anitta appears on the final star-studded list of performers that includes Rauw Alejandro, J Balvin, Camilo, Lupita Infante, Juanes, Mariachi Sol De México De José Hernández, Ricky Martin, Natalia, Jimenez, José Luis Perales, Prince Royce, and Carla Morrison.

Those artists join previously-announced performers Anuel AA, Marc Anthony, Bad Bunny, Calibre 50, Pedro Capó, Julio Reyes Copello, Alex Cuba, Alejandro Fernández, Karol G, Kany García, Guaynaa, Los Tigres del Norte, Víctor Manuelle, Ricardo Montaner, Christian Nodal, Debi Nova, Fito Páez, Nathy Peluso, Raquel Sofía and Sebastián Yatra.

The 21st annual ceremony, led by 13-time nominee J Balvin, will also celebrate several Latin music icons, with special tributes including Julio Iglesias, Pedro Infante, Juan Luis Guerra, Roberto Carlos, and Héctor Lavoe.

Returning with a “music makes us human” theme that highlights musical excellence and the power of music in times of despair, the event will also showcase diverse stories of hope, community, sense of purpose, and celebration.

Hosted by Carlos Rivera, the 2020 Latin Grammys will air at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Thursday, November 19, via Univision.

The star-studded event will be preceded by the one-hour pre-show Noche de Estrellas, held virtually in Miami, where the majority of the categories will be awarded.

Erika Ender: The First Latina Nominated for Song of the Year at the Grammys

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Erika Ender’s name will be etched in music history…

When The Recording Academy unveiled this year’s official list of nominees, the 42-year-old Panamanian singer/songwriter became the first Latina up for song of the year in the history of the Grammys.

Ender, who is celebrating her 25th anniversary as a performer this year, was preparing to perform alongside Roberto Carlos at an annual Christmas special in Rio de Janeiro, when she suddenly got a congratulatory tweet from the academy.

Born in Panama to a Brazilian mother and American father, Ender’s message to the world — should she take home the coveted gramophone for “Despacito” — is one of unity and perseverance.

“As I said in the Latin Grammys, it’s not about competing, it’s about sharing. We are several colleagues sharing as a dream team. Those who sing are obviously the face, but there are those of us who also write and produce, the people from behind who made it all possible — [it’s about] the importance of union through music.”

She continues: “Women are a minority, but any woman who is determined to achieve their dreams in an honest way, while persevering with their values and talent — it’s what I have to exemplify at this time. [I have to] raise my voice and empower other women, because I am the only woman involved in what is happening right now.”

In the end, Ender would extend her gratitude to all who helped along the way to make “Despacito” what it is, “because the road is not done alone.”

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

Posted on April 17, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

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.

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.

Lopez Partners with Roberto Carlos for Portuguese Single “Chegaste”

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Jennifer Lopez is proving she’s a multi-hyphenate when it comes to languages as well…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican singer/actress has joined voices with Roberto Carlos on the single “Chegaste,” her first foray into singing in Portuguese.

Lopez and Carlos dropped the single on Friday on digital platforms.

“Honored & excited to have worked with such a living legend like Roberto Carlos,” the singer tweeted.

“Chegaste” drops following J.Lo and Marc Anthony‘s chart-topping duet “Olvídame y pega la vuelta,” Lopez’s first single from her forthcoming Spanish album, which they premiered during the Latin Grammys last month.

Boneta to Serve as a Presenter at the Latin Grammys

Posted on November 17, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Diego Boneta is heading to the Latin Grammys…

The 24-year-old Mexican singer/actor will join Zoe Saldaña, Rita Moreno, Miguel Bose, Yandel, Julieta Venegas, Leslie Grace, Victor Manuelle, current nominees including René Camacho, Pedro Capó and Aída Cuevas and over a dozen other Latin personalities in presenting awards at the Latin Grammys on Thursday night.

A total of 22 well-known presenters will cross the stage at the 16th annual Latin Grammy Awards, joining 32 performers, including Fifth Harmony, Latin chart-topping artists Nicky Jam and J Balvin, OMI of “Cheerleader” fame, Ricky Martin, regional Mexican star Espinoza Paz, urban sensation Maluma and six-time Grammy winners Banda el Recodo. Will Smith is set to appear with Colombian duo Bomba Estereo, and Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Roberto Carlos will also perform.

The show will be broadcast live on the Univision Network Thursday night (Nov. 19) at 8 p.m. ET/PT from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Actress Roselyn Sanchez and model and Univison presenter Jacqueline Bracamontes will host the awards.

Fifth Harmony to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammy Awards Show

Posted on November 6, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Ally Brooke Hernandez, Camila Cabello and Lauren Jauregui are ready to make their Latin Grammys debut.

The Latina singers and their fellow Fifth Harmony members have been added to the performance lineup for this year’s awards show.

No word on what song the all-girl group, named to this year’s Billboard 21 Under 21 list, will perform, but the ladies did release a Spanish version of their hit single “Worth It.” Entitled “(Worth It) Dame Esta Noche,” was released earlier this summer.

In addition to Fifth Harmony, the Latin Recording Academy has booked OMI, Ricky Martin, Espinoza Paz, Maluma and Banda el Recodo to take the stage at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas on November 19 for Latin music’s biggest night.

Six-time Grammy winners Banda El Recodo, Latin urban phenom Maluma and regional Mexican star Paz each received one nomination this year — best banda album for Mi Vicio Más Grande, best urban performance for “El Tiki,” and best regional song for “Perdí La Pose,” respectively.

Pop idol Martin is also among this year’s nominees, having scored three nods: record of the year and song of the year for “Disparo Al Corazón” and best contemporary pop vocal album for A Quien Quiera Escuchar.

Previously announced performers include Julión Álvarez, Bomba Estéreo with Will Smith, J Balvin, Choc Quib Town, Silvestre Dangond, Nicky Jam, Natalia Jiménez, Natalia Lafourcade, Juan Luis Guerra, Major Lazer and mØ, Matisse, and Raquel Sofía.

Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Roberto Carlos will also grace the stage for a special performance.

Lafourcade to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammy Awards Show

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Natalia Lafourcade is certain to take the stage at this year’s Latin Grammys.

The 31-year-old Mexican pop-rock singer-songwriter, a five-time nominee for this year’s awards show, including nods for Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Record of the Year, has joined the list of performers at the Latin Grammys on November 19.

Lafourcade, a three-time Latin Grammy winner and two-time Grammy nominee, will take the stage of the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. There’s no word on what song she’ll perform.

She joins a growing roster of performers that includes Julión Álvarez, Silvestre Dangond and Nicky Jam, along with a special performance by this year’s Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Roberto Carlos.

Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda and Silvestre Dangond each received one nomination. In the best banda album category, Julión Álvarez y Su Norteño Banda are nominated for El Aferrado. Dangond is nominated with Lucas Dangond in the best cumbia/vallenato album category for Sigo Invicto.

Nicky Jam has two nominations for best urban performance: “Una Cita (Remix)” with Alkilados featuring J Alvarez & El Roockie, and “El Perdón” with Enrique Iglesias.

Previously announced performers include current nominees ChocQuibTown, J Balvin, Natalia Jiménez, Juan Luis Guerra, Matisse and Raquel Sofía.

The show, co-hosted by Devious Maids star Roselyn Sanchez and Mexican model and actress Jacqueline Bracamontes, will air live November 19 on Univision.

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