Breakthrough singer Rosalia takes Latin Grammys’ top prize
Rosalia has won album of the year at the Latin Grammys for her breakout album “El Mal Querer.”
Thursday’s ceremony was a big night for the Spanish singer, who also took home the honors for best pop contemporary album and best urban song for “Con Altura,” her collaboration with J Balvin.
Rosalia put her hand on her forehead when host Ricky Martin called her name for the evening’s top honor. She initially seemed overwhelmed with emotion during her acceptance speech, but went on to thank those who supported her music and calling her win incredible.
The ceremony honored 20 years of Latin Grammys history, kicking off with a massive performance honoring multiple genres of Latin music. Highlights included Colombian singer Juanes performing a set of his hits and then being honored by one of his idols, Lars Ulrich of Metallica.
The opening number featured a panoply of artists including Prince Royce, Anitta, Natalia Jimenez, Olga Tanon and Fito Paez performing songs from icons like Celia Cruz, Juan Gabriel, Joan Sebastian and the rock band Soda Stereo.
Martin, who hosted the show with Roselyn Sanchez and Paz Vega, helped close the performance by singing a few notes.
Alejandro Sanz — the most-nominated act with eight — won two awards before the big show: best long form music video for “Lo Que Fui Es Lo Que Soy” and best pop song for the Camila Cabello-featured track “Mi Persona Favorita,” marking the first Latin Grammy win for the former Fifth Harmony singer (she has yet to win a Grammy). Sanz was also nominated for album of the year, which he’s won three times.
Puerto Rican rapper Residente, of the group Calle 13, extended his record as the most decorated artist in the history of the Latin Grammys to 25 wins when he won best short form music video for “Banana Papaya.”
Residente also performed at the show, airing live on Univision. Other performers included Bad Bunny and Ozuna — uberpopular Latin trap and reggaeton artists who were dissed in top categories like album, song and record of the year, and restricted to nominations in the urban categories.
The Latin Grammys received backlash for snubbing those performers, as well as Balvin, Daddy Yankee, Maluma and Nicky Jam. The omissions were surprising since the Latin Grammys have 10 nominees for top categories, and the artists have been hugely successful, dominating on streaming services and selling out arenas like Madison Square Garden.