The 2024 Latin Grammy Awards proved to be a night full of heartfelt tributes and moments of camaraderie. From the heartfelt exchange between Carlos Vives and Jon Bon Jovi to Alejandro Fernandez’s moving tribute to his father Vicente, the 25th anniversary awards show represents a quarter century of celebrating Latin music.

Live from the Kaseya Center in Miami, Vives, the Colombian songwriter and this year’s Latin Grammy Person of the Year, opened the awards show with a jam-packed medley of his hits, including “A La Tierra del Olvido” and “Volvi a Nacer “. .” With tropical flair, the show kicked off the three-hour show that brought the audience to its feet, tears on the winners’ faces and nostalgic moments.

The first Latin Grammy of the night went to Carin León for Contemporary Mexican Music Album — a new category — for “Boca Chueca, Vol. 1.”

“Our only mission is to continue to put Mexican music first,” said León, thanking everyone who made his win possible.Arriba Mexico and regional Mexican.”

With continued rise of Mexican musicthe ceremony gave way to many performances by Mexican artists – from Becky G to siblings Angela and Leonardo Aguilar, the fiery performance of “Por la Contraction” written by Edgar Barrera, Grupo Frontera’s norteño serenade “El Amor de Mi Vida” (which received a regional song award) and the set by Leon’s choir.

Other Mexican subgenre wins included Grupo Frontera’s “El Comienzo” for norteño album, Chiquis’ “Diamantes” for banda album, and Alejandro Fernandez’s “Te Llevo En La Sangre” for ranchero/mariachi album.

About halfway through the show, the stage lighting emulated a starry night sky as a tribute to the pioneers of Latin music who have passed. Leonel Garcia and Reik paid tribute to Juan Gabriel with a soulful rendition of “Hasta que te Conoci” while a black and white image of a smiling Divo de Juarez appeared behind them.

Next, Carlos Rivera and David Bisbal honored Jose Jose by performing the ballad “El Triste.” The set ended with Fernandez commemorating his late father, Vicente. Backed by a full mariachi, images of the pair emerged as the son sang the final notes of ‘No Me Sé Rajar’. The presentation received a standing ovation.

One of the driving forces behind the ceremony was Vives himself. From opening the show to receiving the Person of the Year award, all eyes were on the 63-year-old artist. During his three-decade career, he has collected 18 Latin Grammys, two Grammys and sold millions of albums worldwide. He left his mark on Latin music by introducing modern pop and rock sounds to traditional Colombian folk music. He has also dedicated much of his career to giving back to his hometown of Santa Marta, Colombia through his foundation. Shot at Perla.

Jon Bon Jovi, the Grammy Person of the Year 2024, presented the award to his friend Vives, saying, “Your legacy reaches far beyond the stage, impacting not only your community but the entire world, and that is one of the many reasons why you are so deserving of this award.”

Vives accepted the recognition and thanked his “old friend” Bon Jovi and said: “Music has no boundaries. Rhythms and genres are like trees. … We see that the roots are connected and we are all connected through the roots.”

The 62-year-old American rocker appeared later in the show alongside Pitbull on a raised platform to sing a medley of their hits ‘It’s My Life’ and ‘Now or Never’. Bringing the energy level to a peak, the unexpected duo brought the once-in-a-lifetime feel to their 25th anniversary.

The night also featured performances that highlighted a new generation of female artists, including Kali Uchis, Elena Rose and Emilia, in addition to another set by Latin pop-funk band Darumas and a performance by Warning, the all-female rock band from Mexico, presented by Juanes.

In terms of other notable wins, Karol G won Urban Album for “Mañana”; Draco Rosa took home two awards, for rock/pop album and rock song; and Taubert was named best new artist. “Derrumbe” by Jorge Drexler won song of the year. Juan Luis Guerra’s Mambo 23 was awarded Record of the Year and his album Radio Güira was awarded Album of the Year and Best Merengue/Bachata Album – making him a 27-time Latin Grammy winner.

“It’s a great privilege to be nominated,” said Guerra, who celebrated other artists and a higher power that inspired her album. “I love you, I admire you… The idea of ​​”Radio Güira” came directly from Jesus. Glory be to God.”

Other awards came earlier in the day as part of the pre-Latin Grammy ceremony. Awarded for singles or tracks, Bizarrap y Shakira took home a gramophone for “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53 (Tiesto Remix)” for Best Latin Electronic Music Performance. Bizarrap accepted the recognition and thanked his collaborators.

“It’s good. I got to know electronic music because of Tiesto,” said Bizarrap, who noted that his admiration for Tiesto started early in his life. “We won last year, but this award allows us to continue sharing the music. Shakira, who is the queen, I would like to wish her the best of luck in her (upcoming) tour.

Argentine-born singer-rapper Nathy Peluso, along with Devonté Hynes, took home the award for best alternative song, “El dia que perdi mi Juventud” from “Grasa.”

“Music saved me,” Peluso said as he accepted his trophy and recalled that the song was born in an early dawn when he remembered his youth. “The best way to save us is through music, always. A toast to music from the heart.”

Later in the day’s ceremony, the 29-year-old also took home Best Rap/Hip Hop Song for “Aprender A Amar,” the powerful anthem of self-love.

Up against the likes of Karol G, Bad Bunny and Bizzarap, Trueno’s “Tranky Funky” won for Best Urban Fusion Performance. “Perro Negro,” the rhythm track from Bad Bunny’s fifth studio album with Feid, was recognized for Best Reggaeton Performance. The Colombian reggaetonero was present to receive the award.

“What’s up?. … For those who dream of making urban music, leave the streets and keep making reggaeton. I love you, God bless you,” Feid said, before shouting a “Viva Colombia!”

Edgar Barrera entered this year’s Latin Grammys as the artist with the most nominations, with nine. By the end of the show, he brought home three awards – producer and songwriter of the year, as well as regional song recognition.

“I can’t believe it. I admire all the nominees… They are inspirations to me. and I want to thank the academy for this recognition and those artists I work with who give me the opportunity to guide them and who let me be a producer in their career.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.