The 24th Latin Grammy Awards, held for the first time in Sevilla, Spain, turned out to be an evening full of surprises and a testament to the diverse talents in the Latin music industry. This year’s event didn’t see any single artist taking center stage, but rather a range of artists sharing the limelight, showcasing the eclectic nature of Latin music.
Karol G, Shakira, and Natalia Lafourcade were the stars of the night, each bagging three significant awards. Karol G’s “Mañana Será Bonito” not only won Album of the Year but also Best Urban Album, and her duet with Shakira, “TQG”, scooped up the Best Urban Fusion/Performance. Shakira herself, teaming up with Bizarrap, won Song of the Year and Best Pop Song for “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53”. Meanwhile, Natalia Lafourcade’s “De Todas Las Flores” was recognized as the Best Singer-Songwriter Album, with its title track winning Best Singer-Songwriter Song.
The evening also shone a spotlight on upcoming talent, with Venezuelan singer-songwriter Joaquina being named Best New Artist. This highlighted an encouraging trend of female artists making significant strides in the industry.
But it wasn’t all about the ladies. Edgar Barrera, a renowned Mexican music maker, walked away with three awards, including the first-ever Latin Grammy for Songwriter of the Year and Producer of the Year. His achievements mark a significant moment in the Latin music scene.
The event had its share of unexpected moments too. Camilo, despite being a Grammy favorite with seven nominations, surprisingly didn’t win in the major categories. This included missing out on Best Pop Vocal Album, which went to Julieta Venegas for “Tu Historia”, against all odds.
Bizarrap & Quevedo’s Best Urban Song win for “BZRP Music Sessions #52” was a delightful surprise, standing out amidst a strong field of nominees. Similarly, Julieta Venegas winning Best Pop Vocal Album was unexpected, particularly considering the stiff competition from Camilo’s “De Adentro Pa Afuera”.
One of the night’s talking points was Shakira & Bizarrap’s miss in the Record of the Year category, despite winning Song of the Year for their hit “BZRP Music Sessions #53”. The song, notable for its production and lyrical depth, was a fan favorite.
Tego Calderón made a remarkable comeback by winning Best Reggaeton Performance for “La receta”, highlighting the evolving nature of reggaeton. And in another noteworthy win, Luis Fernando Borjas, formerly of the group Guaco, claimed Best Contemporary Tropical Album for his solo debut “5:10”, underscoring the vibrant diversity of Latin music.
The Latin Grammy 2023 was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of the ever-changing and dynamic world of Latin music. The event showcased not just the well-established names but also brought fresh talent into the spotlight, hinting at an exciting and diverse future for Latin music.