The Top Moments from the 2019 Latin Grammys
Tonight marked the 20th anniversary celebration of the Latin Grammys
Photo: Unsplash/@fabioha
Tonight marked the 20th anniversary celebration of the Latin Grammys. From the red carpet to the telecast’s final performance, we as Latinxs grabbed everyone’s attention and didn’t let go. There was nudity in the name of protest, icons being celebrated for their decades of music, and of course epic performances. After watching the show, which took place in Las Vegas, we captured what we felt were its top, unforgettable moments to share with all of you. Here are those major moments from the 2019 Latin Grammys.
wp_*postsMon Laferte Bares Her Chest–and Her Soul–for Chile
Chilean artist Mon Laferte used the red carpet, usually the scene of glitzy dresses and elegant looks, to shock in the name of inspiring change. She pulled down her trench coat to expose a message written across her bare chest: “In Chile, they torture, rape, and murder.” This was in response to the violence experienced by protesters in the South American country.
wp_*postsEpic Grammys Intro
You know you had to have an epic opening to the 20th anniversary of the Latin Grammys. Nothing less would do. Ricky Martin, who performed alongside Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan at that first show’s opening (in 2000), as part of the Tito Puente tribute, hosted this year, bringing it all full circle. This year, the telecast opened with a Celia Cruz tribute (“La Vida Es Un Carnaval”), performed by Olga Tañón, Milly Quezada, and Anitta.
This was followed by a tribute to Juan Gabriel, in which Carlos Rivera, Reik, and Leonel Garcia performed “Querida.”
wp_*postsThree Generations of the Fernandez Family Performing Together
While we don’t agree with his homophobic and addiction-shaming comments, Vicente Fernandez is an icon, and has done so much in terms of music. At this year’s Latin Grammys, three generations of the Fernandez family–Vicente, son Alejandro, and grandson Alex Fernandez, appeared together on stage to sing songs, including the classic “Volver Volver.”
wp_*postsJuanes’ Person of the Year Performance
Colombian musician Juanes was named the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year, for 2019. Each year, the recipient is honored, but also puts on an unforgettable performance. Juanes sang alongside Alessia Cara, Sebastian Yatra, and entertained the audience with songs including “A Dios Le Pido,” and “La Camisa Negra.”
wp_*postsThalia Gets the President’s Merit Award
Introduced by Emilio Estefan, Thalia took the stage to receive the Latin Recording Academy’s Presidential Merit Award, for her 20 years of artistry. She recalled how as a child, she would bug her mother to let her become an entertainer, before she proceeded to thank the people who made her iconic career possible: her family, collaborators, friends, and her loyal fans.
wp_*postsAntonio Aguilar’s José José Tribute
One of the best things about the Latin Grammys is that you get to witness once-in-a-lifetime performances that often will have one icon honoring and celebrating another. For the 2019 Latin Grammys, one of these moments was the legendary Antonio Aguilar doing a beautiful version of José José’s “El Triste.”
wp_*postsRicky Martin, Residente, and Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rican Power Performance
The Latin Grammys also allow artists to drop their latest music. Ricky Martin, Residente, and Bad Bunny took the opportunity to perform their latest jam, “Cántalo” for the very first time. Of course the performance was high energy, overflowing with talent, and gave off some major orgullo Puerto Puertorriqueño and Latino!
wp_*postsBad Bunny’s Symphonic Merry-Go-Round
Bad Bunny also closed the Latin Grammys with his supercool performance of “Callaita,” that had him rapping in a crystal-studded face mask, surrounded by merry-go-rounds, and accompanied by an orchestra, all wearing a third eye painted on their forehead.
