Alejandro Sanz

Alejandro Sanz

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Alejandro Sanz Named 2017 Latin Recording Academy Person Of The Year

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GRAMMY- and Latin GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter will be honored during a prestigious gala on Nov. 15 honoring his musical and philanthropic achievements
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Jun 19, 2017 - 2:00 pm
GRAMMY.com

The Latin Recording Academy announced Spanish singer/songwriter Alejandro Sanz will be honored as the 2017 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. An 18-time Latin GRAMMY and three-time GRAMMY winner, Sanz is to be honored for his artistry and substantial philanthropic contributions to organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children and Greenpeace, among others.

This year's star-studded gala  will be held Nov. 15 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas and will feature a concert tribute, including renditions of Sanz' repertoire by notable artists and friends. Three-time GRAMMY and nine-time Latin GRAMMY winner Rafa Sardina is the executive producer of the event.

The net proceeds from the gala will go toward the charitable work of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. The Foundation's mission is to further international awareness and appreciation of the significant contributions of Latin music and its makers to the world's culture through scholarships, fellowships, grants, and educational programs.

Sanz earned his first four Latin GRAMMYs during the 2nd Latin GRAMMY Awards in 2001, including Record, Album and Song Of The Year for "El Alma Al Aire." His most recent win came at the 17th Latin GRAMMYs, where he won Best Long Form Music Video for "Sirope Vivo." Sanz has earned three GRAMMY wins for Best Latin Pop Album, including for No Es Lo Mismo (2003), El Tren De Los Momentos (2007) and Paraiso Express (2010).

"Alejandro Sanz initially appeared on the music scene with a guitar hanging on his shoulder, a profound passion for music and amazing talent," said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. "After a few years and with the help of his infectious lyrics and harmonies, he enticed our senses for the next few decades and his work has become an essential part of our life's soundtrack. His philanthropic work, his leadership, in addition to his inspiring music, speaks volumes about his many contributions to the Latin community over the years and we are thrilled to be honoring him."

"I'm honored to receive this recognition from The Latin Recording Academy," said Sanz. "I'm happy and excited to be able to experience what is sure to be a thrilling evening in the company of friends and colleagues. I have participated in some of these galas as a guest and it is a very special event within the celebrations surrounding the Latin GRAMMY Awards. I'm very grateful and can't wait for the moment to arrive to discover all the surprises in store."

More from The Latin Recording Academy: Latin GRAMMYs to be held Nov. 16

Alejandro Sanz

Alejandro Sanz

Photo: JB Lacroix/WireImage.com

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Alejandro Sanz: Stars Honor Latin Academy Person Of The Year

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A cluster of Latin stars paid tribute to the Spanish singer/songwriter with a concert for the ages
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Nov 16, 2017 - 10:47 am

On Nov. 15, esteemed GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY winner Alejandro Sanz was honored as the Latin Recording Academy's 2017 Person of the Year for his significant artistic and philanthropic contributions to the world.

Hosted at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, the centerpiece of the star-studded celebration was a concert tribute, which featured renditions of Sanz' repertoire by notable artists and friends, including Natalia Lafourcade, Juan Luis Guerra, Mon Laferte, Jesse & Joy, Luis Fonsi, Residente, and more. The sold-out gala benefits the year-round education and preservation initiatives of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.

On to the amazing performance highlights:

Lafourcade and Manuel Medrano kicked off the evening with a performance of "No Es Lo Mismo," which earned Sanz not only Record and Song Of The Year at the 5th Latin GRAMMY Awards, but the album of the same named earned Album Of The Year honors.

Guerra graced the stage next with a cover of "Desde Cuando," which earned a Record Of The Year nod at the 11th Latin GRAMMY Awards for 2010.

This was followed by a performance of "El Alma Al Aire" by David Bisbal. El Alma … earned Sanz not only the Latin GRAMMY for Album Of The Year for 2001, but the title track also took home Record and Song Of The Year honors that year.

Niña Pastori delivered a lovely rendition of "La Fuerza Del Corazon," which was followed by a passionate version of "Mi Soledad Y Yo" by Laferte.

Guitarist Jose Antonio Rodriguez and dance company Siudy Garrido with El Carpeta brought a little flamenco flare to the stage with their performance of "Manhattan De 2 Frontera."

Rosalía took on the Latin GRAMMY-nominated hit "Cuando Nadie Me Ve" with expert pizazz.

Brother and sister duo Jesse & Joy hit the stage next for a version of Sanz' "Siempre Es De Noche."

Santiago Cruz, Gian Marco and accordionist Jimmy Zambrano gave an excellent performance of "La Musica No Se Toca."

Fonsi, of "Despacito" fame, took on a version of "Amiga Mia" to honor Sanz.

Next up, Nick Jonas Calle 13's Residente and Anitta had a blast performing "Looking For Paradise." Sanz' original performance of the hit song features GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys.

Alejandro Fernandez brought to life Sanz's 1997 hit "Y ¿Si Fuera Ella? "

Juanes and Camila Cabello teamed for an exquisite rendition of "Quisiera Ser," leading into the big finale.

To close out the night, Sanz, along with guitarist Jose Antonio Rodriguez, gave an emotional performance of his 1997 smash "Corazón Partío" — the perfect finish to an amazing celebration.

Alejandro Sanz

Alejandro Sanz

Photo: WireImage.com

List

Alejandro Sanz: 13 Stellar Songs From The Spanish Pop Star

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Listen to musical career highlights from the 2017 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Sep 17, 2017 - 9:00 am

Few artists in any genre — or any language — have been as successful and influential as Spanish singer/songwriter Alejandro Sanz. With 18 Latin GRAMMY and three GRAMMY wins to his name, Sanz's worldwide influence is truly massive.

His first recognition from the Latin GRAMMY recognition came in 2001 when he took home Album, Record and Song Of The Year honors for El Alma Al Aire and its title track. Since then, Sanz's star continued to rise, fueled by a prolific output of original music and several high-profile collaborations. He performed on the 44th Annual GRAMMY Awards with Destiny's Child in 2002, and at the Latin GRAMMYs he partnered with Shakira in 2006 on "La Tortura" and with Alicia Keys in 2009 on the English crossover "Looking For Paradise."

Earlier this year, Sanz was named the 2017 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, not only for his unparalleled success as an artist, but for his substantial philanthropic contributions to organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children and Greenpeace, among others. The singer/songwriter will be honored during a prestigious gala on Nov. 15 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

In celebration of his career, we'd like you to take a listen to some of Sanz's biggest hits and finest career moments in this special playlist. ¡Disfrutar!

1. "No Es Lo Mismo"
2. "¿Lo Ves?"
3. "La Tortura" Shakira feat. Alejandro Sanz

4. "La Primera Persona"
5. "Tu No Tienes Alma"
6. "Amiga Mia"

7. "Looking For Paradise" feat. Alicia Keys
8. "Desde Cuando"
9. "El Alma Al Aire"
10. "Te Lo Agradezco, Pero No" feat. Shakira
11. "Corazon Partio"

12. "Deja Que Te Bese" feat. Marc Anthony
13. "A Que No Me Dejas"

 

 

Ruben Blades in 2017

Ruben Blades accepts the Latin GRAMMY for Album Of The Year at the 18th Latin GRAMMYs

Photo: Kevin Winter/WireImage.com

Photo Gallery

Relive Your Favorite Moments From The 18th Latin GRAMMYs (Photo Gallery)

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Take a look back at some of the most memorable moments from The Biggest Night In Latin Music
Brian Haack
GRAMMYs
Nov 16, 2017 - 9:47 pm

The 18th Latin GRAMMY Awards is officially in the books. Let's take a look back at some of our favorite moments from The Biggest Night In Latin Music.

Residente in 2017
Relive Your Favorite Moments From The 18th Latin GRAMMYs (Photo Gallery)

See The Complete List Of Winners From The 18th Latin GRAMMYs

 

Luis Fonsi, Li Saumet at the 18th Latin GRAMMY Awards

Luis Fonsi and Bomba Estéreo's Li Saumet

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

News

"Despacito," Vicente García, Rubén Blades Win Big | 18th Latin GRAMMYs

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Alongside a night of lit performances, Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's hit collaboration earns four awards while Dominican singer/songwriter García captured three awards
Tim McPhate
GRAMMYs
Nov 16, 2017 - 9:10 pm

"Despacito," Vicente García and Rubén Blades emerged as the big winners at the 18th Latin GRAMMY Awards on Nov. 16 in Las Vegas.

Rubén Blades Album Of The Year | Acceptance Speech

Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's "Despacito," the 2017 smash that just won't slow down, took home four awards: Song Of The Year, Record Of The Year, Best Short Form Music Video, and Best Urban Fusion/Performance. The song's remix earned the latter award, which netted Justin Bieber his first career Latin GRAMMY win.

Newcomer Dominican singer/songwriter García won his first three career Latin awards: Best New Artist, Best Singer-Songwriter Album for A La Mar and Best Tropical Song for "Bachata En Kingston."

Vicente García Best New Artist | Acceptance Speech

The Panamanian Blades took home Album Of The Year and Best Salsa Album honors for Salsa Big Band — Rubén Blades Con Roberto Delgado & Orquesta. He was previously nominated for Album Of The Year three times.

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What was your favorite 18th Latin GRAMMY Awards performance?

Though they didn't work as a pair this time around, Calle 13 — Residente and Eduardo Cabra (Visitante) — made their presence known.

Residente earned Best Urban Album honors for Residente and Best Urban Song for "Somos Anormales."

Meanwhile, Cabra took home Producer Of The Year honors.

Camila Cabello at the 18th Latin GRAMMY Awards
18th Latin GRAMMY Awards | Red Carpet

GRAMMY winner Lin-Manuel Miranda of "Hamilton" fame was feted with special recognition in the form of a President's Merit Award. "No one gets here alone," said Miranda, who referred to himself as the "weird theater kid."

The 18th Latin GRAMMY Awards was all about dazzling performances as well.

Following a moment of silence for Puerto Rico and Mexico and the people affected by the recent natural disasters, Residente opened the show on a poignant note with his "Hijos Del Cañaveral."

Alejandro Sanz, the 2017 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, was honored by fellow Latin GRAMMY winner Juan Luis Guerra. After dedicating the award to his family, Sanz performed a medley of his hits, including "Corazón Partío."

Residente at the 18th Latin GRAMMY Awards
18th Latin GRAMMY Awards | Winners Backstage

Colombia's Juanes, who won Best Pop/Rock Album for Planes Son Amarte, joined Alessia Cara and Logic for a moving performance of the Spanish version of the latter's suicide prevention anthem, "1-800-273-8255."

Logic talks about 'Everybody'

Making an impressive Latin GRAMMY stage debut, Miami-based boy band collective — and Best New Artist nominees — Cnco performed their hit "Reggaetton Lento."

Colombian reggaeton singer/songwriter Maluma commanded the stage with verve during a reading of his "Felicies Los 4."

Fresh from winning her first Latin GRAMMY for Best Alternative Song, Chile's Mon Laferte energetically performed her winning song: "Amárrame."

Watch Mon Laferte Win First Career Latin GRAMMY

In a raucous finale, Fonsi served up a knock-out punch of "Despacito" alongside special guests Bomba Estéreo, Víctor Manuelle and Diplo. Fittingly, the biggest song in Latin music in 2017 served as an unforgettable coda to The Biggest Night in Latin Music.