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

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

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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"

 

 

2016 Latin GRAMMYs

2016 Latin GRAMMYs

Photo: Rich Polk/WireImage

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Explore This Year's Record Of The Year Nominees | 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards

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Ahead of the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs this week, GRAMMY.com dives into the records nominated for one of the most anticipated awards this year
Lucas Villa
Latin GRAMMYs
Nov 16, 2020 - 4:05 am

At the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs this week, Latin music fans will find out who will take home the coveted Record Of The Year award, which recognizes the artists, producers, recording engineers and mixers and mastering engineers behind some of the biggest records this season. Ahead of the 21st Latin GRAMMY Awards, which air Thursday, Nov. 19, GRAMMY.com dives into the records nominated for one of the most anticipated awards this year.

"China" - Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Karol G Featuring Ozuna & J Balvin

For his latest album, Emmanuel, Anuel AA assembled The Avengers of reggaeton music for the all-star collaboration, "China." Anuel AA, who's also nominated for Best New Artist this year, teamed up with genre pioneer Daddy Yankee, his fiancée Karol G, and superstars J Balvin and Ozuna. Helming the track, producer Marco "Tainy" Masís turned a sample of Shaggy's 2000 smash, "It Wasn't Me," into a reggaeton club anthem. The monster collaboration was a familiar yet refreshing spin on the genre. Anuel AA led this formidable lineup to the top of Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart for multiple weeks.

"Cuando Estés Aquí" - Pablo Alborán

Since his Best New Artist nomination at the 2011 Latin GRAMMYs, Pablo Alborán has remained a constant force at the awards. The Spanish singer has previously been nominated in all four major categories, including five Record Of The Year nominations to date. This year, his heartfelt ballad, "Cuando Estés Aquí" (or "When You Are Here)," which he wrote and produced himself, is up for the award. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit at the start of the year, Alborán released this song as a glimmer of hope for when we can all gather with our loved ones again. All the proceeds from the release went to UNICEF's efforts to help those impacted by the pandemic.

"Vete" - Bad Bunny

On "Vete" (or "Leave"), the most emotional song off his 2020 blockbuster album, YHLQMDLG, Bad Bunny lives up to his persona as reggaeton's resident sad boy. (Puerto Rican duo Súbelo NEO, who Bad Bunny brought into the spotlight on YHLQMDLG, and Hazen produced the song.) The Puerto Rican rapper is known to get in his feelings in his music, and he does so beautifully here. After a relationship has run its course, Bad Bunny lets an old flame know where the door is, ultimately finding power through heartache on this kiss-off anthem.

Read: Learn More About This Year's Song Of The Year Nominees | 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards

"Solari Yacumenza" - Bajofondo featuring Cuareim 1080

Bajofondo is the musical band led by legendary Argentine producer Gustavo Santaolalla and Uruguayan musician Juan Campodónico, who are both previous Latin GRAMMY winners. Featuring Montevideo collective Cuareim 1080, "Solari Yacumenza" is notably the only primarily instrumental track competing in the Record Of The Year category this year. Bajofondo's unique blend of electronic and tango music sounds magnificent on this nearly 7-minute jam session. Two countries come together and cut loose in the studio and on the stage.

"Rojo" - J Balvin

On "Rojo" (or "Red"), the most emotional offering off his 2020 Colores album, J Balvin wears his heart on his sleeve as he longs for his lover's touch. The song was produced by the Colombian rapper's longtime collaborator Alejandro "Sky" Ramírez and Taiko, who gets his breakout moment on Colores. Among the tracks on the chromatically themed album, this is the brightest spot where J Balvin flexes his singing abilities in a moving and soaring performance. Counting his feature on Anuel AA's "China," "Rojo" marks J Balvin's second nomination in the Record Of The Year category this year.

"Tutu" - Camilo & Pedro Capó

After stepping away from the industry to write hits for other artists, Camilo returned last year with his breakthrough hit, "Tutu." Producers Richi López, George Noriega and Jon Leone, the rising hitmaker behind Camilo's 2020 album, Por Primera Vez, helped the Colombian singer-songwriter find his groove in the current Latin music landscape. Leone and co. blended his quirky Latin pop sound with a reggaeton heartbeat. Latin GRAMMY winner Pedro Capó's blazing guest verse adds some extra bite to the song, which is an ode to Camilo's wife, Evaluna Montaner. The song later received a co-sign from Colombian superstar Shakira, who reached out to Camilo to jump on a remix. 

Read: Get To Know The 2020 Latin GRAMMYs Album Of The Year Nominees | 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards

"Lo Que En Ti Veo" - Kany Garcia & Nahuel Pennisi

Since winning for Best New Artist at the 2008 Latin GRAMMYs, Kany García has won multiple awards at the annual show. The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter is now up for Record Of The Year, her third nomination in this category, for "Lo Que En Ti Veo" (or "What I See In You") with Argentine musician Nahuel Pennisi. Colombian legend and multiple Latin GRAMMY winner Julio Reyes Copello produced the beautiful ballad, which is featured on García's 2020 album, Mesa Para Dos. Piano and Pennisi's soft guitar are the perfect accompaniment to García's delicate yet affectionate lyrics. Alongside Pablo Alborán, García is one of two LGBTQ+ artists up for Record Of The Year this month. She's also the most nominated female artist at this year's Latin GRAMMYs.

"Tusa" - Karol G & Nicki Minaj

Karol G won Best New Artist in a crowded field of 10 contenders at the 2018 Latin GRAMMYs. In the reggaeton music scene that's usually dominated by men, the Colombian artist is leading the way for women. Her girl-power anthem "Tusa" (or "Heartbreak") sees her teaming up with 10-time GRAMMY-nominated rap star Nicki Minaj. Karol G's longtime producer Daniel "Ovy on the Drums" Oviedo made this a regal affair fit for queens, with violins meeting reggaeton beats. As artists outside of the Latin music scene are wanting in on the movement, "Tusa" remains one of the best and most stellar cross-genre team-ups of the year. With "China," "Tusa" marks Karol G's second nomination in the Record Of The Year category this year.

Read: Meet This Year's Best New Artist Nominees | 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards

"René" - Residente

Counting his work with the hip-hop group Calle 13, Residente is the most awarded artist in Latin GRAMMYs history, with 25 wins total. (The Puerto Rican rapper has a few GRAMMYs to his name as well.) In 2018, when Residente was experiencing depression and wanted to jump off his hotel balcony, he stopped himself from taking his own life by calling his mom. On the day that followed, he let out his emotions by writing "René," the song titled after his first name. Residente also produced the song himself. Across nearly eight minutes, he reflects on his highs and lows in his life and career, creating one of the most powerful moments in Latin music in 2020.

"Contigo" - Alejandro Sanz

Like Residente, Alejandro Sanz is one of the most awarded artists in Latin GRAMMYs history, counting 24 wins overall. (He's also a four-time GRAMMY winner.) The Spanish singer-songwriter took on a song by a fellow Spanish legend, Joaquín Sabina. Produced by Julio Reyes Copello and Spanish musician Rafa Sardina, Sanz's take on "Contigo" is colored with piano, cinematic strings and bluesy guitar as he breathes new life into Sabina's timeless love song. His tribute tugs on the heartstrings.

The 2020 Latin GRAMMYs will air on Univision on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT). The broadcast will also air on TNT (cable) at 7 p.m. (MEX)/8 p.m. (COL)/10 p.m. (ARG/CHI), and on Televisa on Channel 5. 

Learn more about the 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards via the Latin Recording Academy's official website.

2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards Nominees Announced: See The Complete List

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Learn More About This Year's Song Of The Year Nominees | 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards

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While we anxiously await the 21st Latin GRAMMY Awards, which will air Thursday, Nov. 19, GRAMMY.com takes a closer look at this year's Song Of The Year nominees, which include some of the biggest artists in Latin music today
Lucas Villa
Latin GRAMMYs
Nov 10, 2020 - 5:38 pm

We are only days away from knowing who will take the coveted Song Of The Year award at the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs. The contenders for this category, which notably celebrates the songwriters, this year include some of the biggest artists in Latin music today, including Maluma, Juanes & Sebastián Yatra, Jorge Drexler, Camilo, Kany García & Nahuel Pennisi, and many others.

While we anxiously await the 21st Latin GRAMMY Awards, which will air Thursday, Nov. 19, GRAMMY.com takes a closer look at this year's Song Of The Year nominees.

"ADMV" (Performed by Maluma)

Maluma kicked off his Papi Juancho album era in April with one of the most romantic love songs of his career. The Colombian superstar wrote "ADMV" ("Amor de Mi Vida," or "Love of My Life") with Vicente Barco, Stiven Rojas and hitmaker Édgar Barrera. In the song, Maluma lets his loved one know that he's in it for the long-run: Until their final breaths together when they're old and gray, he will still be there. In 2017, Maluma became the first songwriter in Latin GRAMMYs history to have three songs nominated for Song Of The Year in the same year. His 2020 nod marks his fourth overall nomination in this category.

"Bonita" (Performed by Juanes & Sebastián Yatra)

Juanes is no stranger to the Song Of The Year category at the Latin GRAMMYs, having previously won the award twice. (He has a few GRAMMYs to his name as well.) The Colombian rock star teamed up with his compatriot, Sebastián Yatra, for their collaboration, "Bonita" (or "Beautiful"). The pair wrote the song with Mauricio Rengifo and Andrés Torres, the duo behind the game-changing Latin hit, "Despacito," which won the Song Of The Year award at the 2017 Latin GRAMMYs. On "Bonita," Juanes and Yatra shower the ladies of their lives with the most affectionate words. They're a dreamy team here.

"Codo Con Codo" (Performed by Jorge Drexler)

After winning the Song Of The Year award at the 2018 Latin GRAMMYs for "Telefonía," Uruguayan singer-songwriter Jorge Drexler is nominated for the category again this year for "Codo Con Codo" (or "Elbow to Elbow"), a song he notably wrote by himself. The song's title is a play on the elbow-bumping that health officials are encouraging instead of handshaking during the COVID-19 pandemic. When things were especially scary and uncertain as the start of the pandemic, Drexler gave listeners reassurance and hope with the warmth of his lyrics.

"El Mismo Aire" (Performed by Camilo)

Camilo was first nominated for Song Of The Year at the 2019 Latin GRAMMYs for his work on the Juanes and Alessia Cara collaboration, "Querer Mejor." This year, the Colombian singer-songwriter is nominated twice in the Song Of The Year category for music he's written for himself. First up is "El Mismo Aire" (or "The Same Air"), which he wrote with his frequent collaborators Jon Leone, Richi López, Juan Morelli and Édgar Barrera, the latter of whom is nominated twice in this category this year. Featured on Camilo's bubbly Por Primera Vez, this song is one of the album's darker moments where he sings about a relationship that's gone cold.

Read: Get To Know The 2020 Latin GRAMMYs Album Of The Year Nominees | 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards

"For Sale" (Performed by Alejandro Sanz & Carlos Vives)

GRAMMYs and Latin GRAMMYs legends Alejandro Sanz and Carlos Vives teamed up on "For Sale," a featured track on the latter's 2020 album, Cumbiana. Vives, who's taken home the Song Of The Year award at the Latin GRAMMYs twice before, wrote this bustling track with Sanz. In trying to salvage a relationship on the rocks, the two artists give up everything like a yard sale. "For Sale" is a precious and priceless Latin pop moment.

"#ELMUNDOFUERA (Improvisación)" (Performed by Alejandro Sanz)

"#ELMUNDOFUERA (Improvisación)" (or "The World Outside (Improvisation)") marks Alejandro Sanz's second nomination for Song Of The Year this year. The Spanish singer-songwriter holds the record for the most wins in this category, with four total wins. Sanz wrote "#ELMUNDOFUERA" while he was in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. He offers words of hope that someday we'll be able to embrace our loved ones again.

"Lo Que En Ti Veo" (Performed by Kany García & Nahuel Pennisi)

"Lo Que En Ti Veo" (or "What I See In You") marks Kany García's fourth career nomination in the Latin GRAMMYs' Song Of The Year category. The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter wrote this delicate love song for her wife, Jocelyn Troche, who co-stars with her in the song's music video. Argentine musician Nahuel Pennisi's soft guitar and background vocals soundtrack García's beautiful admission of love. The song is featured on García's 2020 duets album, Mesa Para Dos. With five overall nominations, including Record Of The Year and Album Of The Year, García is the most-nominated female artist at the Latin GRAMMYs this year.  

Read: Final Round Of Performers Announced For 2020 Latin GRAMMYs

"René" (Performed by Residente)

Including his work with the hip-hop group Calle 13, Residente holds the record for the most Latin GRAMMY wins, counting a whopping 25 awards. When the Puerto Rican rapper was experiencing a depressive and suicidal episode in 2018, he called his mom who comforted him over the phone. The following day, Residente wrote his emotions into "René," a nearly 8-minute song, titled after his first name, in which he reflects on all the highs and lows of his life and career. What must've been a therapeutic release for him became one of the most powerful moments in Latin music this past year.

"Tiburones" (Performed by Ricky Martin)

While Puerto Rican superstar Ricky Martin sings this Latin GRAMMY-nominated song, he didn't write it. As such, the Song Of The Year nomination goes to Mexican singer-songwriter Pablo Preciado, who is a member of the band Matisse, and his Venezuelan co-writer, Oscar Hernández. In a turbulent world, both artists write about a call for unity and peace. Martin breathed life into their lyrics in a powerful moment from his 2020 Pausa EP.

"Tusa" (Performed by Karol G & Nicki Minaj)

Previous Latin GRAMMYs Best New Artist winner Karol G teamed up with 10-time GRAMMY nominee Nicki Minaj for the knockout collaboration, "Tusa" (or "Heartbreak"). For her first-ever Latin GRAMMY nomination, Minaj wrote her braggadocious lyrics in both Spanish and English. There are no language barriers on this universal girl-power anthem, which is written by Karol G, Minaj, producer Daniel "Ovy on the Drums" Oviedo, Juan Camilo Vargas and rising hitmaker Kevyn "Keityn" Moreno. Karol G and Minaj make it known that they are ready to party and perrear ("twerk") the heartache away. 

"Tutu" (Performed by Camilo & Pedro Capó)

"Tutu" marks Camilo's second nomination in the Song Of The Year category at the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs; it also marks the second nomination for his co-writers, Jon Leone and Richi López. Camilo wrote the adorable Latin pop bop as an ode to his wife, Evaluna Montaner, who he affectionately calls "Tutu." Featured guest Pedro Capó, who won the Song Of The Year category at the 2019 Latin GRAMMYs, gives Camilo and co.'s heartfelt lyrics some extra punch. At this year's Latin GRAMMYs, Camilo is also nominated for Record Of The Year for "Tutu" and Album Of The Year for Por Primera Vez. 

The 2020 Latin GRAMMYs will air on Univision on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT). The broadcast will also air on TNT (cable) at 7 p.m. (MEX)/8 p.m. (COL)/10 p.m. (ARG/CHI), and on Televisa on Channel 5. 

Learn more about the 2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards via the Latin Recording Academy's official website.

2020 Latin GRAMMY Awards Nominees Announced: See The Complete List

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