Erika Ender

Erika Ender

Photo: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images

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Erika Ender To Rebeca Leon: Latin Academy Honors Leading Ladies

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Inaugural Latin GRAMMY Week event honors women making a big difference in the music industry
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Nov 16, 2017 - 12:30 pm

The Latin Recording Academy kicked off its inaugural Leading Ladies of Entertainment event on Nov. 15 at Maestro's Ocean Club in Las Vegas to spotlight women who are setting a positive example in the Latin entertainment industry.

2017 Latin Special Awards Honors Living Legends

The event singled out six women: Juanes' manager Rebeca Leon, Billboard journalist/GRAMMY.com contributor Leila Cobo, Warner Music Latina General Manager and Warner Music Latin America Marketing SVP Gabriela Martinez, Univision Executive Vice President Jessica Rodriguez, "Despacito" co-writer Erika Ender, and recording engineer Marcella Araica (Britney Spears, Pink, Madonna).

The Leading Ladies of Entertainment is planned to be an annual addition to Latin GRAMMY Week activities, which provides the perfect opportunity to recognize the powerful contributions that trailblazing women in the music industry make on a daily basis.

"It's really about believing in yourself," Leon said. "I know I am a Jedi now and the best is yet to come. I hope you all realize that you are Jedis too. And may the force be with you."

"This recognition is important, as there is a sizeable gender gap in the entertainment industry, which is even more pronounced for Latinas," said Davina Aryeh, Chief Marketing Officer of The Latin Recording Academy. "Acknowledging this issue raises it to the top of public consciousness, and allows us to celebrate and learn from a diverse array of women who are leading and succeeding in their respective fields."

Víctor Manuelle

Víctor Manuelle

Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

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18th Latin GRAMMY Performers: Víctor Manuelle, Vicente García & More

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Latest round of Latin GRAMMY performer and presenter announcements adds more talent to an already impressive lineup
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Nov 13, 2017 - 9:42 am

As we march closer to the Biggest Night in Latin Music, the performer and presenter news just keeps coming.

On Nov. 13, the Latin Recording Academy announced that current Latin GRAMMY nominees Alejandro Fernández, Los Macorinos and Rubén Blades have been added to the 18th Latin GRAMMY Awards performance lineup. The lineup will also feature special appearances by Diplo, Bomba Estéreo, Carlos Rivera, and Víctor Manuelle, as well as a special segment featuring Best New Artist Nominees Mau Y Ricky, Danay Suárez, Vicente García, and Sofía Reyes.

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18th Latin GRAMMY Awards: Who do you think voters will choose for Best New Artist?

The Latin Academy also revealed some spectacular special performance collaborations, including Juanes with Logic and Alessia Cara; Carlos Vives and Sebastián Yatra; J Balvin with Bad Bunny; French Montana and Steve Aoki; Lila Downs and Banda El Recodo De Cruz Lizárraga; and Bronco with Ha*Ash.

The diverse lineup of performers are joined by presenters Anavitória, Camila Cabello, Sofía Carson, Erika Ender, Flo Rida, Leslie Grace,  Maribel Guardia, Juan Luis Guerra, Rudy Mancuso, Debi Nova, Marco De La O, Alexandre Pires, Lele Pons, Miguel Ángel Silvestre, Olga Tañón, and Wilmer Valderrama, as well as Best New Artist nominees Martina "La Peligrosa" and Rosalía.

These presenters and performers join the previously announced lineup, including Bronco, Cnco, Lila Downs, Luis Fonsi, Ha*Ash, Nicky Jam, Mon Laferte, Natalia Lafourcade, Maluma, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Residente, Alejandro Sanz, and Flor De Toloache.

The Biggest Night in Latin Music will be hosted by Jaime Camil and Roselyn Sánchez.

Don't miss any of the action, and watch the 18th Latin GRAMMY Awards broadcast live from Las Vegas on Univision on Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

18th Latin GRAMMY Awards: Full Nominations List

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.

Alejandro Sanz, Destiny's Child On The GRAMMYs

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.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images

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Lin-Manuel Miranda To Receive Latin Recording Academy Award

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The GRAMMY winner will be awarded the Latin Recording Academy's President's Merit Award for his "outstanding and numerous contributions to the Latin community"
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Nov 6, 2017 - 10:52 am

As the esteemed creator of the smash hit musical "Hamilton," it's no surprise Lin-Manuel Miranda will add another accomplishment to his impressive résumé — the Latin Recording Academy's President's Merit Award.

'Hamilton' wins Best Musical Theater Album

Miranda will be bestowed the yearly honor at the 18th Latin GRAMMY Awards on Nov. 16 for his "outstanding and numerous contributions to the Latin community." In particular, following the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in September, Miranda composed the bilingual single "Almost Like Praying" with contributions from other artists, including Marc Anthony, Camila Cabello, Gloria Estefan, Luis Fonsi, and Jennifer Lopez.

In a little over a week the single rose to No. 1 on the digital songs chart and debuted at No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 with more than 111,000 downloads. All proceeds from the single were donated to The Hispanic Federation's UNIDOS Disaster Relief Fund in an effort to aid Puerto Rico's recovery efforts.

"We are honored to present Mr. Lin-Manuel Miranda with the prestigious President's Merit Award at this year's 18th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards in recognition of his artistry, vision and the masterful ways he uses his craft to empower and highlight Latin-related issues in the United States," said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President/CEO of the Latin Recording Academy. "Lin-Manuel's urban and social poetry have provided strength and encouragement to every Latino motivated to get ahead. He has brought pride to our community by reminding us of the resilience and fortitude we demonstrate on a daily basis."

18th Latin GRAMMY Performers: Bad Bunny, Alejandro Sanz & More

Gabriel Abaroa accepts Hispanic Heritage Award

Latin Recording Academy President/CEO Gabriel Abaroa Jr.

Photo: Margarita Corporan Photography

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Latin Recording Academy, Luis Fonsi Receive Hispanic Heritage Awards

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Awards recognize the accomplishments of leading Latin influencers and organizations while
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Sep 14, 2017 - 9:13 am

To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month (running Sept. 15 – Oct. 15), the Hispanic Heritage Foundation awarded their 30th annual Hispanic Heritage Awards. This year, our own Latin Recording Academy was honored with the Arts Award.

Other honorees included Luis Fonsi of "Despactio" fame, who received the Trailblazer Award and "Mozart In The Jungle" actor Gael García Bernal, who was honored with the Vision Award. Awards were also given in the arenas of inspiration, leadership and science, technology, engineering, and math.

The celebration on Sept. 14 at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., featured performances by Latin GRAMMY winner Gaby Moreno, Fonsi, Concha Bukia, Locos Por Juana, and pianist Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner. Presenters spanned the gamut from YouTube personalities to actors, civil rights icons, and authors, among others.

The Awards were created to recognize the accomplishments of leading Latin people and organizations across various disciplines while "celebrating cultural pride and the great promise to America." Past Hispanic Heritage Awards honorees include Juan Luis Guerra, Rita Moreno, Plácido Domingo, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Los Tigres Del Norte, 2017 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Alejandro Sanz, and Gloria Estefan, among others.

Catch the Hispanic Heritage Awards on Oct. 6 at 10 p.m. ET on PBS.

Los Del Río To Ilan Chester: Latin Recording Academy Special Awards