Laura Pausini honored as the Latin Recording Academy 2023 Person of the Year

La italiana más latina del mundo 

The Latin Recording Academy celebrated its 2023 Person of the Year Gala honoring the Italian renown Laura Pausini. The gala was held Wednesday, November 15 at the Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES) in Sevilla, Spain. Its the first time the gala was held outside of the United States and a first for Spain.

Recipient of both a Latin Grammy and a Grammy, Laura Pausini was honored for her career as a multifaceted, multi-lingual performer as well as for her continued commitment to supporting social justice causes that are close to her heart including equality for women and LGBTQ+ people and world hunger. The evening was a celebration of friendship through music, with many of Pausini’s closest friends and collaborators taking the stage to serenade her.

“The first thing that came to mind was whether it was even possible, because I wasn’t born in Spain or Latin America” - Laura Pausini, Person of the Year by The Latin Recording Academy

Before Luis Fonsi presented Pausini with the Latin Grammy Person of the Year Award, a star studded tribute of thirteen performances was enjoyed by all the attendees. The opening performance was by Alejandro Sanz featuring a flamenco-infused rendition of “Bienvenido.” Others that performed were Niña Pastori and Malú’s with a version of “La Soledad,” a rock version of “Entre tú y mil Mares” by Bebe and Reik, a vallenato rendition of “Quiero decirte que te Amo” with Carlos Vives, Fonseca and Silvestre Dangond.

Also to mention the moving father-daughter duet of “El valor de seguir Adelante” with Pepe and Angela Aguilar. Andrea Bocelli gave an unforgettable interpretation of “She (Uguale a Lei)” and the list goes on.

Congratulations, felicidades, congratulazioni Laura Pausini.

Source The Latin Recording Academy

Juanes named the 2019 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year

The Latin Recording Academy has its 2019 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. This year the honors is for Juanes.

The Colombian renowned singer, composer, musician, and philanthropist is no stranger to the Grammys. He holds 23 Latin Grammy Awards and two Grammys. Juanes will be honored for his creative artistry, unprecedented humanitarian efforts, support for rising artists, and philanthropic contributions to the world. Through his songs, international performances, and work with his organization Fundación Mi Sangre (My Blood Foundation), and as co-founder of Paz Sin Fronteras (Peace Without Borders), Juanes continues to raise awareness for the power and importance of peace building with extraordinary credibility and consistency.

"Juanes is young, but legendary, an artist who has inspired us through his amazing music for many years and—while doing so—he vigorously campaigned for political, social, and positive change around the world, "said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. "His leadership and his philanthropic work, in addition to his positive messages that transcend music, speak volumes about his many contributions to the community and we are truly honored to recognize him as this year’s Latin Academy Person of the Year."  

"I remember attending the Latin Grammy nominations announcement after my first solo album was released, and becoming so overcome with emotion from the shock of hearing my name called seven times, that I had to step outside for a moment to process how my life had just changed forever," shares Juanes. "I was blessed to win three awards that year, and The Latin Recording Academy has been a fundamental part of bringing my music to a global audience ever since. Now, I am grateful and deeply honored to learn that I will get to join such illustrious artists as Juan Luis Guerra, Carlos Santana, Caetano Veloso, and more, as the Person of the Year honoree, while also helping The Latin Academy’s efforts to support future generations of new Spanish-speaking artists. "

Juanes will be celebrated at a special star-studded gala featuring a heartfelt tribute concert, including renditions of his renowned repertoire performed by an impressive array of notable artists and friends on Nov. 13, 2019, at the MGM Grand Convention Center in Las Vegas.

For information on purchasing tickets to the Person of the Year gala, contact The Latin Recording Academy's ticketing office at 310-314-8281 or ticketing@grammy.com.

Source: Latin Recording Academy