Grammys to Shine a Spotlight on Latin Music in CBS Special Event
Latin music, often overlooked at the main Grammy Awards, is slated for a much-deserved spotlight later this month. “A Grammy Celebration of Latin Music” will be a two-hour television special that honors the genre’s significant impact and influence in the United States. The event is scheduled to air on December 28 at 8 p.m. Pacific Time on CBS.
Co-hosted by actor Wilmer Valderrama and singer-songwriter Roselyn Sánchez, the program promises an array of performances from notable artists, including Ángela Aguilar, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Gloria Estefan, Luis Fonsi, Maren Morris, Laura Pausini, Prince Royce, Carín León, the Warning, Robin Thicke, and Billy Idol.
The cast of the Tony-winning Broadway musical “Buena Vista Social Club,” which is nominated for a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album, will also take the stage. Alongside the musical performances, the show will feature interviews with iconic figures in Latin music and previous Grammy winners, such as Daddy Yankee, Emilio Estefan, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rita Moreno, and Carlos Santana.
Rita Moreno achieved her only Grammy nomination and win at the 15th Grammy Awards for her contributions to the children’s music album “The Electric Company.” This award marked the second jewel in her EGOT journey, culminating in her Emmy win in 1977 for her appearance on “The Muppet Show.”
Santana’s 1999 album, “Supernatural,” made a historic mark by tying the record for the most Grammy wins in one night, capturing eight awards at the 42nd Grammy Awards—the same record held by Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” since 1984.
This program follows in the tradition of previous Grammy recognition shows, or “salutes,” that honored music legends including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Prince, the Bee Gees, Whitney Houston, Earth, Wind & Fire, Elton John, Paul Simon, Cyndi Lauper, and Stevie Wonder.
“A Grammy Celebration of Latin Music” will air just over a month before the 68th Grammy Awards, taking place on February 1 at downtown Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena.
Latin artists will feature prominently at the upcoming awards, notably Bad Bunny, who is the first Spanish-language artist to receive nominations in several major categories for his highly acclaimed album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” including Record, Album, and Song of the Year.
The Argentine duo Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso secured their first Grammy nomination in the Latin Rock or Alternative Album category for their EP, “Papota.” If they win, they would become the second Argentine group to take home an award in that category, following Los Fabulosos Cadillacs in 1998.
Edgar Barrera received his third consecutive nomination for Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical) for his collaborations with artists including Karol G, Juanes, Shakira, Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera, Young Miko, Marco Antonio Solís, Manuel Turizo, and Santana.
Additionally, the indie band The Marías has earned a nomination in the Best New Artist category, alongside the globally recognized girl group Katseye, which features Venezuelan Cuban American dancer and singer Daniela Avanzini.
