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GRAMMYs

Photo: Harmony Gerber/Getty Images

News
Latin Music Gallery Opens Doors At GRAMMY Museum los-angeles-first-permanent-latin-music-gallery-launches-grammy-museum

Los Angeles' First Permanent Latin Music Gallery Launches At GRAMMY Museum

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"This is a momentous occasion for the GRAMMY Museum and for Los Angeles," said ribbon-cutting ceremony host Giselle Fernandez
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
Nov 19, 2019 - 1:15 pm

A new voice representing Latin culture's impact on music history opened its doors Tues., Nov. 18, at the GRAMMY Museum right in the heart of Los Angeles. 

The city's first permanent Latin music gallery brought together Latin music's biggest stars, industry professionals, political figures and community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration of the historic event.

https://twitter.com/RecordingAcad/status/1196563795663081472

In honor of the @GRAMMYMuseum's launch party for their latest exhibit, '@LatinGRAMMYs: 20 Years Of Excellence,' today has officially been named #LatinGRAMMY Day.https://t.co/ytXkwu3YKI

— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) November 18, 2019

In collaboration with the GRAMMY Museum, the Latin Recording Academy unveiled the Latin GRAMMY: 20 Years Of Excellence exhibit, showcasing pieces from Latin GRAMMY show performances and moments, on the museum's third floor. These include an outfit the late iconic Mexican singer/songwriter Juan Gabriel wore during a performance at the 10th Latin GRAMMYs and an outfit worn by "Despacito" singer Luis Fonsi during his performance at the 18th Latin GRAMMYs. 

The Latin Academy is donating more than half a million dollars to expand the museum's Latin-inspired exhibits, including the permanent gallery and the Latin GRAMMY show exhibit. "This is a momentous occasion for the GRAMMY Museum and for Los Angeles," said ribbon-cutting ceremony host, journalist Giselle Fernandez, a former Latin Recording Academy board member. 

GRAMMY Museum President Michael Sticka said the museum was proud to be the home of the first permanent Latin music gallery in the city. "We're very excited to play host to that," he said in his remarks.

In a statement prior to the opening, Sticka touched on how the exhibit would expand the ethos of the GRAMMY Museum. "Latin GRAMMY, 20 Years Of Excellence and our newly renovated third floor will greatly amplify the Museum's mission to educate, inspire, and share the significance of all forms of music," he said.  

It was not forgotten that the gallery opened in one of the country's cities most-inspired by Latin culture and populated by Latinos. According to 2011 Pew Research Center statistics, Hispanics made up 4.9 million of the Los Angeles County population or 9 percent of the country's Hispanic population.

Hilda Solis, First District Los Angeles County Supervisor and former President Barack Obama cabinet member, reminded the crowd of the significance of the gallery's location. "[This is a] long-time coming for us," she said. "We know the musica is our life, it's our culture, it's our livelihood and it brings us so many good things when things are sour and bad."

The expansion is something Latin Recording Academy President Gabriel Abaroa had been dreaming of for years. "This is a day of thank yous," he said. "I want to thank Michael, the board of trustees of the GRAMMY Museum and all the employees and staffers of the GRAMMY Museum because they have opened their hearts and their doors to us since the beginning."

The grand event came just a few days after the Latin Recording Academy celebrated its 20th Latin GRAMMY celebration at the MGM in Las Vegas and was a celebration continuing its 20th anniversary celebrations.



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Aire soy y al aire, el viento no.

A post shared by ngela Aguilar (@angela_aguilar_) on Nov 18, 2019 at 6:51pm PST

Recent Latin GRAMMY Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album winner Christian Nodal and GRAMMY-nominated singer Angela Aguilar, were two stars invited to represent the next generation of Latin music and help cut the ribbon. 

The Office of L.A. City Council President Herb Abaroa also presented a certificate declaring Nov. 18 as the official Latin GRAMMY day. The night included performances from GRAMMY- and Latin GRAMMY-nominated Puerto Rican singer/songwriter Raquel Sofia and Latin GRAMMY winners Flor de Toloache and gave the public their first look at the exciting new exhibit and gallery. 

The Latin GRAMMY: 20 Years Of Excellence exhibit will be open Nov. 20 until spring 2020; visit the GRAMMY Museum's website to get tickets.

Bad Bunny, Rosalia, Juanes & More: 5 Unforgettable Moments From The 2019 Latin GRAMMYs

Flor de Toloache

Flor de Toloache

Photo: Piero F Giunti

News
GRAMMY Museum Announces Latin Music Gallery Guests grammy-museum-reveals-flor-de-toloache-angela-aguilar-more-special-guests-opening-latin

GRAMMY Museum Reveals Flor de Toloache, Angela Aguilar & More As Special Guests For Opening Of Latin Music Gallery

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Christian Nodal and Ozomatli, with their OzoKids experience, will also be in attendance
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Nov 6, 2019 - 12:54 pm

Today, Nov. 6, the GRAMMY Museum, in partnership with the Latin Recording Academy, announced the performers for opening day of their brand-new Latin Music Gallery. On Nov. 18, two days before the exhibit officially opens to the public, there will be a full day programming, including special performances by Latin GRAMMY-winning mariachi group Flor de Toloache and GRAMMY- and Latin GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Raquel Sofía.

GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY nominee Ángela Aguilar and Latin GRAMMY winner Christian Nodal—two bright, young stars making powerful renditions of traditional Mexican music—will also be in attendance to assist with the gallery's ribbon cutting.

To celebrate the milestone 20th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMYs, the #GRAMMYMuseum is proud to present, "Latin GRAMMY, 20 Years Of Excellence." The inaugural exhibition in our newly constructed third floor opens on November 20th! https://t.co/10PCRIy1mg

— GRAMMY Museum (@GRAMMYMuseum) October 21, 2019

Michael Sticka, President of the GRAMMY Museum, will also participate in the exciting day, along with Gabriel Abaroa Jr., the President and CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, which is celebrating 20 years of excellence in Latin Music this year.

More: GRAMMY Museum To Celebrate 20 Years Of Latin GRAMMY Excellence With New Exhibit

Los Angeles-based GRAMMY- and Latin GRAMMY-winning rock group Ozomatli will also participate, bringing their family-friendly, educational OzoKidz experience to kick off the day. The student program is followed by an invite-only ribbon-cutting ceremony, which begins at 4 p.m., followed by the live performances.

Finally, a free, open-to-the-public evening event will run from 7–10 p.m. (see schedule below and RSVP here).

Monday, Nov. 18 | GRAMMY Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

11 a.m.–Noon: Education Program for Students with OzoKidz

4–6 p.m.:          Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

6–7 p.m.:          Performances by Flor de Toloache and Raquel Sofía

7–10 p.m.:        Free public Museum entry (first come, first served)

Spaces for the public portion of the program on Nov. 18 are given on a first-come, first-served basis. The third-floor exhibit opens to the public on Nov. 20 and will run through spring 2020.

For more info and to RSVP for the Nov. 18 evening event, please click here. For more info on all the fun exhibits and events at the GRAMMY Museum, please visit their website.

And don't forget to catch the Ricky Martin-hosted 20th Latin GRAMMY Awards on Thurs., Nov. 14, live from Las Vegas on Nov. 14, by tuning into Univision around the world from 8-11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT). You can also stay tuned to GRAMMY.com, as well as @RecordingAcad and @LatinGRAMMYs on Twitter next week to catch the biggest wins and onstage magic from the show.

Charley Pride Honored With GRAMMY Museum Mississippi's Inaugural Crossroads Of American Music Award

Ozuna

Ozuna

Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images

News
Latin GRAMMYs: Ozuna, Miguel, Farruko, More Added 2019-latin-grammys-ozuna-miguel-alicia-keys-residente-farruko-fito-p%C3%A1ez-more-added

2019 Latin GRAMMYs: Ozuna, Miguel, Alicia Keys, Residente, Farruko, Fito Páez & More Added As Performers

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The show will open with a special tribute to Latin music and its 20th anniversary, with 20 artists performing together collectively for the first time
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Nov 12, 2019 - 2:20 pm

Yesterday, Nov. 11, the Latin Recording Academy announced the final wave of performers for the upcoming 20th Latin GRAMMY Awards, taking place in two days. Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY winners Beto Cuevas and Residente, as well as GRAMMY winners Alicia Keys and Miguel, will perform at the historic 20th anniversary show, hosted by Ricky Martin, Roselyn Sánchez and Paz Vega.

Current Latin GRAMMY nominees Calibre 50, Farruko, Leonel García, Ozuna, Fito Páez, Milly Quezada and Tony Succar also join the star-studded musical lineup. Past Latin GRAMMY nominee Prince Royce, along with Carlos Rivera, top off the newly revealed performers list.

Calibre 50, Beto Cuevas, Farruko, Leonel García, Alicia Keys, Miguel, Ozuna, Fito Páez, Milly Quezada, Residente, Carlos Rivera, Prince Royce e Tony Succar se apresentarão na 20a Entrega Anual do #LatinGRAMMY https://t.co/kwfktwQnX6 #20AnosDeExcelência pic.twitter.com/ck70JzCbKv

— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) November 11, 2019

These artists join the previously announced acts, which include current Latin GRAMMY nominees Alejandro Sanz, Rosalía—the top nominated artists this year at eight and five nods, respectively—Ximena Sariñana, Anitta, Bad Bunny, Sebastián Yatra, Fonseca, Luis Fonsi, Alessia Cara and Juanes, the Latin Recording Academy's 2019 Person Of The Year, who will perform a special medley of his hits during the show.

Pepe Aguilar, Pedro Capó, Reik, Draco Rosa, Sech, Darell, De La Ghetto, Dimelo Flow, Christian Nodal are also among the artists previously revealed to perform. GRAMMY-nominated Mexican regional/pop singer Alejandro Fernández will sing together with his father, iconic ranchera singer Vicente Fernández, as well as his son Alex Fernández, for the first time.

Read: 2019 Latin GRAMMYs Viewer's Guide: Here's How, When & Where To Watch

The 20th edition of the legendary awards show will, of course, feature "historical moments, reunions, tributes and one-of-a-kind performances from nominees, past winners and legends."

To start things off accordingly, the show will open with a very special tribute to Latin music from 20 artists performing together collectively for the first time. The musical tribute "will interpret multiple iconic songs spanning various genres of Latin music, while commemorating the past 20 years of excellence." The Latin Academy also stated there will be "a special moment" with past nominee Thalía.

#LatinGRAMMY 14 DE NOV. 8PM @Univision #20AñosDeExcelencia pic.twitter.com/oWV4J4AQIj

— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) November 8, 2019

Additionally, yesterday's announcement also shared more presenters, who will hand out the prestigious awards during the evening: Ángela Aguilar, Eduardo Cabra, Sofia Carson, Emilio Estefan, Mon Laferte, William Levy, Rudy Mancuso, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Michael Peña and Dayanara Torres. The presenters will be joined by eight of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation scholarship recipients to help deliver the eight televised awards, "symbolizing the next generation of artists fostered through the Foundation's international programs."

Watch Shakira's Fiery Performance Of "Ojos AsÍ" At The First-Ever Latin GRAMMYs | GRAMMY Rewind

In just five years, the Foundation has offered $5 million in scholarships, grants, musical instrument donations and educational events in the United States and Ibero-America. One fun way to help support their work is by purchasing limited-edition 20th Latin GRAMMY merch. In collaboration with Footaction and streetwear designer Guillermo Andrade, the stylish T-shirts feature current nominees Bad Bunny, Greeicy, Christian Nodal and Sebastián Yatra.

Don't forget to tune in to The Biggest Night in Latin Music on Univision this Thurs., Nov. 14 from 8–11 p.m. ET/PST (7 p.m. Central). Check out our viewer's guide here for more info on the events leading up to the show, including where to see the red carpet. Stay tuned to GRAMMY.com for live coverage of all the magic.

Exclusive: Sebastian Yatra Teases 2019 Latin GRAMMY Performances & Reveals His Life's Purpose: "To Share Love With People"

Carlos Vives at the 2018 Latin GRAMMYs

Carlos Vives at 19th Latin GRAMMYs

Photo: Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for LARAS

News
Carlos Vives, More Celebrate Latin GRAMMY Nods carlos-vives-elsa-y-elmar-more-celebrate-their-2019-latin-grammy-nominations

Carlos Vives, Elsa Y Elmar & More Celebrate Their 2019 Latin GRAMMY Nominations

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As the monumental 20th anniversary Latin GRAMMYs approaches, share in the excitement with some of this year's nominees
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Sep 26, 2019 - 2:05 pm

On Sept. 24, the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences shared the nominees for the 20th Latin GRAMMY Awards, set to take place in Las Vegas on Nov. 14.

In the day and a half since the big news went live, many of the nominated artists have taken to social media to share their gratitude and excitement for their nods.

GRAMMY- and Latin GRAMMY-winning Spanish singer/songwriter Alejandro Sanz leads as the artist with the most nominations at eight total. His nominations include Album Of The Year and Best Contemporary Pop Album, for his coyly titled 12th studio album, #ELDISCO ("the album"). Two of its singles, "No Tenga Nada" and "Mi Persona Favorita," featuring GRAMMY nominee Camila Cabello, are both nominated for Song and Record Of The Year, marking the first Latin GRAMMY nods for the 22-year-old Cuban-born pop star.

Mi querido amigo @alejandrosanz this is so special because this song is with someone I love and admire so much, and was written with so much love ! Te quiero mucho ale !!!!! When we wrote this song I was inspired by my sister, my little Tofi, who is mi persona favorita!gracias pic.twitter.com/QrwVoDbt8v

— camila (@Camila_Cabello) September 24, 2019

Cabello shared a heartwarming post (switching between Spanish and English) filled with seven exclamation points, while revealing that "Mi Persona Favorita," which she and Sanz co-wrote, was inspired by her younger sister:

"My dear friend Alejandro Sanz, this is so special because this song is with someone I love and admire so much, and was written with so much love! I love you so much, wow!!!!! When we wrote this song I was inspired by my sister, my little Tofi, who is mi persona favorita!"

Sanz, who was honored as the 2017 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, wrote on Twitter, "Celebrating every nomination for each and everyone of the people that are behind every award. Thank you, always. Congratulations to all of the nominees."

Celebro cada nominación por todas y cada una de las personas que están detrás de cada premio. Siempre gracias Enhorabuena a todos los nominados #LatinGRAMMY @LatinGRAMMYs #ELDISCO #MiPersonaFavorita #NoTengoNada #LoQueFuiEsLoQueSoy @Camila_Cabellopic.twitter.com/4TFsXlQvIB

— Alejandro Sanz (@AlejandroSanz) September 24, 2019

Los Angeles-based mixing engineer Jaycen Joshua also received eight nominations, including for his role as album mixer on three Album Of The Year-nominated LPs—Luis Fonsi's Vida, Rosalía's El Mal Querer and Sebastián Yatra's Fantasía.

Speaking of flamenco-fusion queen Rosalía, the Barcelona-based Latin GRAMMY winner, who took home her first two wins at the 19th Latin GRAMMY Awards, was also one of the top nominees, earning five nods this year. 2018's El Mal Querer not only earned her the major Album Of The Year nod, it is in the running for Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album and Best Engineered Album (an award given to the audio engineers). Several of her 2019 singles are nominated for Latin GRAMMYs as well, including "Con Altura," with her co-producer El Guincho and fellow Latin GRAMMY winner J Balvin, for Best Urban Song, and "Aute Couture" for Record Of The Year.

MIL GRACIAS @LatinGRAMMYs y a todos x estas nominaciones!!! VAYA REGALO DE CUMPLE Q ME HABÉIS DADO WAAAAAAAA felicidades mi hermano @el_guincho pic.twitter.com/04nZEhF0xO

— R O S A L Í A (@rosaliavt) September 25, 2019

Celebrating her nominations on her 26th birthday, Rosalía tweeted, "A thousand thanks Latin GRAMMYs and everyone else for these nominations!" She also shouted out El Guincho in the post, which included of a video of the creative powerhouse pair each holding big unicorn balloons.

Another multiple nominee is Mexican alt-Latino singer Ximena Sariñana, who, like the two aforementioned Spanish pop stars, also earned Album Of The Year and Record Of The Year nods, for her album ¿Dónde Bailarán Las Niñas? and "Cobarde," respectively. "I feel very honored to be nominated," she posted to Twitter, shortly after the nominations were announced.

Me siento muy honrada de estar Nominada a la 20a Entrega Anual del #LatinGRAMMY en las categorías de Grabación del Año y Album del Año, y que la canción “Godzilla” donde participo con @Leiva_Oficial fue Nominada a Mejor Canción Rock. ¡Muchas gracias @LatinGRAMMYs ! pic.twitter.com/jtpUE3fvRx

— Ximena Sariñana (@ximenamusic) September 24, 2019

Eternal Colombian musical icon Carlos Vives celebrated his nomination for Best Long Form Music Video for "Déjame Quererte" ("Let Me Love You"). The song and video celebrates the rich beauty of his home country along with a diverse group of fellow Colombian artists: Cholo Valderrama, Cynthia Montano, Elkin Robinson, Kombilesa Mi and Velo De Oza. The multiple GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY winner marked the nomination with a thoughtful post. "I never miss the opportunity to continue looking to my country through music and to show the world a more inclusive Colombia. Thank you to the Latin Academy for the nomination and for honoring this."

He also shared his excitement (with three exclamation marks) for another nominee and fellow GRAMMY- and Latin GRAMMY-winning musical vanguard. "Congratulations dear Rubén Blades!!!" Vives wrote along with a retweet of the Panamanian Latin jazz/salsa heavyweight's tweet about his three nominations this year. Blades, whose many Latin GRAMMY wins to date include Album Of The Year in 2017, is up for Album Of The Year again, for his 2019 collaborative project Paraíso Road Gang. For this project, the musician/activist/actor featured artists that share his Panamanian roots, including Horacio Valdés and Kansas City-based alt-rock group Making Movies.

Nunca desaprovecho la oportunidad para seguir buscando a mi país a través de la música y contarle al mundo de una Colombia más incluyente que ella me enseña.
Gracias a la academia latina de la grabación por valorarlo @LatinGRAMMYs #dejamequererte https://t.co/8w7l21r53c

— Carlos Vives (@carlosvives) September 24, 2019

GRAMMY winner Alessia Cara, who is nominated for Record and Song Of The Year for "Querer Mejor," her first release in Spanish, shared a simple yet stoked: "YEAAAHHHHH," complete with three star emojis. She also tagged her duet partner in the song, GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY winner Juanes, who retweeted her post.

The longtime Colombian alt-rock artist is also up for a third award for "La Plata," featuring Colombian rapper Lalo Ebratt, and is also up for Record Of The Year. Additionally, Juanes has been named the Latin Recording Academy's 2019 Person Of The Year, which will be celebrated with the special show held annually during Latin GRAMMY Week.

YEAAAHHHHH @juanes https://t.co/mMaVUbTyWw

— ac (@alessiacara) September 24, 2019

Brazilian tri-lingual (she sings in Portuguese, Spanish and English) pop star Anitta added her joy to the online celebrations, as her fourth studio album, Kisses, earned a nod for Best Urban Music Album. The reggaeton princess wrote, "I'm so so happy to be nominated…for my album "Kisses"! Thank you to the Latin GRAMMYs, thank you to all of my friends who helped me make this project that I love so much"

Muy muy feliz estar nominada a la 20a Entrega Anual del #LatinGRAMMY en la categoría de Mejor Álbum de Música Urbana, con my álbum "Kisses"! Gracias @LatinGRAMMYs, gracias a todos los amigos que aceptaron estar conmigo en este proyecto que tanto amo pic.twitter.com/jXgIRlepSO

— Anitta (@Anitta) September 24, 2019

Arguably one the most exciting parts of the annual Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY nominations is meeting the class of first-time nominees, including the recipients of Best New Artist nods. One of these Latin GRAMMY Best New Artist nominees is rising Venezuelan Latin jazz artist Chipi Chacón. Like Rosalía, he celebrated both his Libra birthday (Sept. 23) and his nomination. The 31-year-old shared a long, heartfelt post on Instagram, writing "What an incredible birthday present. I'm thankful for the Latin GRAMMYs for taking my music into consideration. This nomination is completely for Venezuela. Thanks to all of the incredible musicians and engineers who participated in my album Transparente."

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2y_50IneoM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

View this post on Instagram

Que regalo de cumpleaños tan increíble 🙏🏻 agradecido con los @latingrammys por tomar en cuenta mi música ❤️🎺🎙 Esta nominación es completamente para Venezuela 🇻🇪 Agradezco a todos los increíbles músicos e ingenieros que participaron en mi disco #transparente💿 a mis hermanos @germanlandaeta y @chimarra por creer en mí desde el principio de este sueño al igual que mi querida manager @yarraiz 🙏🏻 a mis dos guías musicales mi padre @gerardcon62 y mi maestro José Antonio Abreu que sigue cuidándome desde el cielo al igual que mi Madre... MIS SEGUIDORES FIELES DESDE AQUELLA PRIMERA CANCIÓN #almasgemelas” LES DEBO TODO ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ LOS ADORO!!! • #chipichacon #songwriter #trumpet #music #latingrammy #venezuela #bogota #schagerl

A post shared by C H I P I C H A C Ó N (@chipichacon) on Sep 24, 2019 at 7:21am PDT

Another Best New Artist nominee, Colombian Elsa Carvajal, shared in that special first-time nom feeling. The Berklee College of Music graduate, who makes dreamy alt-pop as Elsa y Elmar, shared a teary-eyed video reflecting on the nomination. In the post she wrote, "I thought these things were not for me… Thank you for being part of this reminder that the hard work is worth it… Thank you to the academy, Latin GRAMMYs, for considering me worthy of a nomination. Like this, punk as I am."

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2zHddlHsPc

View this post on Instagram

Crei que este tipo de cosas no eran para mí.... Esto es gracias a ustedes. Gracias por ser parte de este recordatorio, que el trabajo duro vale la pena. Gracias a la gente de la academia @latingrammys por considerarme merecedora de una nominacion. Así; punk cómo soy. Gracias a mi equipo, mi gente amada.... Toyenshok y me voy a celebrar comiendo pan Gracias

A post shared by ELSAYELMAR (@elsayelmar) on Sep 24, 2019 at 8:25am PDT

Make sure to tune in to Univision on Nov. 14 to catch all the magic of the Biggest Night in Latin Music live from Las Vegas. Also, stay tuned to GRAMMY.com—and @RecordingAcad on @LatinGRAMMYs on Twitter—for timely updates on all the big winners and lively Latin GRAMMY Week events.

The 20th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards Nominations Are Here

GRAMMYs

Sebastian Yatra 

News
Sebastian Yatra Teases Latin GRAMMY Performances exclusive-sebastian-yatra-teases-2019-latin-grammy-performances-reveals-his-lifes

Exclusive: Sebastian Yatra Teases 2019 Latin GRAMMY Performances & Reveals His Life's Purpose: "To Share Love With People"

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The Colombian singer/songwriter, nominated for Album Of The Year and Song Of The Year, is set to perform at the 20th Annual Latin GRAMMYs on Nov. 14 and at the Person Of The Year ceremony
Jennifer Velez
GRAMMYs
Nov 12, 2019 - 10:35 am

Rising in the international music world over the last few years, with the release of his 2018 debut MANTRA and 2019's FANTASIA, Sebastian Yatra has shown his vocal versatility, genre rule-breaking mentality and love for collaborations.

In his joint efforts with heavy hitters like Wisin, Carlos Vives and Maná, with whom he sings "No Ha Parado De LLover" (a remake of the iconic Mexican rock group's 1995 song), Yatra has embraced reggaeton, pop and rock ballads, and those are only a few of the genres that make up the Colombian-born, Miami-raised singer/songwriter's song collection. It's clear that Yatra isn't subscribing to one genre or sound on his way to the top—he already boasts Latin GRAMMY nominations (he was up for Best New Artist in 2018) and top spots on the Billboard 200 and Top Latin Albums charts. 

"I think genres are becoming less existent," he recently told the Recording Academy, just days ahead of the 2019 Latin GRAMMYs. "You see artists that are making all kinds of music. What we are making is good music, good songs."

It may be Yatra's gut feeling about good music that has earned him nominations in the major categories at the upcoming Latin GRAMMYs, airing on Univision Nov.14. The "Un Año" singer, who is also set to perform at the show and again at the Person Of The Year ceremony (honoring fellow Colombian singer Juanes), is up for Album Of The Year and Song Of The Year. He's also up for Best Pop Album.

The nomimations are something he still can't believe: "You tell me [I'm nominated], and it seems like a lie," he says humbly. 

Although still early in his career, ultimately Yatra wants to follow in the footsteps of some of Latin America's most romantic balladeers, including Sin Bandera and Camila, and chose his Latin GRAMMY-nominated album FANTASIA, filled with ballads about love, to showcase that.

The Recording Academy caught up with Yatra before the Latin GRAMMYs to talk more about his nominated album, his latest single with Maná, his nominations and performances, his sustainability docuseries El Poder De Los Centennials and more.

You covered "No Ha Parado De Llover" at Person of the Year a year ago. How was it for you to give new life to this song now with Maná?

It is the greatest honor for me to be next to my favorite band, which I think is the greatest Latin band in history. It is also a great learning experience for me because beyond being great musicians, they are even greater humans. For me, there are two iconic bands who are legends for Latinos: Maná and Soda Stereo.

Being able to live this experience with Maná is something that if you told me [would happen] five years ago, a year ago, I wouldn't believe it. Last year I had the opportunity to sing "No Ha Parado De Llover" in front of them at Person of the Year [and] you can't imagine how nervous and excited I was. We decided to put our touch on the song so that they would listen to something different from what they had already heard and what they had sung all their lives. Keeping the essence of the song, but putting a very personal touch of mine. I would never have imagined that they would like it so much, they would want to record it together. That is just what we did. The song is great, many people like it. I'm going to start playing it during my shows, of course. I love [the band] a lot and [they] are an example for me to follow in every way. I always keep in touch with Fher [Olvera] about life, we talk about God, talk about spirituality, talk about the way he sees things, which is very special.

As a singer-songwriter, what do you like about this song in particular?

There are many phrases in the song that are special. I like that it is a song that allows any performer to enjoy it because it has very singable melodies. It is one of those songs that is also objectively very good, but you also listen to it with all your heart. Because I grew up listening to this song, you put it on and I'm filled with beautiful nostalgia, it also reminds me of moments, it reminds me of people.

RELATED: 20th Latin GRAMMYs:  Alejandro And Vicente Fernandez, Sebastian Yatra And More Announced As Performers

You have several great musical collaborations. What do you like about singing with other artists?

I like that you have the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone, perhaps. When you sing alone, no matter how much you are inventing new things or experimenting, it's just your mind and the people with whom you're writing with, but when there is another voice, there is another way of interpreting, other sounds, and you mix that, something different always comes out, something that people have not heard before. [Something] innovative.

You're an artist who moves fluidly through genre and singing style. In your opinion, does genre still exist?

I think genres are becoming less existent. You see artists that are making all kinds of music. What we are making is good music, good songs. Be a ballad, be salsa, be reggaeton, be an opera, whatever it is. It is about understanding where one is doing well and where one can transmit and where one's essence is and where one feels comfortable and where perhaps not. I have explored many genres. There are some that have been better than others, but I always try to put my essence on the track, on the arrangement we are making.

This year, you're nominated for Latin GRAMMY Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Pop Album Of The Year. How are you feeling?

You tell me [I'm nominated], and it seems like a lie. Especially those two main categories, Album Of The Year and Song Of The Year. I made FANTASIA with the great hope that it would be an album that could remain in people's hearts for the rest of their lives. I think it's an album that people have listened to and have made songs their own. These songs can stay with them forever. It is an album made only of ballads, a big risk because we live in an era where what leads mainly is the urbano [genre].
 
These songs, thank God, are the ones that have really changed my life. Not only because they have helped my professional growth, but they have really helped me fulfill the purpose that I have in life, which is to share love with people, to generate something beautiful, to leave them something that unites them. Songs like"Un Año," songs like "Cristina," songs like "En Guerra," which is the official song of the foundation of Pope Francis and speaks to people with insecurities, who look in the mirror and only see imperfections, when none of that is imperfection, we are all perfect because God made us that way and we are all a piece of God.
 
Why take a risk with ballads?
 
It seems like a risk, but for me it was the opposite. It was not only being true to my essence and who I am, but the songs that I think have been the most successful in my career. For example, you listen to a song like "No Hay Nadie Mas," which I put out last year, and is a ballad with guitar and vocals, it has 750 million views on YouTube, a ballad. Those are numbers that one would never expect for a ballad. For example, the composer [Omar Alfanno] asked me, "Who wrote that song? 'No Hay Nadie Mas'?" And I said, "I wrote it." He said, "It can't be."
Seriously? I congratulate you."
 
For me, that song is like an infinite journey flying over the clouds. That those songs be the theme for people's marriages, be the songs they dedicate in their most important moments of life, be the songs that help them overcome a difficult situation, be songs that heal them. For example, "Un Año" with the whole theme of people who have had to leave their home. "En Guerra," "Cristina," for people with relationships that are impossible. Right now I just released "Oye" with my girlfriend TINI, and it is a song that is going spectacular, thank God.
 
It is also that kind of song that stays with people and follows them. It's like when you listen to Sin Bandera or Camila songs or Reik songs, Maná songs, Juanes songs, who this year is Person of the Year, and so many artists with those ballads, with those lyrics that in 20 years, 30 years we will continue listening and will continue to make us feel the same.

With everything happening in politics and with the environment, do you think that your songs can help people feel a little better?

I think so, and I think we are doing it. We are in a complicated moment for the whole world. In fact, I have just made a docuseries called El Poder De Los Centennials. I believe that as an artist one also has the responsibility and opportunity to reach people, not only through songs, but also through our words, day-to-day actions and the other things that one can do. This docuseries creates awareness for young people, for adults, and for all of us so we can work as a team to make this world more sustainable. That [we] can't only be aware that the world is going through a bad time, but that every day we do something as individuals to improve or not continue to be detrimental. It talks a lot about sustainability, I invite you to see it. It's something very nice that I did with [Colombian financial institution] Bancolombia.

Going back to the Latin GRAMMYs, what can you tell us about your performance?

I can tell you that I will be at Person Of The Year honoring Juanes. I will be singing, not once, but a couple of times at the awards show, so that has me stuck on the ceiling of happiness. [I'm] grateful to the Latin GRAMMYs who have supported us so much this year. Also with the Latin GRAMMYs foundation, which we have partnered with this year in several very special events. We gifted instruments to talented children in a school in Miami. The idea is to be able to continue growing with the Latin GRAMMYs over the years and to continue learning, and always [fostering] youth with respect towards music, towards the lyrics and trying to give them the best always.
 
Do you think you'll be nervous this year?
 
There are always nerves, always.
 
What are you up to after the Latin GRAMMYs?
 
I am finishing my tour this year, which is the Yatra Yatra Tour. It's been going spectacular, thank God. We did two sold-out dates at the National Auditorium in Mexico, a giant tour throughout Mexico. We have just finished four dates at Luna Park this year in Argentina, sold-out too, and many shows in South America. We did the sold-out Movistar Arena in Chile, the Antel Arena in Uruguay also sold out. It is very crazy that so many people make the effort to go to our shows and buy a ticket. I appreciate that from my soul and I also grateful to these ballads and these songs that are from the heart.
 
I was just in Colombia, in my country. I sang in La Macarena, my show also in Medellín, which was full. We did two full nights in Bogotá, at the Movistar Arena. We have also been to Ecuador, we have been with Nissan on the Road to Innovation Tour in the United States last week. I just arrived from Spain from some awards we had there with Los 40. The plan for the rest of the year is to go to Brazil for the first time to promote my music and a concert that I have there. I will be with several releases preparing the show next year, because I want to prepare a completely new show for next year.

This interview has been translated to English

The 20th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards Nominations Complete List

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