Latin Grammy Awards 2013: The Best In Latino Music Take The Stage

By Taylor Pineda

Arizona was not the only place to experience overwhelming downpour of rain Thursday evening. The star-studded 14^th Annual Latin Grammy Awards also had their fair share of rain, which resulted in shutting down the green carpet.

Despite the green carpet shutdown, the awards ceremony took place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, and turned out to be one of the Latin Grammy’s best years yet. The event was broadcasted on Univision, and hosted by Mexican talents Lucero, Blanca Soto, and Omar Chaparro.

Puerto Rican reggeaton artist Wisin kicked off the show, followed by more than a dozen performances by some of Latin music’s greatest artists.

Carlos Vives received song of the year for his song “Volvi a Nacer.”  Vives dedicated the award to the children of Latin America, “who have made the song what it is.” He continue to say, “this is more than what we expected in our return,” after receiving the award.

Marc Anthony’s “Vivir Mi Vida” received recording of the year, and expressed his gratitude by saying, “Incredible. This means so much because I am living through a special time. The lyrics of the song express that.”

Draco Rosa could barely hold back the tears as he thanked fans and family while accepting the award for album of the year for “Más y Más.” Rosa has recently started touring again after being cleared of cancer earlier this year.

Alejandro Sanz sang his hit “La Musica No Se Toca” with a band of Berkley students in one of the night’s most inspirational performances. He also took home the first award of the night in the category of best contemporary pop album.

Other winners included Cuban-American rapper Pitbull’s song “Echa Pa’lla”, and announced after receiving the award, “this is for all the Latinos in the world.”

Best urban performance and Guatemalan-native Gaby Moreno was named best new artist and excitedly received her first Grammy. “My first Grammy!” she yelled after receiving her award. “Thank you to all of my people in Guatemala. This is for Guate!”

Veteran singer Miguel Bosé performed with artists including Ricky Martin, Juanes, and the Italian singer Laura Pausini where he was honored as person of the year.

“This award is important. It’s big,” Bosé said in his acceptance speech. “None of this would have been possible without the team of people behind me.  Most importantly, all of you, the people.”