Arts & Entertainment

Drexler grabs 7 awards as Latin Grammys honor timeless music in Spanish

By Mónica Rubalcava

Las Vegas, United States, Nov 17 (EFE).- The pop-rock of Jorge Drexler, the alternative music of Rosalia and the traditional compositions of nonagenarian Angela Alvarez showcased the diversity of Hispanic music recognized on Thursday at the 23rd Latin Grammy awards in Las Vegas.

Although Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny had made the biggest buzz as the favorite, it was Uruguay’s Drexler who dominated by the awards by winning seven grammys, including the honors for best song and best record for his piece Tocarte, with co-artist C Tangana.

Drexler expressed his gratitude for becoming the most awarded artist of the night and hailed the existing “bridges” that Spanish language has established between music of different styles.

Rosalia, who grabbed the album of the year award for “Motamami,” got emotional while receiving the award, saying she had been sure that the prize would go to Drexler.

The Spaniard celebrated growing influence of women in music and the industry’s willingness to accept an eclectic album like hers, produced after three years of creative process.

“It is the album for which I had to fight the hardest,” Rosalia confessed.

The most unexpected honor of the night went to Angela Alvarez – a 95-year-old Cuban who began her singing career in old age with the help of her grandson – when she was named the best new artist.

Alvarez shared the award with Mexico’s Silvana Estrada, whose style has been compared with the great Chavela Vargas.

Christina Aguilera was overjoyed at her record “Aguilera” being awarded the best traditional pop album, which also marked the best-selling Ecuadorean artist’s return to Spanish after she first made her breakthrough in the 2000s with “Mi reflejo.”

However, the award night was also marked by the absence of some big names, especially Bad Bunny – who was the most nominated artist (10 categories) despite winning just two – and Spaniard C Tengana, who was not present to receive his two joint awards with Drexler for “Tocarte.”

The notable performances of the night included Aguilera singing “Cuanda me da la gana,” with Christian Nodal, Ruaw Alejandro of Puerto Rico performing a stunning dance routine, and a dramatic show starring bachata singer Romeo Santos.

Performances by Karol G, Rosalia, Angela Aguilar and Anitta filled the night with feminine force, sensuality and dazzling dances.

Karol raised the temperature by singing “Gatubela” and “Provenca,” while Rosalia performed “Hentai,” in a short-haired avatar dressed in black.

Anitta hosted the event and performed her viral sensation “Envolver,” while Angela Aguilar mesmerized the crowd in a blue sequin suit inspired by Elvis Presley, with a slight Mexican twist.

Some non-Hispanic artists also featured in the list of performers, such as American John Legend and British legend Elvis Costello, having collaborated in music nominated in different categories.

Thalia dazzled during the gala by dressing up extragavent and novel dresses for each of her appearances on stage. EFE

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