 Juanes: Sweeps Latin Grammy awards
Colombian rock musician Juanes swept the Latin Grammys on Thursday. He won the awards in five categories, including record of the year and album of the year. He created a new record for total wins.
After winning album of the year for "La Vida ... Es Un Ratico", Juanes said, "I can't believe this. This is impressive. Houston, Colombia - this is for you".
Juanes also took home trophies for song of the year, best male pop vocal album and short form music video. That brings his Latin Grammy total to 17, more than any other artist. He broke Alejandro Sanz's mark of 14.
After winning the song of the year, Juanes said, "I have to thank my father, who is in heaven, God, my children. Since I was very young, my family taught me to listen to Latin-American music ... They have all been an influence".
The Medellin-born musician, who has become a voice for social causes, also opened the show's live broadcast with an emotional duet with soul singer John Legend. Backed by a chorus, Juanes and Legend performed "If You Are Out There," a new collaboration that's scheduled to be released next week.
A Latin Grammy-winning, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and philanthropist Kany Garcia, a nominee in three categories, walked away with two Latin Grammys, winning best new artist honors and best female pop vocal album for "Cualquier Dia".
Collecting his night's top honor and final trophy, Juanes congratulated country's Latinos for getting a president who is right for the world. He said, "You have chosen the right president. Congratulations. It is time to change".
Mexican alternative rock group Cafe Tacuba, which led all nominees with six, picked up awards for rock song of the year for "Esta Vez" and alternative song of the year for "Volver a Comenzar".
Another of the night's highlights was a vibrant rendition of Gloria Estefan's hits, "Mi Tierra" and "Oye Mi Canto," which featured musical legends Jose Feliciano and Carlos Santana.
During the show, a video package highlighted the iconic images and multicultural mix of Houston, the country's fourth largest city. Oil rigs, glass-walled skyscrapers and Tex-Mex food painted a quick portrait of the sprawling metropolis. |