The Latin Recording Academy celebrated Monday afternoon (Nov. 9) the contributions of six excellent performers who’ve left their mark in Latin music all through their fruitful careers.
Spanish-Mexican singer Alaska, Cuban-Mexican musician Francisco Céspedes, Mexican singer-songwriter Lila Downs, Brazilian artist Daniela Mercury and Dominican singer-songwriter Chichí Peralta acquired Lifetime Achievement Awards for his or her inventive contributions of excellent creative worth to Latin music. In the meantime, Panamanian hitmaker Omar Alfanno acquired the Trustees Award, which acknowledges people who’ve made important contributions to Latin music, not essentially via efficiency.
“In the present day, we pay tribute to a gaggle of extraordinary artists, timeless artists with their work, their nice expertise and their legacy, who’ve left an indelible mark on our tradition,” stated Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, as he opened the ceremony in Las Vegas.
The occasion was hosted by Dominican merengue singer Milly Quezada and featured Erika Ender as one of many presenters. It preceded the 2026 Latin Grammy Awards gala, which is able to happen on Thursday (Nov. 12) on the MGM Grand Backyard Area in Las Vegas and will probably be broadcast dwell on Univision at 8 p.m. ET.
Under are one of the best quotes from the honorees as they acquired their Particular Awards:
Alaska, on being an artist stuffed with contradictions: “I perceive that I’m a uncommon artist, tough to categorise, with one foot within the mainstream and the opposite within the underground, who is aware of what it’s prefer to have a No. 1 hit and what it’s prefer to launch her personal albums, and who has one foot in America [despite being Spanish], as a result of I used to be born in Mexico.”
Omar Alfanno, on the significance of songwriters: “Songwriters are the gas of this trade. There isn’t a singer with out a songwriter. That’s why I ask you to create songs that endure, not simply ones which are hits.”
Francisco Céspedes, on the final word function of his music: “If you happen to ever had a romantic or intimate second whereas listening to my songs, that was my aim.”
Lila Downs, with tears and a trembling voice, on fulfilling her childhood dream: “In the present day, as I obtain this recognition, I consider that 6-year-old woman who sang within the mountains of Oaxaca and I wish to inform her: ‘Sure, it was value dreaming.’ Thanks, Oaxaca, for giving me roots. Thanks, Mexico, for giving me identification, power and so many tales to sing.”
Daniela Mercury, on making inclusive music: “We sing for our folks, to see our folks dance, have a good time and love one another… My music stands in opposition to discrimination and in favor of pleasure and the rights of the LGBT neighborhood. Lengthy dwell freedom and democracy. No extra authoritarianism.”
Chichí Peralta, on the human essence of creativity: “Generally you must attempt, fail and begin over, and perhaps that’s essentially the most stunning a part of creating: discovering that there’s all the time one other risk. However creativity isn’t nearly producing one thing that beforehand solely existed in our creativeness. And that capability to really feel, think about and remodel our experiences into artwork is profoundly human. No expertise will ever substitute its essence.”
