Event Sponsored by Sony Music Group’s Beyond The Instrument Initiative to Expand Access to Music Education

The Program Pays Homage to the Legacy of Gloria’s late mother Gloria Fajardo, who served as an educator at the school for more than 20 years honoring her roots

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Credit: John Parra/Getty Images for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation

MIAMI (NOVEMBER 4, 2025) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, together with Sony Music Group’s Beyond The Instrument initiative, today hosted an event with multi–Latin GRAMMY® and GRAMMY®–winning artist and 2008 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year™, Gloria Estefan, at James H. Bright / JW Johnson Elementary School, part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools in South Florida. The school recently received a grant to provide deserving students with music education experiences and new musical equipment.

The Miami based elementary school plays a pivotal role in honoring Gloria’s roots, as her late mother Gloria Fajardo, served as an educator for more than twenty years. This homecoming marks a milestone moment, coming full circle celebrating the past, present and future. As part of the celebration, the students performed a special tribute of “Mi Tierra” and “Conga”. Leading up to the program, the students participated in percussion classes led by Alexis Soto, recipient of the Tuition Assistance Scholarship from 2016-2019, who is giving back to the community as part of the Foundation’s Scholarship Alumni Network.

“Returning to James H. Bright/JW Johnson Elementary School is deeply personal for me. This is where my mother, Gloria Fajardo, dedicated more than two decades of her life as an educator — inspiring generations of students to dream, learn, and believe in themselves. Music was always a central part of our home and our family, and I know she would be so proud to see the next generation of young minds being nurtured through it. Supporting music education is not just about fostering future artists; it’s about giving children the tools to express themselves, to build confidence, and to connect with their culture and community. To be able to honor my mother’s legacy in this very special way means the world to me,” said Gloria Estefan.

“As Miami-Dade County Public Schools celebrates 140 years of educational excellence, we are reminded that our legacy is built not only on academics, but on the arts, culture, and the power of community,” said Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres. "This partnership with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and Gloria Estefan honors the educators who came before us, like Gloria’s mother, and uplifts the students who will carry our story forward."

“Each Latin GRAMMY In The Schools event further advances the Foundation’s mission of ensuring the legacy of Latin music and its creators, and we are grateful to Gloria and our partners at Sony Music Group for their generosity,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director, Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “This occasion holds a heartfelt thread of connection, as my late mother was also an educator, and it is beautiful to witness the powerful legacy that Gloria’s mother left behind for this school and its students.”

Launched in 2021, Sony Music Group’s Beyond The Instrument program is designed to advance equity and expand access to cutting-edge music technology education for students in traditionally underfunded schools and districts. Through this initiative, students gain hands-on experience with modern music tools and creative mentorship from Sony Music artists and songwriters. Last year, Sony Music artist Carlos Vives joined the program through his participation in the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools initiative at Miami Senior High School. To date, Beyond The Instrument has made an impact in schools across California, Tennessee, Florida, Canada and London, inspiring the next generation of diverse creators and innovators in music.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with this incredible group of individuals to not only honor the legacy of Gloria’s mother as an educator, but also provide students with meaningful access to music education and resources that can inspire their futures,” said Towalame Austin, Executive Vice President, Philanthropy, Social Impact and Environment, Sony Music Group. “Moments like these remind us of the transformative power of music in shaping lives and communities.”

Since its inception, the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools program has benefited educational institutions in various cities across the United States, including Aransas Pass, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, New York, and San Antonio, as well as internationally in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Panama City, Panama, Arecibo, Humacao, Yauco, and San Juan in Puerto Rico; and Sevilla, Spain.

Latin GRAMMY In The Schools is an educational program that informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry, supporting educational music departments that face financial limitations. The Foundation invites professional musicians, artists, and sound engineers to visit middle and high schools, universities, or music education institutions and share their personal stories and experiences with students, highlighting the effort it takes to overcome career obstacles. The goal is for students to learn to optimize the educational opportunities presented to them, giving them an advantage and strong academic preparation to be able to compete in the music industry.

Among the artists who have participated in this program are: Ángela Aguilar, David Bisbal, Marilina Bertoldi, Miguel Bosé, Calle 13, Pedro Capó, Camilo, Chino & Nacho, Chiquis, Luis Coronel, Silvestre Dangond, Erika Ender, Joss Favela, Fonseca, Luis Fonsi, El Fantasma, Becky G, Karol G, Kany García, Gente de Zona, Leslie Grace, Carlos Jean, Jesse & Joy, Natalia Lafourcade, Poncho Lizárraga, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mau y Ricky, Claudia Montero, Ednita Nazario, Christian Nodal, Laura Pausini, Ángel "Cucco" Peña, Mireya Ramos, Prince Royce, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Noel Scharjris, Olga Tañón, Thalía, Christian Serratos, Diego Torres, Carlos Vives, Wisin, and Sebastián Yatra.

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ABOUT GLORIA ESTEFAN:

Gloria Estefan is one of the best-selling and most-acclaimed Latin artists of all-time. In addition to having sold over 100 million records, the Cuban-American icon is a multi- GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® award winner. Having laid the foundation for the explosion of Latin music today, Estefan was recognized as the 2008 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year™, and she later received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. A decade ago, she also branched out into Broadway as the co-creator of the Tony-nominated musical “On Your Feet!” with her husband Emilio Estefan. To celebrate 50 years in the industry, Estefan released her latest album Raíces back in May, which marked her first full Spanish-language LP in 18 years. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with acts like Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Santana, and N’SYNC.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. In 2024, the Foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and during the last decade, it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $13.9 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

ABOUT SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT:

At Sony Music Entertainment, we honor the creative journey. Our creators shape movements, culture, communities, even history. And we’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from establishing the first-ever music label to inventing the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 100 countries, supporting a diverse and distinctive roster of talented creators at every level and on every stage. Situated at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to emerging products and platforms, embrace new business models, and employ breakthrough tools—all to support the creative community’s experimentation, risk-taking, and growth. And we form deep, trusted, cause-based partnerships to uplift and empower communities around the world. Sony Music Entertainment is part of the global Sony family. Learn more about our creators and labels here.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com

Sony Music

Melissa Cusack

Melissa.Cusack@sonymusic.com

The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and Gibson Gives return to award additional scholarships to gifted musicians

MIAMI (JANUARY 13, 2026)—The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced two additional scholarships to be awarded in 2026 with the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and Gibson Gives returning as supporters for the second consecutive year.

“We are proud to partner with Frost School of Music at the University of Miami—with special support from Serona Elton, Interim Vice Dean and Chair of its Music Industry Program—as well as Gibson Gives, and welcome them back as part of our roster of scholarship supporters,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “Together, we continue to support the next generation of Latin music creators.”

The scholarship details are as follows:

The Frost School of Music Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Scholarship will be awarded to a minimum of one (1) exceptionally gifted musician, who has a passion for Latin music and has financial limitations, to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, one of the top music schools in the world. The value of the scholarship ranges between $32,000 to $250,000 and will cover tuition and wrap around services provided by the Foundation. This scholarship is open to students who have already applied for admission to the Frost School of Music starting in the fall of this year. To apply visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org by February 17, 2026.

Gibson Gives, the philanthropic division of the iconic instrument brand Gibson, will offer three (3) Tuition Assistance Scholarships awarded to talented students pursuing or starting a degree in music in the Fall 2026 semester. The scholarship will cover tuition costs not covered by other scholarships, with final award amount details provided to those selected to study at the music institution of their choice. This gift includes a Gibson Epiphone, Kramer, Tobias, guitar or bass. To apply, visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org by April 10, 2026.

As previously announced last month, there are several scholarships open for application this year, including the 2026 Noel Schajris Scholarship, the Emerging Talent Scholarship from Berklee College of Music, the Celia Cruz Legacy Scholarship, the Kany García Scholarship, the Manolo Díaz Scholarship, as well as additional Tuition Assistance Scholarships. For more information visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org.

To date, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation has awarded 477 scholarships, investing more than $12 million over the last 12 years. For information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at latingrammyculturalfoundation.org.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. For over a decade, the Foundation has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $15 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors.For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com

Additional Scholarships Open for Application Include the Emerging Talent Scholarship from Berklee College of Music, the Celia Cruz Legacy Scholarship, the Kany García Scholarship and the Manolo Díaz Scholarship, as well as several Tuition Assistance Scholarships

Deadline to Apply: April 10, 2026

Photo Credit: María Jose Govea

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MIAMI (DECEMBER 16, 2025) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced that Latin GRAMMY® winner, and GRAMMY® nominated singer/songwriter Noel Schajris will sponsor its prestigious Prodigy Scholarship, also known as the 2026 Noel Schajris Scholarship, toward a bachelor’s degree at Berklee College of Music for the 2026 fall semester. The scholarship will include tuition, housing and wrap-around services valued at up to $250,000.

The scholarship further cements Schajris’ commitment to supporting the next generation of music makers. Throughout his career, he has generously contributed his time and resources to supporting aspiring young artists through his mentorship program, and has participated in various GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY programs and events, most recently a Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ in Memphis, TN.

“As a kid, I dreamed of making a living from music. Life and the public have given me a career and the chance to express my soul through songs, and that enormous blessing translates into the opportunity for music lovers to enjoy that incredible experience,” said Schajris. “There is nothing more beautiful than learning, nor anything more important than education. I can't wait to hear all that talent, which I have no doubt will move me and fill my heart.”

“We continue to be moved by the generosity of the artists and members of our music community and their commitment to the legacy of Latin music and its future creators,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “Each year, the cumulative impact rises creating a ripple effect of service and dreams fulfilled for both donors and creators alike.”

In addition to the 2026 Noel Schajris Scholarship, several scholarships are available for music students between the ages of 17 and 25 years of age with a passion for Latin music and financial limitations, who are starting their studies in the fall of 2026:

For the second consecutive year, Berklee will offer the Berklee & Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Emerging Talent Scholarship, a full tuition presidential scholarship that covers tuition, comprehensive fees, required laptop fee/software bundle (freshman year only), on-campus housing and wrap around services.

As previously announced during the 2025 Latin GRAMMY Week, three (3) Gifted Tuition Scholarships of up to $120,000 each will be awarded to students to cover tuition and housing costs, as well as wrap around services provided by the Foundation, towards a four-year bachelor's degree at the institution of their choice. They include the following:

• The Celia Cruz Legacy Scholarship pays homage to Cruz’s voice, spirit and unwavering pride in her culture that transformed music and inspired generations around the world. As we celebrate the centennial of her birth in 2025, the scholarship honors her extraordinary legacy and the path she paved for future artists.

• The Kany García Scholarship—sponsored by Latin GRAMMY winner, GRAMMY nominee and 2022 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree Kany García—will award one scholarship to benefit a young woman pursuing Latin music.

• The Manolo Díaz Scholarship in honor of one of the founding members of the Foundation, who currently serves on its Board, will be awarded by fellow board member, Mireya Blavia, recognizing Díaz’s contributions and legacy to the industry.

Also, several Tuition Assistance Scholarships, offering between $7,500 to $12,500 each for tuition and wrap around services will be awarded to students commencing their studies or who are already attending the music institution of their choice. Final award amount with details will be provided to those selected. Bulova will sponsor one (1) Tuition Assistance Scholarship of up to $10,000 that will include an experiential educational component during the 27th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® in November 2026.

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is now accepting applications for 2026 scholarships until April 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Click here to review 2026 guidelines and apply. The application includes two audition videos, two letters of recommendation, two essays, and an acceptance letter from an accredited university. Materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

To date, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® has awarded 477 scholarships, investing more than $12 million over the last 11 years. For information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at: www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org

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ABOUT NOEL SCHAJRIS:

Noel Schajris has conquered Latin pop as both a singer/songwriter and one-half of the duo Sin Bandera. Thanks to the success of his timeless hits with Sin Bandera, the Argentine-Mexican artist is a Latin GRAMMY® winner and a GRAMMY® nominee. Since launching his solo career in 2009, Schajris has continued to charm audiences around the globe with his romantic ballads. With six studio albums during his solo career, he has sold over 25 million records worldwide and one million concert tickets. Over the last two years, he toured with Leonel García as Sin Bandera for their Frecuencia Tour, and 2026 will reunite them for the Escenas Tour and album. Schajris released his album #SiempreLoSupe on NS Music App, making him the first artist from Latin America to launch his own music application. He also founded his own label, Dynamo Productions, in 2018, where he promotes his advocacy for artists' rights. His latest album, Uno No Es Uno (Noel's Version), was released in May 2025.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. In 2024, the Foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and during the last decade, it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $15 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com

Six talented music institutions, nonprofit organizations, musicologists and researchers will receive a total of $30,000 for research and preservation of Latin music

Latin GRAMMY® winner and GRAMMY® nominee Silvestre Dangond sponsored two grants in support of research and preservation of the vallenato genre

MIAMI (DECEMBER 9, 2025) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced the winners of its 2025 Latin Music Research and Preservation Grant Program. This year, the Foundation awarded a total of $30,000 across six grants to support projects dedicated to researching and preserving Latin music. Two of the awarded research and preservation grants were dedicated to the continued growth and development of vallenato, pledged by Latin GRAMMY® winner and GRAMMY® nominee Silvestre Dangond.

“Research and preservation allow us to keep the heartbeat of Latin music alive by protecting its stories, rhythms and cultural roots for future generations,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “We are honored to champion these remarkable projects and grateful to Silvestre Dangond for his commitment to preserving the legacy of the vallenato genre and ensuring the future of Latin music.”

“Vallenato gave me a voice, a purpose and a connection to the world,” said Dangond. “Supporting projects that study and preserve its history is a great responsibility that I carry with pride. If we want this music to continue touching hearts, we must protect the legacy of those who created it.”

Awarded Preservation Grants:

Julia Sánchez, Peru – Conservación y Preservación del Patrimonio Musical del Maestro Cantautor Ernesto Sánchez Fajardo “El Jilguero del Huascarán” (Conservation and Preservation of the Musical Heritage of Singer/Songwriter Ernesto Sánchez Fajardo “El Jilguero del Huascarán”). Julia Sánchez, researcher and cultural manager at the Universidad Nacional de Folklore “José María Arguedas,” leads a project dedicated to preserving and restoring the phonographic archive of Ernesto Sánchez Fajardo, “El Jilguero del Huascarán,” a pioneering Andean artist and symbol of Peru’s 20th-century migration. The initiative aims to restore and digitize 159 rare 78-RPM and vinyl recordings that document four decades of Huayno’s evolution as a form of cultural resilience. The project will produce a complete technical inventory, restored and digitized audio files in high-resolution WAV format, and three documentary podcasts for public and academic dissemination.

Miviam Ruiz Pérez, Mexico – Preservación y Diseminación de la Obra Inédita de Carlo Borbolla (1902-1990): Archivo Vivo de la Música Caribeña (Preservation and Dissemination of the Unpublished Works of Carlo Borbolla (1902–1990): Living Archive of Caribbean Music).

This project aims to preserve and diffuse the unpublished works of Cuban musicologist Carlo Borbolla Téllez, whose extensive personal archive includes compositions, writings and autobiographical documents largely unknown to the public. Led by Dr. Miviam Ruiz Pérez, the initiative will establish an open-access digital repository to promote Borbolla’s legacy across research, performance, and music education in Latin America. Through this effort, the project not only revives Borbolla’s contributions but also deepens the understanding of the musical and cultural roots that connect genres such as jazz and salsa to their Caribbean origins.

Awarded Research Grants:

Luis Alvarado, Peru – La Evolución de la Pandilla Selvática (The Evolution of the Pandilla Selvática). Luis Alvarado’s research explores the evolution of the pandilla selvática, a defining genre of Peruvian Amazonian popular music. The project traces how its transformation — through the incorporation of the electric guitar into cumbia amazónica — forged a unique regional identity. It also examines how the genre continues to thrive in contemporary jazz and experimental electronic scenes, illustrating its ongoing relevance within Peru’s dynamic musical landscape.

Dr. Romy Martínez, Netherlands – Guaranía in Translation: From Paraguay to Europe Through Music and Language. This project celebrates the centenary of Paraguay’s musical genre Guaranía, created in 1925 by José Asunción Flores, and recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024. Dr. Romy Martínez seeks to preserve and disseminate the genre internationally through concerts, research and intercultural collaboration across Northern Europe. By engaging new audiences in multilingual and multicultural settings, the initiative ensures that the Guaranía genre remains a living tradition. It bridges cultures while honoring Paraguay’s musical legacy.

Awarded Vallenato Preservation Grant:

Jhojam Rincón, Colombia – Tiempos Idos - Apología a la Amistad (Times Gone By: An Apology to Friendship). Jhojam Rincón’s preservation initiative aims to safeguard an extraordinary sound archive that captures spontaneous parrandas vallenatas recorded between 1974 and 1985, featuring legends such as Leandro Díaz, Rafael Escalona, and the Zuleta brothers. Compiled by collector Juan de Jesús Celedón, the 120 analog cassettes contain unreleased performances, improvisations and verses that mark the golden era of Colombian vallenato. Through professional digitization and secure archiving, the project preserves this invaluable musical record for future generations.

Awarded Vallenato Research Grant:

Ángela Marín Niebles, Colombia – Mujeres en el Vallenato: Una Historia Por Contar (Women in Vallenato: A Story Yet to Be Told). Dr. Ángela Martín Niebles leads a multidisciplinary study to document and celebrate the pioneering women of vallenato music in the early 20th century. Through historical, anthropological and musicological research, the project reconstructs the lives and contributions of female composers and performers who have long been overlooked in a male-dominated genre. By producing accessible multimedia materials, the project strengthens Colombia’s cultural memory and promotes gender equity in the nation’s musical heritage.

A committee of experts from Latin America, the Iberian Peninsula and the United States selected the winners among numerous qualified candidates. Since its inception in 2015, the program has awarded more than $285,000 in grants to support projects, including one that has received a Latin GRAMMY and a GRAMMY.

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ABOUT SILVESTRE DANGOND:

Silvestre Dangond is a world-renowned artist from Colombia, who is especially known for globalizing the vallenato genre. In his nearly 25 years in the industry, Dangond has won four Latin GRAMMYs®, including Best Cumbia/Vallenato Album this year for his latest LP El Último Baile, and earned a GRAMMY nomination. Dangond also recently announced the U.S. leg of his El Último Baile Tour, a series of concerts that will bring this historic project to major venues across the country in 2026. He has collaborated with artists including Nicky Jam, Natti Natasha, Carín León, Emilia, Sebastián Yatra, Fonseca and Carlos Vives, and he often works with initiatives in support of the next generation of vallenato artists.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. In 2024, the Foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and during the last decade, it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $13.9 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com

For images, click here

MIAMI (NOVEMBER 12, 2025) — The Latin Recording Academy® celebrated its 2025 Person of the Year Gala honoring Raphael, with moving renditions of some of the singer’s renowned repertoire, featuring past and current Latin GRAMMY® nominees including Aitana, Pepe Aguilar, Susana Baca, David Bisbal, Enrique Bunbury, Willy Chirino, Ivan Cornejo, Kany García, Myriam Hernández, Eddy Herrera, Jesse & Joy, Carín León, Pablo López, Víctor Manuelle, Vanesa Martín, Víctor Martínez, Mestrinho, Gaby Moreno, Kiki Morente, Café Quijano, Fito Páez, Silvia Pérez Cruz, Carlos Rivera, Elena Rose, Rozalén, Ángeles Toledano and Néstor Torres.

Raphael was honored for his more than six-decade career as a multifaceted singer and performer, which has established him as a true ambassador of Latin music worldwide. The evening featured tributes from artists who have shaped his repertoire, alongside others who came to honor his lasting impact and celebrate his remarkable career.

The evening opened on a high note with a breathtaking performance by Enrique Bunbury of “Yo Soy Aquél” and was then joined by Carín León, electrifying the stage together with a medley of “Toca Madera” and “Ahora”— the latter a song Bunbury himself wrote for Raphael. Café Quijano and Gaby Moreno followed with a bolero-infused rendition of “Qué Tal Te Va Sin Mí”. David Bisbal raised the energy with a duet alongside Elena Rose on “En Carne Viva,” and then captivated the audience with a heartfelt homage performance of “Como Yo Te Amo.” Jesse & Joy joined Ivan Cornejo for an emotive tribute to “Cierro Mis Ojos.”

Pablo López kept the momentum alive with a passionate delivery of “De Tanta Gente,” followed by his intimate piano rendition of “Lo Saben Mis Zapatos.” Aitana later joined López for a moving performance of “Si No Estuvieras Tú.” Latin rock icon Fito Páez and Rozalén delivered a stirring version of “La Carta,” while Susana Baca and Rozalén offered a folkloric interpretation of “Chabuca, Limeña.” Kiki Morente, Ángeles Toledano and Víctor Martínez on the guitar offered a passionate rendition of “Digan Lo Que Digan,” fusing flamenco textures and thundering Latin percussion. Vanesa Martín and Kany García shared the stage for “Cada Septiembre,” featuring García’s debut solo cello performance, and Martín later returned with Carlos Rivera for an intimate acoustic take on “A Que No Te Vas.”

The magic continued as Pepe Aguilar and Myriam Hernández united their powerhouse vocals in a sweeping version of “Procuro Olvidarte.” Spanish songstress Silvia Pérez Cruz offered a mesmerizing “Somos” with Brazilian accordion virtuoso Mestrinho, weaving Iberian and tropical tones into one. The celebration reached its peak as Eddy Herrera, Víctor Manuelle, Néstor Torres, and Willy Chirino — who wrote the song for Raphael — took the stage with all the infectious rhythms of the Caribbean, filling the room with “Escándalo.”

The evening wouldn’t be complete without the 2025 Person of the Year stepping on stage; he wowed the audience with a medley of “Que Sabe Nadie,” “Mi Gran Noche,” and “Como Yo Te Amo.”

The highly anticipated gala preceded the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, which will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 13. The three-hour telecast will be produced by TelevisaUnivision, the leading Spanish-language media company in the world, airing across TelevisaUnivision’s U.S. platforms, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central), preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT (6 p.m. Central).

Latin Academy head of Production Ayleen Figueras, along with Macarena Moreno, served as executive producers of the gala. Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY® winner Carlos Fernando López served as musical director, and the musical production was led by Danny Flores, also a Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY nominee. The Philharmonic Orchestra Project (“POP”) accompanied all artists.

Live Nation served as presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year, as part of the first multi-year presenting sponsor partnership for the Person of the Year Gala.

Net proceeds from the 2025 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Gala will go toward the charitable work of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, whose mission is to be a global champion of music education and empower communities through Latin music and culture. The Foundation has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage, and to date has donated more than $13.9 million with the support of Latin Recording Academy members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors.

ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy® is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals produces the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. For more information, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Iveliesse Malavé

Ive@grammy.com