Billboard Latin Music Awards: Maluma, Carlos Vives, Romeo Santos, Luis Fonsi and More Inspiring Speeches

The 2020 Billboard Latin Music Awards feted a handful of artists and works for special achievements. Here are their most memorable words.

Carlos Vives, Hall of Fame: Nearly 30 years ago I decided to make my music in an original way, without copying what existed at the time. The industry didn’t see it, but fans did. And we reached the top spots of this prestigious magazine. So thank you to Billboard for recognizing me tonight. And thanks Emilio Estefan for opening the doors to this city. Thank you Afo, Walter who always believed in me. My wife Claudia for believing more. And my country, Colombia, for the inspiration.
And remember, each of you is unique, as unique as your music.

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Maluma, Spirit of Hope: Thank you to Billboard for recognizing incentives like my foundation El Arte de los Sueños, where daily we try to change the world through urban art. I hope this award is an inspiration to new generations who want to build better causes. God Bless you.

Romeo Santos Wins Album of the Decade for Formula, Vol. 2:
When I prepare an album, I always have the same objective: How do I surprise. In this album, I had Drake not only sing bachata, but sing in Spanish. When I see the success of songs like “Despacito,” when I see Justin Bieber sing in Spanish, that’s such a source of pride. Many of us Latins know our essence is very cool. Being Latin makes me proud.

Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, Song of the Decade for “Despacito:”
Fonsi: It’s a dream, a big achievement. There are so many people behind this. I want to thank God, who laid his hand over this song and surrounded me with beautiful, talented people. I want to thank Daddy Yankee. Without your voice and energy, we wouldn’t be here. And thank you Justin. At the end of the day, what I take with me is that the whole world sang in Spanish, the whole world heard the sound of a cuatro.

Yankee: The biggest song in the planet and it was in Spanish.

Armando Manzanero, Lifetime Achievement Award:
I have no words to express what my heart feels to have shared with such a talented new generation in such a beautiful show. God bless the Latin song.

Enrique Iglesias, Top Latin Artist of All Time: I want to thank the Billboard Awards for this amazing award. I want to thank my good friend Pitbull.

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