Marc Anthony Honored by Colleagues During Person of the Year Ceremony: ‘I Feel More Alive Than Ever’

After beautiful and touching performances from his colleagues and friends who honored the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year Marc Anthony with renditions of his greatest hits Wednesday night (Nov. 16), the feted artist didn’t have much to say but, “Oh s–t, this is crazy.”

The annual Person of the Year gala, which takes place on the eve of the Latin Grammys, reunited some of the biggest Latin acts under one roof to honor the chart-topping artist in an intimate dinner and concert.

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The first one to take the stage was Victor Manuelle who opened the spectacular with his performance of Anthony’s “Valió la pena.” Laura Pausini followed with an emotional rendition of “Ahora quién.” “Te quiero, Marc Anthony,” the Italian singer said before leaving the stage.

Then came out Carlos Vives to perform “Yo soy el cantante.” Prince Royce sang “Cambio de piel,” accompanied by Latin Grammy nominated producer Julio Reyes Copello. It was artist after artist, hit after hit. The crowd sang along with each of the performances and they couldn’t help but stand up and dance when Gilberto Santa Rosa and Gente de Zona hit the stage.

Other performers throughout the night included Tommy Torres, Diego Torres, Gian Marco, Jesse & Joy, Fonseca, Draco Rosa, Kany García, Mon Laferte, Gaby Moreno, Sin Bandera, Milly Quezada and Johnny Ventura.

Before the man of the hour went onstage to sing himself and end the night on a high note, his good friend Ricky Martin had a few words to share about Anthony.

“What a party. What just happened here onstage? Marc, you made this happen. It’s your passion and your drive. I have an anecdote to share form many years ago. In 1987, I met Marc. He produced some tracks for Menudo. Back then, Menudo was based in Orlando and the man who was in charge of transportation told me he was going to the airport to pick up our producer. I told him I’d go with him. I went to find you to the airport. Since our first encounter, there was chemistry. Still, in my music, I include stuff that you taught me back then: passion, dedication and honesty. Look at what you have done. What a musician you are, I love that you are Latino and I love your force. We will always celebrate you. You will never dia. Pa’ arriba boricua!“

Upon accepting his award, Anthony couldn’t help gushing over the touching tributes. “Thank you for an unforgettable night. These events are designed so that a person feels appreciated and from the bottom of the heart, to be able to stand on this stage with so many people I admire, it’s an honor and pleasure,” Anthony said.

“I feel more alive than ever. They told me I wasn’t going to talk cause my thing is to sing. I’m in shock. I want to sing.” And so he did. The memorable night ended with his performance of “Vivir mi vida.”

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