Women Ruled the 2023 Latin Grammys

There was plenty of uncertainty surrounding the Latin Grammys this year. For the first time, the award show was planned in Sevilla, Spain, a cross-continental move that sparked plenty of debate.

The European country has had a complicated place with the awards show, and prior to the ceremony, fans pointed out it’s not part of Latin America — though the Latin Grammys have always considered all music, as long as it’s 51 percent in Spanish. Still, others worried that hosting the show across the world would cause logistical issues for musicians trying to make the event.

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Still, the show went on, and hundreds of people gathered in Sevilla, Spain on Nov. 16 for the event. Across the night, there were plenty of homages to the host country: Flamenco displays, an opening performance from Rosalia, an homage to actor Antonio Banderas (who is from Andalusia.)

In the end, the biggest surprise wasn’t logistical or geographical: It came as a powerhouse group of women won some of the biggest awards of the evening. In addition, plenty of performers kept the audience on their feet.

Here are some of our top highlights:

Mujeronas of the Night

In the past, critics have pointed out that women are often missing from the major categories at the Latin Grammys — and have been even harder to find in winner’s lists. This year was refreshingly different: Women took away major trophies the entire night across genres. Shakira walked away with Song of the Year and Pop Song of the Year for her catchy Bizzarap session, and also shared Best Urban/Fusion performance with Karol G. Natalia Lafourcade scored Record of the Year, Singer-Songwriter Song, and Singer-Songwriter Album awards. And in happy surprises, longtime Mexican indie-darling Julieta Venegas won a Contemporary Pop Vocal Album trophy, and a tearful Karol G accepted the Album of the Year accolade at the end of the night.

Laura Pausini, honored as the Latin Grammy’s Person of the Year throughout the night, let out a little cheer backstage and praised the “mujeronas” winning big. – J.L.

Biza + Shak = Best Performance of the Night

A high-energy performance backed by Bizarrap’s songs got the entire theater jumping for the best set of the night. At only 17, Spanish rapper Milo J opened the performance with a fiery rap verse of the latest “Bzrp Music Sessions” before a choir turned Quevedo’s session on its head for a ballad rendition of the TikTok-favorite track. The crowd went wild when Shakira, who hit the stage for the second time accompanied by a tango dancer, sang spicy lyrics about her split from Piqué in the soccer player’s own country. Now that’s a medley. – T.M.

Latin Songwriters Get Their Shine

With the introduction of the Songwriter of the Year category, Latin songwriters rightfully got their shine at the 2023 ceremony. While Shakira was performing the global hit “BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” she went out into the crowd to dance with co-writer Kevyn “Keityn” Mauricio Cruz. Later, Mexican hit-maker Edgar Barrera performed on his keyboard alongside Iza, Camilo, and Manuel Carrasco. Barrera won both Songwriter and Producer of the Year. Next year, both awards should be given out during the telecast. – L.V.

Peso Pluma and Eslabon Armado Take the Spotlight

Though many derided this year’s nominations for leaving out the massive música Mexicana wave that made global waves this year, a few moments onstage gave the genre much-needed attention. Peso Pluma and Eslabon Armado united onstage for their first-ever televised performance of “Ella Baila Sola,” choosing to sing the summer smash over an elegant, white set. (On the red carpet, Nicki Nicole told Rolling Stone that she’d be screaming every word.)

Christian Nodal and Carin Leon also showed off their vocal talent during performances throughout the night. Here’s hoping the Latin Recording Academy took notice and gives these artists space in the nominations next year. – J.L.

Sparks Fly for Karol G and Feid

Though they are remaining quiet on their rumored romance, Karol G and Feid put their fans into a frenzy with sweet interactions they shared at the awards this year. When Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito defeated Feid’s LP in the Best Urban Music Album category, she ran over to him and gave him a big hug. He also appeared to kiss her on the cheek. Karol G was later smitten and seen dancing and singing along to Feid’s closing performance. Post-Rauwsalia, love is still alive in reggaeton. – L.V.

Latin Music’s It-Couple Debuts on Red Carpet

You can’t help but smile when you see Nicki Nicole blushing after a compliment from Peso Pluma. The Argentinian singer and Mexican star walked their first red carpet together, hand-in-hand as they gushed over each other’s musical projects this year. “I’m so happy to be accompanied tonight,” Nicole said coyly in an interview with Rolling Stone. “I’m supporting the queen!” Peso joked. – T.M.

Karol G Makes Música Urbana History

Mañana Será Bonito made history. Before accepting the trophy for Album of the Year, Karol G celebrated becoming only the second woman to win the award for Best Urban Music Album, exactly 10 years after Mala Rodriguez, who won in 2013 for Bruja. “I can’t believe that this year the Urban Music Album winner is a woman,” Karol said after hugging Feid and taking the stage. – T.M.

Bocelli Brilliance

Andrea  Bocelli made a glorious appearance onstage and earned a standing ovation when he sang “Granada,” the classic song by renowned Mexican composer Agustin Lara. Around him, the set paid homage to cultures across Iberoamerica, with an array of dancers supporting him. As the Italian giant belted out notes that seemed to shake the entire auditorium, the audience jumped to its feet and cheered him on.  – J.L.

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