Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images
Natalia Jimenez performs during the 20th Annual Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on Nov. 14, 2019.
After a dazzling, star-studded red carpet, the 20th annual Latin Grammy Awards kicked off with a well-deserved tribute to some of Latin music’s biggest icons.
Brazilian star Anitta joined merengue veterans Olga Tañon and Milly Quezada for a samba-infused merengue version of Celia Cruz’s “La Vida es un Carnaval,” which then transitioned to Mexican crooners Carlos Rivera, Reik and Leonel Garcia joining forces to sing Juan Gabriel’s “Querida.”
Paying tribute to the late Regional Mexican singer-songwriter Joan Sebastian were Natalia Jimenez, Calibre 50 and Prince Royce, who performed “Secreto de Amor.” Closing off the “icon tribute” opening act were rock stars Draco Rosa, Fito Paez, Beto Cuevas and Ricky Martin, who performed Soda Stereo’s “Musica Ligera,” honoring the late Argentine star Gustavo Cerati.
The 2019 Latin Grammys took place Thursday night (Nov. 14) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas via Univision.
--La Vida Es Un Carnaval-- @Anitta -- #LatinGRAMMY pic.twitter.com/DtK73HTvII
— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) November 15, 2019
--Querida--@ReikMx @_CarlosRivera @LeonelGOficial
— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) November 15, 2019
-- #LatinGRAMMY pic.twitter.com/PGqzEnv9MI
--Secreto de Amor--@NataliaJimenez @Calibre50 @PrinceRoyce -- #LatinGRAMMY pic.twitter.com/2EpmSD8bca
— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) November 15, 2019
--De Música Ligera-- @iambetocuevas -- #LatinGRAMMY pic.twitter.com/Uk0VPJOvxA
— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) November 15, 2019