Juan Luis Guerra Triumphs at 2024 Latin Grammy Awards with Radio Güira and “Mambo 23”
Juan Luis Guerra 4.40 claimed two of the most prestigious honors at the 2024 Latin Grammy Awards: Album of the Year for Radio Güira and Record of the Year for the vibrant “Mambo 23.” Guerra’s acceptance speech, delivered in Spanish, radiated humility and gratitude as he acknowledged his fellow nominees and credited divine inspiration for his album.
“The idea of Radio Güira was from Jesus, completely from Jesus. He gave us wisdom and understanding, so all the glory and honor go to him,” Guerra said, celebrating his 40-year career with grace and joy”
Electrifying Performances and Unforgettable Tributes
The 25th anniversary of the Latin Grammys delivered a night of powerful performances and heartfelt tributes. A salsa showcase featuring Marc Anthony and La India’s duet on “Vivir Lo Nuestro” brought the audience to its feet. Tito Nieves and Christian Alicea’s rendition of “De Mí Enamórate” added even more fire to the tribute.
The show opened with Colombian star Carlos Vives performing his infectious “Si Si Si.” He was joined by Juanes, Sebastián Yatra, and Camilo for a high-energy medley that set the tone for the evening. Vives, honored as Person of the Year, received his award from Jon Bon Jovi.
Big Wins and Emotional Speeches
The first award of the night went to Carín León for Best Contemporary Música Mexicana Album with Boca Chueca, Vol. 1. Later, rising star Ela Taubert, who performed her viral hit “¿Cómo Pasó?” alongside Joe Jonas, won Best New Artist with a heartfelt speech.
“I want to thank God because he gave me this dream, to my mother for believing in me, and to all the people who listen to my music — you brought me here,” Taubert said through tears.”
Other major winners included Jorge Drexler for Song of the Year with “Derrumbe,” Karol G for Música Urbana Album with Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season), and Kany García for Traditional Pop Vocal Album with García. Draco Rosa and Luis Fonsi also won awards in the pop and rock categories.
Global Icons Celebrate the Genre’s Growth
The evening emphasized the growing global influence of Latin music. Anitta paid tribute to Brazilian legend Sérgio Mendes with a moving bossa nova performance. Pitbull and Jon Bon Jovi delivered a crowd-pleasing remix of “Now or Never,” reimagining Bon Jovi’s classic “It’s My Life.”
Other standout performances included contemporary hits from Kali Uchis, Myke Towers, and Danny Ocean. Meanwhile, Juan Luis Guerra 4.40 returned to the stage for a dynamic performance of “Mambo 23.”
A Night of Milestones
Held at the Kaseya Center in Miami, the three-hour broadcast celebrated the Latin Grammys’ influence over 25 years and the explosive global popularity of Latin music genres.
Producer and songwriter Édgar Barrera, nominated for nine awards, took home three, including Songwriter of the Year and Producer of the Year. Fellow standout Nathy Peluso also earned three wins during the earlier Latin Grammy Premiere.
From groundbreaking performances to heartfelt acknowledgments of tradition, the 2024 Latin Grammys showcased a jubilant celebration of Latin music’s past, present, and future.