On Nov. 15, esteemed GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY winner Alejandro Sanz was honored as the Latin Recording Academy's 2017 Person of the Year for his significant artistic and philanthropic contributions to the world.
Hosted at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, the centerpiece of the star-studded celebration was a concert tribute, which featured renditions of Sanz' repertoire by notable artists and friends, including Natalia Lafourcade, Juan Luis Guerra, Mon Laferte, Jesse & Joy, Luis Fonsi, Residente, and more. The sold-out gala benefits the year-round education and preservation initiatives of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Aún no tengo las palabras para explicar el <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PersonOfTheYear?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PersonOfTheYear</a> de los <a href="https://twitter.com/LatinGRAMMYs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LatinGRAMMYs</a> 2017 el amor de mis compańeros. Que barbaridad de artistas. Os lo mostraré. Viva la música en Espańol.</p>— Alejandro Sanz (@AlejandroSanz) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlejandroSanz/status/931164055124951041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
On to the amazing performance highlights:
Lafourcade and Manuel Medrano kicked off the evening with a performance of "No Es Lo Mismo," which earned Sanz not only Record and Song Of The Year at the 5th Latin GRAMMY Awards, but the album of the same named earned Album Of The Year honors.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/lafourcade?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lafourcade</a> y <a href="https://twitter.com/manuelmedrano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@manuelmedrano</a> cantan No Es Lo Mismo Persona del Año 2017 en honor a <a href="https://twitter.com/AlejandroSanz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlejandroSanz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LatinGRAMMY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LatinGRAMMY</a> <a href="https://t.co/7y8fXaTa3J">pic.twitter.com/7y8fXaTa3J</a></p>— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LatinGRAMMYs/status/931036988605480961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Guerra graced the stage next with a cover of "Desde Cuando," which earned a Record Of The Year nod at the 11th Latin GRAMMY Awards for 2010.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/JuanLuisGuerra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JuanLuisGuerra</a> canta Desde Cuando Persona del Año 2017 en honor a <a href="https://twitter.com/AlejandroSanz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlejandroSanz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LatinGRAMMY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LatinGRAMMY</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZshGqEMGyR">pic.twitter.com/ZshGqEMGyR</a></p>— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LatinGRAMMYs/status/931040450919538688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
This was followed by a performance of "El Alma Al Aire" by David Bisbal. El Alma … earned Sanz not only the Latin GRAMMY for Album Of The Year for 2001, but the title track also took home Record and Song Of The Year honors that year.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/davidbisbal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@davidbisbal</a> canta El Alma Al Aire Persona del Año 2017 en honor a <a href="https://twitter.com/AlejandroSanz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlejandroSanz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LatinGRAMMY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LatinGRAMMY</a> <a href="https://t.co/BknrRv6QvP">pic.twitter.com/BknrRv6QvP</a></p>— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LatinGRAMMYs/status/931040966013698048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Niña Pastori delivered a lovely rendition of "La Fuerza Del Corazon," which was followed by a passionate version of "Mi Soledad Y Yo" by Laferte.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/npastorioficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@npastorioficial</a> canta La Fuerza Del Corazón Persona del Año 2017 en honor a <a href="https://twitter.com/AlejandroSanz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlejandroSanz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LatinGRAMMY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LatinGRAMMY</a> <a href="https://t.co/H07QBZZX8M">pic.twitter.com/H07QBZZX8M</a></p>— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LatinGRAMMYs/status/931043237422284800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/monlaferte?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@monlaferte</a> canta Mi Soledad Y Yo Persona del Año 2017 en honor a <a href="https://twitter.com/AlejandroSanz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlejandroSanz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LatinGRAMMY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LatinGRAMMY</a> <a href="https://t.co/CA3FjY4MwA">pic.twitter.com/CA3FjY4MwA</a></p>— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LatinGRAMMYs/status/931045238734327810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Guitarist Jose Antonio Rodriguez and dance company Siudy Garrido with El Carpeta brought a little flamenco flare to the stage with their performance of "Manhattan De 2 Frontera."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">José Antonio Rodríguez, Siudy Garrido, Manuel Fernández Montoya "El Carpeta" Manhattan de 2 Frontera Persona del Año 2017 en honor a <a href="https://twitter.com/AlejandroSanz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlejandroSanz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LatinGRAMMY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LatinGRAMMY</a> <a href="https://t.co/El6vZ6RhwA">pic.twitter.com/El6vZ6RhwA</a></p>— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LatinGRAMMYs/status/931052148690894848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Rosalía took on the Latin GRAMMY-nominated hit "Cuando Nadie Me Ve" with expert pizazz.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/rosaliavt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rosaliavt</a> canta Cuando Nadie Me Ve Persona del Año 2017 en honor a <a href="https://twitter.com/AlejandroSanz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlejandroSanz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LatinGRAMMY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LatinGRAMMY</a> <a href="https://t.co/r1ipjXSrYs">pic.twitter.com/r1ipjXSrYs</a></p>— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LatinGRAMMYs/status/931051077994143744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Brother and sister duo Jesse & Joy hit the stage next for a version of Sanz' "Siempre Es De Noche."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/jesseyjoy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jesseyjoy</a> cantan Siempre Es De Noche Persona del Año 2017 en honor a <a href="https://twitter.com/AlejandroSanz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlejandroSanz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LatinGRAMMY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LatinGRAMMY</a> <a href="https://t.co/d1gVZSMWwV">pic.twitter.com/d1gVZSMWwV</a></p>— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LatinGRAMMYs/status/931048954061504513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Santiago Cruz, Gian Marco and accordionist Jimmy Zambrano gave an excellent performance of "La Musica No Se Toca."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SantiCruz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SantiCruz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/gianmarcomusica?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gianmarcomusica</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JIMMYZAMBRANOF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JIMMYZAMBRANOF</a> o cantan La Música No Se Toca Persona del Año 2017 en honor a <a href="https://twitter.com/AlejandroSanz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlejandroSanz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LatinGRAMMY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LatinGRAMMY</a> <a href="https://t.co/juqRbUUTHM">pic.twitter.com/juqRbUUTHM</a></p>— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LatinGRAMMYs/status/931057815635947525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Fonsi, of "Despacito" fame, took on a version of "Amiga Mia" to honor Sanz.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/LuisFonsi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LuisFonsi</a> canta Amiga Mía Persona del Año 2017 en honor a <a href="https://twitter.com/AlejandroSanz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlejandroSanz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LatinGRAMMY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LatinGRAMMY</a> <a href="https://t.co/ll0rNacmdz">pic.twitter.com/ll0rNacmdz</a></p>— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LatinGRAMMYs/status/931063700110192640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Next up, Nick Jonas Calle 13's Residente and Anitta had a blast performing "Looking For Paradise." Sanz' original performance of the hit song features GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/nickjonas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nickjonas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Residente?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Residente</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Anitta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Anitta</a> cantan Looking For Paradise Persona del Año 2017 en honor a <a href="https://twitter.com/AlejandroSanz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlejandroSanz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LatinGRAMMY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LatinGRAMMY</a> <a href="https://t.co/oaMjHEuG2t">pic.twitter.com/oaMjHEuG2t</a></p>— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LatinGRAMMYs/status/931062922771443712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Alejandro Fernandez brought to life Sanz's 1997 hit "Y ¿Si Fuera Ella? "
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/alexoficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alexoficial</a> canta Y, ¿Si Fuera Ella? Persona del Año 2017 en honor a <a href="https://twitter.com/AlejandroSanz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlejandroSanz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LatinGRAMMY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LatinGRAMMY</a> <a href="https://t.co/obXlx6pud7">pic.twitter.com/obXlx6pud7</a></p>— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LatinGRAMMYs/status/931064369407868928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Juanes and Camila Cabello teamed for an exquisite rendition of "Quisiera Ser," leading into the big finale.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/juanes?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@juanes</a> y <a href="https://twitter.com/Camila_Cabello?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Camila_Cabello</a> cantan Quisiera Ser Persona del Año 2017 en honor a <a href="https://twitter.com/AlejandroSanz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlejandroSanz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LatinGRAMMY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LatinGRAMMY</a> <a href="https://t.co/5b7mNLOXfq">pic.twitter.com/5b7mNLOXfq</a></p>— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LatinGRAMMYs/status/931065165881139200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
To close out the night, Sanz, along with guitarist Jose Antonio Rodriguez, gave an emotional performance of his 1997 smash "Corazón Partío" — the perfect finish to an amazing celebration.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AlejandroSanz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlejandroSanz</a> emociona al público cantando Corazón Partío Persona del Año 2017 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LatinGRAMMY?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LatinGRAMMY</a> <a href="https://t.co/ha6LFDNVRv">pic.twitter.com/ha6LFDNVRv</a></p>— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LatinGRAMMYs/status/931066793568870400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
