Calle 13 wins 5 Latin Grammys in Las Vega

Published: Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 10:29 a.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 

LAS VEGAS — Puerto Rican duo Calle 13 won all five awards it was nominated for Thursday at the Latin Grammys in Las Vegas, including two of the top awards of the night and honors in both urban and alternative categories.

The awards show ran late because Mexico's "Divo of Juarez," Juan Gabriel, sang for 40 minutes straight while mariachis stomped on stage and the audience clapped and sang along.

Calle 13 won album of the year for its innovative collaborations and politically charged reggaeton. Left with little time to accept the golden gramophone for the top honor, lead singer Rene Perez, who raps as "Residente," dedicated the award to Argentine folk singer Mercedes Sosa, who died in October at age 74.

"May she rest in peace. An applause for Mercedes Sosa, please," he said.

Later in the pressroom, Residente explained his admiration for the woman who helped found the "Nueva Cancion" movement, which merged folk traditions and leftist politics in the 1960s. "She is a voice who should never die, and young people should listen to her," he said. "In an era of dictatorship and difficult times, she wasn't afraid. That's why I dedicated it to her."

Story continues below

Residente and his half brother Eduardo Cabra, who goes by "Visitante," also won recording of the year for "No Hay Nadie Como Tu," their collaboration with Mexican rockers Cafe Tacuba, aka Cafe Tacvba. Their album "Los de Atras Vienen Conmigo" also won best album in the urban category, competing against other reggaeton acts.

During the ceremony, Calle 13 performed "La Perla," an ode to a seaside slum in San Juan, with salsa legend Ruben Blades, while dancers from Cirque du Soleil's "Mystere" leaped across the stage. "La Perla" won the award for best short-form video.

The Latin Recording Academy also paid homage to Sosa with a brief video set to the gentle anthem "Gracias a la Vida."

"Mercedes Sosa represents courage and strength for those of us who continue to support her efforts" for social justice in Latin America, Blades said in his introduction.

Italian singer Laura Pausini, who won best female pop vocal album, performed "En Cambio No," to open the show, which was hosted by Mexican comedian Eugenio Derbez and Mexican singer and actress Lucero.

Showgirls added Sin City flavor to a hip-shaking salsa jam by Venezuelan Oscar D'Leon and Puerto Rican Gilberto Santa Rosa. They also lent their moves to Los Tucanes de Tijuana's "Se Fue Mi Amor," which won for best regional Mexican song.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Image
Matt Sayles, Associated Press

David Bisbal, right, and Luz Rios perform at the 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards.

previousnext

Latest comments

When Boozer was shooting the free throws, why Sloan didn't substitute Mathew...

Letters: Global warming a lie

actions, I will be forced to be accountable for them. I refuse. I am an...

What's with the Utah fans flashing the double L sign?

@mark: So Sam da Ham... you were just making it up?" I'm a climate...

Utes excited to go to San Diego

"I have no idea why BYU fans are talking smack about bowl opponents. Even if...

TCU versus BSU unpopular

You say to "quit whining and play somebody." Isn't that what everyone is...

BoM translation remarkably consistent

Reading these comments, I start wondering-- Whatever happened to faith? Why...

Utes excited to go to San Diego

All those numbers when all you reall need to know is that BYU has beat Utah...

BYU eager for crack at Oregon State

All thos numbers when all you reall need to know is that BYU has beat Utah...

So Sam da Ham, when you said this: "Not so. Al Gore is poised to make...

Advertisements