Argentine artists showcase talents as emerging artists take over Latin Grammys

The 20th iteration of the Latin Grammys saw a small yet mighty presence of Argentine artists be recognised for across a variety of genres at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. While not the most anticipated artists of the night, Argentines were also present among those nominated, awarded, and performing on stage.

It was Spanish artist Rosalía who made headlines with her wins, amounting to three awards Thursday night, marking a historic night for female Latin artists. 

The breakthrough performer, known for blending flamenco music with sounds like reggaeton and Latin trap, won album of the year at the 2019 Latin Grammys, becoming the first solo female performer to win the top honour since Shakira’s triumph 13 years ago.

Ranging from Argentine rock, to pop, to trap, Argentine artists were present in multiple award categories, as well as the ceremony's opening performance. 

Paulo Londra, upcoming argentine trap artist, was nominated for Best New Artist at the 20th iteration of the Latin Grammys. The 21-year-old Cordobese is the most listened-to Argentine artist on Spotify, with his most popular song “Adan y Eva ” hitting over 660 million views on YouTube since its release in 2018.

While the Best New Artist award was ultimately won by Nella, a Venezuelan pop singer, Argentina’s presence was also felt at during the opening number of the award show. One of the most anticipated performances of the night, a group of artists came together in a tribute for icons of Latin American music to open the Grammy’s.

Highlighting various sounds from the genre, 20 artists united onstage to honour Latin music. Songs performed included those by Celia Cruz, Juan Gabriel, Joan Sebastian, the opening performance ended with a tribute to Argentine rockers Soda Stereo.

Bringing Argentine rock to the international stage, Puerto Rican Draco Rosas and Chilean Beto Cuevas performed “De Música Ligera” alongside Fito Páez, before Ricky Martin, host for the night, came to stage.

Claudia Grant, the Argentine singer, composer, and producer, took home the Best Latin Pop Album award for “Sincera.” Nominated alongside Pablo Alboran and Carlos Vives, Grant took home her first Grammy for a record that is purely hers. 

“I've been a songwriter for my entire life writing songs for other people and this is the first time I get nominated for an American GRAMMY for a record that is mine," Brant said during a red carpet interview. "It's really great, I'm really honoured." 

The Grammys, however, were not without its fair share of criticism. J Balvin alongside other uber-popular Latin trap and reggaeton artist skipped the award show; restricted to nominations in the urban categories, they were dissed in top categories like album, song and record of the year.

During the live show, Bad Bunny — also a part of the overlooked group of performers alongside Daddy Yankee, Maluma and Nicky Jam — praised the reggaeton genre as one of the key sounds of Latin music.

“To all the musicians, to all the people that belong to the academy, with all due respect, reggaeton is part of the Latin culture and is representing the same way as other genres,” Bad Bunny said in Spanish after winning best urban music album for his debut album, “X 100Pre.”

“Anyway, I tell my colleagues let’s work hard, let’s keep bringing creativity and community,” he continued.

– AP/TIMES