Los Ángeles Azules, Draco Rosa, Albita & More Honored at Latin Grammy 2024 Special Awards: Highlights

The Latin Grammys festivities officially kicked off with The Latin Recording Academy's Special Awards Gala held on Sunday (November 10) at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami, Florida.

Hosted by Gloria Estefan, the intimate ceremony brought together industry leaders and artists who celebrated this year's Trustees and Lifetime Achievement honorees. The former award is voted on by the Board of Directors of the Latin Recording Academy and is given to individuals who have made significant contributions, other than performance, to music during their careers. The latter is presented to performers who have made unprecedented contributions of outstanding artistic importance to Latin music.

The honored managers were prolific hit makers Ángel “Cucco” Peña and Chucho Rincón. while Albita, Alejandro Lerner, Draco Rosa, Lolita Flores, Los Ángeles Azules and Lulu Santos were honored with this year's Lifetime Achievement titles. Other artists present at the coveted Special Awards gala included Carlos Vives, Maria Becerra and Edgar Barrera.

Check out some of the night's memorable moments below:

Angel “Cucco” Peña

Reflecting on his more than 60-year career, the Puerto Rican composer and artist spoke about the impact music has had on his life and his desire to continue in the industry. “Music was universal, connecting me to different generations and cultures,” he said during his speech. “This award is a reflection of the collective efforts of those who believed in me. It motivates me to keep making music. My passion for art never fades. I hope to continue to contribute to Latin music and inspire the new generation.”

Chucho Rincon

Rincón, 87, who is credited with discovering Joan Sebastian and producing some of Vicente Fernandez's biggest hits, emphasized how a career in music “changes lives, creates magic and made me feel loved and special,” he said. In particular, he shared an anecdote about his collaboration with the late Mexican Jose Alfredo Jimenez. “You were the start of my career when I was 20. You gave me access to the industry. Being able to sing with you was my first path. With you I got to know our country and the roots of our music. You showed me the meaning of faith and bohemianism. I am your only living musician… witness to your greatness,” he said.

Albita

Cuban singer and songwriter Albita dedicated her award to Emilio Estefan Jr. which opened doors for her in the music industry. her loved ones in heaven and on earth. her entire work group. as well as her fans who “danced, married and got drunk to my music”. During her speech, she honored her native Cuba, saying, “My beautiful island, my sad island — and with all faith that one day I can say it's my free island.” She also thanked herself for never giving up, for always falling and getting back up.

Alejandro Lerner

Carlos Vives had the honor of presenting the award to Argentinian singer and songwriter, Alejandro Lerner, who has collaborated with musical giants such as Celine Dion, Luis Miguel and Santana. Deeply moved by the performance, Lerner thanked those who shaped his musical path, including the late Armando Manzanero as well as Claudia Brant and Luis Enrique, who were in the audience. Concluding his speech, Lerner regaled the room with a powerful a cappella rendition of 1983's “Todo A Pulmón.” “I wrote this song when I couldn't even buy my own part,” he said. “It represents effort and being honest with our heart and tongue.”

Draco Rosa

Before Draco Rosa accepted his award, his longtime colleague and friend Desmond Child took the stage to share a nostalgic soundbite of the day they created Ricky Martin's “Living La Vida Loca.” A cancer survivor, Draco's heartfelt speech included anecdotes from his start at Menudo but mostly about being given another chance at life. “I'm thankful I woke up today. I am on the winning side of life,” he expressed. “This award is beautiful, to be alive… so many times I asked God for one more album. Music has been my traveling companion, my friend, and I owe a lot to my colleagues, my fans and my father's passion for good salsa and classical music. All have shaped my music career. Music is felt in the soul beyond. Thank you for making my music a part of your journey. Here is a man with the joy of living.”

Los Angeles Azules

With them cumbia sonidera revolutionizing the music industry since the 80s, Los Ángeles Azules brought back the days when we traveled up to 48 hours by car to perform in various cities in Mexico. “It was important for us to be with our people,” they said during their speech. The Mexican group had 32 different singers and collaborated with artists such as Natalia Lafourcade, Maria Becerra and Belinda. “We recreate songs, we make music and we are grateful to the academy that recognizes 44 years of Los Ángeles Azules,” they added.

Lolita Flores

Spanish singer and actress Lolita Flores – sister of Rosario Flores – admitted that although she charmed her with her music, worked with big artists and filled stadiums, she felt very young. She explained that she made the decision to retire from music because many doors were closed to her and instead, she created a fruitful career in theater where she was able to grow. “Even though I stopped singing, I still have music in me,” he elaborated. “This Grammy gave me back the desire to continue singing. Get ready, I don't need a record label, I'll do it myself, and I want to record with all of you here. Rosario, I have a Grammy!”

Loulou Santos

“It's a huge honor to be part of the community and one of the honorees,” Santos, a Brazilian LGBTQ singer, said during his speech. Born Luiz Maurício Pragana dos Santos, the artist and guitarist is the founder of the progressive rock band Vímana and has carved a path in Brazilian music over the past five decades. To cap off the night, Santos made a clever joke after the fire alarm went off in the venue earlier in the event. “The alarm went off because when all these big dignitaries get together in one room, there's a fire,” he said.