Armando Manzanero and Johnny Pacheco, two recently deceased Latin music idols, were honored on Thursday during the El Nostre Award ceremony, which is broadcast live by Univision under strict health restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The ceremony began with a tribute to Manzanero in the voices of Alejandra Guzmán, Yuri and Lila Downs who, accompanied by pianist Arthur Hanlon and more than a dozen musicians, performed a medley of “I’m going to turn off the light.” “I Strange You” and “I Love You,” part of the huge songbook that left the romantic music master dead in December from COVID complications at age 85.
Shortly afterwards, Marc Anthony paid tribute to Pacheco, the co-founder of Fania Records who promoted the careers of luminaries such as Celia Cruz, Willie Colón and Rubén Blades and who died on Monday at the age of 85 days after being hospitalized with pneumonia.
“We will always sing in your honor. Rest in glory, master,” said the salsa star before Gilberto Santa Rosa, José Alberto “El Canari” and Sergio George will perform the classics “Take You Out” and ” My people “accompanied by a great orchestra. A large image of the deceased idol could be seen in the background of the sober but colorful stage.
The show, if 33rd edition, also had among its first acts Maluma, who with fuchsia dyed hair performed “Water of Jamaica”, “The Bubble” and “Hawaii” with 16 dancers on stage set in the manner of a beach.
Later the Colombian star won the El Nostre Award for the song of the year – pop for “ADMV”.
“This award represents a lot to me because I always like to do these kinds of songs, these romantic ballads,” the urban music singer said. He thanked the recognition for “this song that came from the bottom of my heart, that I composed in a pandemic and that really changed my way of thinking.”
The first prize of the night, to song of the year – Mexican regional, was for Lenin Ramirez with Ferma Group for “I no longer return with you (live)”.
J Balvin, Maluma and Camilo topped the list of nominees with 14, 12 and 10 mentions each, respectively. Ozuna followed with eight and MANUEL AA, Bad Bunny, Karol G, Natti Natasha, Sebastian Yatra and Sech with 7.
A total of 147 artists were nominated in 34 categories and four musical genres (pop, urban, tropical, regional Mexican music), including four newly added new headings: pop album of the year, urban music album of the year, album of the year in Mexican regional music and cumbia song of the year in Mexican regional music.
As every year, the organizers of the El Nostre Award offered song premieres, performances by artists of different generations, exclusive collaborations and many unique musical moments.
The popular Mexican cumbia band Los Angeles Blaus, honored with the Musical Legacy Award, will be calmed by Mexican regional music singer Chiquis, rock group Kinky and pop star Gloria Trevi, who will also receive the Award at the Trajectory. Reggaeton player Wisin will be recognized with the Award for Excellence for 18 years of successful career.
Other artists with planned performances, live or pre-recorded, are CCCO, Ivy Queen; The Alpha with Zion & Lennox; Joss Favela with Jessi Uribe; Luis Fonsi; Victor Manuelle with India; and Justin Quiles. Actress and singer Selena Gómez will make her debut at Premi El Nostre with Rauw Alejandro to perform her collaboration “Balla amb mi”.
Hours before the ceremony, conducted by Chiquinquirá Delgado, José Ron and Yuri, Guinness World Records certified El Nostre as the longest-running awards ceremony in Latin music.
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