Carlos Vives was the center of a magical night in which Colombian culture and music shone intensely. In an event filled with friends, family, and Latin music legends, Vives was honored as Person of the Year at the 2024 Latin Grammy, marking a moment of great pride for him and for everyone who has supported his career.
The night began with the Colombian artist always on the verge of tears. "I'm going to be the one who cries the most," he confessed in an interview with The Latin Times on the red carpet that preceded the gala at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Vives was convinced he would cry more than his mother, his wife, and his children. And so he did. He became emotional several times. He jumped, stood up, danced, and even sang.
With these words, Vives hinted at the festive, surprise-filled atmosphere that was about to unfold. Rubén Blades and Juan Luis Guerra opened the show with "Déjame entrar," followed by a memorable rendition of "La Tierra del Olvido" performed by Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Another highlight was Alejandro Sanz and Arturo Sandoval's performance of "Un pobre loco." Juanes, a close friend and colleague of Vives, surprised with a rock version of "La Gota Fría," which drew a standing ovation from the audience and brought Vives himself to his feet.
A Family Celebration
Vives arrived on the red carpet with his family, surrounded by his wife Claudia Elena Vásquez, his mother Aracely Restrepo, and his children Lucía, Carlos, Elena, and Pedro. "They're more excited than I am," the artist confessed, showing his gratitude and emotion on a night full of tributes.
Vásquez, who has worked closely on his team, highlighted that this recognition was a dream come true after years of hard work: "This is a night of celebration for everything we've built together," she commented the Latin Times.
For Aracely Restrepo, Vives' mother, the emotion was palpable. "I never thought I'd see my son honored like this, but I always knew he would work hard for what he wanted," she said. At 89, she admitted she was ready to "cry a lot" from happiness.
Gloria Estefan also shared a special memory of Vives, recalling the first time he brought his hit "Fruta Fresca" to the Estefans' studio in Miami. "We knew from the first moment he'd be a figure who left a mark," Gloria remembered, also noting the coincidence that this celebration took place in Miami, the city that hosted the first Latin Grammy.
The Legacy of Carlos Vives
The ceremony was not only a tribute to Vives but also a celebration of the Colombian music he has promoted and represented since his beginnings. From his famous role in the soap opera El Gallito Ramírez, where he sang Escalona's vallenatos, to his most recent hits, Vives has put Colombian music on the world map. Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, who paused their tour to be present, performed an original version of "Carito," while Julieta Venegas and Argentine singer María Becerra joined forces for a moving rendition of "Cumbiana."
Before nearly 2,000 people, artists and friends of Vives paid tribute to an icon of Latin music who has paved the way for other Colombian artists. Goyo, former member of ChocQuibTown, expressed her gratitude, stating that "Carlos opened doors for all Colombian artists and always highlighted the best of our music."
The night ended with a mix of emotions: joy, nostalgia, and pride. Carlos Vives not only received an award but also experienced a celebration of his legacy and the Colombian culture he represents. At the 2024 Latin Grammys, the Colombian was more than an honoree; he was a symbol of the impact and power of Latin music worldwide.
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