Carlos Vives Honored as Person of the Year at the 2024 Latin Grammys

Colombian music icon Carlos Vives was celebrated as the Person of the Year at the 2024 Latin Grammys, marking a pinnacle of his illustrious career. The event, held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, was a night filled with emotions, dance, and tributes to Vives’ contributions to Latin music.

The evening began with Vives on the red carpet, surrounded by his family, including his wife Claudia Elena Vásquez, his mother Aracely Restrepo, and his children Lucía, Carlos, Elena, and Pedro. Vives, known for his emotional responses, confessed that he would be the one crying the most that night, and indeed, he became emotional several times during the ceremony.

The gala featured performances by over 30 of Vives’ peers, including Rubén Blades, Juan Luis Guerra, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Alejandro Sanz, and Arturo Sandoval. A standout moment was Juanes‘ rock version of “La Gota Fría,” which drew a standing ovation and brought Vives to his feet. Other notable performances included Los Fabulosos Cadillacs’ original version of “Carito” and a moving rendition of “Cumbiana” by Julieta Venegas and María Becerra.

Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, presented the award to Vives, highlighting his dedication to Colombian culture and his humanitarian commitments. “Carlos Vives has paid tribute to his identity for more than 30 years in his profession. He is a symbol of Colombian culture that has made the whole world dance,” Abud said.

The celebration was not just a tribute to Vives but also a testament to the impact of Colombian music on the global stage. Vives’ legacy extends from his early days in the soap opera *El Gallito Ramírez* to his current status as a global ambassador of Latin music. Friends and fellow artists praised Vives for opening doors for other Colombian artists and highlighting the best of their music.

The night concluded with a mix of joy, nostalgia, and pride, solidifying Vives’ status as an icon of Latin music and a symbol of the power and impact of Colombian culture worldwide.