The MVP of Thursday's 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards was Puerto Rican hip-hop/reggaeton duo Calle 13, who won awards in all of its nominated categories, going five-for-five for its politically charged third album Los De Atrás Vienen Conmigo.
Italian singer Laura Pausini, who won best female pop vocal album, performed fan favorite "En Cambio No," to open the show. The event, which was hosted by Mexican comedian Eugenio Derbez and Mexican singer and actress Lucero, which were held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, ran late because Mexico's "Divo of Juarez," Juan Gabriel, who was honored with the Latin Recording Academy's person of the year award the night before, sang for 40 minutes straight while mariachis stomped on stage and the audience clapped and sang along.
Sure, it's unprecedented and self-indulgent, but why can't they have this kind of passion at the regular Grammys? Instead, we get forty costume changes by Lady GaGa and a bunch of pampered celebrities trying to pretend that they're not disgusted by Chris Brown's attempted comeback.
Accepting the record of the year trophy for "No Hay Nadie Como Tú," René Pérez, who performs under the moniker Residente, said from the stage, “This award, I have to dedicate to many people." He dedicated the award to socially conscious Argentine folk singer Mercedes Sosa, who died in October.
"We love her very much," said Pérez of Sosa, whose "Cantora 1" was named best folk album. "Her music will live forever."
Visitante, consisting of Residente and stepbrother Eduardo José Cabra Martínez, was the leading nominee-getter heading into the Latin Grammys. The duo landed best urban music album, best short-form music video for “La Perla" - featuring Panamanian salsa singer Ruben Blades and best alternative song for "No Hay Nadie Como Tú," a collaboration with Mexico City rockers Cafe Tacuba. As a fan, I can personally attest to the fact that Tacuba are not to be missed in live performance. Their high-energy set is unbelievably magnetic.
Thursday's awards brings Visitante's Latin Grammy total to 10; they're also one-time Grammy award winners. The 2010 Grammy Awards will take place at L.A.'s Staples Center on Jan. 31.
