Laura Pausini took center stage at the 2023 Latin Grammy Awards on Thursday (Nov. 16) to perform a medley that perfectly highlighted why she’s the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year — and only the third female artist to receive the honor following Gloria Estefan and Shakira.
Stunning in a dazzling black gown, the Italian-born, Spanish-language singer crooned to the crowd with her timeless hits “Durar,” “La Soledad,” “Viveme” and “En Cambio No.” Her impeccable powerhouse vocals were backed by a talented choir and live orchestra.
Following her performance, Pausini was surprised onstage by Karol G, who handed her the coveted Person of the Year award.
“Laura, over the years you have demonstrated unmatched talent,” the Colombian artist said in her handwritten speech. “Your lyrics have transmitted messages of love, nostalgia, life, powerful messages that have left indelible marks in the world of music and in the hearts of many of us here. Your career has been extraordinary and your influence will last over time. And it must feel incredible as a woman to have a career as legendary and memorable as yours. We thank you for giving us your talent, for giving us life with your music.”
Celebrating a trajectory that spans more than 30 years, Pausini, who had just met Karol G backstage at the awards ceremony, received her POY trophy and first and foremost thanked her parents for giving her life.
“I’ve had a very privileged life not only for having the great pleasure of singing in Spanish, but above all, because from that day on I felt adopted like a daughter, a sister,” she said during her speech. “I know that I don’t have the same blood, but I know very well that I have family members who have raised me from a teenager until today, giving me the opportunity to be the most Latin Italian in the entire world. People who have been adopted know very well that it’s not necessary to have the same blood. Latinos are my family. I feel Latin in my way of being, thinking and feeling. It is very moving for me to receive this award.”
Pausini was honored at the Person of the Year gala on Wednesday night (Nov. 15), where artists such as Christian Nodal, Mon Laferte, Andrea Bocelli, Luis Fonsi, David Bisbal, Carlos Vives, Anitta, and more, paid tribute to her.
