MUMBAI: Romeo Santos and Enrique Iglesias were the big winners at the 2015 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which was held in Miami.
On Thursday, Bachata king Santos prevailed in 10 categories, including Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Producer of the Year, Top Latin Album of the Year and Tropical Album of the Year, reports Efe.
Broadcast live on an American Spanish language broadcast television network Telemundo, the gala at Bank United Center featured performances by the elite of Latin music, kicking off with Nicky Jam, Marc Anthony, Gente de Zona and Gerardo Ortiz.
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The first award of the night, for top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Duo or Group, went to legendary guitarist Carlos Santana.
One of the event’s most emotional moments was the presentation of the lifetime achievement award to Brazilian singer-songwriter Roberto Carlos.
Iglesias ran up on stage to accept the first of his nine trophies, this one in the category of Latin Pop Album of the Year for ‘Sex and Love’.
Admitting to a touch of nerves, the Spaniard thanked his fans for their support, affection and love over “the last 19 years of my life.”
Another highlight was Alejandro Sanz’s return to the Billboard awards after a three-year absence to debut his new single, ‘Un zombi a la intemperie’.
Amid shouts of “Viva Colombia!,” reggaeton artist J. Balvin came to the stage to accept the award for Artist of the Year.
The singer, who was surprised to win, dedicated the honour to his mother and proclaimed “a new era in urban music.”
In a night full of memorable moments, the most poignant was singer Jennifer Lopez’s tribute to Tex-Mex queen Selena on the 20th anniversary of the singer’s murder.
Lopez sang a medley of Selena’s hits, including ‘Como la flor’, ‘Bibi bidi bom bom’ and ‘No me queda mas’, accompanied by the late star’s sister, Suzette Quintanilla, and husband, Chris Perez.
Santana was back toward the end of the gala to accept the Billboard ‘Spirit of Hope’ Award, bestowed in recognition of his efforts against child malnutrition and sex trafficking.
