The 2025 Latin Grammy Awards ceremony, held on Thursday night, November 13, was a star-studded event celebrating the very best in Latin music, featuring iconic performances and significant accolades. Hosted by Maluma and Roselyn Sánchez, the 26th edition of the awards was broadcast live on Univision and boasted 60 categories honoring artistic achievements.

A highlight of the evening was the legendary 82-year-old Spanish artist Raphael, who officially received his 2025 Person of the Year award from the Latin Recording Academy. Having been honored at a gala the previous night, Raphael, whose real name is Rafael Martos, took to the stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for a memorable performance. Accompanied by a big band of over a dozen musicians, he delivered powerful renditions of classics like “Qué Sabe Nadie” and “Mi Gran Noche,” showcasing his characteristic interpretive sensitivity. Despite a primary brain lymphoma diagnosis last year, Raphael looked cheerful and elegant in a dark two-piece suit and tie, accepting his award from fellow music luminaries Gloria Estefan and Marco Antonio Solís. Estefan, calling Raphael her “personal idol,” remarked, “There are artists who have defined decades, and then there’s you, Raphael.” Solís added, “With that talent you’ve crossed generations and borders, but that style is something you’re born with.” Raphael, clearly delighted by the standing ovation, promised, “On this new trip, I’m happy to meet so many friends, both from Spain and from here. Delighted to be here. I solemnly promise I’ll be back.” Born in Linares in 1943 and raised in Madrid, Raphael is considered a pioneer in the internationalization of Latin music, having won Best Child Voice in Europe at age 9 and representing Spain in Eurovision. His songs like “Escándalo” (1992) achieved significant chart success on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs, and he previously received the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022. He joins a prestigious list of Person of the Year honorees including Carlos Vives (2024), Laura Pausini (2023), Marco Antonio Solís (2022), and Shakira (2011).

Bad Bunny, fresh off his win for best urban song for “DtMF,” commanded the stage alongside Chuwi. Their performance commenced with the emerging Puerto Rican band Chuwi performing their suave 2022 salsa single “Tikiri.” The global sensation, dressed in a puffy jacket, shorts, and sneakers, then joined them to perform their 2025 track “Weltita,” from Bunny’s chart-topping album Debí Tirar Más Fotos. The stage production mirrored Bunny’s 2020 “Dákiti” music video, featuring both acts within a clear box as they sang the airy, slow-paced salsa tune. “Weltita,” a song about enjoying a beach walk, climbed to No. 7 on the Hot Latin Songs chart and No. 1 on Hot Latin Pop Songs. Bad Bunny was a dominant force in this year’s nominations, leading with 12 nods, including Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, and double mentions in Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Baile Inolvidable” and “DTMF.”

Another show-stopping performance came from the Argentine duo CA7RIEL y Paco Amoroso, who delivered one of the most original and refreshing sets of the night. Their stage was transformed into a spectacle of eccentricity, featuring nearly naked muscled bodybuilders, towering mountains resembling a hat, sewing machines, and unapologetic Versace flamboyance. The duo performed a medley of standout tracks such as “El Impostor,” “#Tetas,” “La Que Puede, Puede,” and “El Día Del Amigo.” Despite a telecast censorship of the word “#Tetas” that briefly interrupted the flow, CA7RIEL maintained high energy, playing jazz riffs on an electric guitar pulled from a box, while Paco Amoroso captivated the audience with his charming vocals. Supported by a 10-piece band, their performance was audaciously playful and artistically rich, culminating with them greeting the superstar audience and tossing out heart-shaped pillow toys. Their genre-pushing alt-pop-jazzy sound and electric stage presence reinforced why they were among the top nominees—and winners—this year, having garnered 10 nominations, similar to Mexican-American producer-songwriter Edgar Barrera. Fans can follow along with all the night’s winners as the list updates live, and check out more Latin Grammy coverage, including performance highlights, special award moments, and exclusive behind-the-scenes action on Billboard.com.