Premios Juventud celebrated 20 years in a big way on Thursday night. All the Latin music stars came out for the award show that encouraged everyone to embrace who they are. Here’s five of our favorite moments from the epic event, which aired live from Puerto Rico on Univision.
Shakira Wins Big
Shakira was the most-awarded person of the night with eight wins, including for her kiss-off anthem “BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 53” with Bizarrap. The Colombian superstar was also honored with the Agent of Change Award for the work of her non-profit organization Pies Descalzos. As director of the group, Shakira has helped build schools in underserved parts of Colombia. During her speech, she spoke up for people who are discriminated against for their social class, race, or sexual orientation. Shakira encouraged everyone to be an agent of change in their own way. She enjoyed the award show while sitting with her two sons, Sasha and Milan.
The Latina Pop Queens Reign Supreme
In addition to Shakira, another Latina pop queen that appeared at Premios Juventud was Paulina Rubio. She brought a ranchera flavor to Premios Juventud with her reggaeton-infused song “Propiedad Privada.” Mexican pop superstar Danna Paola pulled double-duty with her fierce performances. First, she sang her latest single “Un Trago” and “Sugar Mami” (sans Denise Rosenthal). Paola later joined Sofía Reyes for their hyperpop collaboration “TQUM.” Chiquis gave a knockout performance of her new single “Ni Muerta” with Snow Tha Product. She later joined her sisters, Jacqie and Jenicka Rivera, to honor their late mother Jenni Rivera.
Regional Mexican Music Gets Its Flowers
Regional Mexican music has exploded on a global level this year. Premios Juventud put a spotlight on the genre with multiple performances throughout the night. Mexican-American group Eslabon Armado gave a show stopping performance of their No. 1 hit “Ella Baila Sola” (sans Peso Pluma). Fuerza Regida, who has also helped amplify the sound of música Mexicana, sang their new smash “Sabor y Fresa.” Ángela Aguilar, who hosted the show as well, previewed her upcoming bolero album with a beautiful rendition of “Piensa En Mí.”
A Tribute to Reggaeton Music
Premios Juventud opened with an explosive homage to the history of reggaeton music. The pioneers of the genre were joined with the rising stars on stage at the iconic El Choli in Puerto Rico. The stellar moment was produced by Daddy Yankee and his original production team Luny Tunes. Alexis y Fido, Angel y Khriz, RKM & Ken-Y, De La Ghetto, and Zion y Lennox performed their classics, including “Ven Báilalo,” “Down,” “Yo Voy,” and “Saoco,” alongside the Chesca, Khea, and RaiNao, who represented the new generation of artists.
The Throwback Moments
Venezuelan singer Jonathan Moly scored a big hit this year with his unexpected collaboration with rock group Hoobastank. He put a salsa and Spanish-language twist on Hoobastank’s classic “The Reason,” which turned 20 this year. For the first time ever, Moly and Hoobastank sang their unique fusion live. Mexican pop-rock Camila regrouped to perform a medley of their hit songs, including “Todo Cambió,” “Aléjate De Mí,” and “Mientes.” To honor the music of the Dominican Republic, Los Hermanos Rosario and Toño Rosario reunited as Premios Juventud. The merengue icons sang their timeless songs like “La Dueña del Swing,” “Rompecintura,” and “Dale Vieja Dale” live together.
Lucas Villa is a freelance music contributor for LATINA. His work is also featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, Teen Vogue, MTV News and W Magazine.
