The Best of the Latin Billboards

Por Lena Hansen / Miami
      What a party! The 2008 Billboard Latin Music Awards was an all-out celebration at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fl. Scoring three awards, Dominican singer Juan Luis Guerra was the biggest winner of the night. Not far behind were Aventura, Camila, Daddy Yankee, Gloria Estefan and Jenni Rivera, among others, each taking home two prizes.

      Proving that good music has no boundaries, the show kicked off with a surprise collaboration of a diverse group of singers – including Diana Reyes, Olga Tañón, Victor Manuelle and Ricardo Montaner. Mexican pop-blues band Camila also gave a jaw-dropping performance with the help of reggaeton singers Alexis & Fido. The result? An explosive fusion of musical styles.

      Enrique Iglesias left his mark on the stage with a performance of "Dónde están corazón.” Seated at the corner of the stage, the Spanish singer drove the fans wild. Iglesias was acknowledged at the event for being the only Latin artist to top Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart 18 times.

      But without a doubt, the most touching moment of the evening occurred when Juan Luis Guerra honored Juanes with the Spirit of Hope Award for fighting violence in his native Colombia. “Tonight, we celebrate the audacity of a man who dared to dream about peace,” Guerra said while presenting the award to the “A Dios le pido” singer. Juanes had tears in his eyes when children from his Mi Sangre foundation dedicated a song to him all the way from Medellín, Colombia.

      An emotional tribute to legends like Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, María Felix, Antonio Aguilar and Luciano Pavarotti reminded the audience of the late musicians. And new talent, like Puerto Rican singer Kany García – winner of Pop Album of the Year, New Artist, for her album Cualquier día (Sony-BMG) – lit up the stage with a performance of “Hoy ya me voy.” Master showman Chayanne brought the evening towards its close with his hit “Lola.” Complemented by sensual choreography and awesome special effects, the Puerto Rican star earned a standing ovation for the song. Fireworks and Chayanne’s “Fiesta en América” were a fitting end to the exciting show.

Go to the following page to see a list of winners.