Raphael was all smiles upon receiving — this time on camera — his 2025 Person of the Year award from the Latin Recording Academy on Thursday night (Nov. 13) during the Latin Grammy Awards ceremony.
After being honored at a star-studded gala the previous eve, the legendary 82-year-old artist took to the stage for a memorable performance, accompanied by more than a dozen musicians who delivered a big band sound. The iconic Spanish singer-songwriter performed classics including “Qué Sabe Nadie” and “Mi Gran Noche” with his characteristic power and interpretive sensitivity.
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Raphael, who last year was diagnosed with primary brain lymphoma, looked cheerful and classy in a dark two-piece suit and tie as he accepted his award from Gloria Estefan and Marco Antonio Solís.
“There are artists who have defined decades, and then there’s you, Raphael,” said Estefan, who called the honoree her “personal idol.” Solís added: “With that talent you’ve crossed generations and borders, but that style is something you’re born with.”
Clearly pleased, Raphael accepted the award from his colleagues to a standing ovation from the audience at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
“Here it is!” he exclaimed, showing off his trophy. “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.”
“They gave me this last night, and it’s wonderful that I get to hold it today,” he added with a smile. “Thank you so much.”
Considered one of the pioneers in the internationalization of Latin music, Raphael, whose real name is Rafael Martos, was born in Linares in 1943 and raised in Madrid. His talent was evident from an early age, being awarded Best Child Voice in Europe at the age of 9 at the Salzburg Festival. He gained international recognition by representing Spain in Eurovision with songs such as “Toco Madera” (1988), “Maravilloso, Corazón, Maravilloso” (1989) and “Escándalo” (1992), which reached No. 2, 7 and 9 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart, respectively. In 2022, he was recognized with the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year award honors musicians for their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry as well as their humanitarian efforts. Raphael joins a list of previous honorees that includes Carlos Vives (2024), Laura Pausini (2023), Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001), and Emilio Estefan (2000).
In its 26th edition, the Latin Grammys ceremony is hosted by Maluma and Roselyn Sánchez and broadcast live on Univision. For a full list of winners, click here.
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