The annual tribute gala benefits the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®

For additional images, please click here. Credit: Nima Benati

MIAMI (MAY 31, 2023) — The Latin Recording Academy® announced that Latin GRAMMY® and GRAMMY® winner, Laura Pausini, will be the 2023 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year™.

Pausini will be honored for her career as a multifaceted, multi-lingual performer as well as for her continued commitment to supporting social justice causes that are close to her heart including equality for women and LGBTQ+ people and world hunger.

“Laura Pausini is one of the most talented and beloved artists of her generation whose commitment to advocacy and equal rights is exemplary,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Throughout her more than three-decade career her extraordinary voice continually breaks down barriers across languages and genres, creating a special bond with audiences around the world.”

Meanwhile, Pausini said, “I am extremely honored to receive this incredible recognition from The Latin Recording Academy. To be named Person of the Year at this moment, when I am celebrating 30 years of my career, is something that I still cannot describe, I can only feel a deep gratitude for The Latin Academy and its members, for my colleagues who have always welcomed me with open arms, but, above all, for my beloved audiences who have made a dream born in my hometown in Italy a beautiful reality, and who have taken me to places I never dreamed I would reach with my music. The Spanish language has opened doors for me from a young age, it has made me feel at home, it has inspired me to move forward and to explore and live music without barriers or limits. To say today that I will receive this important recognition fills me with great pride, joy, strength to continue taking strong steps and to inspire the new generation of artists who lift the music they carry in their hearts on high. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I am very excited. See you soon in Sevilla.”

Laura Pausini is one of the most celebrated performers in Latin music today. She has seamlessly translated the emotion behind her songs into global success in six different languages, including in the Spanish-language market, where she launched her first album in 1994. Pausini has sold over 70 million albums worldwide and is celebrating 30 years in the music industry in 2023. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she has also used her platform to support philanthropic and humanitarian efforts concerning equality for women and LGBTQ+ people, hunger, poverty, climate change, as well as supporting entities that fight violence against women. Pausini has been honored with the Starlite Humanitarian Award, the Global Gift Humanitarian Award, and was named Person of the Year by the Diversity Media Awards for her support of the LGBTQ+ community. In 1995, she wrote and released “Il Mondo che Vorrei/El Mundo Que Soñé” for UNICEF and was named a spokesperson for LILA, Italian League for the fight against AIDS, in 2004. In 2014 she was also named Goodwill Ambassador of the World Food Programme and has organized and participated in concerts that brought relief to areas affected by natural disasters in Chile, Peru, Beirut, and Italy. In 2021, she won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for “Io sì (Seen)” which she co-wrote with Diane Warren for the film La Vita Davanti a Sé. The song also earned her an Oscar nomination. Last year, she released the Amazon Original film Laura Pausini: Pleased to Meet You. She is writing her upcoming 11th studio album in Spanish and will kick off an extensive world tour this summer.

Pausini will be celebrated at a special star-studded gala featuring a heartfelt tribute concert, including renditions of her renowned repertoire performed by an array of notable artists and friends. Details of the coveted event to be celebrated during the 2023 Latin GRAMMY Week in Sevilla, Spain, will be announced at a later date.

The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry as well as their humanitarian efforts. The past honorees are 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).

Net proceeds from the Latin Academy Person of the Year Gala will go toward the charitable work of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.

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ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy® is an international nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals produces the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. For more information, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® in 2014 to further international awareness and appreciation of the significant contributions of Latin music and its makers to the world’s culture. The Foundation provides college scholarships, educational programs and grants for the research and preservation of its rich musical legacy and heritage, and to date has donated more than $7.6 million with the support of Latin Recording Academy members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information, or to make a donation, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.com, Amazon Smile or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Twitter and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Iveliesse Malavé

ive@grammy.com

305.576.0036

The immersive learning experience, sponsored by TikTok, guided aspiring music creators through song production, music business and stage performance techniques

Click here for more images

Credit: John Parra/Getty Images for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation

MIAMI (JANUARY 30, 2025) – The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, in partnership with Berklee Global, hosted the debut of their new Emerging Artist Intensive, the first in a series of immersive learning experiences for aspiring music creators. The day long workshop, sponsored by TikTok, was held at Miami Art Studio.

The program was led by Berklee’s faculty professor Enrique González Müller and jazz pianist, composer and educator, Zahili González, alongside Latin music industry leaders including Francisco Granados, Senior Vice President of A&R at Warner Music Latina; Pierre Hachar, Jr., Esq., an entertainment attorney; and Latin GRAMMY® nominee Vikina. The lecture guided more than 100 future music creators through the process of song production, music business and stage performance techniques, and spotlighted key areas like writing, producing and marketing music from conception to completion.

“Artists in the 21st century must be equipped not only to refine their artistry but also to successfully connect with their audience in meaningful ways,” said María Martínez Iturriaga, Senior Vice President at Berklee Global. “This program unites exceptional partners to empower participants with the skills, knowledge and opportunities needed to build and sustain thriving careers in today's dynamic music landscape.”

“At TikTok, we’re committed to empowering the next generation of music creators and celebrating the cultural impact of Latin music,” said Ara Yoo Han, Global Head of Social Impact at TikTok. “We’re thrilled to play a role in shaping the future of Latin music through this hands-on, immersive program.”

“We are proud to launch the first Emerging Artist Intensive with Berklee Global and TikTok,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “Together, we are furthering the Foundation’s mission to advance Latin music and its legacy via hands-on educational opportunities with leaders in the music industry.”

For more information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org

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ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. In 2024, the Foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and during the last decade it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $10 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

ABOUT TIKTOK:

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. Visit: https://www.tiktok.com/. TikTok for Business is a global platform designed to give brands and marketers the solutions to be creative storytellers and meaningfully engage with the TikTok community. With solutions that can deliver seamlessly across every marketing touchpoint, TikTok for Business offers brands an opportunity for rich storytelling through a portfolio of full-screen video formats that appear natively within the user experience.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

Valued at $120,000, the scholarship will cover tuition and wrap-around services that further the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation’s mission of offering educational opportunities to students with a passion for flamenco music

Deadline to Apply: April 10, 2025

MIAMI (JANUARY 21, 2025) – The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced the Paco de Lucía Legacy Scholarship, the first of the Legacy Scholarship series, established in partnership with the Paco de Lucía Foundation. The scholarship furthers the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation's mission of supporting and cultivating the next generation of music creators, offering educational opportunities that advance Latin music and its legacy.

The Paco de Lucía Legacy Scholarship will award $120,000 toward tuition, including wrap-around services provided by the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, for a student to attend the music institution of their choice.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to expand our reach to future Latin music creators through this scholarship, in partnership with the Paco de Lucía Foundation,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “It’s an honor to pay tribute to the legacy of one of the most influential guitar players in the history of flamenco and music in general, and forge new paths in his memory.”

Casilda Sánchez Varela, president of the Paco de Lucía Foundation, said, “It’s important to support young musicians through international platforms as prestigious as the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, and, of course, through the artistic and personal legacy of maestros like Paco de Lucía.”

The scholarship will be awarded to a music student between 17 and 25 years of age who demonstrates a passion for flamenco music, is enrolled in the music institution of their choice, and faces financial limitations in pursuing a college degree. The student can pursue a bachelor’s degree at their preferred institution and begin their musical studies in the fall of 2025.

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is accepting applications for all 2025 scholarships until April 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Click here to review 2025 guidelines and apply. The application includes two audition videos, two letters of recommendation, two essays, and an acceptance letter from an accredited university. Materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

Last year, The Latin Recording Academy®, in collaboration with the Regional Government of Andalucía, hosted the Latin GRAMMY® Celebra: Paco de Lucía event in Cádiz, in homage to the guitarist. The event, attended by the Andalusian maestro’s family, was a journey through Paco de Lucía's life, accompanied by artists and friends who shared his path and performed some of his most beloved songs.

During the tribute, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, in collaboration with the Paco de Lucía Foundation and Berklee College of Music, exclusively premiered a recording and video clip of “Cositas Buenas,” composed by Paco de Lucía. The recording featured four Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation scholarship recipients, with arrangements and instrumentation by artists from the Alalá Foundation and production by Salomé Limón, a member of the Circle of Producers and Engineers of The Latin Academy.

To date, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation has awarded 427 scholarships and invested over $10 million in scholarships, grants, educational programs and mentorships over the last decade.

For information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org

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ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. In 2024, the Foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and during the last decade it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $10 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

ABOUT PACO DE LUCÍA:

Paco de Lucía revolutionized flamenco, taking his art from the smallest tablaos to the most prestigious stages worldwide. He combined tradition and avant-garde, resulting in a unique style that transcended genres. Works such as El Concierto De Aranjuez and Entre Dos Aguas redefined flamenco guitar, consolidating the maestro as one of the 20th century’s most influential musicians.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

Equipo Singular

María García: maria.garcia@equiposingular.com

Sofía Esnaola: sofia.esnaola@equiposingular.com

As part of its commitment to further the Foundation’s mission, Berklee College of Music pledges $825,000 in scholarships to be distributed over the next three years

Deadline to apply is April 10, 2025

MIAMI (JANUARY 8, 2025) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced the first Emerging Artist Scholarship, in partnership with Berklee College of Music, toward a bachelor’s degree at the college for the 2025 fall semester. Through a series of scholarships, the institution furthers its commitment to advance the Foundation’s mission to provide educational opportunities that advance Latin music and its heritage, pledging $825,000 over the next three years for future music creators.

The Emerging Artist Scholarship is valued at $275,000, and covers a bachelor’s degree and room and board at Berklee, as well as wrap around services and ongoing mentorship and learning opportunities provided in partnership with the Foundation.

The Foundation has collaborated with Berklee College of Music for more than a decade, and many of its high school graduates and recipients of the prestigious Prodigy Scholarship have attended the college to pursue degrees in music.

“The collaboration between Berklee and the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation has been an excellent model in creating access to education and career opportunities for young artists,” said Jim Lucchese, president of Berklee. “The Emerging Artist Scholarship will continue and expand on this great work by offering additional pathways to help students achieve their dreams at Berklee.”

“The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation has been a tremendous supporter of our students, contributing many millions of dollars in scholarship support to some of our gifted artists,” said Damien Bracken, dean of admissions at Berklee. “In celebration of the Foundation’s 10-year anniversary commemorated in 2024, I am so pleased to establish the Emerging Artist Scholarship in partnership with the Foundation, a Presidential level scholarship for undergraduate studies. We look forward to continuing to explore new ways that Berklee and the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation can work together to support prospective students and applicants.”

“Berklee College of Music has been a committed partner of the Foundation for more than a decade, and we are so pleased to enter this next phase in our collaboration,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “We are grateful for Berklee’s ongoing support as together, with their generosity, we continue furthering the Foundation’s mission and expanding access to educational opportunities that advance Latin music and its heritage.”

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is now accepting applications for all 2025 scholarships until April 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Click here to review 2025 guidelines and apply. The application includes two audition videos, two letters of recommendation, two essays, and an acceptance letter from an accredited university. Materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

To date, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation has awarded 427 scholarships, investing more than $10 million over the last decade in scholarships, grants, educational and mentorship programs.

For information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at: www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org.

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ABOUT BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC:

Berklee is the preeminent institute of contemporary music and the performing arts, offering undergraduate, graduate degree programs, and other capacity building programs at its campuses in Boston, Massachusetts, New York, New York, and Valencia, Spain, through its award-winning distance learning program, Berklee Online, and the Berklee Abu Dhabi Center in the UAE. Dedicated to nurturing the creative and career potential of the world’s most inspired artists, Berklee’s commitment to arts education is reflected in the work of its students, faculty, and alumni—hundreds of whom have been recognized with GRAMMYs, Tonys, Oscars, and Emmys.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. In 2024, the Foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and during the last decade it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $10 million dollars with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

For the first time, the four-year scholarship towards a bachelor's degree and wrap around services will be sponsored by a record label

Additional scholarships are available to music students with financial limitations from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, Gil Family Foundation and Gibson Gives

Deadline to apply is April 10, 2025

MIAMI (DECEMBER 20, 2024) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced that Warner Music Latina will sponsor its Prodigy Scholarship toward a bachelor’s degree at Berklee College of Music. The scholarship will cover tuition and room and board for the 2025 fall semester, as well as wrap around services provided by the Foundation. Warner Music Latina—a powerhouse in Latin music with a legacy of discovering and developing groundbreaking artists across genres— brings its industry-leading expertise and deep commitment to nurturing emerging talent to this partnership. It is the first time in the scholarship’s decade long history that it will be sponsored by a record label.

“This partnership embodies one of our core values: to cultivate intellectual and artistic potential by removing barriers that often impede exceptional musicians from realizing their vision. Through strategic educational support we're not just investing in individual careers, but in the broader cultural landscape of musical innovation,” said Alejandro Duque, President of Warner Music Latin America. Roberto Andrade, Managing Director, Warner Music Latina, added, “At Warner Music Latina, we’re proud to support young talent through this scholarship. By empowering aspiring musicians, we’re investing in the voices that will shape tomorrow’s soundtrack. This is more than an opportunity – it’s a commitment to creativity, talent and the future of music.”

“The support of our donors makes the fulfillment of our mission to provide educational opportunities that advance Latin music and its heritage a reality,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “We are grateful to Warner Music Latina, Frost School of Music, Gibson Gives and the Gil Family Foundation for hosting these scholarships, providing opportunities to aspiring Latin music creators in need of financial aid to pursue their dreams.”

In addition, several scholarships are available for music students between the ages of 17 and 25 with a passion for Latin music and financial limitations:

Two (2) Gifted Tuition Scholarships of up to $120,000 each will be awarded to students to cover tuition costs towards a four-year bachelor's degree in music and wrap around services starting next fall as follows:

• The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami will award one scholarship to a student interested in pursuing a program at the highly acclaimed music school, for up to $120,000 including wrap around services over four years. Sharing a mission to shape the future of music and transform lives, the Frost School and the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation joining forces has been a long time coming, and most recently, the school hosted the Foundation's 10-year celebration on its Miami campus at the brand-new Knight Center for Music Innovation.

• Gil Family Foundation will also offer a scholarship for up to $120,000 for tuition and wrap around services for a student to attend the music institution of their choice.

Also, several other Tuition Assistance Scholarships offering up to $12,500 each for tuition and wrap around services over one year will be awarded to students to attend or who are attending the music institution of their choice. These are one-time awards.

Gibson Gives, the philanthropic division of the iconic American instrument brand Gibson, will offer three (3) Tuition Assistance Scholarships of up to $12,500 each to be awarded to students who study guitar as their principal instrument. This is a one-time award that will cover tuition and wrap around services for the music institution of their choice and includes the gift of a Gibson guitar.

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is now accepting applications for all 2025 scholarships until April 10, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Click here to review 2025 guidelines and apply. The application includes two audition videos, two letters of recommendation, two essays, and an acceptance letter from an accredited university. Materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

To date, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation has awarded 427 scholarships, investing more than $10 million over the last decade. The Prodigy Scholarship was created 10 years ago, and has been co-sponsored by iconic Latin music creators including Sebastián Yatra (2024), Nicky Jam (2023), Sofia Carson (2022), Juanes (2021), Julio Iglesias (2020), Emilio and Gloria Estefan (2019), Carlos Vives (2018), Miguel Bosé (2017), Juan Luis Guerra (2016) and Enrique Iglesias (2015).

For information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at: www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org

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ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. In 2024 the Foundation will celebrate its 10-year anniversary, and during the last decade it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $10 million dollars with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com