By: Sierra Green 🇺🇸
(Karol G performing at this years VMA's.) Image via: Mike Coppola/ Getty images for MTV
The VMA’s is a huge event with the purpose of artists and some of the best music and videos of the year. Over the years, it has been a way to introduce upcoming artists, celebrate established artists and set trends.
Not only were many Latinos nominated for awards but there were also a variety of performances as well. One of the top nominations at the VMA’s is Artist of the Year and within that category Bad Bunny was a nominee.
Cultivating world wide success over his career and this past year alone coming out with his album, “Nadie Sabe lo que va a pasar Mañana.” He was placed alongside greats like Taylor swift, SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande and Eminem and although he didn't actually win in the category, it is a huge honor and a big deal for all Latino artists.
This nomination not only embraces the evolution of Bad Bunny as an artist, but is a representation for all Latinos. To have an artist who sings in spanish and relates his music not only to puertorican culture but as a voice for all latinos, placed in the category Artist of the year is incredible. Bad Bunny often uses his music to highlight social issues and it is important that this is heard by everyone including non-latinos. As a huge Bad bunny fan it is inspiring to see the impact his music has on the world and the success he’s gained over the years.
There is also a dedicated category for Latin artists/ Latin bests. There were several Latino artists nominated under this category including: Anitta: “Mil Veces”; Rauw Alejandro: “Touching the Sky;” Bad Bunny: “Monaco;” Karol G: “Mi Ex Tenía Razón;” Myke Towers: “LaLa;” Peso Pluma and Anitta’s: “Bellakeo;” and Cardi B and Shakira’s: “Puntería.”
The Brazilian superstar, Anitta won the category with her song “Mil Veces”, but the nominations did not end there. Both Anitta and Rauw Alejandro were also placed in categories such as best cinematography, best choreography and best editing for their songs as well.
Another huge aspect of the VMA’s are the live performances that highlight global talents.
This year there were a total four latin artists who performed and had their opportunity to show off their talent and culture.
Anitta performed her song “Savage Funk” and Camilla Cabello sung “GodSpeed” and “June Gloom” from her new album.
Subsequently, two heavily anticipated artists Karol G and Rauw Alejandro took the stage and did not disappoint. Karol G sang her new hit single “Si Antes Te Huberia Conocido,” bringing her vibrant energy and involved the crowd by dancing alongside her during her performance. Her performance was incredible and even brought a top moment from the VMA’s, when she and Taylor swift were dancing together during her show.
Finally, Rauw Alejandro’s performance was amazing and showed off his music, excellent stage presence as well as the rich puertorican culture.
He emphasized his puertorican heritage alongside greats like Anothony Ramos, a well known puertorican actor. He started his new hit single “Touching the Sky” and then went into “Diluvio” and then “Dejame Entrar”, even throwing in traditional Bomba drummers and dancers.
Bomba is a style of dance, instruments and music that was originally brought by enslaved people to the island. It originated in Puerto Rico and until this day is used as a form of expression deeply rooted in puertorican culture.
Besides showing off his incredible talent he also had a top moment from the VMA’s, when the audience saw a sneak peak at Sabrina Carpenter dancing during his performance.
This year's VMA’s were really an example of how much Latinos/as are changing the music scene and becoming involved in mainstream music in a whole new way. It was amazing to see all the nominations for Latinos especially those in top prestigious categories. After the amazing performances and showings from Latin artists this year, I know we all can’t wait to see what comes next.
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