New York, NY (Top40 Charts) 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 Santa (2004), Gilbert Gil (2003),
Vincent Hernandez (2002),
Julio Celosias (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.
