The legendary Bon Jovi was in charge of presenting the honorary Grammy to Carlos Vives: “From a person of the year to a person of the year”

The American musician made history by presenting the ‘person of the year 2024’ award and giving it to the Colombian who stole all the applause in the middle of a ceremony full of touching moments

The night of the Latin Grammys 2024, held at the Kaseya Center in Miami, had several unforgettable and important moments; however, one of the most striking was when Carlos Vives received the prestigious Person of the Year award from Jon Bon Jovi, the legendary rock figure.

The recognition highlights the career and impact on Latin and world music that the Colombian singer has had. For this reason, Jon Bon Jovi used a speech full of sincere words where he spoke of the influence of Carlos Vives, describing him as an artist who has known how to unite people through his music, who has kept alive the tradition of vallenato and other Colombian rhythms.

“Carlos has brought the stories and rhythms of Colombia to the world. His music transcends borders and connects cultures,” Bon Jovi said as the audience cheered him.

The chemistry between both musicians was evident from the first moment, reflecting the respect they share for each other. The rocker not only exalted the musical work of the Samario, but also his commitment to preserve and disseminate Colombian folklore, which makes him an emblematic figure for Latin American culture.

“Music brings people together from all over the world. One of the greatest joys of my career has been having the opportunity to travel around Latin America and experience the warmth, passion, and incredible spirit of its people. Carlos, for decades, has embodied this spirit and used your voice to create a better world through your music. Your legacy goes far beyond the stage and has left its mark not only on your community, but on the entire world. And that’s one of the many reasons why you deserve this award. It’s my privilege, from person of the year to person of the year, to recognize you this year as the Latin recording person of the year,” said the musician at the award presentation that Vives received, a speech he gave in English, but the award was announced in Spanish.

Bon Jovi won the Person of the Year award in 2024 under the charitable arm of the Grammy organization, which honors a music star each season for their legacy and philanthropic work.

Upon receiving the award, Carlos Vives took the microphone to deeply thank the Latin Recording Academy, its team and, especially, Jon Bon Jovi, whom he described as a reference and an inspiration.

“It is an honor to receive this award from someone I admire so much. Jon my friend, you are the best, you are a music legend and that you are giving me this award means that music has no borders and that we are connected at the roots. Thank you to our audience for those of us who are here because even if there is wind, tide, rain, they are at our concerts and they do not forget us so thank you. This is for my country, Colombia, because I still believe that in music there are the ideas to be able to live together in diversity,” said the Colombian singer, visibly moved.

During the mention of that category in the awards, the academy projected a video in which several Colombian artists appear expressing their gratitude and saying what they think about Carlos Vives, as they admire the musical work he has done and his influence.

Musicians such as Goyo, Silvestre Dangond, Gusi, Juanes, J Balvin and Camilo came together to pay tribute to the new ‘Person of the Year’, as they recognized him at the 2024 Latin Grammys. Fito Páez even appeared and highlighted the number of Grammys that Vives has on his list as a winner in this type of competition.

Hours after the ceremony, Carlos Vives shared his excitement through Instagram, where he wrote:

“It is the reward for an authentic path, a wonderful team and, above all, it is the recognition of the musical spirits of our Latin American diversity. Those spirits taught us to love and enrich our language, to care for it and respect it in order to exalt humanity with it.”
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