Raphael Honored as The Person of The Year ahead of 26th Latin GRAMMYs

Las Vegas, NV -(NOVEMBER 12, 2025)- Prelude to the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, The Latin Recording Academy hosted its 2025 Person of the Year Gala, a star-studded tribute to the legendary Raphael. The evening celebrated the Spanish icon’s remarkable six-decade career, recognizing him as a pivotal ambassador of Latin music worldwide. The tribute unfolded with a series of moving performances by a diverse roster of past and current Latin GRAMMY nominees. Artists including Pepe Aguilar, David Bisbal, Enrique Bunbury, Kany García, Carín León, Fito Páez, Carlos Rivera, and Susana Baca reimagined some of Raphael’s most iconic repertoire, honoring his lasting impact on the music industry.

Spanish singer and actor Miguel Rafael Martos Sánchez, known globally by his stage name Raphael, has cultivated an expansive career spanning more than six decades, establishing himself as a defining figure of Latin ballad pop. Nicknamed “El Divo de Linares” and “El Ruiseñor de Linares,” the performer is renowned for his extensive vocal range and highly charismatic, theatrical stage presence.

Born in Linares, Spain, in 1943, Raphael’s talent was recognized early; he was named the best child voice in Europe at a contest in Salzburg, Austria, at just nine years old. His professional trajectory ascended rapidly after winning the Benidorm International Song Festival in the early 1960s. He achieved international prominence representing Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest in both 1966 with “Yo soy aquél” and 1967 with “Hablemos del amor,” securing high placements that launched his global star status.

Throughout his career, Raphael has performed in the world’s most prestigious venues, including New York’s Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, and the Bolshoi in Moscow. His vast discography has earned him numerous accolades, including a rare uranium record in 1982 for selling over 50 million copies. A resilient and active performer, Raphael continues to tour extensively. His lasting influence on Spanish-language music was recognized with the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Lifetime Achievement Award and his naming as the Latin Recording Academy’s 2025 Person of the Year.

The gala commenced with a powerful rendition of “Yo Soy Aquél” by Mexican rock icon Enrique Bunbury. The energy soared as Bunbury was joined by regional Mexican star Carín León for an electrifying medley of “Toca Madera” and the Bunbury-penned “Ahora.” The performances continued with unique interpretations, blending genres from bolero-infused “Qué Tal Te Va Sin Mí” by Café Quijano and Gaby Moreno, to a passionate flamenco interpretation of “Digan Lo Que Digan” featuring Kiki Morente, Ángeles Toledano, and Víctor Martínez.

Collaborations defined the night, showcasing the breadth of Raphael’s influence. David Bisbal and Elena Rose delivered a captivating “En Carne Viva,” followed by Bisbal’s heartfelt solo homage to “Como Yo Te Amo.” Jesse & Joy joined Ivan Cornejo for an emotive “Cierro Mis Ojos,” while powerhouses Pepe Aguilar and Myriam Hernández united their vocals for a sweeping version of “Procuro Olvidarte.”

The celebration reached a fever pitch with “Escándalo,” as Eddy Herrera, Víctor Manuelle, Néstor Torres, and the song’s original writer, Willy Chirino, filled the room with infectious Caribbean rhythms. The man of the hour, Raphael himself, took the stage to a standing ovation. He wowed the audience with a show-stopping medley of “Que Sabe Nadie,” “Mi Gran Noche,” and “Como Yo Te Amo,” a fitting climax to an evening dedicated to his legacy.

The highly anticipated gala precedes the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, set to air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday, November 13. The telecast, produced by TelevisaUnivision, will air across its U.S. platforms starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central).

The event was executive produced by Ayleen Figueras and Macarena Moreno, with Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY winner Carlos Fernando López serving as musical director. Live Nation served as the presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year.

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Angelica Banda

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