Latin GRAMMYs: Caetano Veloso, Person of the Year
Brazilian legend Caetano Veloso shines at Person of the Year ceremony.
Las Vegas, NV – If there was ever a doubt in Caetano Veloso's mind of how much he is loved by his peers in the music industry, all hesitation was put to rest Wednesday during the Latin GRAMMYs Person of the Year ceremony, where Veloso was the shining star.
The gala took place in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Hotel.
During the tribute event to the Brazilian musician, artists of all parts of Latin America joined forces with the Latin Recording Academy to highlight Veloso's songs as well as his philanthropic and political achievements.
"[Caetano] is somebody who is legendary, iconic, whose music is known by many," Neil Portnow, president of the GRAMMY Recording Academy told Fox News Latino.
"[It is] somebody who is innovative and brought new ideas to music and he certainly has done that. We also like someone who gives back," he said, adding that Veloso is known for being "a very giving man" with his non-profit organization focused on helping this with HIV/AIDS in Brazil.
"Caring about his people, his culture" is something that Portnow says Veloso "has made a personal sacrifice to do it."
International musician Nelly Furtado, who has dominated both English and Spanish markets with her music, told Fox News Latino that Veloso's music "is like an act of heroism."
"It's beautiful, it's sensitive," said the Portuguese-Canadian artist, who later in the evening took the stage to perform one of Veloso's songs and said she hoped she would "not faint" when seeing Veloso in person.
"When I listen to his music I just listen to real beauty... I love a lot of his stuff from 'Tropicalismo,'" she added. "When Caetano recorded 'Island of Wonder,' a song on my second album, he recorded his part with a Portuguese accent! So generous. It was a surprise for me."
Like Furtado, other A-List musicians felt the word "generous" was the best way to describe Veloso as a person and artist.
"Caetano is a friend," Brazilian singer Alexandre Pires told Fox News Latino excitedly, adding that he has known him since 1996 and has been able to record songs with him for several projects.
"I know Caetano as a person," he continued. "Many know of him or know about his body of work professionally. I know him as human being. A person who is always with open arms for everything and who has a deep love for artists of the new generation."
"Pires also says what makes Veloso special is that he is representing "all of Brazil."
"It is an unforgettable night for us Brazilians, for our music and our culture," he added. "I am really happy to he here tonight."
Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz was all smiles as he embraced Pires on the red carpet, talking to the press about Veloso's hits, how the singer inspired his career and how he is spending his free time in Vegas.
"I am not into going to casinos but I do enjoy shows like Cirque du Soleil," Sanz said.
Not long after Sanz strolled the red carpet, Veloso told FNL that he was delighted to be around so many colleagues.
"I feel good because people are showing me love," he said, adding that he thought he would shed a tear or two during the tribute in his honor.
"But, most of all, so many singers will be singing my songs tonight," he said. "So many wonderful singers."
Trending
Who's making headlines in television, music, movies and more from Hollywood to the Heartland.