To say that Luis Fonsi had an incredible year is an understatement. Luis transcended Latin music with his tremendous, earworm crossover hit “Despacito,” becoming responsible for what we can undoubtedly call the biggest song of 2017.
With all of his success, Fonsi has received many accolades over the last year, including ... winning the iHeartRadio Music Award for Latin Artist of the Year! In this category, Luis was up against Shakira, J Balvin, Nicky Jam, and CNCO.
In his acceptance speech, Luis explained of his win:
“Thank you so much for this award. This means the world to me. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to represent the Latin community. And, of course, I just want to thank the fans. Thank you guys so much for the love, and thank you for going along for the ride. I love you guys.”
Luis received the most iHeartRadio Music Award nominations this year, along with his “Despacito” collaborator Daddy Yankee, with a total of seven nominations. Fonsi is also up for Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, Latin Song of the Year, Best Lyrics, Best Music Video, and Best Remix, in addition to Latin Artist of the Year, which he has just won.
“Despacito” became wildly successful for Luis Fonsi. The song topped charts in a long list of countries all over the world, and even received a Diamond certification in the US, selling over 2 million units. And the song really blew up when Luis and Daddy Yankee teamed up with pop superstar Justin Bieber on the hugely popular remix of the track. With all of the song’s success came three Grammy nominations (including Record of the Year and Song of the Year), in addition to four Latin Grammy wins for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Urban Fusion/Performance, and Best Short Form Music Video.
But “Despacito” was just the tip of the iceberg for Fonsi, as he continued his Latin crossover by teaming up with Demi Lovato on their collab “Échame la Culpa.”
Among of the categories “Despacito” is nominated for, the coveted Song of the Year is one of them. Also nominated in this category is Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” The Chainsmokers & Coldplay’s “Something Just Like This,” Bruno Mars’s “That’s What I Like,” and DJ Khaled’s “Wild Thoughts” featuring Rihanna & Bryson Tiller. Will Luis and Daddy Yankee win with “Despacito”?!
Fans can tune in to the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 11th, live on TBS, TNT and truTV at 8pm ET/5pm PT, as well as on iHeartMedia radio stations across the country and on the iHeartRadio app. Hosted by Hailey Baldwin and DJ Khaled, the show will feature live performances from Ed Sheeran, Cardi B, Maroon 5, Camila Cabello, and Charlie Puth, with more to be announced.
Congratulations to Luis Fonsi!