‘I am the most Latina Italian in the world,’ says Laura Pausini

The artist will be named Person of the Year at the Latin Grammy Awards

By Claudia Fascia – “In these 30 years of career, what makes me proud is to hear that I am the most Spanish, most Argentine, most… Latin Italian in the world.”

Laura Pausini, named Person of the Year 2023 by the Latin Recording Academy, one of the highest honors of the Latin Grammy Awards given annually to an artist for his achievements in the Latin music industry and for his humanitarian efforts, on the eve of Latin Grammy Awards gala evening, he declares himself “the luckiest person this year and the proudest Italian to be Latin”.

Unusually, this year’s Latin Grammys will be held in Seville rather than Las Vegas, reaching its peak on the night of November 16, the night of Latin music’s biggest awards.

“After presenting the event last year, I was called by President Manuel Abud. I thought he wanted me to repeat, but, to my great surprise, he informed me of the nomination as Person of the Year: I do not have Latin blood, as he could to be possible?” he asked.

“But the Academy voted for me, and this is recognition of the connection I have with Spanish-speaking countries. A legal adoption. It is more than an artist traveling through different countries. Singing in Spanish for me is a necessity , but I remain true to myself and my melodic style”, said Laura.

“I will continue to do so, and without autotune. But it is not a controversy: today it is used as an instrument, just as the megaphone was used in the 90s. I believe that only the Latin public has experienced something like this with Raffaella Carrà “he also said.

She is the only non-Spanish-speaking artist and the third woman to be honored. In the past, among others, Marc Anthony (2016), Caetano Veloso (2012), Plácido Domingo (2010), Ricky Martin (2006), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003) have been awarded. And only two women: Shakira (2011) and Gloria Estefan (2008).

“Three women in 24 editions of the award are few, but I am in the company of incredible colleagues. We are a trinity, with Gloria Estefan and Shakira. The positive thing is that Latin artists are starting to emerge, I think of Karol G and Rosalia”, she celebrates .

This recognition adds to the many that Laura Pausini has obtained over the years, including a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination.

“Am I legendary? No, I always feel the same, just with a few more wrinkles. I’ve always had a self-esteem problem, but I’m working on it.

I always ask myself if I’m up to what I do, if I deserve it, even if I work a lot, study a lot, be disciplined”, jokes the artist from Romagna in the press conference preceding the award.

“I am a normal person and it is not always easy to face a job that is not normal. Luckily the answer lies in the shows and in the responsibility that I feel I share with the public.”

The title of Person of the Year was awarded to him for his career as a multi-purpose and multilingual interpreter and for his ongoing commitment to supporting social justice causes, including world hunger, violence against women and LGBT+ rights.

“When I was younger, my parents taught me and my sister that it was important to be open to others, and that’s when I learned what diversity and altruism are, and especially human rights. My latest album it’s called Anime Parallele (Parallel Souls), it talks about souls and puts the word love at the center”, he recalls.

On the gala evening of November 15th, Laura Pausini will be celebrated with a tribute concert, with interpretations of her repertoire performed by internationally renowned artists and friends.

“I don’t know for sure who will be there, but I’m curious to know how my friends and colleagues will sing my songs,” he concluded. .

Source: Terra

Earl

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.