The Latin Recording Academy has announced that iconic Spanish singer and performer Raphael will be honored as the 2025 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. Celebrated for his impactful career, which spans more than six decades and has transcended borders and languages, Raphael will be recognized at a special gala on Wednesday, Nov. 12, in Las Vegas during Latin GRAMMY Week, ahead of the 2025 Latin GRAMMYs. The gala will feature a heartfelt tribute concert, where a lineup of renowned singers and friends will perform renditions of Raphael's legendary repertoire.
"We feel tremendously proud to pay this well-deserved tribute to Raphael for an exemplary artistic career that has transcended borders and languages," Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud said in a statement. "His unmistakable style, resilience, and constant reinvention have kept him relevant throughout the decades, making him a source of inspiration for new generations of Latin music creators."
"I feel deeply grateful to The Latin Recording Academy for this recognition that I have dreamed of receiving for many years. Being named Person of the Year thrills me immensely; it's the best way to celebrate so many years of dedication and love for music," Raphael said in a statement in response to the honor. "Thank you to the audiences that have always stood by my side, to my dear colleagues, and the entire music industry. It's an honor I will always carry in my heart. I look forward to reuniting with everyone in November to celebrate together and give back all that affection through songs. A huge hug and my most sincere gratitude."
The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year celebration is a marquee event of the annual Latin GRAMMY Week, a weeklong celebration featuring special events, including the Special Awards Ceremony, Leading Ladies of Entertainment, Latin GRAMMY In The Schools, Nominee Reception, Best New Artist Showcase, Person of the Year Gala, and Premiere Ceremony, leading up to the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. Ahead of the 2025 Latin GRAMMYs, Latin GRAMMY Week will once again feature a full slate of celebrations throughout Las Vegas. More details on Latin GRAMMY Week 2025 will be announced in the coming months.
The 2025 Latin GRAMMYs, officially known as the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, will be held on Thursday, Nov. 13, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Nominations for the 2025 Latin GRAMMYs will be announced Wednesday, Sept. 17, and streamed across the Latin Recording Academy's social channels.
At the 2025 Latin GRAMMYs, the Latin Recording Academy will debut a new field and two new categories: Best Music For Visual Media, held within the new Visual Media field, and Best Roots Song, held within the previously established Traditional field.
Learn more about Raphael:
Born Rafael Martos in Linares, Spain, in 1943, Raphael's passion for music emerged early. Raised in Madrid, he won the Best Child Voice in Europe award at the prestigious Salzburg Festival at just nine years old. He rose to international fame after representing Spain at the Eurovision Song Contest with "Yo Soy Aquél" (1966) and "Hablemos Del Amor" (1967), and later appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1970, among many other major programs.
His musical success was paralleled by a celebrated film career, with appearances in films such as Al Ponerse El Sol (1967), El Golfo (1969), and Mi Gran Noche (2015). Known for his extraordinary voice and distinctive style, Raphael helped pioneer the internationalization of melodic Spanish songs, performing hits like "Digan Lo Que Digan," "Qué Sabe Nadie," and "Escándalo," many written by renowned songwriters Manuel Alejandro and José Luis Perales. He has graced iconic stages including Madison Square Garden, the Olympia in Paris, and the National Auditorium in Mexico.
In recent years, Raphael released Victoria and his latest album Ayer...Aún, which features a posthumous duet with one of his musical idols Édith Piaf. He was also the subject of the documentary Raphaelismo, offering an intimate look at his life and career. After successfully overcoming a brain lymphoma diagnosis in late 2024, Raphael announced his return to the stage with Raphaelísimo, a tour that will take him across Spain and Latin America. At 82, he continues to perform to sold-out theaters, arenas, and stadiums, inspiring new generations of music creators worldwide.
Learn more about the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year:
The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry, as well as their humanitarian efforts. The past honorees are Carlos Vives (2024), Laura Pausini (2023), Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).
Net proceeds from the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year gala benefit the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, which advances music education and cultural preservation.