Celia Cruz Honored by Ivy Queen and Stars at Latin Grammy Event
A star-studded lineup of tropical music legends, including Ivy Queen, Tito Nieves, Aymee Nuviola, Albita, and Gente De Zona, united for an electrifying three-hour performance at the Latin Grammy Foundation’s fundraiser. This event was dedicated to honoring the enduring legacy of the iconic Celia Cruz, often referred to as the “Queen” of salsa and tropical music. The night was filled with vibrant rhythms and heartfelt tributes that truly celebrated Cruz’s monumental impact on the music world and beyond.
This exclusive event took place on Saturday, December 14, at the beautiful residence of Loud and Live founder and CEO Nelson Albareda and his wife, Elena Albareda, located in the Miami area. It served not only as a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Celia Cruz, but also as a significant fundraising effort for the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation. All proceeds from the event will directly support the foundation’s essential scholarship, grant, and educational programs designed to empower and uplift aspiring young musicians, helping them to achieve their dreams in the competitive music industry.
Accompanied by the talented Celia Cruz All-Stars serving as the house band, an array of stars took to the outdoor stage to deliver stirring renditions of songs that defined Cruz’s illustrious career. The evening kicked off with Albita, who mesmerized the audience with her performance of “Que le den candela,” where she passionately improvised tributes to Cruz. Gente De Zona engaged the crowd by performing “La Negra Tiene Tumbao” amidst the audience, while Aymee Nuviola delivered an energetic rendition of “Bemba Colorá.” Young talents Christian Alicea and Peter Nieto showcased their incredible synergy in a captivating duet of “Toro Mata.” The night peaked as reggaetón sensation Ivy Queen and pianist Arthur Hanlon transformed Cruz’s farewell anthem “Yo Viviré” into a vibrant funk/Latin improvisational piece that had everyone on their feet.
The lineup also featured a host of other remarkable performers, including Beatriz Luengo from Spain, Nicaraguan artist Luis Enrique, Jorge Alberto El Canario, Tito Nieves, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Lenier, Lena Bruke, Brenda Navarrete, Carmen de León, and dancer Siury. Throughout their performances, many artists shared personal anecdotes about Celia Cruz, highlighting the profound influence she had on their lives and the music industry. These heartfelt stories added a deeply personal touch to the evening, reminding everyone of Cruz’s legacy that continues to inspire generations.
“Celia Cruz was a cornerstone of the soundtrack of my life,” expressed Nelson Albareda, who reminisced about his teenage years working in the offices of RMM, where Cruz was signed. It was in this dynamic environment that he first met a young Omer Pardillo, who was then working in marketing and would later become Cruz’s manager. Following Cruz’s passing in 2003 at the age of 77, Pardillo was entrusted with the responsibility of managing her estate, a testament to their close professional relationship.
As the guardian of Celia Cruz‘s remarkable legacy, Omer Pardillo is currently spearheading numerous events and celebrations leading up to the centennial of Cruz’s birth in 2025. This year’s events included the launch of an official Celia Cruz quarter and the recent concert, which also marked the establishment of the Celia Cruz Legacy Scholarship to benefit the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation. These initiatives reflect the ongoing commitment to honor Cruz’s contributions to music and culture.
To date, the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation has awarded over $10 million to various programs, providing scholarships to 427 students. Many of these talented students had the honor of performing on Saturday night as part of an impressive all-student group, showcasing the next generation of musicians inspired by Cruz’s legacy.
The evening was not just about performances; it was filled with touching moments that resonated with the audience. Host Enrique Santos, the president and CCO of iHeart Latino, shared a poignant story that encapsulated Celia Cruz‘s indomitable spirit and love for performance. He recounted an incident where a sudden downpour interrupted an outdoor music festival where Cruz was scheduled to perform. When told that the stage was too wet and muddy to proceed, Cruz, unfazed by the weather, asked, “Are there still people out there in the audience?” Upon learning there were, she confidently replied, “In that case, I’m performing,” and took to the stage, exemplifying her passion and dedication to her fans.
