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SEVILLE, Spain: Colombian singing star Shakira and Argentine DJ Bizarrap won song of the year and best pop song at the Latin Grammys Awards in the southern Spanish city of Seville, the first time the ceremony has been held outside the United States.
Seville is the cradle of flamenco, a fiery music genre that has influenced generations of artists around the world.
Latin American female performers swept most of the top awards in at Thursday’s late-night gala. In addition to Shakira and DJ Bizarrap’s wins, Colombia’s Karol G took album of the year for “Manana Sera Bonito” (“Tomorrow will be beautiful”).
The Colombian popstar dedicated her awards to her children, saying: “I have promised them I will be happy.”
She also spoke about “tough moments”, possibly referring to her split with footballer Gerard Pique and issues with her tax affairs in Spain.
“I also want to share this with my Spanish audience, who has been there with me through the good and bad times.
Last year’s album of the year winner singer-songwriter Rosalia of Spain kicked off the event with a flamenco-themed rendition of “Se nos rompio el amor” (“Our Love Has Broken”), drawing an ecstatic response from attendees.
“Seville is the birthplace of flamenco. Imagine representing what you have inside you and that people like it and are enjoying it. I’m very proud,” Spanish singer Omar Montes said.