The Latin Recording Academy® proudly announces that renowned Latin GRAMMY® and GRAMMY® winner, Laura Pausini, has been chosen as the 2023 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year™.

Laura Pausini will be honored for her remarkable career as a versatile and multilingual performer, as well as her unwavering commitment to championing social justice causes close to her heart. She has been a vocal advocate for gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and the fight against world hunger.

“Laura Pausini is one of the most talented and beloved artists of her generation whose commitment to advocacy and equal rights is exemplary,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Throughout her more than three-decade career her extraordinary voice continually breaks down barriers across languages and genres, creating a special bond with audiences around the world.”

Meanwhile, Pausini said, “I am extremely honored to receive this incredible recognition from The Latin Recording Academy. To be named Person of the Year at this moment, when I am celebrating 30 years of my career, is something that I still cannot describe, I can only feel a deep gratitude for The Latin Academy and its members, for my colleagues who have always welcomed me with open arms, but, above all, for my beloved audiences who have made a dream born in my hometown in Italy a beautiful reality, and who have taken me to places I never dreamed I would reach with my music. The Spanish language has opened doors for me from a young age, it has made me feel at home, it has inspired me to move forward and to explore and live music without barriers or limits. To say today that I will receive this important recognition fills me with great pride, joy, strength to continue taking strong steps and to inspire the new generation of artists who lift the music they carry in their hearts on high. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I am very excited. See you soon in Sevilla.”

As one of the most celebrated figures in Latin music today, Laura Pausini has achieved global success by effortlessly conveying the emotions of her songs in six different languages. Her impact spans over three decades, with her first album released in 1994. Having sold over 70 million albums worldwide, Pausini's influence extends beyond her music. She has used her platform to support philanthropic and humanitarian efforts, addressing issues such as gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, poverty, climate change, and violence against women. Her dedication has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Starlite Humanitarian Award and the Global Gift Humanitarian Award. Pausini has also been honored as Person of the Year by the Diversity Media Awards for her support of the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with organizations such as UNICEF, LILA (Italian League for the fight against AIDS), and the World Food Programme, making a tangible difference in people's lives.

Pausini will be celebrated at a special gala event, featuring a heartfelt tribute concert where acclaimed artists and friends will perform renditions of her iconic repertoire. Further details about this highly anticipated event, which will take place during the 2023 Latin GRAMMY Week in Sevilla, Spain, will be announced in due course.

The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year recognition not only celebrates the musical accomplishments of exceptional artists in the Latin music industry but also acknowledges their philanthropic endeavors. Past honorees include Marco Antonio Solís, Rubén Blades, Juanes, Maná, Alejandro Sanz, Marc Anthony, Roberto Carlos, Joan Manuel Serrat, Miguel Bosé, Caetano Veloso, Shakira, Plácido Domingo, Juan Gabriel, Gloria Estefan, Juan Luis Guerra, Ricky Martin, José José, Carlos Santana, Gilberto Gil, Vicente Fernández, Julio Iglesias, and Emilio Estefan.

The net proceeds from the Latin Academy Person of the Year Gala will contribute to the charitable initiatives of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, supporting its mission to promote and preserve Latin music, culture, and education.