On Tuesday (Feb. 5), the Recording Academy announced a new wave of performers for Sunday’s Grammy Awards, including J Balvin. The Colombian urban artist will join Camila Cabello, Ricky Martin, Arturo Sandoval and Young Thug in the opening number of the 2019 awards show.
Balvin, alongside Cardi B and Bad Bunny, is also nominated for record of the year for “I Like It.”
Few Latin artists have taken the Grammys stage, let alone opened the show, in its 61 years. As Billboard reported last year, Latin performances at the Grammys are very rare, considering the exponential growth of U.S. Latinos and their current buying power.
Some of the Latin acts who have taken the stage in the past include Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee performing “Despacito” in 2018, Pitbull’s closing medley in 2016, Juanes performing “Juntos” in 2015, Shakira singing “Hips Don’t Lie” with Wyclef Jean in 2007, Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez’s “Escapemonos” duet in 2005, and Ricky Martin’s breakthrough “The Cup of Life” performance in 1999. Carlos Santana, Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz and Tito Puente have also performed at the Grammys.
The 61st annual Grammy Awards take place Feb. 10 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. It will air on CBS starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
