Music stars and industry leaders gathered at the MGM Grand Marquee Ballroom in Las Vegas on Wednesday (Nov. 11) for an evening that honored Daddy Yankee, The Latin Recording Academy’s 2026 Person of the Year.
As tradition holds, the invite-only gala included a dinner and presentation that ran more than three hours, featuring renditions of Daddy Yankee’s repertoire performed by different artists.
“For the first time in history, the Academy honors one of the great pioneers of reggaeton […] Today, we gather to celebrate his career, his music has brought people together—across cultures and generations,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, ahead of welcoming the Puerto Rican artist. “Tonight will be a very special journey through your musical career. We have surprises, first-time moments, and music that we believe inspired you.”
The tribute began with a brief introduction by Jorge Drexler and DJ Playero spinning some of Yankee’s earlier hits, before officially starting with a performance by Anthony Ramos singing “Coraza Divina” (2007) in salsa. Immediately after, Tito El Bambino, Jowell y Randy, and Feid gave a euphoric performance of “Gasolina.”
“To me, he is like an older brother,” Tito told the audience of how he was 12 years old when he met Yankee. “He had vision and believed in the new generations. I pray that God grants this gentleman a long life. Thank you for everything you have done for the entire industry.”
One of the most notable moments of the night was when ’80s hip-hop group The Sugar Hill Gang — whom Yankee is a fan of — brought their “Rapper’s Delight” to the stage. In another special moment, the new generation of rappers, J Noa, Paulo Londra, Trueno, Feid, and Ryan Castro, joined forces on a powerful medley that included “Rompe,” “Gangsta Zone,” “Talento de Barrio,” and “Somos de Calle.”
Other artists who formed part of the special ceremony included Reik and Luisa Sonza doing a bossanova version of “Ella Me Levantó”; Farruko, Rawayana, and Kapo performing a reggae version of “La Despedida”; Natalia Jimenez and Pablo Alborán crooning the crowd with a ballad version of “De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta;” Tito Nieves, Oscar D’ Leon, and Nathy Peluso giving “Despacito” a salsa twist; and Pedro Capo and Elena Rose’s classical “Ora Por Mi,” to name a few.
Additionally, artists such as Juan Luis Guerra, Fergie, Luis Fonsi, Black Eyes Peas, Carlos Vives, Snow, Lil Jon, Steve Aoki, and others, sent heartfelt video messages.
Following the back-to-back performances, J Balvin and LL Cool J took center stage to recount Yankee’s impactful and lasting career, and welcome him to the stage.
“I am at a loss for words,” Yankee, who was accompanied by his parents, son, and brothers, said during part of his speech. “First, I want to give glory to God — not out of habit, but because if I am standing here today, it is by His grace, not by my own merits. Thank you to the artists who came up to sing my songs… everything turned out incredible. Never in my life have I felt an emotion as powerful as the one I felt today. As I was enjoying the moment and reflecting, I could hardly believe everything I had built. It reminded me that these songs are not mine—they belong to you.”
Yankee wrapped the Person of the Year gala by singing three of his bangers: “Botz,” “Sonríele,” and “Lo Que Paso Paso.”
This April, The Latin Recording Academy revealed DY as this year’s Person of the Year, celebrating his nearly 30-year career that serves as an example of perseverance, resilience and creativity.
Widely recognized for catapulting reggaetón music from an underground genre to a global movement, in large part thanks to his 2004 hit “Gasolina,” from his 2004 album Barrio Fino, which spent 24 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, the artist born Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez has earned over 100 entries—including seven No. 1s—on the Hot Latin Songs chart. Among those hits is “Despacito,” alongside Luis Fonsi, which spent 56 weeks at the top in 2017.
In 2022, he announced his retirement from music and conversion to Christianity, but made a comeback with a renewed faith and commitment to make “music with a purpose” three years later. His faith-based album, Lamento en Baile (2025), includes the feel-good “Sonríele” which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Latin Airplay chart last October.
Yankee is currently making the rounds with his new studio album, La Postal that includes collaborations with Cardi B, Myke Towers, Danny Ocean, and others. He is also confirmed as a headliner of the 2027 edition of Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
