Selena Quintanilla’s memory still lives on 20 years after her death as a tribute to the star brought the audience to their feet at the 2015 Billboard Latin Music Awards.
Los Dinos accompanied Puerto Rican actress and singer Jennifer Lopez, who played Selena in the 1997 biopic of the late singer, on stage on Thursday night. They performed a compilation of Selena’s songs, “Como La Flor,” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” “Amor Prohibido,” “Dreaming of You,” and ended with, “No Me Queda Mas.”
The director of the movie Selena, Gregory Nava, was also in attendance.
The star-studded award show, which aired on Telemundo, honored and recognized Latino artists and was hosted by Mexican singer Pedro Fernandez and actress Gaby Espino.
Salsa sensation Marc Anthony and Gente De Zona started off the night by premiering their new catchy song, “La Gozadera.”
Anthony won the award for Tour of the Year.
“What an honor. I hope in that in 10 years I can receive this award again, because I was born to do this. Long live the Latino race,” said Anthony in Spanish.
Natalia Jimenez won “Hot Latin Songs,” Female Artist of the Year. She thanked her family in Spain for waiting up to watch her win her award.
Bachatero Romeo Santos won the highest honor of the night: Artist of the Year. He had 21 nominations and took home Top Latin Album of the year for his Formula 2 album. He performed his hit, “Hilito.”
Spanish heartthrob Enrique Iglesias won Latin Pop Album of the Year for his album, “Sex & Love.” He thanked his fans and those who collaborated with him on his album. He also won Hot Latin Song for “Bailando,” which features Descemer Bueno and Gente de Zona.
Music legend Roberto Carlos was recognized for his career in music with the Artistic Trajectory award, presented by Marc Anthony. The legendary artist preformed his greatest hits like, “Tu Eres Mi Amigo del Alma.”
Up and coming Colombian Reggeatonero J Balvin received the Debut Artist of the Year award as he chanted, “Colombia!” with the crowd.
Three artists took to the stage to give an unlikely EDM (Electric Dance Music) performance. The famous EDM DJ, Afro Jack, was joined by Ne-Yo and ballad singer Luis Fonsi to bring an electric performance, which Espino said was the first ever in Hispanic television.
Guitarist Carlos Santana took home Latin Pop Album of the year and the “Espirtiu De La Esperazna,” award for his humanitarian work. He has built schools in Haiti, helped children get scholarships in California, and in 2005 donated $2.5 million for HIV patients in South Africa.
Santana and Juanes played on stage together to some of their classics.
The Regional Mexican Song, Solo Artist of the year went to the 25-year-old singer Gerardo Ortiz. Julion Alvarez y Su Norteño Banda took home the Regional Mexican Album, Artist of the Year.
Mexican singers Lucero and Ana Gabriel sang, “Quien Como Tu,” one of Gabriel’s classics.
Other Performers included, Natalie Jimenez, Nicky Jam, Julion Alvarez y Su Norteño Banda, Daddy Yankee, Alejandro Sanz, Pedro Fernandez, Wisin, Carlos Vives, Belinda and Juan Magan.