Raphael will be honored as the Latin Recording Academy’s 2025 Person of the Year in celebration of his incredible 60-year-plus career.
Seen as one of the trailblazers in bringing Latin music to the global stage, the legendary Spanish singer will be celebrated on Nov. 12 in Las Vegas, the night before the Latin Grammys, at a star-studded gala where top artists will perform his songs.
“I feel deeply grateful to The Latin Recording Academy for this recognition that I have dreamed of receiving for many years,” Raphael said in a statement Tuesday (June 3). “Being named Person of the Year thrills me immensely; it’s the best way to celebrate so many years of dedication and love for music. It’s an honor I will always carry in my heart. I look forward to reuniting with everyone in November to celebrate together and give back all that affection through songs.”
“We feel tremendously proud to pay this well-deserved tribute to Raphael for an exemplary artistic career that has transcended borders and languages,” Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, said in a press release. “His unmistakable style, resilience, and constant reinvention have kept him relevant throughout the decades, making him a source of inspiration for new generations of Latin music creators.”
Raphael, whose real name is Rafael Martos, is one of the most iconic figures in Spanish-language music. Born in Linares in 1943 and raised in Madrid, his talent was evident from an early age, earning him the title of Best Child Voice in Europe at the Salzburg Festival at just 9 years old. He gained international recognition representing Spain in Eurovision with songs like “Toco Madera” (1988), “Maravilloso, Corazón, Maravilloso” (1989), and “Escándalo” (1992), which reached No. 2, No. 7, and No. 9, respectively, on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart. In 2022, the legendary artist was honored with the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award.
This past December, it was revealed that the 82-year-old artist had been diagnosed with primary brain lymphoma after being hospitalized in Madrid in October. After overcoming the illness at the end of 2024, he announced his return to the stage this year with Raphaelísimo, a new tour that will take him across Spain and Latin America, according to a statement.
The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry as well as their humanitarian efforts. Past honorees are Carlos Vives (2024), Laura Pausini (2023), Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).
