Ricky Martin, Pitbull, Lafourcade Win Grammys in Latin Categories

LOS ANGELES – Ricky Martin, Natalia Lafourcade and Pitbull were some of the winners in the Latin categories at the 58th edition of the Grammy Awards, just as had been announced at the ceremony ahead of the primetime gala.

Ricky Martin won in the best Latin pop album category for “A quien quiera escuchar.”

This is the second Grammy for the Puerto Rican artist after winning an award in 1998 for best Latin pop performance with “Vuelve.”

Meanwhile, Pitbull (“Dale”) and Natalia Lafourcade (“Hasta la raiz”) shared the award for best Latin rock, urban or alternative album.

Also, Ruben Blades received his eighth Grammy in the best tropical music category for “Son de Panama,” along with Roberto Delgado & Orchestra, while Los Tigres del Norte took home their seventh award for best Mexican regional music album for “Realidades.”

In the best Latin jazz album category, it was Brazilian pianist and singer Eliana Elias for her “Made in Brazil.”

Also, composer and orchestra director Arturo O’Farrill, heading up The Afro Latin Jazz Suite, won the Grammy for best instrumental composition.

The main Grammy Awards gala, which will once again be hosted by LL Cool J, is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. and will feature performances by Justin Bieber, Pitbull, Adele, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Alabama Shakes, Kendrick Lamar, Little Big and The Weeknd, among others.