Christina Aguilera
David BlackMaking her return to the Latin Grammy stage after more than two decades, Christina Aguilera’s 2021 performance was a little lace, a little leather and a lot of girl power.
Draped in a black gown with brick-red hair falling down her back, Xtina’s iconic raspy vocals took center stage, as she performed “Somos Nada” alongside Julio Reyes Copello, playing a lone grand piano.
After an outfit switch into a lacy black bodysuit, she entered a dark, sensual club scene alongside a handful of dancers in flashy outfits for her energized new single “Pa Mis Muchachas.” She was joined by Becky G, Nicki Nicole and Nathy Peluso, the latter wearing a leather leotard and fishnet tights. All four women delivered a noteworthy performance, making their mark during the star-studded evening.
Reminiscent of her other girl-power anthem “Lady Marmalade,” the song’s climax came when Aguilera darted from note to note, delivering her unparalleled runs and vocal inflections.
“Pa Mis Muchachas” contributor Peluso was nominated for four Latin Grammys and took home best alternative music album for Calambre early in the night.
Hosted by Ana Brenda Contreras, Carlos Rivera, and Roselyn Sánchez, the 22nd annual Latin Grammys Awards includes a star-studded lineup of both performers and presenters such as C. Tangana, Maná, Los Dos Carnales, Ozuna, Gloria Trevi, and Myke Towers, among others, taking the stage.
With the theme “rediscovering life through music,” the three-hour show will “invite audiences to rediscover what’s important in life using music as a storyline,” according to a statement from the Latin Recording Academy.
Colombian singer-songwriter Camilo leads the 2021 Latin Grammys nominees with 10 nods, including nominations in the album, record, and song of the year categories. He’s followed by tropical music icon Juan Luis Guerra with six, Spanish rapper Tangana with five nominations, and multiple artists, including Bad Bunny, with four.
London four piece Keo are on course to land their first UK Number 1 album with Put A Smile On For Me. After building a loyal audience over the past two years, the London band now lead this week’s Official Albums Chart update. Their debut record explores love, guilt, and self destruction.
Nothing But Thieves are close behind at Number 2 with their fifth album, Stray Dogs. The Southend band are hoping for a second straight Number 1 after Dead Club City reached the top in 2023. Taylor Swift is at Number 3 with The Life Of A Showgirl, helped by the expanded The Encore edition. Olivia Rodrigo’s You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In sits at Number 4, while Soft Cell’s Danceteria opens at Number 5. It is the synth pop duo’s final album together following Dave Ball’s death last year.
Europe could reach Number 9 with Come This Madness, giving the Swedish rock band its first UK Top 10 album in four decades. A 30th anniversary reissue of Alice In Chains’ MTV Unplugged is at Number 13 in the midweek update, with Orbital’s Glastonbury 1994 set at Number 14. Julia Jacklin is heading for her first Top 40 album as The Gem reaches Number 18, while Suede’s Coming Up returns at Number 23 after its 30th anniversary physical release.
Also on track for Top 40 places are Nessa Barrett’s Tough Love at Number 29, the companion soundtrack to LINKIN PARK: UNSHATTER at Number 30, and Dublin band Gurriers’ Nobody’s Coming To Save You at Number 31. Blondshell, Kneecap, Tina Turner, and Leon Bridges also appear in the lower half of the midweek chart.
The official positions will be announced when the final Albums Chart is published on Friday.