American Music Awards Performances and News 2013: Jennifer Lopez's Tribute to Celia Cruz
Jennifer Lopez stole the show for Latinos everywhere last night with her tribute to Celia Cruz at the American Music Awards. The Puerto Rican singer, dancer and actress blew the crowd away by interpreting Celia's most famous songs. The performance was loud, fun and colorful with dancers hyping up the crowd with their "salsa" moves while Jennifer sang her heart away in Cruz's traditional dresses. Latinos definitely proved to be a big part of America's music culture; as this performance was positively highlight of last night's show.
Celia Cruz was a Cuban salsa singer and performer whose voice, charisma and fashion made a mark in the world and paved the way for many Latino artists after her. With 23 golden albums and a smile that could brighten up a gloomy day, "La Guarachera de Cuba" became internationally known as the "Queen of Salsa". Being known for her "vibrant stage personality" which consisted of colorful traditional dresses, big wigs and sparkly shoes. The Five-time Grammy Award winner even holds a spot on the Artifacts Wall at The Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Celia Cruz blessed us with her uplifting music and served as a role model for many women, being called one of the most influential women in history. Celia passed away on July 16, 2003 due to brain cancer, with her long time husband and loving supporter Pedro Knight by her side. Celia Cruz lived in Fort Lee, New Jersey and is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, where Knight built her a beautiful granite mausoleum, making it accessible for fans to visit and pay their respects.
Jennifer opened the performance singing Celia's "Quimbara" which is one of her most famous songs. She gracefully carried on the performance with a series of on stage costume changes, energetic dancing and finished off in a sexy little silver number as she flipped around and showed the world how salsa should be danced. The performance of course ended with a standing ovation and applause from fellow artists and fans in the crowd. "Que Viva Celia" J.Lo said as the cameras panned over to the next section of the show. The crowd was absolutely "wowed" as they were reminded whom Celia Cruz was and re-assured that there is nothing Jennifer Lopez cannot do, Azuca!
Other Latin triumphs during the show were Marc Anthony's win in the "Favorite Latin Artist" category and of course the host of the show, Cuban superstar Pitbull. What did you think of Jennifer Lopez's performance at the AMA's? If for some reason you were crazy enough to miss this performance last night, not to worry, watch it below!