During the 36th annual Premio Lo Nuestro at the venerated Kaseya Center in Miami on Thursday (Feb. 22), renowned singer Olga Tañón, fondly known as “La Mujer de Fuego,” serenaded the audience with an exuberant, spirit-lifting medley, crafting an unforgettable highlight of the event.
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Garbed in a metallic ensemble and a captain’s cap, the legendary merengue singer — renowned for her electrifying presence on stage — transported the captivated audience on an auditory voyage through her most notable hits. Songs like “Es Mentiroso,” “Mi Forma de Ser” and “La Gran Fiesta” reverberated through the halls. Elevating the atmosphere with a costume change into a vibrant red ensemble, Tañón inspired spontaneous dancing amongst the audience, turning the performance into a jubilant celebration of her illustrious career.
Post her dynamic rendition, Tañón was honored with the coveted Premio Lo Nuestro a la Excelencia. A prestigious accolade recognizing artists who have not only carved out an impressive musical legacy but have also paved the way for future generations within their genre.
The award was presented to her by Victor Manuelle, a fellow titan of the genre. His words of accolade conveyed his admiration and respect for her, “I stand here today just as excited as you. In representation of all Latinos, but especially, in the name of our beloved Island of Enchantment, I commend this excellent woman, the fire woman, for being an exceptional artist, mother, and friend. Dare I say, an empowering woman.”
Tañón reciprocated the sentiment saying, “I need my friend, my brother Victor Manuelle to be here with me, not only because this award signifies a significant accomplishment for me but also because it’s you who are bestowing it upon me. You are a cherished friend, a brother, and an integral part of my journey.”
In her acceptance speech, she extended her heartfelt gratitude, “This award holds dear meaning to me, a reward for years of dedication and labor. To my father who inculcated within me that the deeply appreciated word in any language is ‘thank you’. To those who started with me, my diligent work team, and to my late parents who now only exist in memories and now enjoy a celestial merengue. But most importantly, to my children whom I often have to leave to continue working after almost four decades in the industry. I express my love and gratitude to my beloved husband… And of course, to all those independent artists who fit the mold of relentless hard-workers. Here is a heartfelt thanks to all. Long live Puerto Rico!”
Take a step back and appreciate the gravity of this statement: Olga Tañón has the distinction of being the artist with the most wins in the history of Premio Lo Nuestro.
