The 36th edition of the Premio Lo Nuestro featured a riveting medley from Puerto Rican legend Don Omar, joined by Machine Gun Kelly, Anitta and Wisin & Yandel on Thursday night (February 22).
Evoking a post-apocalyptic vibe with 15 dancers, guest performers and Don himself rocking black — Don Omar donned a black trench coat and frames, as usual — the artist appeared atop a mountain of speakers against a neon green backdrop background that looked like something from The Matrix.
He started with “Pobre Diabla” and was soon joined by Wisin & Yandel to deliver their joint hit “Nadie Como Tu”. Brazilian powerhouse Anitta teamed up with the Puerto Rican legend to sing “Salió El Sol” – smashing every verse – with the dance floor lit up like the sun.
For the grand finale, Machine Gun Kelly came out with his guitar, strumming the riff to “Danza Kuduro,” bringing everyone to their feet. Thursday night's collaboration comes months after MGK's viral rendition of the song in Spain.
“Seeing my song go viral in MGK's voice blew my mind,” said Don Omar. Rolling rock for 'Danza Kuduro'. “It's incredible to see how music can transcend generations, genres and languages.”
“I was out dancing in Spain the night before my performance at the festival and 'Danza Kuduro' came on. It was the first moment of the night when everyone sang a song word for word and got lost in the vibe,” said MGK. RS. “I woke up the next day and said, 'I'm going to sing it and recreate that moment for the first time when I perform in Spain.'
Immediately after the wildly entertaining set, Don received the Ícono Global (Global Icon) award from all three guest performers.
“You have not only elevated reggaeton, but you have turned it into a global dimension,” said Anitta. “Plus, you bring 'Kuduro' to every corner of the world.” Yandel added, “You are a trailblazer, a warrior of sorts who was never afraid and knew how to push forward no matter what.”
“You and I are from different worlds, but your music brought us together tonight. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart,” said MGK.
“For all you have done, for your past, present and future, it is a great privilege to celebrate you with the Global Icon Award, the king of reggaeton, Don Omar,” echoed Wisin.
Don Omar, with heartfelt gratitude, said: “This is for those who made urban music before me, for those who made urban music when I made it, for those who make urban music in the future and for all the countries where there is he's not even an urban music artist. Long live urban music, long live Puerto Rico!”
