In a night that celebrates the best in music, Gaby Moreno stood out at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday (February 4) as both a performer and a winner.
The Guatemalan singer/songwriter, along with Mexican artist El David Aguilar, delivered a cover of “Luna de Xelajú” that was nothing short of breathtaking. The set not only showcased Moreno's exquisite vibrato, but paid homage to the rich heritage of Latin American folk music.
Dressed in a silky purple dress, with Aguilar in a brown suit and tie, the duo, each with steel-string acoustic guitars, brought the whimsical charm of “Luna de Xelajú” to life. Their performance, underscored by the gentle accompaniment of a grand piano and a symphony providing subtle layers of background, left the audience in awe – most notably, the host. “Guys, this is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard,” songwriter Justin Tranter said after the show. “Her voice is so beautiful.”
That statement came ahead of a momentous occasion for Moreno, as shortly after she was named the winner of Best Latin Pop Album for her folk X Mí (Volume 1) work.
Overcome with emotion, Moreno described her Grammy-winning experience as surreal. “I'm having an out-of-body experience,” she said with a giant smile, holding up her new Grammy. “Thank you so much, Recording Academy. I want to thank my family, my mom and my sister who flew from Guatemala to be here with me. I want to thank my incredible team of Cosmica Artists, Gil Gastelum, Mariana Puente, Isaac, Nana, Reese, Grecia — so many, oh my gosh.”
Moreno continued, “This was an acoustic album that I did last year with songs that are really dear to me from previous albums.” He then named all the behind-the-scenes producers and sound engineers who contributed to the album before adding in Spanish in a husky voice: “I want to dedicate it to all my people in Guatemala, what a thrill, thank you so much!”
