From his very first appearance onstage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Daddy Yankee was already hinting at the big surprise that awaited him later that night, when he was named Latin Grammy Person of the Year.
During his live performance, the singer stepped out in a look that nodded to Michael Jackson, wearing a sparkling white glove on his left hand and a black jacket with gold embellishments.
© Billboard via Getty ImagesRight after Rosalía won Song of the Year, Janet Jackson, Michael’s sister, appeared on camera to deliver a moving speech to Daddy Yankee as he received the well-deserved golden gramophone.
“Buenas noches,” Janet began in Spanish, before switching to English to read her speech: “It takes vision and courage to help transform the sound of music and create new possibilities for the artists who come after you.” She continued: “That’s exactly what Daddy Yankee has done. His artistry has helped take reggaeton to audiences all over the world, and he opened doors for generations of Latin urban artists.”
© Getty ImagesRamón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, Daddy Yankee’s real name, was completely stunned by the icon presenting him with this recognition. “Raymond, I once said that you have a beautiful soul and great energy; I said it then and I reaffirm it tonight. That spirit is part of what makes your impact go far beyond music,” Jackson added.
Switching back to Spanish, she told him: “Tu música ha inspirado a toda una generación.” Smiling, she went on: “Raymond, with admiration and respect, it is an honor for me to present you with the Latin Recording Academy’s 2026 Person of the Year award.”
© AFP via Getty ImagesDaddy Yankee then took the stage to receive the award, and still moved by Janet’s words, he thanked her: “If there’s one surprise I’m taking with me tonight, it’s this—such a huge inspiration, a colleague, a person with such a beautiful heart and an incredible legacy from an amazing, talented family. I love you very much, you know I respect you.”
The Puerto Rican star even recalled Made for Now, the song they released together in 2018, where their paths first crossed musically.
© WireImageGiving thanks to his children
Onstage, Daddy Yankee also thanked the people he loves most, especially his family, who have stood by him every step of the way. “There’s no greater pride for a father than watching his children grow professionally and having the privilege of working with them,” he said. He continued: “Yamilet, I am so proud of the woman you’ve become, and of seeing you leading the company and handling the records’ accounting. It’s incredible—so much responsibility and professionalism.”
He also dedicated part of his speech to his son Jeremy: “You’ve become an elite producer, and your work as executive music producer of La Postal is bearing fruit today. I’m so proud of you, excellent job! You got that from your dad, right? Seeing you grow, develop your talent, and build together with you is without a doubt one of the greatest blessings of my life.”
© AFP via Getty ImagesThe artist went on to thank his mom, Rosa María: “Thank you for teaching me about hard work, resilience, faith, and perseverance. And thank you for teaching me how to cook.”
© Billboard via Getty ImagesHowever, fans quickly noticed that he did not mention his youngest daughter, Jesaaelys, with whom he has been noticeably distant since the beginning of the complicated divorce process with her mother, Mireddys González.
