Pitbull and First Responders rehearse for the 2020 Latin Grammy Awards at American Airlines Arena on November 15, 2020 in Miami, Florida.©Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy
Paying tribute

These are the frontline workers who performed with Pitbull at the 2020 Latin GRAMMYs

The Cuban-American invited nurses and firefighters to be part of his live band.

Mr. 305—a.k.a Pitbull took the stage of the 21st Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor all the frontline workers working hard to affect all those directly affected by COVID-19. Following this year’s theme, “Music Makes Us Human,” the Cuban-American rapper, singer, songwriter, brand ambassador, and philanthropist performed to the rhythm of “I Believe That We Will Win,” and invited Commander Frank Fernández to play the drums; Medical Associate Debi Kuiper-Tomas, to play the bass, and Captain Eddy Alarcón and Lt. Troy Maness in the guitars.

Sergeant Liz Bremer, nurse and obstetrician Kim Fleurinord, firefighter Adrian Ballard and retired Air Force nurse, firefighter, paramedic, and commander from the United States Marlon Ferdinand, also joined the singer as members of the choir.

First Responders rehearse for the 2020 Latin Grammy Awards©Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy
First Responders rehearse for the 2020 Latin Grammy Awards.

“This Thursday yours truly will be honoring all of the frontline workers with a special performance at the 21st Latin GRAMMY Awards. Please join us and pay tribute,” wrote Pitbull before his performance.

Captain Eddy Alarcón and Lt. Troy Maness in the guitars during the 2020 Latin Grammy Awards.©Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy
Captain Eddy Alarcón and Lt. Troy Maness in the guitars during the 2020 Latin Grammy Awards.

To safeguard everyone’s wellbeing, the academy decided to host the event virtually and recognize “the selfless work of all the frontline workers and health professionals who continue to labor heroically during these incredibly challenging times to help fight the spread of COVID-19.” The association also said that “the resilience and strength that these brave men and women have shown embody the very values that we should try to uphold, not just within the music industry, but also as human beings.” Gabriel Abaroa Jr., president of the Latin Recording Academy, said the purpose of this year’s ceremony is “to show solidarity, compassion, and gratitude, in addition to using the power of music as a tool to be better people.”

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