This is why “Despacito” could make history at the Grammys
It may not be summer anymore, but we still have flashbacks that feature the warm sun, blue skies, and beaches whenever we hear “Despacito.” The record-breaking hit by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee is a bop, and we can’t help but groove to the sultry Spanish melody every time we hear it. Besides the fact that “Despacito” broke the record for most plays on YouTube, it also looks like there’s more history in the making for the song. And that’s because “Despacito” could make Grammy history if it wins for “Song of the Year” — and that’s because a Spanish language song has never won in that category. So besides the fact that “Despacito” spent 16 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, and that it surpassed four billion view on YouTube, now it could literally be historic, taking a huge step forward for Spanish pop artists everywhere.
While there’s never been a Spanish Grammy win for “Song of the Year,” there has been a non-English winner. At the very first Grammys back in 1959, an Italian song called “Volare” by Domenico Modugno and Franco Migliacci won for best song. Although this was a long time ago, it is a beacon of hope!
A large part of the nomination is thanks to the verse by Justin Bieber (and his massive influence).
Grammy nominations are out: Jay-Z and Bruno Mars top the list with nods for song, album and record of the year. "Despacito" snags nominations for song and record of the year. https://t.co/XMAmFbl0Md pic.twitter.com/65JdIx9mWs
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) November 28, 2017
This possible win isn’t solely about the actual award itself — it’s about what it represents. If a Spanish pop song can make it to the Grammys and win, that gives a whole generation of Spanish and Latinx individuals reassurance that our culture and music is valued.
In total, “Despacito” is nominated for three Grammys. We’ll be tuning in on January 28th, 2018, and crossing our fingers.
