Raphael, the legendary Spanish singer, is slated to appear at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards premiere in Miami on September 29, where he will receive high praise for a lifetime of influence on Latin music. The event will be broadcast live by Billboard and Telemundo, spotlighting a milestone in a career that has shaped an entire genre across continents. — Billboard
Billboard and Telemundo affirmed that Raphael will be honored for his outstanding professional journey and the personal and artistic contributions that helped propel Latin music onto global stages. The recognition underscores a lifetime of artistic work that continues to inspire generations of listeners worldwide. — Billboard
With a career spanning more than six decades, Raphael has released over 60 albums and moved more than 70 million copies. He is widely regarded as a pioneer of the Spanish romantic ballad, a style that crosses cultures and borders thanks to his distinctive voice and expressive delivery. — Billboard
His name sits among a distinguished list of prior Billboard Artistic Career Award recipients, including Andrea Bocelli, Armando Manzanero, Carlos Santana, Conjunto Primavera, Emmanuel, Flaco Jiménez, Intocable, Jorge Pinos, José José, Juan Luis Guerra, Los Lobos, Los Temerarios, Maná, Marco Antonio Solís, Miguel Bosé, Paquita la del Barrio, Ricardo Arjona, and Roberto Carlos. — Billboard
Born in Linares, Spain, in 1943, Miguel Rafael Martos Sánchez—better known simply as Raphael—was taken to Madrid by his family and joined the San Antonio Church Choir at age four. The early spark of a remarkable journey would soon grow into a global phenomenon. — Billboard
At nine years old, Raphael captured his first international award for best children’s voice, a trophy announced at Europe’s Salzburg Festival in Austria. Yet the professional chapter began in earnest in 1962, when his career began to unfold on larger stages. — Billboard
Throughout a career marked by multiple accolades, he represented Spain at the Benidorm International Song Festival and, on two occasions, participated in the Eurovision Song Contest. His work also extended to cinema, where he acted in several films while continuing to release music that resonated with fans around the world. — Billboard
A superstar with a six-decade arc
Raphael has captivated audiences on some of the world’s most iconic stages, including Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, L’Olympia in Paris, Palladium in London, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. His performances have toured the Americas, Europe, Asia, and beyond, drawing crowds wherever his voice travels. — Billboard
He possesses an extraordinary catalog, boasting hundreds of Gold and Platinum records and a sales milestone that has rarely been matched in popular music. The sheer scale of his impact mirrors the stature once achieved only by a few global icons. — Billboard
Among his most enduring phrases are lines from beloved songs that fans still hum today. His repertoire includes anthems that earned him lasting fame and streaming triumphs, reflecting a career of continual relevance. — Billboard
Currently commemorating the 60th anniversary of his world tour with the Raphael 6.0 tour, the artist continues to release new material, including a forthcoming album crafted with Spanish talent Pablo López. The ongoing creative journey keeps his voice present in concert halls and living rooms alike. — Billboard
The upcoming Latin Billboard Awards premiere is set for September 29 at the Watsco Center in Miami. It will be broadcast live on Telemundo and carried simultaneously by Universo, Peacock, and the Telemundo app. Viewers in Latin America and the Caribbean can tune into Telemundo Internacional for broader coverage. — Billboard
Billboard Latin Music Week follows, running from September 26 to October 1, in Miami. The program features exclusive performances, talks, workshops, and experiences designed for fans, offering a deeper dive into the rhythms that fuel contemporary Latin music. — Billboard
Among this year’s nominees, Bad Bunny led with a record 23 nominations, followed by Karol G with 15, Farruko with 11, Rauw Alejandro with 10, and the Dominican-American group Aventura with seven nominations. The lineup reflects the genre’s vibrant diversity and evolving sounds that continue to attract global audiences. — Billboard