The 36th edition of Premio Lo Nuestro showcased a riveting medley by Puerto Rican legend Don Omar, who was joined onstage by Machine Gun Kelly, Anitta and Wisin & Yandel on Thursday night (Feb. 22).
Evoking a post-apocalyptic vibe with 15 dancers, the guest performers and the Don himself rocking black — Don Omar sported a black trench coat and his cornrows, as usual — the artist appeared atop a mountain of speakers against a neon-green backdrop that looked like something from The Matrix.
He kicked off with “Pobre Diabla” and was soon joined by Wisin & Yandel to deliver their joint hit “Nadie Como Tu.” The Brazilian powerhouse Anitta joined the Puerto Rican legend to sing “Salió El Sol” — smashing all the verses — with the dance floor lighting up like the sun.
For the grand finale, Machine Gun Kelly came out with his guitar, strumming the riff to “Danza Kuduro,” getting everyone on their feet. Thursday night’s collaboration comes months after MGK’s viral performance of the song in Spain.
“Seeing my song go viral in MGK’s voice absolutely blew my mind,” Don Omar told Rolling Stone about “Danza Kuduro.” “It’s incredible to see how music can transcend generations, genres and languages.”
“I was out dancing in Spain the night before my festival performance and ‘Danza Kuduro’ came on. It was the first moment of the night that everybody sang a song word-for-word and got lost in the vibe,” MGK told RS. “I woke up the next day and was like, ‘I’m going to sing this and re-create that moment for my first time performing in Spain.’”
Right after the wildly entertaining set, the Don was presented with the Ícono Global (Global Icon) award by all three guest performers.
“You have not only elevated reggaeton, but you have transformed it to a global dimension,” said Anitta. “Plus, you bring ‘Kuduro’ to every corner of the world.” Yandel added: “You are a pioneer, a genre warrior who was never afraid, and has known how to get ahead no matter what.”
“You and I are from different worlds, but your music brought us together tonight. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart,” MGK offered.
“For all that you have done, for your past, for your present and for your future, it is a great privilege to celebrate you with the Global Icon award, the king of reggaeton, Don Omar,” echoed Wisin.
Don Omar, with heartfelt gratitude, said, “This is for those who made urban music before me, for those who made urban music at the time I made it, for those who make urban music in the future and for all the countries where there is not even a single urban music artist. Long live urban music, long live Puerto Rico!”
