Latin Grammys pay tribute to Brazilian Roberto Carlos ahead of awards

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The biggest names in Latin music are ready to take the stage for the 16th annual Latin Grammy Awards, which airs live Thursday.

The Latin Recording Academy hosted a tribute event Wednesday to honor Brazilian singer songwriter Roberto Carlos, named Person of the Year. The 74-year-old "King of Latin Music" mentioned that he was "very moved," and that he was "very proud of everything I've achieved."

Carlos was joined by other Latin artists -- most of whom to chose to wear white in the singer's honor -- including Romeo Santos, Malu, Melendi, Jesse and Joy Huerta, Ana Carolina, Seu Jorge and songwriter Alejandro Sanz, who paid tribute by performing "Lady Laura."

The Latin Grammys will feature 32 artists from around the world coming together for unique joint performances, including Ricky Martin with Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Wisin, Fifth Harmony with Colombian superstar Maluma and a returning Will Smith, who will perform his first new song in a decade with Colombian band Bomba Estereo, a remix of their song "Fiesta."

Mexican singer-songwriter Leonel Garcia, one half of pop duo Sin Bandera, leads with six nominations including song of the year for "Hasta La Raiz" and record of the year for "Ella Es." Mexican singer Natalia Lafourcade follows close behind with five nominations including album of the year for Hasta La Raiz.

Roselyn Sanchez and Jacqueline Bracamontes will co-host the event airing 8 p.m. ET/PT on Univision.