Marcos Vidal wins Latin Grammy Award: “Spanish Christians exist, we preach the Gospel and make music”
The evangelical pastor in Madrid thanked his “Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ”. His son’s reactions following the ceremony from home became viral on social media.
Protestante Digital · SEVILLE · 17 NOVEMBER 2023 · 11:35 CET
Marcos Vidal, a Spanish songwriter, singer and evangelical pastor, has won the Best Christian Album in Spanish award at the 24th edition of the Latin Grammy Awards, held in Seville on 16 November.
The artist, who was recognised for his album ‘Lo que vemos’, dedicated the prize to his family. Speaking to the audience, packed with stars such as Rosalía, Shakira, Laura Pausini, Ricky Martin, and many others, Marcos Vidal gave “thanks to God, my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This is the Grammy for Christian music, and I dedicate it to all Christians in Latin America and also in Spain”.
He then made a historical reference to the city where the gala was being held: “It makes me very happy that this Grammy is being held in Seville because in this city many 'autos de fe' [of the Inquisition] took place”. Vidal was referencing to the death of Protestants in the Andalucía region, a strong centre of the Counter-Reformation, which saw Reformers like Casiodoro de Reina work in the translation of the Bible back in the 16th century.
The well-known and respected evangelical pastor, who leads Iglesia Salem in Madrid, finally asked for a personal desire: “I hope that this award will contribute to giving more visibility to Christians in Spain, that it will be known that we exist, that we preach the Gospel and that we make music”.
14 albums and two Latin Grammy Awards
‘Lo que vemos’ is Marcos Vidal’s 14th studio album and features 10 songs that combine different musical genres such as pop, rock and worship songs. The album has been very well received by critics and the public and has been described as a work that “reflects the artist's artistic and spiritual maturity”.
One of the songs, “Nosotros no” (Not Us) reflects on the story of Shadrac, Meshach and Abed-nego in the Old Testament book of Daniel and applies it today’s pressures on Christians. “We are going to be accused of hate speech, of being different, and that is where a Christian really has to decide whether he or she wants to pay that price or not”, the artist said.
Marcos Vidal has been the most prominent Spanish Christian artist over the past decades.
The Latin Grammys also have a category for the Best Christian Album in Portuguese language. The award went to Eli Soares, for the production entitled 'Nós'.
His family’s comments, viral on social media
The Latin Grammy Awards was the most talked about topic on X (Twitter) and Instagram. Among the messages highlighting the various performances at the gala, the funny message from Necko Vidal, Marcos Vidal’s son, managed to gain the attention of thousands of people.
Necko shared some screenshots of the whatsapp conversation he had with his mother Conchi, who was present at the gala accompanying Marcos Vidal. Necko - who is also developing his career as an artist – expressed his surprise at seeing that his mother did not recognise some of the world famous artists who were appearing on stage or sitting next to her.
The anecdote has been picked up by media outlets such as newspaper La Vanguardia.
Published in: Evangelical Focus - culture - Marcos Vidal wins Latin Grammy Award: “Spanish Christians exist, we preach the Gospel and make music”
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