Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee's 'Despacito' Didn't Win One Grammy Despite Its Popularity

"Despacito" is one of the most recognizable tunes of 2017, but despite three nominations, it fails to pick up a win at this year's Grammys.

Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's megahit came into the awards ceremony with impressive nominations in three major categories: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group. If "Despacito" had won the first two categories, it would have been the first primarily Spanish song in history to win those awards.

However, the record-breaking duo went home empty-handed, losing out to Bruno Mars in the two major categories. Meanwhile, Portugal. The Man won for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group for "Feel It Still."

'Despacito' Breaks Records And Barriers

Over the year, "Despacito" broke an array of significant records across multiple platforms. The summer hit is officially the most-streamed record of all time as well as the most viewed video in the history of YouTube.

The song has also been certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), only the 18th song to reach the honor and the first ever Latin song to achieve it.

"Despacito" is one of the main sparks of the Latin explosion that swept over the music charts in 2017. Rolling Stone reports that global listening to Latin Music on Spotify increased by 110 percent during the year, while YouTube saw six of the 10 most-viewed music videos in the world were by Latin musicians.

Fans, Critics React To Grammy Snub

Both Fonsi and Yankee were gracious in their defeat, going on social media to express their thoughts on their losses.

"We're not leaving empty-handed tonight," Fonsi writes on his Instagram page after the ceremony. "To be able to break the language barrier and unite the world with a song is the best prize anyone can win. Let's continue sharing our culture and our Latin music with the entire world. Thanks for supporting us, this is just the beginning."

While the pair kept their post-awards messages positive, fans and critics weren't very happy about the record-breaking "Despacito" being snubbed at the Grammys.

Fonsi and Yankee may not have been called up the podium for a trophy, but the pair set the stage on fire with a dance-worthy performance of the smash hit during the awards show. 2006 Miss Universe winner Zuleyka Rivera joins them, twerking with the duo to the beat of "Despacito."

Tags

Despacito, Luis fonsi, Daddy Yankee, Latin Music, 2018 Grammys