Jay Perez | Photo by Lorena Rodriguez / LCR Photography
Jay Perez, also known as “The Voice”, was nominated for the Latin Grammy Award for Best Tejano Album for his album El Patron at the 24th annual Latin Grammy Awards in Sevilla, Spain, on November 16, 2023. However, he lost to his fellow Tejano singer and acclaimed songwriter Juan Trevino, who won the award for his album Para Empezar A Amar.
Perez, who has been a prominent figure in the Tejano music scene since the early 1990s, was hoping to win his first Latin Grammy after being nominated eight times in the past. According to Wikipedia, he had previously been nominated for Best Tejano Album at the Latin Grammy Awards in 2003, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, and this year, but never won the coveted trophy.
The “Ven A Mi” singer and his band congratulated Trevino on his second Latin Grammy win in a video shared to social media.
”We want to congratulate Mr. Juan Trevino for a job well done and an award well deserved,” said Perez in the video. “We just wanted to come on here and tell all our fans that we are thankful, very humbled, and thank you guys for all the support throughout the years.”
However, in another social media post, he also admitted that he was “upset” and “hurt” that he did not win the award and thanked his fans once again and his team, who had worked hard to make the album a success with hopes of winning the Latin Grammy.
“Thank you guys for all the positive and kind comments. My band and I really appreciate it,” said the post. “We’re a little upset and hurt at the same time lol…But! It comes with not winning…we get it..maybe next year. Until then, we’ll just keep going into the studio and keep touring. We love our fans!”
The nominated album, El Patron, was a successful one for the San Antonio native and his record label Freddie Records. The album topped both the Spotify and Apple Music charts, was second on the iTunes Latin Albums Chart, and had three chart-topping singles, including Song of The Year for “Necesito Odiarte” at the 43rd Tejano Music Awards in October.
”These are our accomplishments while making this album that the fans made happen. But we were NO where close to winning a (Latin) Grammy,” said Perez. “Probably the Best ‘Tejano’ Album recorded from us, aside from my favorite album Steel Rain..And again, I wish Our fans had a vote on these Grammy Awards. I love you all and thank you for believing in me. Still sometimes it’s not about the work you put into something, it’s about who has more pull. Thank you to my band for putting out the Best Tejano Album…It’s not always about all the blood sweat and tears that go into an album OR the love of the fans, BUT it can be about who you know.”
Perez added he would continue to make albums and perform for his fand. He is hopeful that one day, he would be able achieve his goal to win the Latin Grammy for Best Tejano Album.
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