Raphael, 2025 Latin GRAMMY Person of the Year, makes a grand comeback after being diagnosed with brain lymphoma.

Spanish artist Raphael is The Latin Recording Academy's 2025 Person of the Year , in recognition of his vast artistic career, international influence and contribution to the repertoire of Spanish-language music, with an award to be presented during music week at the Latin Grammy Awards .

The announcement comes at a particularly emotional time for the singer, who was diagnosed with primary brain lymphoma in late 2024 and surprised audiences months later by announcing his return to the stage.

The tribute will take place on November 12 in Las Vegas as part of Latin GRAMMY Week and will feature a special concert featuring prominent music figures performing the artist's greatest hits. It will be an evening of tribute and celebration for an artist who has managed to reinvent himself and remain relevant for more than six decades.

"I feel deeply grateful to The Latin Recording Academy for this recognition, which I have dreamed of receiving for many years," Raphael expressed in a statement. "It is the best way to celebrate so many years of dedication and love for music."

From Linares to the world

Raphael—the stage name of Rafael Martos , born in Linares, Spain, in 1943 —began his artistic career as a child. At the age of nine, he was recognized as the Best Child Voice in Europe at the Salzburg Festival. His international acclaim came soon after, with his participation in Eurovision in 1966 and 1967, and his historic performance on the American program The Ed Sullivan Show in 1970.

His legacy includes immortal classics such as " Digan lo que digan ", " Yo soy aquél ", " Escándalo " and " Qué sabe nadie ", many of them written by essential composers such as Manuel Alejandro or José Luis Perales. He has also starred in films such as Al puesta el sol (1967), El Golfo (1969) and Mi Gran Noche (2015).

The weight of the diagnosis

In December 2024, while filming a Christmas special for Spanish television, Raphael began experiencing speech difficulties and other neurological symptoms. He was admitted to Madrid's 12 de Octubre Hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with primary cerebral lymphoma , a rare form of cancer that affects the central nervous system.

"I wanted to say one thing, and another came out. I wasn't in control of the situation," Raphael himself recounted in an interview with El País in May 2025.

Thanks to drug treatment and without the need for surgery, the artist managed to recover from the symptoms that temporarily sidelined him from the stage. In April of this year, he announced his highly anticipated "Raphaelísimo" tour, which will take him to cities in Spain and Latin America.

"I'm fine, thanks to public health and all the doctors who have taken care of me," he said then.

Tireless at 82 years old

At 82, Raphael isn't just still active: he continues to fill theaters and arenas with the same energy as his early days. His most recent album, Ayer...aún , includes a posthumous duet with his greatest influence, Édith Piaf. He also starred in the documentary Raphaelismo , an intimate production that explores his personal and professional life.

"I'm looking forward to reuniting with everyone in November to celebrate together and return so much love in the form of songs. A huge hug and my most sincere gratitude," Raphael added about the recognition.

An honor reserved for legends

With this award, Raphael joins a list of Latin music icons who have been named Person of the Year by The Latin Recording Academy, including Carlos Vives , Laura Pausini , Rubén Blades , Shakira , Juan Gabriel , Marc Anthony , Joan Manuel Serrat and Juanes .

The gala, whose net proceeds will benefit the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation's charitable programs, promises to be one of the most anticipated moments of the upcoming awards show.