Placido Domingo to Receive "2010 Person of the Year" Award

By Sharmaine Jones

The Latin Grammys are only a few months away and yesterday (September 14) the Latin Recording Academy announced that this year's recipient for the Person of the Year Award is Plácido Domingo.

photo via Getty Images

Domingo will be honored at a special tribute dinner which will be held Wednesday, November 10 – the eve of the Latin Grammys – at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Los Angeles. If you're assuming the event is going to be a stiff suit-and-tie function, you're mistaken. Mandalay Bay will be rocking as Domingo's friends will also perform a concert of his pop duets as well as some of his favorite music.

All of the proceeds from the gala will benefit one of Domingo's chosen charities as well as The Latin Recording Academy's outreach and educational programs. This act of generosity is fitted accordingly as Domingo was selected for his professional as well as his philanthropic achievements.

Gabriel Abaroa, President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, had this to say about the event:

"The Latin Recording Academy and its Board of Trustees take great pride in honoring Plácido Domingo as an extraordinary musician, philanthropist and, above all, a great human being whose immense talent and generosity has had a profound global impact. We are privileged to pay tribute to one of the most respected musical voices of our time, as well as a man whose selflessness has benefited many around the world."

Domingo founded Operalia, a World Opera Competition designed to discover, support and honor the best new young opera singers. Who better to give artistic and career advice than the “king of opera” himself.  Domingo has been conducting opera for nearly 40 years, has covered opera in six different languages, and is currently the General Director of the Washington National Opera and the Los Angeles Opera as well as the Artistic Advisor for the Youth Orchestra of the Americas.

Domingo has certainly served his dues and is undoubtedly befitting of the Person of the Year award.  Past  recipients of the honor include Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, Julio Iglesias, and Carlos Santana.

Do you think Plácido Domingo has earned the award? Who else would you be name Person of the Year? Tell us in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags 2010 Person of the Year Award, Carlos Santana, Gloria Estefan, Julio Iglesias, Latin Grammy Awards, Operalia, Placido Domingo, Ricky Martin