Grammys 2016: Celia Cruz Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award 13 Years After Death

We may have lost one of Latin music's biggest stars in 2003, but that doesn't stop Celia Cruz's legacy from shining ---not even in 2016. The Queen of Salsa is among the recipients of the Special Achievement Awards at the 58th annual Grammy Awards. Azucar!

Early this week, The Recording Academy announced its Class of 2016 Special Merit Awards recipients. Among the well-deserving list is the 7-time Grammy winner, who will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award 13 years after her death. According to the Grammys official website, the award honors performers who have made contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording. Other artists to be honored with this title include Ruth Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire, Herbie Hancock, Jefferson Airplane, Linda Ronstadt, and Run-D.M.C.

"Each year, The Academy has the distinct privilege of honoring those who have greatly contributed to our industry and cultural heritage, and this year we have a gifted and brilliant group of honorees," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy." Their exceptional accomplishments, contributions, and artistry will continue to influence and inspire generations to come."

In addition to the Cuban singer's special award, we also congratulate our beloved Latino artists who nabbed a nomination at this year's awards show. Pablo Alborán, Alex Cuba, Ricky Martin, Alejandro Sanz and Julieta Venegas are all nominated for Best Latin Pop Album. Bomba Estereo, La Cuneta Son Machín, Natalia Lafourcade, Monsieur Periné and Pitbull have nods for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album. Banda El Recodo, La Maquinaria Norteña, Los Cojolites, Los Tigres del Norte and Mariachi Los Camperos De Nati Cano are nominated for Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano). Meanwhile, the nominees for Best Tropical Album include José Alberto "El Canario" & Septeto Santiaguero, Rubén Blades with Roberto Delgado & Orchestra, Guaco, Juan Luis Guerra 4.40 and Victor Manuelle.

The 58th annual Grammys will air live on February 15, 2016 via CBS.