Latin Recording Academy's 'Lifetime Achievement Award" Winners for 2008

In a departure from the historically male dominated arena of special awards issued annually by the Latin Recording Academy, 5 out of the 6 recipients of the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Awards went to female performers - and about time! This year's Lifetime Achievement Award winners are Vikki Carr, Astrud Gilberto, Angelica Maria, Maria Dolores Pradera, Estela Raval and (the only male) Cheo Feliciano. And let's not forget that the Latin Recording Academy's 'Person of the Year' is Gloria Estefan, the first time that the prestigious honor has been awarded to a woman.

While all of the previous and current award winners have been singularily deserving of the honor, it's a welcome change to see the spotlight focused on some of the female performers that have meant so much to Latin music.

It must be something in the air!