Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony smooch and it's a big night for Shakira at 2016 Latin Grammys

It was an eventful evening at the Latin Grammys 2016 on Thursday (17 November). Hosted by Devious Maids actress Roselyn Sanchez and Argentine actor and model Sebastián Rulli, the hottest stars in Latin music came together in Las Vegas to celebrate the last year of music.

Broadcast live on Univision, the annual awards ceremony took place at Sin City's T-Mobile Arena and saw performances from the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, J Balvin, Pharrell Williams, Diego Torres and Rachel Platten.

Among the big winners of the night were Shakira and Carlos Vives, who walked away with two of the night's biggest accolades, and the late singer Juan Gabriel, who won three awards posthumously.

Other notable winners included Manuel Medrano for best new artist, and Jesse & Joy, who scooped best contemporary pop vocal album for Un Besito Mas.

In case you missed all the star-studded action, IBTimes UK looks back at highlights from the biggest night in Latin music...

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony kiss

Proving they are still on good terms since their 2014 divorce, Lopez, 47, shared the stage with her ex-husband Anthony, 48, for a duet. The former spouses belted out their new single Olvidame y Pega la Vuelta before surprising the audience by sharing a passionate kiss at the end of the song.

After their unexpected PDA, Lopez gushed: "Marc is a living legend. He is a magical and pure artist giving away classics that will stay forever. He will always be many things in my life."

Marc Anthony named person of the year

It was a huge night for Anthony, who was honoured with the prestigious person of the year award. Presenting the husband of her two children with the award, Lopez told the audience: "He's not only the person of the year, he's the person of all time."

Dedicating his win to their eight-year-old twins Max and Emme and his other children from previous relationships, Anthony said in his acceptance speech: "I want to dedicate this award to my kids. You guys have sacrificed more than anyone to see daddy standing here after 30 years. You guys are living this moment with me. I want to dedicate this award to everyone that said no to me, who said I would never make it, who told me it was impossible, I want to say, 'This is for you.'"

In celebration of his milestone award, Anthony also sang his 1999 hit I Need To Know.

Juan Gabriel wins three awards posthumously

Following his death in August 2016, the night truly belonged to revered musician Juan Gabriel, who was honoured with three awards. Gabriel won the coveted album of the year for his last record, Los Duo 2, best traditional pop vocal album, and best salsa album for his work on India's Intensamente India Con Canciones De Juan Gabriel. Incredibly, despite releasing 18 albums over a career spanning 45 years, Gabriel never won a Latin Grammy during his lifetime. He died at the age of 66 from a heart attack while on tour.

J Balvin performs with Pharrell Williams

It was a successful night for J Balvin, who scooped the best urban album for his latest release, Energia, and shared the stage with Happy hitmaker Pharrell Williams. For the first time on live TV, J Balvin, Williams, Sky and BIA performed their infectious collaboration Safari, making for one of the best received performances of the night.

Shakira and Carlos Vive win song and record of the year

Shakira and her latest collaborator, Carlos Vive, landed two of the Latin Grammys' biggest awards with their critically-acclaimed single La Bicicleta, earning both song and record of the year. Shakira was unable to attend as one of her sons had fallen ill, but Vives thanked fans on her behalf.

He told reporters backstage: "I want to thank Shakira for falling in love with the song, and I was extremely happy that we could do things together. We're very sorry she's not here with us. When I first started receiving messages from kids, it was a sign that we had done things right."