Latin Grammy Nominations Announced

LOS ANGELES – Brazilian jazz singer Maria Rita (search), Spanish crooner Alejandro Sanz (search) and Cuban pianist Bebo Valdes (search) tied with four Latin Grammy nomination each on Wednesday, while producer Tom Capone had a leading five bids.

"Our milestone fifth year is one where the spotlight shines on everyone who makes Latin music, not just the established performers," said Gabriel Abaroa, president of the Latin Recording Academy. "Up-and-coming artists and the creative professionals who usually remain behind the scenes are getting their due. With our mission of celebrating all kinds of Latin recorded music, it's thrilling to see so many albums, songs, genres, and music makers getting the applause from their peers."

Capone's mentions included producer of the year; two for record of the year (Rita's "A Festa," and Skank's "Dois Rios"); and album Of the year and best engineered album for Rita's eponymous CD.

Rita's nods included album of the year and Musica Popular Brasileira Album for "Maria Rita," best new artist, and record of the year for "A Festa," while Sanz was recognized for best overall album and best male pop vocal album for "No Es Lo Mismo," and song of the year and record of the year for the album's title track.

Valdes shared mentions for album of the year and traditional tropical album for "LÄagrimas Negras" and record of the year for the title track (all with Diego El Cigala), and best Latin jazz Album for "We Could Make Such Beautiful Music" (with Federico Britos).

Meanwhile recording engineer Alvaro Alencar also had for nominations, three for his work with Rita and another for a collaboration on the band Skank's "Dois Rios."

In addition, CafÄe Tacuba, Diego El Cigala, Mick Guzauski, Kevin Johansen, Javier LimÄon, Pepe Loeches, Robi Draco Rosa, Rafa Sardina, and Julieta Venegas earned three nods each

The fifth annual Latin Grammy Awards are set for Sept. 1 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles during a live broadcast on CBS.