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Shakira Leads Latin Grammy Nods

Orally fixated Colombian pop star Shakira heads up the nomination list for the seventh annual Latin Grammy Awards, leading all performers with five nods, including "Album of the Year" (Fijacion Oral Vol. 1) and "Song of the Year" ("La Tortura").

The recognition is further proof that Shakira has managed to retain her Latin fanbase even while shifting her energy toward a crossover audience. Fijacion Oral, Vol. 1 was the singer's first Spanish-language album in seven years, and also spawned a successful English counterpart.

It was also a banner year for Shakira's producer, Gustavo Cerati, who was next on the list with four nominations, including two for "Album of the Year" -- one for his own record, Ahi Vamos, and one for Shakira's. Mexican singer-songwriter Julieta Venegas and socially minded Guatemalan pop star Ricardo Arjona also received four nominations apiece.

Of the 47 categories, one of the most hotly-sought prizes is Best New Artist. This year, Puerto Rico's Calle 13 (three nominations altogether) will try to fend off Ines Gaviria and single-name sensations Pamela, Lena and Ceu. Aside from Calle 13, reggaeton seems to be yesterday's news at the Latin Grammys, securing few major nominations. The lack of a hot new sub-genre surely contributed to a lackluster year in sales for Latin music as a whole, in both Latin America and the United States.

Sergio Mendes received a "Best Record" nomination for "Mas Que Nada," a 40-year-old song that was given a fresh coat of paint by The Black Eyed Peas, who are contractually obligated to appear at any award show that airs on television.

The Latin Grammy Awards will be hosted by Madison Square Garden and will be aired on November 2nd.

--The ARTISTdirect Staff
09.27.06