Artists Sign In Sanz Support

More than 80 performers signed a letter in support of Alejandro Sanz, who had two Venezuelan concerts canceled because he criticized President Hugo Chavez.

Sanz – born in Madrid and a current resident of Miami, Fla. – criticized the outspoken Venezuelan leader and officials told the singer he was unwelcome in the country. A November concert was scrapped when officials withdrew permission to use a government auditorium, then a sold-out February 14th concert was canceled because it lacked "the appropriate conditions."

Shakira, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Penelope Cruz and even soccer star David Beckham signed the letter of support, dated February 13th. It said the signers "believe in a Latin America where we are all free to express our views."