Guerra, Sanz Lead Latin Grammy Noms

The Latin Grammy nominations spread the love between established artists and newcomers, nominating songwriters Juan Luis Guerra and Alejandro Sanz in four categories each.

The nominations, announced Wednesday at Hollywood’s Avalon nightclub, also recognized new talents Jorge Drexler, an Uruguayan songwriter, and Mario Domm, lead singer of the Mexican band Camila, who were also nominated four times.

Photo: AP Photo
"Song of Hope for Haiti," Olympic Stadium, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

The rest of the nominations spanned the Latin Recording Academy’s multitude of genres from across Spain and the Americas, with three nods each to Camila, reggaeton star Daddy Yankee and Uruguay’s alt-rockers, El Cuarteto de Nos.

Sanz’s Paraiso Express was nominated for Album of the Year and his “Desde Cuando” got the nod for Song of the Year, garnering three nominations for producer Tommy Torres. Lee Levin and Dan Warner also totaled three nominations for their work with Sanz and Diego Torres’ “Distinto.”

Guerra’s A Son de Guerra, Camila’s Dejarte de Amar, Bebe’s Y and Miguel Bose’s Cardio are also in contention for Album of the Year.

Domm’s “Mientes” which he wrote with Monica Velez, “Cuando Me Enamoro” by Descemer Bueno and Enrique Iglesias, and Ruben Blades’ “Las Calles,” and Drexler for “Una Cancion Me Trajo Hasta Aqui” are in the running for Song of the Year.

Photo: AP Photo
"Song of Hope for Haiti," Olympic Stadium, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

The Latin Recording Academy President Gabriel Abaroa Jr. said the 11th annual awards competition had the most submissions ever. However, because of few entries for Best Grupero Album and Best Tropical Brazilian Roots Album, those entries were placed other categories.

The awards show is scheduled for Nov. 11 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be broadcast live on Univision.