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Latin Grammys to focus on music, not politics "We are here to celebrate excellence in Latin music, regardless of who produces it or where it's produced," said Enrique Fernandez, senior vice president of the Latin arm of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), which is hosting the Grammys. It's been easy to forget the real point of Tuesday's show since organizers triggered a firestorm by abruptly yanking the awards out of Miami last month amid fears that anti-Castro demonstrations protesting the presence of Cuban artists might get out of hand and even spill over into the auditorium during the prime time telecast. But with the gala now being held for the second consecutive year in Los Angeles, which has a smaller and less vocal Cuban American community, the focus has returned to the music. "Politics and music should not be related. The Grammys are all about music and that's how it should stay," Colombian rocker Juanes told Reuters. The 28-year-old shocked many, including himself, when he swept the nominations, receiving seven for his brand of rock and Colombian vallenato. It was a real twist from last year -- the first-ever Latin Grammy awards ceremony -- when better-known, more mainstream artists like guitar legend Carlos Santana dominated. Stars like Marc Anthony and heartthrob Ricky Martin, who helped spark the huge crossover explosion for Latin music, were also featured among the nominees and presenters at last year's awards, which were seen by 7.5 million US viewers. To be sure, many of these same stars and other big names are set to perform or present awards this year, but overall the nominees reflect a more diverse group of artists, spanning genres from Spanish flamenco to New York salsa. Martin is set to appear at the second annual Latin Grammys to be held at the Forum in the Inglewood district of Los Angeles, as are Caetano Veloso, Marc Anthony, Destiny's Child, Luis Miguel, Santana, Thalia and Alejandro Sanz. Among the presenters are Schwarzenegger, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, her ex-boyfiend Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Lou Diamond Phillips and Arturo Sandoval. Actor Jimmy Smits and pop singer Christina Aguilera are hosting. Cuban artists are nominated for awards but not slated to perform. While many music executives think the Latin boom has subsided, they said they were pleased the nominations offered a sample of more cutting edge, less-exposed music than so-called mediocre bestsellers. "This year showcases and highlights the fact there is@to Latin music than Ricky (Martin), Jennifer (Lopez), Marc (Anthony) and Enriques (Iglesias)," said Bruno Delgranado, president of Maverick Musica, the newly launched Latin division of Madonna's Maverick label, a joint venture with Warner Music. The big surprise this year was Juanes, of Colombia, who was not widely known before he received seven nominations, including record, album, song of the year and best new artist. Few were more surprised than Juanes. "I'm still shocked," he said. "It's like a movie. Two months ago, my life totally changed in a good way after working so hard for all these years." He said he admires two of the acts he is competing with, including Spanish pop singer Alejandro Sanz, and Colombian electronic rock combo Aterciopelados. Sanz earned five nominations, including best record, album and song, while Aterciopelados was nominated for the record of the year. Other nominees in this category include Christina Aguilera and Brazilian legend Gilberto Gil. Anti-Castro protesters were still planning to attend the show in Los Angeles, but a much smaller turnout is expected than in Miami. As an apparent security precaution, there will be no red carpet receptions for the stars. Several prominent Cuban Americans, such as producer Emilio Estefan Jr. and his wife pop diva Gloria, were so disappointed about the move to Los Angeles that they planned to pass on the show. Meanwhile, Cuban artists and bands nominated for Latin Grammy awards include jazz pianist Chucho Valdes, pop artist Andres Alen, salsa singer Isaac Delgado, singer Omara Portuondo of the Buena Vista Social Club group, country artist Celina Gonzalez, Afro-Cuban music singer Lazaro Ross and salsa band All Stars group. Some are expected to attend, and Valdes is to be a presenter. Delgado was nominated for best salsa album, sharing the salsa category with Grammy favorite Eddie Palmieri and the late Tito Puente, for their duet album "Obra Maestra." Salsa stars Oscar D'Leon, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Tito Rojas and Grupo Niche also were nominated for this category.
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