HOLLYWOOD - The first-ever Latin Grammy Awards will be broadcast tonight, building pride in Latin music, yet fueling its fair share of controversy. And singer Gloria Estefan and husband/producer Emilio Estefan are at the center of it all.
Latin music’s super couple formed the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences', or LARAS, and have been pushing for a Latin Grammys for a long time. Now that they’ve got it and they’re flaunting it, according to some naysayers who say they’re stealing the show.
Here are the facts:
Besides the high-profile presence of the Estefans’ record label at the event, Emilio is being honored as LARAS’ first Person of the Year … hmmm.
His wife is one the featured performers … hmmm.
Oh, and the couple’s proteges Carlos Vives, Shakira and Ruben Blades are all nominated for awards … hmmm, again.
"The controversy exists. But what Latin performers need is less controversy and more hard work," Argentine pianist Raul Di Blasio, nominated for Best Pop Instrumental Performance, told Reuters.
Carlos Santana, who dominated the Grammys this year, also leads the list of nominees with his hit "Corazon Espinado." Ricky Martin is also at the head of the pack with his Spanish version of "Livin’ La Vida Loca." Multiple nominations also went to Marc Anthony, Vives and Blades.
The two-hour show will be broadcast live today at 9 p.m. EDT on CBS.