{babes} Musicians, beauty queens gather for Latin Grammys

Photo Books 50% Off. Limited Time Offer!

LAS VEGAS – The Los Angeles mariachi group Sol de Mexico set the tone on the carpet at the 11th annual Latin Grammys on Thursday with a rousing version of "El Son de la Negra" and a shout of "Viva Mexico!"

With the mariachis in their traditional "charro" suits and the Latin beauty queens in their slinky gowns, the ceremony was ready to begin Thursday afternoon at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Perrozompopo, a Nicaraguan artist nominated for best alternative album, said a reporter in Nicaragua called him Thursday morning to interview him, and it made him feel very special to be representing his country.

Many musicians wore green ribbons to promote Latin music.

Inside, the pre-show got under way, as the presenters worked through a long list of 47 categories in diverse genres with devout followings across the continents, from sertaneja in Brazil to Tejano in the American Southwest.

Even though Soda Stereo's lead singer Gustavo Cerati has been in a coma since he suffered a stroke after a concert in Venezuela in May, the lead singer of Argentina's Soda Stereo won best rock song for "Deja Vu," and best rock album for "Fuerza Natural."

Mexican alternative singer Ely Guerra won for her album "Hombre invisible," the first independent album to win.

"We who make alternative music used to watch this from far away, so to win feels really good," she said.

Spanish rapper Mala Rodriguez's defiant hip-hop song, "No pidas perdon," won in the best urban song category, beating out her all-male Puertorican colleagues, Daddy Yankee and Don Omar.

Best alternative song went to the Colombian Choc hip-hop group Quib Town for "De donde vengo yo," their danceable anthem about the remote Pacific coastal region of El Choco where they come from.

"Long live the African people of Latin America!" said Gloria Martinez, as she choked back tears of joy and pride, resplendent in a royal blue head wrap and a shimmering yellow gown. Martinez, who raps and sings under the name "Goyo," said she chose the dress to wear the colors of Colombia and "to feel like myself."

"They're broadcasting this in the plazas in El Choco. We're so proud. This is national news, for the Pacific to win a Grammy," she told reporters.

Comedian Eugenio Derbez and actress Lucero will host the ceremony, with Ricky Martin presenting the award for Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year to tenor Placido Domingo.