Juanes, Guerra poised to shine at Latin Grammys

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Superstars new and old, from across the world and every Latin musical genre, descended Thursday on Las Vegas for the 13th annual Latin Grammy Awards.

Among the women in slinky dresses outside the Mandalay Bay Casino and Convention Center, Goyo swept onto the carpet with a shimmering gold gown. The statuesque singer is the lead of Afro-Colombian hip-hop group ChocQuibTown, which is nominated for album of the year for "Eso Es Lo Que Hay."

Bachata singer Prince Royce looked freshly shorn in his black velvet tuxedo, while corrido singer Gerardo Ortiz accessorized his Oscar de la Renta suit with a black cowboy hat but left the bow tie undone, dangling jauntily around his neck.

The night could be a big one for Colombian rocker Juanes, who is nominated in four categories. If he wins three categories, he will become the most decorated Latin Grammy winner, breaking the record held by Puerto Rican rappers Calle 13.

Dominican musician Juan Luis Guerra, who comes into the ceremony as the leading nominee with six bids, won producer of the year for Juanes' album "MTV Unplugged," which is up for album of the year.

Guerra is also nominated for record and song of the year for "En El Cielo No Hay Hospital." He can only win four awards, since he is competing against himself in two categories.

Mexican brother-sister pop duo Jesse & Joy, who is up for five nominations, sported vintage looks — Jesse in a purple pork pie hat and Joy in a sheer lace navy dress and red pumps.

The Latin Grammy celebration kicked off Wednesday by presenting its person of the year award to Caetano Veloso, one of the founders of the Tropicalismo movement. The Brazilian singer, composer and activist was honored with performances by Juanes, Guerra, Nelly Furtado and Natalie Cole. Don Omar and Uruguayan rockers Cuarteto de Nos won two Latin Grammys each during an earlier ceremony where 35 of the 47 awards were presented.

Furtado and Cole were also set to serve as presenters during Thursday's ceremony, which will include performances by Guerra, Jesse & Joy and Juanes. The event will be broadcast live on Univision.