The first-ever Latin Grammy Awards show is shaping up
to be a cornucopia of multiculturalism. Billboard has
learned that among the highlights in the works for the
Sept. 13 event is a vocal pairing of current Latin
Tracks chart-toppers Son By Four and pop superstars 'N
Sync.
As reported earlier this week, the show will feature
six bilingual hosts for the evening. Already confirmed
are Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Estefan, Antonio Banderas,
Jimmy Smits, and Andy Garcia.
Neither CBS, which will air the event, nor the
National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences
(NARAS) and its sister organization, the Latin Academy
of Recording Arts and Sciences (LARAS), have confirmed
performers for show, to be held at the Staples Center
in Los Angeles.
But sources say those slated to appear include
Christina Aguilera, Carlos Santana (in a duet with
Mexican rock group Mann), Lopez (singing her
Grammy-nominated duet "No Me Ames" with Marc Anthony),
Shakira, and Ricky Martin. Celia Cruz will appear as
part of a tribute to the late Tito Puente.
Son By Four, whose Grammy-nominated hit "Purest Of
Pain (A Puro Dolor)" has been topping charts for
months, will pair up with the boys from 'N Sync, who
will reportedly do some singing in Spanish.
The two-hour show will be the first bilingual
broadcast ever to air on network television during
prime time. It will be broadcast around the world,
either simultaneously or live on tape.
