Some of the most recognized Latinos in music are in town this week for Latin Billboard awards.
The event will take place at the BankUnited Center in Coral Gables and will be broadcast live on Telemundo.
Marc Anthony, Romeo Santos, Roberto Tapia, Daddy Yankee, Carlos Vives, Tito El Bambino and Juan Luis Guerra are just some of the artists who will be taking the stage this week.
“We have fire, aerial stunts and elevators,” Tony Moneja, the show's executive producer, said. “I will have my heart in my mouth from beginning to end.”
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They are using the some of the latest technologies including projections, mapping and the use of LED lights, Moneja said.
But for the second year in a row, Don Omar, who will also be performing, takes the most nominations of the night. He is up for 18 awards including Artist of the Year, Social Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Latin Rhythm Song of the Year.
His two most highlighted songs: “Dutty Love” Featuring Natty Natasha and “Danza Kuduro” with Lucenzo.
Following Don Omar is Romero Santos with 12 nominations and Wisin & Yandel and Jenni Rivera, each with 11 nominations.
“We will have Don Omar, Wisin & Yandel and Daddy Yankee, the three most popular artist of the Hispanic urban genre all in one night,” Moneja said. “This has never happened and they are going to be amazing performances.”
Jenni Rivera, who is being nominated for her albums “La Misma Gran Señora” and “Joyas Prestadas: Pop” is this year’s most nominated female artist. The show will set aside a special moment to remember her music.
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Other top nominated artist include Prince Royce, Pitbull and the new Mexican group 3Ball MTY.
Marc Anthony will debut his upcoming album, his first with original songs in nine years. He will premiere his music and share the stage with Tito El Bambino, said Moneja.
Other important joint performances include Juan Luis Guerra and Romero Santos, Carlos Vives and Michel Teló, and Mana and Robi Draco Rosa.
To show the importance of Latin influence online, this year’s awards will feature two new categories: Streaming Artist of the Year and Streaming Song of the Year.
They will also include the category Crossover Artist of the Year, which nominates Chris Brown, Flo Rida, PSY and Rihanna.
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The Latin Billboards will be broadcasted live on Thursday at 7 p.m. on Telemundo.
They will also be encouraging social media engagement during the show, using the hashtag #Billboards2013 on Twitter, Facebook page live coverage, live video blogging via Keek and real-time pictures Instagram.
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