The MTV Latin America Awards are just like the MTV Awards that are held here in the U.S.; the difference is that the voting is done by cybervoters that log onto the Spanish-language MTV website. Since the music appreciated in Latin America is often - but not exclusively - in Spanish, the array of nominees and winners can be quite international.
While this is not exclusively a Latin music awards program, it gives an insight into the music that is enjoyed by those in our neighboring Latin American countries.
Not surprisingly, the big winner in 2008 was the universally appreciated Colombian artist Juanes and while there's little doubt that most of us have heard of Juanes as well as ubiquitour U2 and Guitar Hero, the same may not be trued of some of the other artists that took home honors.
So, before going into the list of winners, here are a few words about some of the other musical performers that rock our Latin American neighbors.
Tokio Hotel - Tokio Hotel is from Magdeburg, Germany and seems to be taking the international world by storm with their current album, Scream. For those curious about why this band is enjoyed by so many, you can watch their video Monsoon and see for yourself.
Kudai - Kudai is a popular Chilean pop/rock group and Nadha is their third album. For the curious, the 'Nadha' is a sanskrit for 'sounds from the depth of the soul.' For a peek at Kudai,watch their video "Lejos De Aqui".
Belanova - Mexican-synth is really growing in popularity and no one has the edge on Belanova out of Guadalajara. Thier current album is Fantasia Pop and it seems to be on all the award lists this year.
Cafe Tacvba - One of Mexico's most durable rock bands, leading in the 2008 Latin Grammy nominations on the wings of their album Sino. Jonas Bros. - You can find out about New Jersey's Jonas Brothers by reading the profile by fellow Top40 guide Bill Lamb.
30 Seconds To Mars - Los Angeles rock band, most famous for being the brainchild of actor Jared Leto and brother.
Infierno 18 - Popular rock band from Argentina; thier 2007 release Estas Lista Para Esto? boomed on S. American radios for quite awhile. Check out the group's single, "Yo Te Dire".
Soda Stereo - Argentina's premier rock band disbanded in 1997 with all 3 band members going on to solo careers. The most successful was Gustavo Cerati but it looks like fans missed the trio.
Ximena Sarinana - Mexican pop/rock singer Sarinana is originally a telenovela actress but after the success of her debut album Mediocre, you'll probably be hearing lots more music from her.
Miranda - Named after silver screen-era actor Osvaldo Miranda, this Argentine electro-pop group, especially in their native land. If you want to see/hear them watch "Yo Te Dire".
Here are the winners for 2008:
- Artist of the Year - Juanes
- Video of the Year - "1,2,3,Go!(Belanova)
- Song of the Year - Tokio Hotel
- Best Solo Artist - Juanes
- Best Group or Duo - Kudai
- Best Pop Artist - Kudai
- Best Rock Artist - Juanes
- Best Alternative Artist - Cafe Tacvba
- Best Pop Artist—International - Jonas Brothers
- Best Rock Artist—International - 30 Seconds To Mars
- Best New Artist-International -Tokio Hotel
- Best Artist—North - Belanova
- Best Artist—Central - Juanes
- Best Artist — South - Miranda
- Breakthrough Artist - Ximena Sarinana
- Promising Artist - nfierno 18
- Best Fan Club - Tokio Hotel
- Best Video Game Soundtrack - Guitar Hero III
- Best Ringtone - Tokio Hotel
- Best Music Film - U23D
- Best Reunion Tour - Soda Stereo
