Shakira sweeps MTV awards for Latin America

Colombian vocalist Shakira swept MTV’s first Video Music Awards Latin America on Thursday night, taking five honors, including artist and video of the year.

The quirky singer-songwriter, who achieved broad international fame recently with her first English-language album, “Laundry Service,” won in all five categories for which she was nominated. Her other three awards were for best pop artist, best female artist and best artist North, a region that includes Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

The only other act to receive multiple awards was Chile’s La Ley, which won for best rock artist and best group or duo.

Other key winners were Juanes, another breakthrough Colombian performer, for best male artist; Manu Chao for best alternative artist; Mexico’s Sin Bandera for best new artist North; and the Red Hot Chili Peppers for best rock artist international.

The Miami-based MTV Latin America sponsored the competition, which honored rock and pop performers in 17 categories. Aside from the top categories, awards were also handed out by region, corresponding to the three large geographic areas served by the network. Votes were cast by viewers from Sept. 7 to Oct. 7 via MTV Latin America’s Web site.

The awards show, held at Miami’s Jackie Gleason Theater, was scheduled to air live in Latin America and on MTV2 in the United States. The show was also scheduled for later broadcast through MTV outlets in Europe and Asia.

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--Agustin Gurza