Strong shift in rhythm for Latin Grammys

When the Latin Grammy nominations are announced in Los Angeles on Wednesday, don’t expect a single superstar to dominate the international competition, as was the case in past years with Colombia’s Juanes and Spain’s Alejandro Sanz.

Yes, big names are again in the running, including respectable entries from singer-songwriter Sanz, a mellowed Ricky Martin with a reflective all-Spanish album, and the unique duet of pianist Bebo Valdes and singer Diego El Cigala with their sophisticated Cuban/flamenco fusion.

But this is not shaping up to be a year for sweeps. There’s no smash album that broke down borders and no noticeable fever for an emerging new artist, normally a highlight of the 5-year-old Latin music awards that introduced Juanes to the world in 2001.

Instead this may be the year for a breakout genre, what the Latin Recording Academy is calling Urban Music. It even added a new category for this increasingly popular style that melds traditional music -- banda on the West Coast and salsa on the East Coast -- with elements of rap, hip-hop and Jamaican dancehall.

The East Coast brand, dubbed reggaeton, has become particularly powerful, sparking the curiosity of rappers such as 50 Cent. Last summer’s reggaeton festival, featuring Puerto Rico’s Tego Calderon, filled New York’s Madison Square Garden.

“The music of these young guys from Puerto Rico is the only new music there is out there,” says Miami-based manager Fernan Martinez, who represents Juanes and veteran crooner Julio Iglesias, whose latest album is also eligible for a nomination. “They’re going to have an influence. Don’t be surprised if 50 Cent’s next album has a little taste of reggaeton.”

Also vying in the Urban category, along with Calderon, are reggaeton pioneer Vico-C from Puerto Rico, along with Akwid, L.A.’s top banda-rap outfit.

The awards ceremony is set for Sept. 1, to be broadcast from the Shrine Auditorium on CBS.