Now in their ninth year, the Latin Grammys have grown to 49 categories, many of which parallel those handed out at the Grammys, including the top awards for album, record and song of the year. Read the Los Angeles Times story here.

Leading the nominations announced today are Mexican alt rockers  Cafe Tacuba with six nods including bids for those top three. Juanes, a Colombian singer-songwriter with 12 Latin Grammys already on his mantle, is competing for another five this year, including nods in the top three races. Also up for five awards is two-time Oscar winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla ("Brokeback Mountain," "Babel") turned record producer.

Phil Gallo of Variety delivers an analysis of the main nominees. As he points out, "New artist is the only place in the four general categories in which Portuguese-language singers are found. Roberta Sá, who sings bossa nova and Brazilian pop, and samba singer Diogo Nogueira are up for the trophy along with Puerto Rico’s Kany Garcia, Mexican actress Ximena Sarinana and Colombia’s Mónica Giraldo, who has released three albums since 2002."

And, as per Gallo, "Unlike previous years, nominees in the top four categories are pop and rock acts of varying stripes and a fair number of the artists and young and relative newcomers. Only one regional Mexican act, the ranchera singer Vicente Fernandez, is up for one of the top awards."

For even more analysis, read this report from Los Angeles Times' Agustin Gurza - CLICK HERE.

Over the first eight years of the awards, Mexican artists hold a two trophy edge over Brazilian performers, leading the total tally 79 to 77. These countries benefit from categories devoted exclusively to their regional music. Well back in third place is Spain with 42 awards followed by Colombia at 33 and then Cuba and Puerto Rico with 26 apiece and Argentina with an even two dozen. Tied for eighth place are the Americans and those from the Dominican Republic with 15 each.

Gloria Estefan, who will be honored as person of the year, competes in three categories. The awards will be handed out on Nov. 13 at the Toyota Center in Houston with the kudocast airing on Univision.

For the full list of nominees - CLICK HERE

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