Santana, Shakira Win Big At Latin Grammys
Other Winners Include Emilio Estefan, Luis Miguel
Santana did not go home empty-handed. The legendary guitarist was recognized for his instrumental song "El Farol" in the best pop instrumental performance category, handed out before the televised award ceremony.
Shakira, who performed a blistering take of her hit "Ojos Asi" -- complete with belly dancing and flames shooting up from the stage -- took home two Latin Grammys for best female pop performance and best female rock vocal performance.
Mexican crooner Luis Miguel won three Latin Grammy awards including album of the year, best pop album and best male pop vocal performance for his album "Amarte Es Un Placer."
Six-time nominee Marc Anthony, who could not attend the awards ceremony because of family obligations, was able to snag the song of the year Latin Grammy for "Dimelo (I Need To Know)."
Emilio Estefan was honored for both his music producing and his video directing at the pre-show awards by taking home producer of the year and the best music video Latin Grammys.
Latin musicians were nominated in 40 categories, eight of which were broadcast on the television award show.
Award Show Had More Performances Than Awards
The 2000 Latin Grammys telecast squeezed in 10 performances in the two-hour program, showcasing nominees like Columbian singer Carlos Vives and Shakira that mainstream U.S. audiences may not have been familiar with.
The show began with a musical tribute to the late Tito Puente with artists like Ricky Martin, salsa legend Celia Cruz and award show hosts Gloria Estefan and actor Andy Garcia, playing bongo drums, celebrating the drummer's music.
Besides Shakira's fiery performance, Carlos Vives had the audience dancing on their feet with his salsa-flavored hit "Fruta Fusca." His album was nominated for record of the year.
Popular acts like Christina Aguilera, 'N Sync, performing their hit "This I Promise You" entirely in Spanish, and Gloria Estefan also had a place on the stage.
The award show was entirely bilingual in English and Spanish. Hosts Jimmy Smits, Gloria Estefan, Andy Garcia and Jennifer Lopez did most of the English-speaking on the program.
Most of the award winners spoke entirely in Spanish during their acceptance speeches. And even presenters like Oscar-nominated actress Melanie Griffith, who is married to Spanish actor Antonio Banderas, presented an award partly in Spanish.
For a full list of 2000 Latin Grammy winners, visit their Web site, www.grammys.com
