Miami will host Latin Grammys

NEW YORK (Latin Academy) - Miami will be the venue for this year's Latin Grammys, despite a possible renewed threat of protests by Cuban emigrants.

The awards show was moved to Los Angeles from Miami two years ago after threats of similar protests. But after months of negotiations between Miami officials and the Latin Academy, both sides have decided to brazen it out.
"It is time to officially bring the show to Miami, one of the most culturally diverse and musically vibrant cities in America," said Manolo Diaz, chairman of the Latin Academy's board of trustees.

The awards ceremony in 2001 was postponed after it was scheduled for 11 September. It had been awarded to Miami but was moved to Los Angeles after Cuban exile groups threatened to protest at the event.
They were unhappy because artists from the communist state would have been allowed to perform.

A spokesman for the coalition of Cuban exile organisations that planned the protests said they would organise demonstrations again if Cuban artists were invited.
"If Fidel Castro is treated like a showbusiness impresario and is allowed to send Cuban agents to the event, because those performers are not artists, then for sure we will organise protests again," said Emilio Izquierdo.

The event is due to be held at the American Airlines Arena on 3 September.

The awards showcase some 41 different categories of music, including lesser-known styles like flamenco, ranchero and norteno.
But the Latin Grammys ceremony also includes more mainstream pop acts.