Colombian singer Carlos Vives, one of Latin America's biggest stars and a working-class hero in his home country, leads the nominations for this year's Latin Grammy Awards.

Vives, a former soap opera actor who performs in the traditional Vallenato style, was given six nominations at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The "Queen of Salsa", Cuban diva Celia Cruz, is next in the race with four nominations.

The awards ceremony will be held on 18 September

Miguel Bose, Emilio Estefan, Juanes, Gian Marco and Alejandro Sanz, all follow with three nominations each.

The awards - a Latin version of the prestigious annual Grammys - were postponed in 2001 because they were scheduled to take place on 11 September.

This year's prize-giving ceremony, due to take place on 18 September, will be held in the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood, the home of the Oscars.

Carlos Vives' nominations include album, record and song of the year. "Me and my people are very happy," he said.

"This shows that traditional music and rhythms that come from the heart can have appeal no matter the language."

Vallenato music is the traditional style of Colombia's northern plains, and is known for its simple lyrics about village life.

Protests

Celia Cruz, who has won two Latin Grammys in the past, is nominated for album and record of the year, best salsa album and best music video.

La Ley, Dori Caymmi, Circo and Sin Bandera all received two nominations each.

Before 2001's event was postponed, its venue was switched from Miami to Los Angeles after anti-Castro protests at the participation of Cuban artists.

The Latin Recording Academy, which now has 4,000 members, was established in 1997 and the first awards ceremony was held in 2000.