Gloria and Emilio Estefan are two of the most successful Latin stars

Havana-born Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio are among the most successful musicians to come out of Miami, which has a large Cuban population.

"The only reason we were participating in the Grammys this year is because it was a dream for us that it would be in our city that we love," Emilio Estefan told the Miami Herald on Saturday.

Feelings had been running high about the inclusion of Cuban artists in proceedings.

It's nothing against the Grammys or the Cuban community, I just wish things would have worked out

Emilio Estefan

Some 100 groups had been given permission to protest outside the venue about conditions and lack of freedom of expression in the communist country.

Latin Recording Academy bosses also believed demonstrators had obtained tickets and planned to disrupt the show, which will be broadcast on American TV network CBS.

Emilio Estefan said it was "nothing against" the Grammys or the Cuban community.

"I just wish things would have worked out," he told the newspaper.

Christina Aguilera has received two nominations

Emilio Estefan was named Person of the Year at the first Latin Grammys, held in Los Angeles last year.

He was behind the Miami Sound Machine, which Gloria Estefan fronted and who had a number of worldwide hits in the 1980s including Dr Beat and 1-2-3.

Gloria Estefan presented awards and performed at last year's show.

Among those nominated for awards this year are Christina Aguilera, Ricky Martin and Juanes.

Economy boost

The Academy had worked with Miami officials for months to try to thrash out a safety strategy to protect artists and guests.

An estimated $35m (�22.6m) was expected to flood into the Miami economy through hosting the ceremony.

Michael Greene, president of the Latin Recording Academy and National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, said it was their mission to celebrate excellence in all recorded Latin music, regardless of who produced it.

He has also said the Academy would work to bring the Latin Grammys to Miami in the near future.