We can't think about music right now

Andres Recio, artist manager

The 53rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards show, which was to have been broadcast on CBS from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, was postponed "out of respect for the victims, their families and all fellow citizens," said Jim Chabin, president of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS).

Also postponed by ATAS was nearly a week of celebrity receptions and other events leading up to the awards show, television's equivalent of the Oscars.

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A spokesman for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences said the Grammys had been called off "in light of the events that have been transpiring".

The organisation issued a statement along with the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences and CBS, saying: "Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and everyone who has been impacted by these horrific events."

Colombian rock artist Juanes was favourite to walk away with the lion's share of awards.

'Tragedy'

Juanes' manager Andres Recio said: "We can't think about music right now.

"The only feeling we can have now is about the families involved by this tragedy."

Juanes, 27, is nominated in seven categories, including album of the year, song of the year and best new artist.

Christina Aguilera was nominated for two awards

When the awards do take place he will battle out with Spanish artist Alejandro Sanz, who received five nominations including best male pop vocal.

But the event has been dogged by controversy. Anti-Castro demonstrators were threatening to storm the event in a protest at the presence of Cuban artists.

Mafia drama The Sopranos topped the list of nominees for the 53rd Annual Primetime Emmy awards with 22 nominations, including one for American TV's top award, best drama.

Nominations echoed those of last year, with White House drama The West Wing just behind The Sopranos with 18 nominations - also including one for best drama.