The event is expected to pay tribute to Cuban-born Cruz

Nominees including Latin jazz stars Chucho Valdes and Los Van Van are unlikely to attend Wednesday's ceremony because they have not been given visas.

But US diplomats say visa requests were delayed by the Cuban government.

The dispute has revived feuding which began when the awards were moved to Miami, home of the US Cuban community, in 2001.

This year, Cuban exiles plan to demonstrate if any musicians from Cuba - run by Fidel Castro after a revolution in 1959 - appear with official consent.

Demonstrators have been given a permit to hold a protest.

In 2002, disagreements with the exile community led to the awards being held in Los Angeles, while in 2001 they were cancelled because of the 11 September attack on the US.

Cruz tribute

Organizer Gabriel Abaroa said the fourth annual Latin Grammys should be "the most dynamic yet," adding that he was pleased with the multi-cultural line-up.

A total of 205 artists have been nominated in this year's event, with New York-based producer Sergio George receiving six nominations and four-time winner Juares and Argentine songwriter Gustavo Santaolalla each getting five.

This year the event is expected to pay tribute to Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa, who died in July.