Star turn: Ricky Martin duets with Gloria Estefan

Actress and singer Jennifer Lopez introduced a tribute to Puente, which featured Ricky Martin and Gloria Estefan performing a rendition of the legendary star's song Oye Como Va.

Lopez, who arrived at the ceremony in Los Angeles with long-time boyfriend Puff Daddy, sported a modest, dusky pink dress - in stark contrast with the revealing Versace number she wore to the Grammys.

Pop singer Christina Aguilera also performed, but lost out to Colombian star Shakira in the battle for best female pop and rock vocal performances.

Other guests included boy band 'N Sync, fresh from their triumph at the MTV Video Awards, and legendary singer Bootsy Collins.

Santana's three awards were matched by Mana.

Together they won Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group for Corazon Espinado, as well as individual prizes for respective instrumental and group performances.

Jennifer Lopez arrives with boyfriend Puff Daddy

The Latin Grammys were the first-ever awards shown on prime-time US TV devoted entirely to Spanish and Portuguese-language music.

Actor Jimmy Smits, star of LA Law and NYPD Blue, said: "We Latins not only make great music, but we look good doing it."

Emilio Estefan, who was named Best Producer, added: "This is a celebration for the Spanish community.

"Now we are making big progress and people are definitely starting to accept new sounds, new music and new fashion."