LATIN GRAMMYS PREP
FOR ALL-STAR LINEUP

A veritable who's who in Latin music, and even some that have no identifiable ties to the genre, are slated to appear at tonight's Latin Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Christina Aguilera, Michel Camilo, Celia Cruz, Djavan, Sheila E., Gloria Estefan, Alejandro Fernndez, Israel "Cachao" Lopez, Man, Ricky Martin, Miami Sound Machine, NSYNC, Tito Puente Jr., David Sanchez, Arturo Sandoval, Carlos Santana, Shakira, Son By Four, Dave Valentin, Arturo Velasco and Carlos Vives have been slated to perform at the inaugural event.

Antonio Banderas, Penlope Cruz, Cristin de la Fuente, Oscar de la Hoya, Placido Domingo, Hector Elizondo, Jose Feliciano, Juan Luis Guerra, Cheech Marin, Valeria Mazza, Fito Paz, Robi Rosa, Jon Secada and Jaci Velsquez have been tapped as presenters.

KCBS and VH1 are partnering for a red carpet pre-show telecast, which will air live from 4:30-6 p.m. EDT on CBS.

The 1^st Annual Latin Grammys will be co-hosted by Estefan, Andy Garcia and Jimmy Smits, and will be televised on Sept. 13 by the CBS. Rumors that organizers were hoping for a show-stopping brawl to boost ratings went unconfirmed at press time.

Emilio Estefan Jr. and Carlos Vives lead all nominees with six nods each, while Marc Anthony and Shakira each scored five. The awards will be handed out in 40 categories.

Insiders are still pondering the importance of these awards as they line up for pedicures and fittings.