Latin Grammy Fever! Tr3s' Predictions For Tonight's Big Show

Las Vegas is abuzz with glitz, glam, and A-list music and talent as the 11th annual Latin Grammy's get ready to tape the all-star LIVE show Thursday (November 11) at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

The event promises to be one big fiesta with veteran crooners and singer-songwriters joining a new generation of hip-hop artists and rockers.

Image: Grammy.com

Comedian Eugenio Derbez and actress Lucero will host the ceremony with Ricky Martin presenting the award for Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year to tenor Placido Domingo.

Leading the nominations include Uruguay's singer-songwriter and producer Jorge Drexler, Dominican legend Juan Luis Guerra, Spanish pop superstar Alejandro Sanz, and the Mexican soft rock group Camila. But who will emerge victorious? Here are a few predictions in some key categories!

Record Of The Year:
Only two artists are really in the running: Alejandro Sanz with the romantic "Desde Cuando" from Paraiso Express (Warner Music Latina) and pop trio Camila with "Mientes" from Dejarte de Amar (Sony Music). With a distinctive sound that blends Latin pop sensibility with contemporary R&B, Camila has managed to top charts region-wide and redefined the boundaries of good, commercial Latin pop. They'll win.

Album of the Year:
The healthy competition here includes two Latin Grammy favorites - Sanz and Juan Luis Guerra with A Son de Guerra (Capitol Latin). Tr3s' bet is on Guerra for an album that's both exquisite and loads of fun. But Camila may surprise with their utterly convincing set Dejarte de Amar, which may finally pave the way for a new generation to begin snaring this top award.

Song Of The Year:
Do Academy members vote with their ears or by name recognition? I mean, we all love Ruben Blades, but how many have heard "Las Calles" (RB Records)? Camila's "Mientes" is in the running and Sanz's "Desde Cuando" is not the best song on his album, but he boasts name power. But Enrique Iglesias' whimsical, evocative mega-hit "Cuando Me Enamoro" (Universal Music Latino), penned by Descemer Bueno and Iglesias, may have the best shot. The Latin Grammys have shunned Iglesias in the past, but here he performs with Guerra as a guest artist, which may break the jinx.

Best New Artist:
Never heard of any of the best new artist nominees? You're not alone. The stand out pick is Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter Alex Cuba who has worked with the likes of Nelly Furtado. But we can't help but note that the nominations in this category failed to recognize other new artist successes, like Tr3s Favorite Prince Royce, Chino & Nacho and Ana Isabelle.

Best Female Pop Vocal Album:
Nelly Furtado is the certain winner with the very compelling Mi Plan (Universal Music Latino), an album that deserves to win out of sheer musicianship and star power. An unlikely upset could be seen from Kany García, such a fine singer/songwriter and Latin Grammy favorite, with Boleto de Entrada (Sony Music Latin).

Best Male Pop Vocal Album:
Although we could go on and on about the merits of Sanz or Joaquín Sabina, Marc Anthony's exquisite Iconos (Sony Music Latin) should win this category hands down.

Best Urban Music Album:
In a twist, this category has gone beyond reggaetón to include a wide array of urban music exponents, and that alone is a heartening and exciting thing. While Vico C. is always a critical favorite, his Babilla went largely unnoticed, paving the way for Daddy Yankee's Mundial (El Cartel/Sony Music).

Best Urban Song:
Lots of songs here, none of them memorable hits for a lifetime. We'll go with Yankee's "Descontrol" or Mala Rodríguez's "No Pidas Perdón."

Do you agree with our predictions?

The 11th annual Latin Grammy's will air LIVE tonight at 8pm EST!

Let us know who you think will bring home the trophies in the comments, or @MTV3.

Tags Alejandro Sanz, Camila, Daddy Yankee, Enrique Iglesias, Eugenio Derbez, Jorge Drexler, Juan Luis Guerra, Latin Grammy Awards, Lucero, Mala Rodriguez, Nelly Furtado, Placido Domingo, Ricky Martin