THE PROCESS | THE CATEGORIES | THE MANUAL | SPECIAL AWARDS

Eligibility Year For The 12th Annual Latin GRAMMY^® Awards:

July 1, 2010– June 30, 2011

GENERAL FIELD (Categories 1 – 4 )

 

1. RECORD OF THE YEAR (SINGLES OR TRACKS ONLY)

For commercially released singles or tracks of newly recorded material, vocal or instrumental. Tracks from previous year’s album may be entered provided the track was not entered the previous year. Award to the Artist(s), Album Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s), and/or Mixer(s), if other than the artist. NOTE: Associate Producers and Executive Producers are not eligible.

 

2. ALBUM OF THE YEAR (ALBUMS ONLY)

For Vocal or Instrumental Albums. Albums must contain at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. Award to the Artist(s) and to the Album Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s) and/or Mixer(s), and Mastering Engineer(s) if other than the Artist.

NOTE: Associate Producers and Executive Producers are not eligible. Albums of previously released recordings (reissues, compilations of old recordings and “Best Of” packages) are not eligible.

 

3. SONG OF THE YEAR (SINGLES OR TRACKS ONLY)

A song must contain at least 51% of the lyrics in Spanish or Portuguese and must be a new song. Award to the Songwriter(s). Not Eligible: Instrumental recordings and cover songs.

 

4.  BEST NEW ARTIST

A new artist is defined as any performing artist who releases during the eligibility period, the recording that first establishes the public identity of that artist as a performer. Any previously Latin GRAMMY nomination for the artist as a performer precludes eligibility in the category (including a nomination as an established performing member of a nominated group). The artist has released, as a featured performing artist, at least one album but not more than three; and the artist has not been entered for Best New Artist more than three times, including as a performing member of an established group. Albums must contain 75% Spanish or Portuguese lyrics.

Note: If an artist first establishes their identity in a language other than Spanish or Portuguese, the artist is not eligible for Best New Artist.

 

POP FIELD

5. BEST FEMALE POP VOCAL ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded solo pop vocal performances by a female artist.

6. BEST MALE POP VOCAL ALBUM (ALBUMS ONLY)

For albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded solo pop vocal performances by a male artist.

7. BEST POP ALBUM BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCAL (ALBUMS ONLY)

For albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded pop vocal performances by duos or groups.

Note: Portuguese language recordings are NOT eligible in this Field. They are eligible in the Brazilian Field.

URBAN FIELD

8.  BEST URBAN MUSIC ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Urban music albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. Includes Merenguehouse, R&B, Reaggeton, Rap, and Hip-Hop music.

9.  BEST URBAN SONG (SINGLES OR TRACKS ONLY)

A song must contain at least 51% of the lyrics in Spanish or Portuguese and must be a new song. Award to the Songwriter(s). Not Eligible: Instrumental recordings and cover songs.

Note: Portuguese language recordings are eligible in this Field.

ROCK FIELD

10.  BEST ROCK ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. For solo artists, duos or groups.

11.  BEST ROCK SONG (SINGLES OR TRACKS ONLY)

A song must contain at least 51% of the lyrics in Spanish and must be a new song. Award to the Songwriter(s). Not Eligible: Instrumental recordings and cover songs.

Note: Portuguese language recordings are NOT eligible in this Field. They are eligible in the Brazilian Field.

ALTERNATIVE FIELD

12.  BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental alternative albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded music. This category is intended for recordings of a non-traditional form that exist (at least initially) outside of the mainstream music consciousness. Its avant-garde approach may utilize new technology or new production techniques and contain elements of Rock, Pop, R&B, Dance, Folk, Reggae, or even Classical musical styles. For solo artists, duos or groups.

13.  BEST ALTERNATIVE SONG  (SINGLES OR TRACKS ONLY)

A song must contain at least 51% of the lyrics in Spanish and must be a new song. Award to the Songwriter(s). Not Eligible: Instrumental recordings and cover songs.

TROPICAL FIELD

14.  BEST SALSA ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Salsa albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. For Solo artists, duos or groups.

15.  BEST CUMBIA/VALLENATO ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Cumbia/Vallenato albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. For Solo artists, duos or groups.

16.  BEST CONTEMPORARY TROPICAL ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Contemporary Tropical albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material that are not Salsa or Cumbia/Vallenato. For Solo artists, duos or groups.

17.  BEST TRADITIONAL TROPICAL ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Traditional Tropical albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. The genres of Son, Danzón, Guaracha and Bomba interpreted in a traditional style are eligible in this category. For Solo artists, duos or groups.

18.  BEST TROPICAL SONG  (SINGLES OR TRACKS ONLY)

A song must contain at least 51% of the lyrics in Spanish and must be a new song. Award to the Songwriter(s). Not Eligible: Instrumental recordings and cover songs.

Note: Portuguese language recordings are NOT eligible in this Field.

SINGER-SONGWRITER FIELD

19.  BEST SINGER-SONGWRITER ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For solo artist or duos. Singer-songwriter(s) MUST compose and interpret 75% of the album on their own to be eligible in this category. “Live” Albums are eligible if the album contains 51% new unreleased material (this is material released during the eligibility period). (“Live” recordings of greatest hits are not eligible). Albums entered in this field are also eligible ONLY in Album of The Year, Best New Artist (if applicable), Recording Package and in the Production Field.  Portuguese language recordings are eligible in this Field.

REGIONAL-MEXICAN FIELD

20.  BEST RANCHERO ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Ranchero albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. For Solo artists, duos or groups.

21.  BEST BANDA ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Banda albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. For Solo artists, duos or groups.

22.  BEST TEJANO ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Tejano albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. For Solo artists, duos or groups.

23.  BEST NORTEÑO ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Norteño albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. For Solo artists, duos or groups.

24.  BEST REGIONAL MEXICAN SONG  (SINGLES OR TRACKS ONLY)

A song must contain at least 51% of the lyrics in Spanish and must be a new song. Award to the Songwriter(s). Not Eligible: Instrumental recordings and cover songs.

Note: Portuguese language recordings are NOT eligible in this Field.

 INSTRUMENTAL FIELD

25.  BEST INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For albums containing 51% or more playing of INSRTUMENTAL tracks. Includes all genres of Latin instrumental recordings.

TRADITIONAL FIELD

26.  BEST FOLK ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Folk albums containing at least 51%R playing time of newly recorded material. For solo artists, duos or groups.

27.  BEST TANGO ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Tango albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material.  For solo artists, duos or groups.

28.  BEST FLAMENCO ALBUM (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal instrumental Flamenco albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material.  For solo artist duos or groups.

JAZZ FIELD

29.  BEST LATIN JAZZ ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. For Solo artists, duos or groups. Portuguese language recordings are eligible in this category.

CHRISTIAN FIELD

30.  BEST CHRISTIAN ALBUM (SPANISH LANGUAGE)  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Spanish Christian albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. For Solo artists, duos or groups.

31.  BEST CHRISTIAN ALBUM (PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE) (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Portuguese Christian albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. For Solo artists, duos or groups.

BRAZILIAN FIELD - PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE

32.  BEST BRAZILIAN CONTEMPORARY POP ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Brazilian Contemporary Pop albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. For Solo artists, duos or groups.

33.  BEST BRAZILIAN ROCK ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Brazilian Rock albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. For Solo artists, duos or groups.

34.  BEST SAMBA/PAGODE ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Samba/Pagode albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. For Solo artists, duos or groups.

35.  BEST MUSICA POPULAR BRASILEIRA ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Musica Popular Brasileira albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. For Solo artists, duos or groups.

36.  BEST SERTANEJA MUSIC ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Sertaneja music albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. For Solo artists, duos or groups.

37.  BEST NATIVE BRAZILIAN ROOTS ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For vocal or instrumental Native Brazilian Roots albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded material. For Solo artists, duos or groups.

38.  BEST BRAZILIAN SONG (PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE) (SINGLES OR TRACKS ONLY)

A song must contain at least 51% of the lyrics in Portuguese and must be a new song. Award to the Songwriter(s). Not Eligible: Instrumental recordings and cover songs.

CHILDREN’S FIELD

39.  BEST LATIN CHILDREN’S ALBUM (ALBUMS ONLY)

This category is restricted for recordings that are created and intended specifically for children. Includes            Portuguese language recordings. Award to the artist with 51% or more playing time of the album. (If no artist is credited with sufficient playing time, the award will go to the producer.)

CLASSICAL FIELD

40.  BEST CLASSICAL ALBUM (ALBUMS ONLY)

For any Classical album released for the first time during the Eligibility Year. Albums of previously released recordings (Reissues, Compilations and “Best Of” packages) are not eligible. Includes Portuguese language recordings. Award to the Artist(s) and Producer(s).

41.  BEST CLASSICAL CONTEMPORARY COMPOSITION (SINGLES OR TRACKS ONLY)

For a newly recorded original composition composed within the last twenty-five (25) years (a Composition is NOT eligible if composed before 1986), and released for the first time within the Eligibility Year. Award to the Composer.

RECORDING PACKAGE FIELD

42.  BEST RECORDING PACKAGE (ALBUMS ONLY)

For graphic design, quality and concept recording packages, in any configuration, released for the first time during the Eligibility Year; even if contents were previously released and providing the packaging is new. Only original artwork is eligible. Also eligible are digital recording packages providing proper credits and supporting material are received. Award to the Art Director(s).

Not Eligible: If basic packaging is old (cover, notes, etc.) but there is a new design on the disc itself, the package is not eligible. The category is for the entire package, not just a portion of the package.

PRODUCTION FIELD

43.  BEST ENGINEERED ALBUM  (ALBUMS ONLY)

For new recordings released for the first time during the Eligibility Year. (Reissues, Compilations and “Best Of” packages) are not eligible. Award to the Engineer(s), Mixer(s) and Mastering Engineer.

44.  PRODUCER OF THE YEAR  (ALBUMS, SINGLES OR TRACKS)

For a Producer whose recordings released for the first time during the Eligibility Year represent consistently outstanding creativity in the area of record production. 51% playing time of an album or six (6) individual tracks or singles constitute the minimum product for a producer to qualify. If an album is self-produced, production credits for Producer of the Year must include at least one (1) recording for a different artist. Minimum qualifications may be satisfied by combining a Producer’s Solo efforts with his/her Co-production efforts. If a Producer has produced at least 51% of the album’s playing time, list only the album title, not the individual tracks. Producers may enter as a team only if they have worked together exclusively during the Eligibility Year.

NOTE: Associate Producers or Executive Producers are not eligible.

45.  BEST MUSIC VIDEO SHORT FORM  

For an individual track or single promotional clip. Award to the Artist and to the Video Director / Video Producer.

ELIGIBLE

Music Videos, released for sale to the public for the first time during the Awards Eligibility Year.

Music Video programs that made a first appearance on broadcast, cable television, or Internet during the Awards Eligibility Year and which are synchronous or predominantly synchronous to a commercially released recording.

Individual tracks from compilation or sampler video album packages by individual or various artists that were released for the first time during the current or previous Awards Eligibility Year.

NOT ELIGIBLE

Non-Musical programs.

Individual videos taken from video album packages that were eligible in a previous awards year.

46.  BEST MUSIC VIDEO LONG FORM

For video album packages consisting of more than one song or track. Award to the Artist and to the Video Director / Video Producer of at least 51% of the total playing time.

ELIGIBLE

Music Videos, released for sale to the public for the first time during the Awards Eligibility Year.

Music Video programs that made a first appearance on broadcast, cable television, or Internet during the Awards Eligibility Year and which are synchronous or predominantly synchronous to a commercially released recording.

Various artist video, such as tribute or live performances. (Award would go to the Director/Producer only.)

Documentaries of musicians if music is a substantive part of the video.

NOT ELIGIBLE

Non-Musical programs.

Compilation of short form or sampler video packages by various artists.

Theatrical motion pictures which are or have been in general release.

Any long form videos or promotional clips which were eligible in a previous Eligibility Year.