April 04, 2007

By By Leila Cobo, Miami

Joan Sebastian, David Bisbal, R.K.M. & Ken-Y, Los Creadorez del Pasito
Duranguense, Los Horoscopos de Durango, Diana Reyes and Mariano Barba are
the first performers announced for the 2007 Billboard Latin Music Awards. The event will air live on the Telemundo network on April 26 from the BankUnited Center in Miami.

Also performing that evening is Spanish pop star Miguel Bose, who will be receiving Billboard's Lifetime Achievement Award for his 30 years in the music business. Bose's newest album, "Papito," debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums Chart.

This year's performers reflect a broad variety of genres and styles. They include the reggaeton duo R.K.M. & Ken-Y, who are finalists in seven categories, as well as romantic banda singer Mariano Barba, making his first appearance at the Billboard awards. A record total of 51 awards will be given out this year, including in the newly created categories of Latin Rhythm airplay and Latin Rhythm Albums label of the year.

Other performers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The 18th
annual Billboard Latin Music Awards follow the Billboard Latin Music Conference, taking place April 24-26 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami. For a complete list of finalists and a schedule of events, please visit Billboardevents.com.

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