Big Names Ace the Lesser-Known

The big problem in this year’s Latin categories was most glaring in rock/alternative, where L.A. favorite Ozomatli won over a stellar field that included acclaimed albums by Juanes and Aterciopelados. Ozomatli, the only U.S.-based entry, was arguably the weakest choice in this competitive category. Conclusion: Name recognition won out over musical merit, a trend that also leveraged wins by Freddy Fender and Robert Blades, Ruben’s lesser-known brother.