Colombian singer Shakira and actress Sofia Vergara were each nominated for a 2011 American Latino Media Arts (ALMA) Award, revealed the news site Terra.
Shakira is nominated for Favorite Female Music Artist, competing against Christina Aguilera, Selena Gomez, Naya Rivera, and Jennifer Lopez.
Sofia Vergara is a contender for Favorite Television Actress with a Leading Role in a Comedy, for her role in the American television show “Modern Family.” The other nominees for the award are Selena Gomez (Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place”), Naya Rivera (Fox’s “Glee”), Demi Lovato (Disney’s “Sonny with a Chance”), and Victoria Justice (Nickelodeon’s “Victorious”).
ABC's "Modern Family" is also nominated for favorite television series. With Christina Aguilera and Selena Gomez favored for the awards, Shakira and Vergara will need all the good luck their Colombian well-wishers can send.
Both performers were born in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla, in northern Colombia. An ALMA award is a distinction given to Latino entertainers, including actors, directors, musicians and designers, by the National Council of La Raza (NCLR).
According to the president of NCLR, the ALMA Awards are “an opportunity to applaud the incredible, enriching contributions that Latinos make to American culture and celebrate in our shared Hispanic heritage." Among others, the awards president cited Shakira as an example that “new generations can learn from.”
Shakira sang as a guest performer at the 2009 ALMA Awards show. She released her latest album, “The Sun Comes Out” in October of last year, and is currently on her “The Sun Comes Out World Tour.”
The ALMA Awards are trying something new this year: members of the public can vote for their favorite performers on the awards website until September 5. A few lucky voters will receive invites to the gala and after-party.
This year’ show will be hosted by actress Eva Longoria and comedian George Lopez. Catch the 2011 ALMA Awards on NBC on Friday, September 16 at 7PM U.S. Central Standard Time (also Colombian Standard Time).