DON OMAR, PITBULL, PRINCE ROYCE, MANA, ROMEO SANTOS,
SHAKIRA AND WISIN & YANDEL AMONG TOP FINALISTS

Telemundo announced the finalists for the 2012 Billboard Latin Music Awards presented by State Farm® during a special live telecast of its morning show “Levantate.” Don Omar, Pitbull, Prince Royce, Mana, Romeo Santos, Shakira and Wisin & Yandel, are among the top finalists competing in multiple categories. Daddy Yankee, Juanes and Jenni Rivera make up the initial line-up of leading musical acts confirmed to perform. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 26 at Bank United Center at the University of Miami in Florida and will be produced and broadcast live in HD by Telemundo.

Leading all artists as a 16-time finalist in 14 categories is Don Omar who is up for awards in major categories including Songs Artist of the Year, Male; Latin Pop Songs Artist of the Year, Solo; Tropical Songs Artist of the Year, Solo; Latin Rhythm Songs Artist of the Year, Solo; Latin Rhythm Albums Artist of the Year, Solo and Social Artist of the Year. 

Transcending cultures and languages, and known for successful collaborations with other artists; Pitbull, the self-proclaimed “Mr. 305” for his Miami roots is a 14-time finalist in twelve categories.

Prince Royce, a recipient of the 2011 Billboard Latin Music Award for Latin Artist of the Year, New, continued his success in 2012 with his album “Prince Royce” and the single “Corazon Sin Cara,” and is now a finalist in 12 categories including Artist of the Year.

After the release of their single “Lluvia y corazón” during the 2011 Billboard Latin Music Awards, Mexican rock band Maná enjoyed great success, and they are 11-time finalists this year.

Bachata superstar singer and songwriter Romeo Santos, also the lead vocalist of Aventura, had a successful year as a solo artist. He is a 10-time finalist. His song “Promise,” featuring Usher, vies for Song of the Year, Vocal Event and Tropical Song of the Year.

International leading female singer Shakira is up for 10 awards in nine categories. Her album “Sale El Sol” competes for Digital Album of the Year. 

Puerto Rican reggaeton duo Wisin & Yandel is competing for eight awards. Their album, “Los Vaqueros: El Regreso” is competing for Latin Rhythm Album of the Year, and their song, “Estoy Enamorado,” is a finalist for Latin Rhythm Song of the Year.

The complete list of finalists, in addition to unlimited and exclusive access to this year’s event, can be found at www.telemundo.com, the official website of the 2012 Billboard Latin Music Awards presented by State Farm®.