Los
Angeles, CA One Voice Records Latin-pop recording artist Ileana
Garces received her first Latin Grammy nomination today when The
Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences announced the nominees
for the Third Annual Latin Grammy Awards. Today¹s nomination
puts Garces in a class by herself as the first female vocalist to
be nominated for both a Latin Grammy and a Dove Award for her debut
project. The Spanish-language version of Garces¹ album El Amor
Tiene Un Valor (Dare to Love), released simultaneously in English
and Spanish, received a Latin Grammy nomination in the newly established
Best Christian Album category.
Garces has received amazing attention in both the CCM market and
the Hispanic market since her album¹s 2001 release, garnering
a performance on the Gospel Music Association¹s 2002 national
Dove Awards telecast, as well as coverage in such respected publications
as Billboard, CCM Magazine, Christian Retailing and CBA Marketplace.
Garces has recently taped an upcoming television special for the
La Familia Television Network and a television special for the Univision
network¹s prestigious Primer Impacto.
The Latin Grammy Awards were established in 2000 to represent the
continued growth and diversity of Latin music. This year, two new
categories have been added Best Contemporary Tropical Album
and Best Christian Album. Among those nominated for Best Christian
Album, Garces is the not only the sole performer whose first album
has been nominated for both a Latin Grammy and a Dove Award, but
she is the only female solo
artist and the only new artist in the group of nominees, which
also includes Padre Marcelo Rossi (Paz- Ao Vivo), Roberto Orellana
(Mi Nuevo Amor), Rabito (Viva La Vida) and 33DC (Ven, Es Tiempo
de Adorarle). Earlier this year, Garces also received a nomination
for Best International Artist in Brazil's Trofeu Talento Awards,
up against such heavy hitters as Jaci Velasquez, Michael W. Smith
and Hispanic hitmaker Marcos Witt.
"It's such an honor to be the first female artist to represent
the Christian community in the Best Christian Album category of
the Latin Grammys," says Garces. "I really feel like a
winner by just being nominated. I never imagined that my first album
would reap such an acknowledgment, which, in turn, I dedicate to
my mother."
Ileana's mother, acclaimed Latin songwriter Mayda Garces, penned
the lyrics to all of the songs on El Amor Tiene Un Valor (Dare to
Love). Mayda Garces was diagnosed with breast cancer last year,
and while she was battling for her life, Ileana's accomplishments
brought moments of great joy to the family. They are overjoyed today,
not only because of this important nomination, but also because
Mayda Garces is now completely free from the cancer.
El Amor Tiene Un Valor (Dare to Love) is distributed by Provident
Distribution in the U.S. and Latin Door Distribution to the Hispanic
market.
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