The nominees for the 48th annual Grammy Awards were announced bright and early this morning in New York City and Latinos represented among those nominated. Mariah Carey received 8 nominations in categories including Best Song and Record of the Year.

Looking specifically at the Latin categories, Ricardo Arjona, Jorge Drexler (who may be able to sing his own song this year) Andrea Echeverri (of Aterciopelados fame), Citi Zen, and Laura Pausini were all nominated for Best Latin Pop Album.

Perhaps the strangest lineup of Latinos which had me scratching my head is in the Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album category which has Shakira, Molotov, Orishas, La Secta AllStar, and Vico C. Since when is Vico C Rock or Alternative?

Other Latinos who showed up on the nominee list include Bebo Valdés, Tito Nieves, Luis Miguel, Little Joe Y La Familia, and Los Pleneros De La 21.

On a completely off topic note, did you know there is a Best Hawaiian Music Album category? I need to watch those two minute spots where they throw in so-called “lesser” catagories before the commercials more carefully.

Check out the entire list of nominees at Grammy.com