Macaco, Amaia Montero, La Quinta Estación and Melendi are among the frontrunners for the 40 Principales Awards

Spain's leading music radio station 40 Principales has announced the short list of nominees for its annual music awards. Among the Spanish performers in the running are Macaco, with four nominations - including best song and best solo artist. He's followed by Amaia Montero, La Quinta Estación and Melendi, each with three nominations.  Efecto Mariposa, Fito & Fitipaldis, Nena Daconte, Pereza, Second and Zenttric each have two nominations. Among the international nominees, Carlos Baute, Jason Mraz, Luis Fonsi, Nelly Furtado, Paulina Rubio, Shakira, The Black Eyed Peas all The Killers, all have two nominations each.

The 40 Principales Awards have become over the past three years one of the world's most important music events thanks chiefly to it being broadcast throughout Latin America and the presence of big international names. There are 19 categories in total, including those going to individual Latin American countries: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and Panama.

Listeners will be able to vote online between midnight, October 10 until November 27 via los40.com. Unlike previous years, this year a professional jury will vote on the winner in three categories (Best Album, Best Video, and Best Tour/Concert).

The awards will be handed out a gala ceremony, to be held on December 11 at Madrid's Palacio de los Deportes. Among those who've confirmed their participation are Shakira and Nelly Furtado (both nominated for prizes) and Robbie Williams.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to an aid project to build a sports centre in the Colombian city of Soacha (Altos de Cazucá district), managed by the NGO Ayuda en Acción.

A number of the nominees, as well as stars of the stage musical 40 El Musical, attended the announcement of the upcoming event. At the end of the event, singer Alejandro Sanz personalized an Xbox 360 video game console which, along with another signed by Shakira, will be auctioned off to help the aid project.

Further information

Premios 40 Principales 2009