Performers honored at Latin Music Awards

Juan Luis Guerra had little to say, but his awards spoke volumes.

Guerra was one of three triple-winners – Colombian rocker Juanes and dance diva Paulina Rubio were the others – at Thursday’s glittery Billboard Latin Music Awards in Miami.

The Dominican singer-songwriter won male tropical album of the year and Latin Christian or gospel album of the year for his “Para Ti” (“For You”).

Guerra also won the Spirit of Hope award for the work of his foundation, which raises money for children’s medical care from eyeglasses to organ transplants.

“I just thank God for the privilege of helping others,” he said.

Juanes’ “Mi Sangre,” which touched fans with stories of political and social struggle interwoven with messages of hope and love, won male Latin pop album of the year.

Juanes, recently named as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, also won hot Latin track of the year and top male Latin pop airplay track for the song “Nada Valgo Sin Tu Amor” (“I’m Nothing Without Your Love”).

Rubio’s chart topping “Pau-Latina” was named the best female Latin pop album. She also earned prizes for top hot Latin tracks artist and best female Latin pop album.

The awards honor the most popular albums, songs and performers in Latin music as determined by sales and radio airplay data published on Billboard’s weekly charts.