Julieta Venegas discusses Latin Grammys

09/29/2006 11:24 AM, AP


Just call her "the accordion girl."

That's Mexican singer Julieta Venegas' nickname in Spain, where she's wrapping up a tour. The shy, accordion-toting singer recently received four Latin Grammy nominations for her album "Limon y Sal."

"I'm thrilled, a little overwhelmed and happy about what is happening," she told The Associated Press on Thursday. "I feel like a lot of things are lining up at once."

But she doesn't want to jinx her good luck by preparing an acceptance speech.

"First, I think it would bring bad luck ... and I think I would be too nervous to read anything," she said. "If I win an award, I'll just say whatever occurs to me."

She's competing for best short music video, best alternative music album and best album, plus best song for "Me Voy."

The first of Venegas' three other albums were more rock, but she has slowly made the transition to pop.

"I'm doing songs now that are simpler and more direct, and in a way that communicates quicker with people," she said. "But I'd rather not know if that is why I'm getting more of a following."