Nelly Furtado releases Spanish album aimed at Latino market

Wednesday, September 16, 2009; 4:22 AM

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Canadian singer/songwriter Nelly Furtado has embraced her Latin roots -- and the Latino music market -- with the release of her first Spanish language album, "Mi Plan."

Although raised in Victoria, British Columbia, her parents are of Portuguese descent and she has been speaking Spanish since the age of 14.

The Grammy-winning singer has mixed Spanish and Portuguese lyrics into songs on her previous albums, but felt it was time to dive in completely and create an album entirely in Spanish.

"I had always included 20 percent Latin content on my three previous albums, either in Portuguese or Spanish," Furtado, 30, told Reuters Television as "Mi Plan," her fourth studio album, was released internationally Tuesday.

"It's a language that I've been speaking since I was about 14. I've also been speaking Portuguese since I was a little girl, and it's a great chance to show that other side of me."

For "Mi Plan," released by Vivendi's Universal Music Group, Furtado teamed up famous Latino guest stars including Juan Luis Guerra, Julieta Venegas, and Mala Rodriguez.

The album's first single, "Manos al Aire," (Hands in the Air), recently hit No. 1 on Billboard's Latin radio chart.

It's a great album. Interestingly enough,my least favorite song is "Manos al aire" (Hands in the air) which was the first single. I'm surprised it became a number one hit in so many countries. The next single "mas" (more) will be even more successful. It is incredibly catchy and she sounds fabulous!

LaSeles said:

I think my favorite so far it "Bajo Otra Luz" with Julieta Venegas & La Mala Rodríguez I'm glad she's having success with this album.

thekidsgirl said:

My favorites are "Bajo otra luz" and "Suenos" with Alejandro Fernandez. He's a hottie too!

First single "Manos Al Aire

so, when did being of Portuguese descent make you latin?