Grammys 2013: Lila Downs wins for regional Mexican music

Lila Downs, the colorfully theatrical Oaxacan singer-songwriter who mixes indigenous Mexican roots music with contemporary sounds, has won the award for regional Mexican album, including Tejano.

GRAMMYS 2013: Full coverage | Live blog | Show highlights | Winners and nominees | Ballot

Downs’ “Pecados y Milagros” (Sins and Miracles) won in a field often dominated by Mexican regional genres such as ranchera and norteño. Besides English and Spanish, Downs also sings in indigenous Mexican languages such as Mixtec, Zapotec and Nahuatl, an artistic choice that underscores her political involvement in supporting native people’s rights.

ALSO:

Video: Grammy red carpet interviews

Grammys 2013: Pre-telecast ceremony broadens the spotlight

Grammys 2013: Quetzal’s ‘Imaginaries’ wins Latin alternative award

Follow me on Twitter: @RJohnsonLAT

MORE GRAMMYS COVERAGE

TIMELINE: Grammy winners through the years

PHOTOS: 2013 winners & nominees

Grammys 2013: Complete list of nominees