J.Lo, Shakira & Ricky Martin speak up in support of Alejandro Sanz

In response to the snubbing of Alejandro Sanz by Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez, as many as 80 Latino artists signed a petition in support of the Spanish singer, stating that they "believe in a Latin America where we are all free to express our views." Sanz made some disparaging comments about Chávez during a press conference in 2007. "I don't like him," Sanz told the local press in reference to the Venezuelan leader. 

Since then, there has been a contentious relationship between Sanz and Chevez. Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Ricky Martin and many others rallied support for the Grammy Winner, after the local government canceled a November 2007 show for vague "security reasons."

Sanz was determined not to abandon his fans in Caracas however and scheduled a stop for his latest tour in Venezuela. Hugo Chavez has recently denied the allegations that the singer is persona non grata in Venezuela and has reportedly extended an olive branch.