Los Angeles, Apr 2 (IANS/EFE): Singer Pitbull was the big star of the 19th edition of the BMI awards in Latin music, where he received the BMI President's Award in recognition of his influence on the entertainment industry, the organization said.

The gala was held Friday night in the Encore Hotel in Las Vegas and also served to recognize the work of songwriters and recording studios for the success of their musical creations in 2011.

Pitbull, who performed at the ceremony, also received the BMI award for songwriter of the year, a recognition he shared with Juan Luis Morena Luna "Wisin", Llandel Veguilla Malave "Yandel" and Espinoza Paz.

"Nina de mi corazon", recorded by La Arrolladora Banda El Limon, was selected as the BMI Latin song of the year with the award going to songwriter Horacio Palencia.

Universal Music Publishing Group won its second consecutive BMI Latin Publisher of the Year award for having 11 songs on the list of the most widely-performed numbers of 2011.

Before going to Pitbull, the BMI President's Award had been presented to artists such as Juanes, Kike Santander, Taylor Swift, Emilio and Gloria Estefan and Willie Nelson.