Eva L. prepares to host the ALMAs

Known as much for putting on red-hot musical numbers as for their recognition of Latino talent in entertainment, the NCLR Alma Awards are back with a vengeance after financial concerns caused producers to pull the ceremony from the airwaves following its 2002 showing on ABC. Set to tape Sunday at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and airing June 5 at 9:30 p.m. EDT/PDT, the Almas boast a rock-solid lineup of advertisers and a renewed relationship with ABC, which features more Hispanics on hit shows (including "Desperate Housewives," "Freddie," "George Lopez," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Lost") than any other TV network. "It just seemed like a natural fit for us to bring (the Almas) back at this time," ABC Entertainment director of specials Mark Bracco says. "Housewives" star Eva Longoria will host the ceremony and executive produce alongside David Chavez and Jeff Margolis. A stellar roster of presenters, special awards to be presented to actor Andy Garcia and singer Marc Anthony and more of the Almas' trademark musical pairings hold the promise of a successful production. "It is really inclusive and showcases diversity so well," Chavez says of the unconventional duets. "Music can go beyond racial lines. It appeals to everybody -- it's universal." [HR]