Rodriguez Named to Time Magazine’s 25 Most Influential Teens List

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Rico Rodriguez is a teen sensation and inspiration…

The 16-year-old Latino actor and SAG Award winner, best known for his role as Sofia Vergara’s son on ABC’s Modern Family, has been named to Time magazine’s 25 Most Influential Teens of 2014.

The names included in the second annual spotlight were selected after the publication “analyzed social-media followings, cultural accolades, business acumen and more.”

Rodriguez was heralded for his scene-stealing role as Manny Delgado on ABC’s smash-hit comedy, as well as the hefty paycheck he gets. According to reports, he’ll earn a whopping $115,000 per episode if the show continues through season eight.

But Rodriguez isn’t the only Latino/a to make the list…

Becky G, named to Billboard’s 21 Under 21 list, earned a spot on the list.

The 17-year-old Mexican American singer/rapper was signed by mega-producer Dr. Luke in 2011 after watching her YouTube covers. The investment paid off: Becky G saw her track, “Shower,” chart in more than a dozen countries and become a top 20 hit in the U.S. this summer. When she’s not writing her own music, she represents CoverGirl as one of its youngest-ever Latina spokeswomen and helps craft tunes for other pop acts, like Cher Lloyd and fellow teen Cody Simpson.

The final Latin artist on the list: Bethany Mota.

The 18-year-old half-Mexican YouTube vlogger and fashionista, a competitor on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars this season, has built her YouTube channel, Macbarbie07, into a massive business—with 7.4 million subscribers, 565 million-plus views, and between $500,000 and $750,000 in annual ad revenue. And now she’s expanding her empire. This year, along with competing on DWTS, Mota served as a guest judge on Project Runway, all while overseeing the clothing line she launched with Aéropostale. She also released her first single, “Need You Right Now.”

Visit Time for the full list, including a Nobel Peace Prize winner, young entrepreneurs, political activists, athletes, chefs and scientists.

Fifth Harmony Named to This Year’s Billboard 21 Under 21 List

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Ally Brooke Hernandez, Camila Cabello and Lauren Jauregui are hot young stars…

The Latina singers and their fellow Fifth Harmony members have earned a spot on Billboard’s 21 Under 21 list, the annual ranking of music’s most powerful minors.

Fifth Harmony, the all-girl group created by Simon Cowell on the second season of The X Factor, has moved up from No. 21 last year to No. 5 on the 2014 list.

Since their formation, Hernandez, Cabello, Jauregui and the gang have earned love from a million Harmonizers, one of the most passionate online fanbases today, helping the ladies of Fifth Harmony continue to thrive a few years removed from their X Factor introduction.

Following their debut EP release last October, Fifth Harmony has spent much of 2014 on the road supporting artists like Demi Lovato and Austin Mahone on tour, winning over new fans while preparing for the release of their debut full-length album, Reflection.

The first single, “Bo$$,” flaunted a rhythmic new sound and became 5H’s biggest Billboard Hot 100 hit to date, ahead of Reflection’s November release.

Recently, Fifth Harmony has added some impressive honors to their list of accomplishments, earning the MTV Artist to Watch award at the MTV Video Music Awards, as well as the Favorite Band on Social Media award at the Shorties.

They recently released the second single from Reflection, “Them Girls Be Like.”

But Fifth Harmony’s Latina singers aren’t the only Hispanic artists on the list…

Becky G makes her first-ever appearance on Billboard’s 21 Under 21 list.

The 17-year-old Mexican American singer, rapper, actress and CoverGirl model comes in at No. 9 on the list.

The L.A.-born Gomez has continued to build momentum since her Dr. Luke-produced debut single “Shower” reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2014. “Can’t Get Enough,” featuring Pitbull, spent a week at No. 1 on the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart in June and recent TV performances on the Today show and the 2014 Teen Choice Awards, among others, have brought even more attention to the Latina teen queen. Her strong social media following (she’s quickly approaching 5 million Facebook likes) has continued to rise as she tours with Katy Perry, Demi Lovato and Jason Derulo. With her debut full-length album set for release later this year, Becky G is on her way to becoming a bona fide power brand.

Meanwhile, the first Latino on this year’s list is Luis Coronel.

The 18-year-old regional Mexican singer, who comes in at No. 11, hadn’t even finished high school before he was trending on social media and showing up on the Billboard charts in 2013. One year later, he has a major teen following in the U.S. and beyond, as well as a thriving career under his belt.

The Del Records artist spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Regional Mexican Albums chart with Con La Frente En Alto in October 2013 and his single “Tenerte” spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Regional Mexican Airplay charts earlier this year.

He’s also had two top 10 hits on the Hot Latin Songs chart, has won trophies for new artist of the year at the 2014 Billboard Latin Music Awards and social media sensation on Telemundo‘s Premios Tu Mundo awards show, has served as a judge on the Mexican singing competition show La Academia Kids and has toured with major recording acts Julion Alvarez to Gerardo Ortiz. Next up for Coronel: a new album, Quiero Ser Tu Dueno, due on September 30.

Last, but certainly not least, Scotty McCreery comes in at No. 16 on this year’s list, down eight spots from his No. 8 position last year.

The 20-year-old part-Puerto Rican country singer has come a long way since winning season 10 of American Idol. The past year has seen the North Carolina native continue to grow his career. “See You Tonight” became his first top 10 hit on the Billboard charts, and became his third gold single. His sophomore album of the same name topped the Country Albums chart upon its release in October 2013, and also became his third straight song to hit the top 10 on the Billboard 200.

McCreery is also proving himself as a live commodity — his See You Tonight tour put him in front of thousands of fans each night, and continues to roll across the country through December. As he approaches 21 in just a few weeks, this will be Scotty’s last appearance on our 21 Under 21.

McCreery Named Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist at the American Country Awards

Posted on December 10, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Scotty McCreery is bucklin’ up all over again…

The 20-year-old part-Puerto Rican country singer, one of Billboard.com’s 21 Under 21 honorees this year, has picked up the second commemorative guitar of his young career at the American Country Awards, which aired live from Las Vegas on Fox.

The former American Idol champion beat out Lee Brice,  Hunter Hayes,  Randy Houser  and Justin Moore to win the Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist award.

Last December, McCreery – whose sophomore album See You Tonight debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart –was named the Artist of the Year: New Artist.

The American Country Award winners are selected by the genre’s fans.

Luke Bryan was among the night’s biggest winners, earning the top prize, artist of the year, about eight months after receiving the same accolade from the Academy of Country Music. The Georgia native also won male artist of the year and touring artist of the year, bringing him to 12 ACA awards in the Fox show’s four-year history.

Here is the full list of American Country Award winners:

Inaugural Worldwide Artist Award
Taylor Swift

Video Visionary Award
Brad Paisley

Artist of the Year
Luke Bryan

Artist of the Year: Male
Luke Bryan

Artist of the Year: Female
Miranda Lambert

Artist of the Year:
Lady Antebellum

Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
Scotty McCreery

Artist of the Year: New Artist
Florida Georgia Line

Album of the Year
Based On a True Story… Blake Shelton

Single of the Year
‘Cruise,’ Florida Georgia Line

Single of the Year: Male
‘Sure Be Cool If You Did,’ Blake Shelton

Single of the Year: Female
‘Mama’s Broken Heart,’ Miranda Lambert

Single of the Year: Duo/Group
‘Downtown,’ Lady Antebellum

Single of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
‘I Drive Your Truck,’ Lee Brice

Single of the Year: New Artist
‘Cruise,’ Florida Georgia Line

Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration
‘Highway Don’t Care,’ Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban

Touring Artist of the Year
Luke Bryan

Great American Country – Music Video of the Year
‘Sure Be Cool If You Did,’ Blake Shelton

Music Video of the Year: Male ‘
‘Sure Be Cool If You Did,’ Blake Shelton”

Music Video of the Year: Female
‘Blown Away,’ Carrie Underwood

Music Video of the Year: New Artist
‘Cruise,’ Florida Georgia Line

Music Video of the Year: Group or Collaboration
‘Highway Don’t Care,’ Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban

Song of the Year (award goes to the songwriter(s):
‘‘Highway Don’t Care,’ Mark Irwin, Josh Kear, Brad Warren and Brett Warren – Recorded by Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban- WINNER

Radio track of the year Florida Georgia Line – ‘Cruise’

Radio track of the year: New artist Florida Georgia Line – ‘Cruise’

Radio track of the year: Male Randy Houser – ‘How Country Feels’

Radio track of the year: Female
Miranda Lambert – ‘Mama’s Broken Heart’

Radio track of the year: Group
The Band Perry – ‘Better Dig Two’

McCreery Leads the Latweeno Pack of Billboard.com’s “21 Under 21” Honorees

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

He may only be a minor… But Scotty McCreery is a major player in the music industry…

The 19-year-old part-Puerto Rican country singer and former American Idol champion has been named to Billboard.com’s 2013 list of 21 Under 21, a ranking of music’s most powerful minors.

Now that Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez have turned 21, McCreery now ranks as the top Latweeno on the list, coming in at No. 8.

McCreery, who ranked at No. 4 last year, will be celebrating his 20th birthday early next month somewhat differently than most people his age. Onlysix days after he exits his teens, McCreery will release See You Tonight, his sophomore follow-up to his platinum 2011 debut album Clear As Day.

McCreery continues his hot streak in 2013. The first single and title track from the new disc continues moving up the singles chart, and he also headlined his first tour this year. That, along with an endorsement deal with fried chicken chain Bojangles, makes him a shoe-in for this year’s list.

But McCreery isn’t the only Latino on the list…

Puerto Rican singer Miguelito comes in at No. 14 on the 21 Under 21 list. At 14 years old, he already boasts a Latin Grammy and a multi-million dollar branding business that includes “Miguelito” vitamins, clothing line, videogame, summer camp, party goods and a themed cruise.

According to his manager dad Wascar Valenzuela, Miguelito-branded products have sold more than $70 million to date.

With a newly minted representation deal with CAA and a new record deal with BlastMusic, Miguelito is poised to crossover early next year with new album, Here To Stay.

“People tell me I’m a 21 or 30-year-old mind inside a 14-year-old body,” says the reggaetón star.

Meanwhile, Fifth Harmony, with 20-year-old Allyson Brooke Hernandez, 17-year-old Lauren Jauregui and 16-year-old Camila Cabello come in at No. 21 on the list.

Formed by Simon Cowell on last year’s edition of The X Factor, Fifth Harmony’s brief career so far is on the fast track for success.

Their triumphant debut single “Miss Movin’ On,” produced by the Suspex (the duo behind Lovato’s “Heart Attack“), became the first track from an American The X Factor alumni to break Billboard’s Hot 100, peaking at No. 76.

The song samples a debut EP expected on October 22 via Epic Records/Syco Music.

In the meantime, the quintet is on tour with Cher Lloyd and was recently featured in Disney‘s “Next Big Thing” series.

Justice to Perform at Dream Halloween Benefit

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Call it a Halloween treat… Victoria Justice is set to perform at a holiday themed event in the Los Angeles area aimed at helping children affected by HIV and AIDS.

The 19-year-old half-Puerto Rican singer/actress and Nickelodeon star, who will star in the Halloween-themed film Fun Size later this month, will perform at the 19th annual Dream Halloween Los Angeles event.

Taking place at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, the event will bring together more than 2,000 parents and children in support of children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.

Justice, who was recently named to Billboard.com’s 21 Under 21 list, will be debuting new songs during her special performance, as well as taking part in meet-and-greets with her fans.

Since its inception in 1994, the Dream Halloween events have raised more than $15.5 million.

Lovato Partners with Secret for Anti-Bullying Campaign

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Demi Lovato has seen her star power increase since taking a seat at the X Factor judges’ table… And now’s she’s using that higher profile to continue her fight against bullies.

The 20-year-old part Mexican singer/actress, who was recently named to Billboard.com’s 21 Under 21 list, has partnered with Secret deodorant to launch the “Mean Stinks” campaign to end bullying.

“I had a really tough time when I was in middle school,” says Lovato, who offered her support to a victim of bullying during a recent episode of The X Factor. “People would write ‘hate petitions’ [about me] and send them around to be signed. They’d have CD-bashing parties of my demos. They’d come to my house, stand across the street and yell things. I was a very emotional time for me, and all I wanted to do was get away.”

Following a short stretch in rehab to treat bulimia and cutting nearly two years ago, Lovato has been vocal in her stance against teenage bullying. On Thursday, the pop star surprised students at New York City’s Young Women’s Leadership School to discuss the program and encourage them to “gang up for good.”

Lovato asked girls to pledge to have a “Drama Free School Year” by painting blue nail polish on their pinky fingers – a symbolic pinky swear.

“I’ll definitely be wearing [the nail polish] starting soon,” said Lovato, who was recognized last December with a Do Something Award for her commitment to community service. “It’s a conversation starter: ‘Hey, why is your pinky blue?’‘This is a pinky promise that I’m not going to bully people, that me and my friends are ganging up for good.’”

Secret is donating $1 (up to $150,000) from each purchase of the company’s Mean Sinks Clinical Strength deodorant to the cause as part of the initiative.

More information on the program can be found via Secret’s Facebook Page.

Lovato: The Top-Ranking Latweeno on Billboard.com’s 21 Under 21

Posted on September 18, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Billboard.com is back with its list of this year’s hottest minors in music, with five Latweeno artists/groups making the cut… And Demi Lovato isn’t only the highest ranking Hispanic artist, she’s also the top-ranking female…

The 20-year-old part Mexican singer/actress, who ranked at No. 7 last year, moved up four spots on Billboard.com’s latest 21 Under 21 installment, which ranks the most powerful minors in music.

Here’s a look at the Latweenos making the grade this year:

No. 3: Demi Lovato
Following the personal problems that threatened to derail her career two years ago, Lovato has come back Unbroken, which happens to be name of the album she released last year. It’s an album that’s still garnering attention. The album’s first track “Skyscraper” recently picked up an MTV Video Music Award, while follow up single “Give Your Heart a Break” has resulted in Lovato’s first-ever No. 1 on the Billboard charts.

But that’s not all… Lovato scored a high-profile primetime television gig by joining Fox’s The X Factor, where she’s currently judging other aspiring artists alongside Simon Cowell and Britney Spears.

Throw in a popular summer tour with Hot Chelle Rae and hosting gigs at the Teen Choice Awards and MTV’s live New Year’s Eve Special, and 2012 is proving to be the year the former Disney Channel star is reaching new heights in her already impressive career.

No. 4: Scotty McCreery
Scotty McCreery is holding steady on the 21 Under 21 list, coming in at No. 4 once again. That’s probably because the 18-year-old part-Puerto Rican country singer’s career has been going full steam ahead since he won American Idol in 2011. McCreery, who graduated from high school this year, saw his debut album Clear as Day reach No. 1 on the Billboard charts.

Even though he hasn’t placed a single in the top 10 on the country charts, McCreery has developed a very loyal fan base at a young age. Clear as Day helped him claim prizes from the American Country Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards and the CMT Music Awards.

McCreery even toured with Brad Paisley and performed on the CW’s Hart of Dixie.

McCreery is following up his debut album, which was certified platinum, with a holiday set, Christmas with Scotty McCreery, will hit stores on October 16.

No. 6: Selena Gomez
She may have dropped three spots on the 21 Under 21 list, to No. 6, but Selena Gomez has not fallen off the radar. In the last year, she’s released another hugely popular album (When the Sun Goes Down), which spawned the hit singles “Who Says” and “Love You Like a Love Song,” which earned Gomez her first-ever MTV Video Music Award nod. And the 20-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actress performed the album’s third single, Hit The Lights, on Dancing with the Stars.

And Gomez has broadened her appeal while taking a break from recording music. This spring, she launched a brand new fragrance and focused on her film career. Her voice will be heard in the animated film Hotel Transylvania, and she’s set to appear in two films that could help shatter her Disney image: Spring Breakers with James Franco and the crime drama Getaway.

And she’s currently dating the No. 1 on the 21 Under 21 list, Justin Bieber, which has resulted in countless tabloid placements. Selena Gomez and the Scene will hopefully be back soon, but in the meantime, she continues to leave her indelible imprint on pop culture.

No. 17: 3BallMTY
3BallMTY may not be huge in the United States, but they could be very soon. The Mexican DJ collective, comprised of 19-year-old Erick Rincón, 19-year-old Alberto Presenda (DJ Otto) and 20-year-old Sergio Zavala (DJ Sheeqo Beat), have managed to turn their hobby into a huge business that’s reached a global audience thanks to their signature “tribal guarachero” sound. They’ve achieved success via radio airplay and synch deals with brands like Pepsi. And they recently dominated the list of finalists for the upcoming Billboard Mexican Music Awards. Despite their newfound fame, 3BallMTY has kept a cool and down-to-earth attitude about the group’s ascent in the music business. This past summer they opened up for Justin Bieber in a special concert at the famous Zócalo, the main square in the heart of historic Mexico City in front of about 200,000 music fans. “It was a bit nerve-wrecking,” says Rincón, “but once we were out on stage it was an amazing experience that we will never forget.”

No. 21: Victoria Justice
Victoria Justice has taken a tumble on the 21 Under 21 list, dropping from No. 10 to No. 21. But that has nothing to do with the 19-year-old half-Puerto Rican singer/actress’ talent. The star of had a relatively quiet recording year. She’s the breakout star of the Nickelodeon hit show, even while co-stars like Ariana Grande are seeing their stock rise. The release of the show’s latest soundtrack, Victorious 2.0, coincided with the release of Justice’s recent solo single, “Make It In America,” and in August Justice embarked on her first solo tour in support of the pop tune.

With Victorious ending it’s run on cable, Justice will be setting her sights elsewhere. She has a new film Fun Size coming out this October; and she plans to release a solo album shortly after that.

Click here to see this year’s complete list of music’s hottest minors.

Lovato to Mentor the Tweens on “The X Factor”

Posted on August 26, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

She’s a former Disney star with plenty of experience as a tween sensation… And, now Demi Lovato will be sharing her knowledge to help other potential artists realize their tweenage dreams…

In her new role as a judge on Fox’s The X Factor, the 20-year-old part-Mexican American singer/actress will serve as a mentor to solo singers between the ages of 12 and 16.

And Lovato, who ranked as one of Billboard.com’s 21 Under 21 last year, will be getting an assist from her former Camp Rock co-star, Nick Jonas. He’ll mentor Lovato’s team during the judges’ house round, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

During this phase, the judges will mentor 32 acts who are divided into four different categories (8 acts in each category).

Along with Lovato handling the solo singers ages 12 to 16, Britney Spears will mentor singers ages 17 to 24, L.A. Reid will guide contestants ages 25 and over, and Simon Cowell taking on the groups.

The second season of The X Factor will premiere Wednesday, September 12 at 8:00 pm on Fox.

Five La-Tweenos On Billboard.com’s 21 Under 21 List

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

What do Miguelito, Victoria Justice, Demi Lovato, Scotty McCreery and Selena Gomez have in common? They’re all tweenage Latino artists who’ve made the cut to be placed on Billboard.com’s latest installment of 21 Under 21, the website’s annual ranking of music’s most influential minors.

Here’s a closer look at the “Fantastic Five,” fresh-faced Latino stars who’ve made this year’s “Teenage Dream” list:

Selena Gomez
It’s no surprise that Gomez is the highest-ranking Latino/a on the list. In the last year, the Mexican-American’s star has shined brighter than ever. Along with the buzz surrounding her romance with the Justin Bieber, the 19-year-old singer/actress released her third album with her band the Scene, “When the Sun Goes Down.” Released this summer, the dancetastic album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, fueled by the hit singles “Who Says” and “Love You Like a Love Song.” Gomez ended her run on the Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” and hit the big screen with a starring role in “Monte Carlo.” She hosted the pre-show portion of MTV’s Video Music Awards and she’ll host the 2011 MTV Europe Awards in November. But wait, there’s more! She also launched her own clothing line, Dream Out Loud, and she’s set to debut her own fragrance line next spring.

Scotty McCreery
Last year, McCreery wasn’t even a 21 Under 21 contender. Now he ranks at No. 4 on the list. So what changed in a year? Two words… “American Idol,” the hit show that has forever changed his life. The part-Puerto Rican McCreery first captured the attention of the judges with his bombastic baritone voice at the Milwaukee auditions for “American Idol” season 10. And the North Carolina teen stole the hearts of millions of viewers, mainly young girls who instantly fell for his boyish good looks, as the season progressed. After being named “Idol” champ, McCreery signed with Mercury Nashville and released his first smash single, “I Love You This Big.” He’s now readying for the release of his debut album, “Clear as Day,” next week.

Demi Lovato
Coming in a No. 7 is the part-Mexican actress/singer who saw her star rise after starring roles in the Disney Channel’s “Sonny with a Chance” and “Camp Rock.” After dropping out as the opening act on the Jonas Brothers tour last fall and entering a treatment facility for an eating disorder and self-injury, 18-year-old Demi Lovato is back and better than ever after what she calls “the darkest time” of her life. Earlier this month, Lovato returned to the spotlight from with a new album, “Unbroken,” which features collaborations with Missy Elliott and Timbaland. Her lead single, “Skyscraper,” debuted in the Top 10 of the Hot 100.

Victoria Justice
The 18-year-old star of Nickelodeon’s hit show “Victorious” ranks at No. 10 on this year’s list of 21 Under 21. The half-Puerto Rican singer/actress may be most recognized for her role as Tori Vega on “Victorious,” but she’s starting to make a real name for herself as a musician as well. Earlier this summer the “Victorious” soundtrack, which features the Hollywood, Florida native on nearly every track, debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 album chart. She’s now hard at work on her first solo album and will be re-recording the love theme from the original “Footloose” film with rising country star Hunter Hayes for the soundtrack to the 2011 remake of the movie.

Miguelito
Coming in at No. 20, rising reggaetón star Miguelito. He may only be 12-years-old, but the pint-sized Puerto Rican singer has already won a Latin Grammy—the youngest person to win the award. Mentored by reggaetón star Daddy Yankee, Miguelito launched his recording career at the age of 7. And he’s been making chart-topping music ever since. He’s currently preparing to release his fifth album, “Nadie Sabe lo que Tiene,” next month, and he’s starring in his first feature film of the same name. But that’s not all; he’s also launched several products, including a video game, a line of party goods, a clothing line, hair gel, children’s vitamins, a summer camp and a Christmas cruise.

Click here to check out the complete list of musicians making up Billboard.com’s 21 Under 21.

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