Mercado Appearing in Beyonce’s New Merch Campaign

Posted on March 18, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Jillian Mercado has landed an unBEYlievable gig…

The Latina model, who has muscular dystrophy, appears in Beyonce’s new merch campaign on the singer’s website.

Mercado, who has also modeled for Diesel and ‘CR Fashion Book,’ appears in ads for clothing that go along with the superstar’s latest single, “Formation.”

Mercado, who is represented by IMG, shared the news on her Instagram account.

Along with a screen capture of Beyonce’s website featuring herself and two other models, Mercado wrote, “So BEYond excited to finally announce that I’m on the official @beyonce website!!! A special shout out to Queen Bee herself and the amazing team behind it.”

She wears a “Hot Sauce” cap and sweatshirts emblazoned with, “I Twirl on Them Haters,” and “Smack It,” among other merch.

Santos Rules YouTube’s Total Views Chart

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Forget Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Katy Perry… Romeo Santos is the real YouTube leader.

The 33-year-old Dominican American singer, the undisputed king of bachata, is also leader on YouTube, far outpacing several mainstream artists in terms of total views.

With more four billion total views (4,351,032,074, to be exact), Santos towers over Swift (over 3.7 billion), Beyoncé (over 2 billion), Perry (over 2.6 billion), Shakira (over 1.2 billion), and other mainstream pop artists.

YouTube based its total views on both official and fan-uploaded videos from September 2014 to June 30, 2015. Only videos claimed using “Content ID” get counted. The latter is a system used by copyright owners to identify and manage their content on YouTube. When a fan, for instance, uploads content matching a work an artist owns, the copyright owner gets to decide what happens to that video; options include blocking the video, monetizing on its views by running ads against it, and tracking the video’s viewership stats. Only copyright owners who own exclusive rights to a substantial body of original material that is frequently uploaded by the YouTube user community get a Content ID.

The latest YouTube data also shows where Santos’ fanbase views are coming from. Colombia is No. 1, with over 700 million views, followed by Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador and the U.S.

But Santos’ rule is equally impressive in his home state of New York, where, according to the Wall Street Journal’s recent Musical Map of New York City study, which used data from e-jukebox vendor TouchTunes, the Dominican American heartthrob is the most popular artist in over 50 city neighborhoods.

Recently, Santos also made Billboard history on the Hot Latin Songs chart with his smash “Propuesta Indecente,” the first-ever song to reach the 100th week mark on the chart.

Fabolous to Perform at This Year’s Made in America Festival

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Fabolous is Made to order…

The 37-year-old half-Dominican American hip hop artist and “Make Me Better” singer will perform at this year’s Made in America Festival this September.

Produced by Live Nation and sponsored by Anheuser–Busch,the event features several stages that continuously host live music from a wide range of genres including hip hop, rock, pop, R&B, and EDM.

This year’s Made in America festival will take place on September 5 and 6 at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.

Headlined by Beyoncé and the Weeknd, the event will also include performances by Axwell & Ingrosso, J. Cole, Bassnectar, Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, Meek Mill, Big Sean, Future and more.

Click here to view the full lineup.

Prince Royce’s Debut English Album “Double Vision” Due July 24

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Prince Royce will be a (double) vision this summer…

The 26-year-old Dominican American singer-songwriter’s highly anticipated English-language album debut will be called Double Vision, and will be released July 24 on RCA Records, riding on the momentum of his new single “Back It Up” with Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull.

The chart-climbing track follows the Bronx-born bachatero’s first single in English, “Stuck on a Feeling.”

The list of collaborators on Royce’s English project reads like a who’s who of pop hitmakers, with names including Illya Salmanzadeh (Ariana Grande); Jason Evigan (Jason Derulo); Toby Gad (Beyoncé); Roccstar (Chris Brown); and more.

“What I put out in English, that’s who most people are going to think I am — that’s why I’m being so careful,” Royce told Billboard for a cover story earlier this year. “I love hip-hop, R&B, techno and Latin. The album’s a combination of everything I grew up listening to.”

It’s shaping up to be a busy summer for Royce, who kicks off his tour with Ariana Grande on July 16 in Tampa, Florida.

Gomez Earns Her Ninth Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award

Posted on March 29, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

She may not be a child anymore, but Selena Gomez is still the kids’ choice.

The 22-year-old half-Mexican-American singer-actress picked up the ninth orange blimp of her career at Saturday’s Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.

Gomez, who most recently collaborated with Zedd on the new single “I Want You to Know,” took home the KCA for Favorite Female Singer, beating out Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift for the honor.

The win breaks Gomez’s tie with Miley Cyrus to make her the most awarded female artist in Kids Choice Awards history.

Meanwhile, Fifth Harmony picked up its first orange blimp…

The all-girl group, consistin of members Ally Brooke Hernandez, Normani Hamilton, Dinah Jane Hansen, Camila Cabello and Lauren Jauregui, beat out 5 Seconds of Summer, Echosmith, Iggy Azalea, Jessie J and Meghan Trainor for Favorite New Artist.

Here’s a look at the complete list of winners:

Favorite Talent Competition Show
The Voice

Favorite Family TV Show*
“Modern Family”

Most Addicting Game*
Minecraft

Favorite New Artist
Fifth Harmony

Favorite Kids TV Show
“Austin & Ally”

Favorite TV Actor
Ross Lynch, “Austin & Ally”

Favorite TV Actress
Laura Marano, “Austin & Ally”

Favorite Cartoon
“SpongeBob SquarePants”

Favorite Reality Show
“Dance Moms”

Favorite Movie
“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1”

Favorite Villain
Angelina Jolie , “Maleficent”

Favorite Movie Actor
Ben Stiller, “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb”

Favorite Movie Actress
Emma Stone, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2”

Favorite Animated Movie
“Big Hero 6”

Favorite Male Action Star
Liam Hemsworth, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1”

Favorite Female Action Star
Jennifer Lawrence, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 and X-Men: Days of Future Past

Favorite Music Group
One Direction

Favorite Male Singer
Nick Jonas

Favorite Female Singer
Selena Gomez

Favorite Song Of The Year
“Bang Bang” Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj

Favorite Book
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

Smollett Signs Recording Contract with Columbia Records

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Jussie Smollett is ready to create his own music empire…

The 31-year-old Brazilian actor/singer, one of the stars of Fox’s breakout hit series Empire, has reportedly landed a recording contract at Columbia Records.

Smollett revealed the good news to Entertainment Weekly.

“There will be a Jussie Smollett album. I signed to Columbia,” he said when asked about future music plans. “So darling [Laughs] I’m label mates with Beyoncé and Adele and Barbra Streisand.”

Smollett has seen much success with his role on Fox’s smash hit, Empire, which continues to see new additions to its 13.8 million viewers with each episode.

News of the record deal comes as little surprise…

Throughout Empire’s freshman season, Smollett’s character, Jamal Lyon, has showcased some applaudable pipes. And his songs from the show has repeatedly performed well on iTunes.

Pentatonix Among 50 Acts to Be Honored at the 2015 YouTube Music Awards

Posted on March 3, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

There’s no doubt Kirstie Maldonado is YouTube sensation… After all, the video for Pentatonix’ Grammy-winning “Daft Punk” single has garnered more than 122-million views alone.

And now the 22-year-old half-Mexican/part-Spanish singer and her Pentatonix band mates are being recognized for their online success.

Pentatonix, which had the best-selling album by a group last year, is one of 50 acts that will be feted during this year’s YouTube Music Awards.

The platform noted that the winners were “chosen by the fans” as they “showed the biggest growth in views, subscribers and engagement over the last six months on YouTube.”

Collectively, the winners – which include Fifth Harmony, Beyonce, Ariana Grande, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Sam Smith, Sia, Pharrell Williams, Brad Paisley, Tori Kelly and Katy Perry — have over 146 million subscribers and 44 billion lifetime views.

To celebrate the winners, the ceremony on March 23 will comprise of premiering a slew of new Vice-produced music videos by Charli XCX, Ed Sheeran, Martin Garrix, Cahoots, Max Schneider, Migos, Megan Nicole, Nicky Jam and Shamir, among others.

The move follows the platform’s first-ever YouTube Music Awards in 2013, which streamed live from New York City’s Pier 36. Jason Schwartzman and comedian Reggie Watts co-hosted, while Spike Jonze oversaw the creative direction of the ceremony, which also featured the production of live music videos by Lindsay Sterling, Avicii and Arcade Fire.

Lopez: The Most Searched Hispanic Artist on Bing in 2014

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Jennifer Lopez is bing online…

The 45-year-old Puerto Rican singer/actress and American Idol judge ranks as the most-searched Hispanic artist on Bing.

Lopez, who most recently released her racy single “Booty,” comes in at No. 6 on the list, behind Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Justin Bieber.

Nipping at la Lopez’s heels is Selena Gomez, who recently released her greatest hits album For You.

Gomez comes in at No. 7.

Here’s a look at Bing’s Top 10 list:

No. 1: Beyonce
No. 2: Miley Cyrus
No. 3: Katy Perry
No. 4: Britney Spears
No. 5: Justin Bieber
No. 6: Jennifer Lopez
No. 7: Selena Gomez
No. 8: Taylor Swift
No. 9: Nicki Minaj
No. 10: Carrie Underwood

Iglesias to Perform at This Year’s MTV European Music Awards

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Great Scot! Enrique Iglesias is heading to Scotland…

The 38-year-old Spanish singing sensation has joined the lineup of performers at the MTV European Music Awards in Glasgow next month, according to show organizers.

Following his awards show performance, Iglesias will embark on the European leg of his Sex and Love world tour.

At this year’s EMAs, Iglesias is nominated in the Best World Stage category. After being named Best Spanish Act, he also has the opportunity to be voted into the Best Worldwide Act award category.

Iglesias joins the high profile list of performers that includes Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Calvin Harris and Nicki Minaj, who will host this year’s show .

British rock legend Ozzy Osbourne will be honored with the Global Icon Award.

Additionally, MTV has unveiled a new, socially focused award category for the MTV EMAs: Best Song with a Message. The honor is designed to recognize songs that are having “an empowering impact on young people, tackling important issues they care about and inspiring them to have a social conscience.”

The nominees in the category are “We Exist” from Arcade Fire, which addresses gender identity; Alicia Keys‘ “We Are Here,” a call for an end to violence around the world; “Take Me to Church” from Hozier, which tackles homophobia; Beyonce‘s “Pretty Hurts,” which examines obsession with appearance; and “All About That Bass” from Meghan Trainor, which talks about self-acceptance and inner beauty.

Mars Earns MTV Europe Music Awards Nomination for Best Live

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Bruno Mars is known for giving high-octane performances… And, he soon could have a prize to cement his status as a superstar live performer.

The 28-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, whose Super Bowl performance earlier this year was seen by a record 115.3 million viewers, has earned an MTV Europe Music Awards nomination for Best Live.

Mars, who won the Best Song prize at last year’s MTV EMAs, faces stiff competition from Beyonce,
Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry and One Direction.

Ally Brooke Hernandez, Camila Cabello and Lauren Jauregui and their fellow Fifth Harmony band mates have earned their first-ever MTV Europe Music Award nod. The all-girl group, winners of the MTV Artist to Watch award at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, are up competing for Best U.S. Act against Katy Perry, Beyonce, Eminem and Pharrell Williams.

Meanwhile, Enrique Iglesias is nominated in the Best World Stage category for his MTV World Stage Isle of MTV Malta performance.

In all, Katy Perry leads the pack of MTV Europe Music Awards nominees with seven nominations.

Like last year, MTV will broadcast a U.S. pre-show telecast, this time from Miami, on Sunday, November 9 at 7:00 pm ET/PT ahead of the actual awards show, which will take place from Glasgow’s Hydro at 9:00 pm ET/PT.

Voting is open in all categories on MTVEMA.com and closes Nov. 8 at 11:59 p.m. CEST.

Here’s the full list of nominees:

BEST SONG
Ariana Grande – Problem ft. Iggy Azalea
Eminem – The Monster ft. Rihanna
Katy Perry – Dark Horse ft. Juicy J
Pharrell Williams – Happy
Sam Smith – Stay With Me

BEST POP
5 Seconds of Summer
Ariana Grande
Katy Perry
Miley Cyrus
One Direction

BEST FEMALE
Ariana Grande
Beyoncé
Katy Perry
Nicki Minaj
Taylor Swift

BEST MALE
Ed Sheeran
Eminem
Justin Bieber
Justin Timberlake
Pharrell Williams

BEST LIVE
Beyoncé
Bruno Mars
Justin Timberlake
Katy Perry
One Direction

BEST NEW
5 Seconds of Summer
Ariana Grande
Charli XCX
Kiesza
Sam Smith

BEST VIDEO
Iggy Azalea – Black Widow ft. Rita Ora
Katy Perry – Dark Horse ft. Juicy J
Kiesza – Hideaway
Pharrell Williams – Happy
Sia – Chandelier

BEST ROCK
Arctic Monkeys
The Black Keys
Coldplay
Imagine Dragons
Linkin Park

BEST ALTERNATIVE
Fall Out Boy
Lana Del Rey
Lorde
Paramore
Thirty Seconds To Mars

BEST HIP HOP
Drake
Eminem
Iggy Azalea
Kanye West
Nicki Minaj

BEST ELECTRONIC
Afrojack
Avicii
Calvin Harris
David Guetta
Hardwell

BIGGEST FANS
5 Seconds of Summer
Ariana Grande
Justin Bieber
Nicki Minaj
One Direction

BEST LOOK
Iggy Azalea
Katy Perry
Nicki Minaj
Rita Ora
Taylor Swift

BEST PUSH
5 Seconds of Summer
Ariana Grande
Charli XCX
Cris Cab
John Newman
Jungle
Kid Ink
Kiesza
Lorde
Sam Smith
Zedd

BEST WORLD STAGE
Afrojack – MTV World Stage Live in Amsterdam
B.o.B – MTV World Stage Malaysia
Ellie Goulding – MTV World Stage Wireless London
Enrique Iglesias – MTV World Stage Isle of MTV Malta
Fall Out Boy – MTV World Stage Monterrey
Flo Rida – MTV World Stage Mexico
Hardwell – MTV World Stage Isle of MTV Malta
Imagine Dragons – MTV World Stage Live in Amsterdam
Kings of Leon – MTV World Stage Rock am Ring Germany
Linkin Park – MTV World Stage Rock am Ring Germany
Nicole Scherzinger – MTV World Stage Isle of MTV Malta
Pharrell Williams – MTV World Stage Wireless London
Simple Plan – MTV World Stage Monterrey
The Killers – MTV World Stage Live in Amsterdam

Best UK & Ireland Act:
One Direction
Calvin Harris
Sam Smith
Ed Sheeran
Cheryl Lloyd

Best US Act:
Beyoncé
Katy Perry
Eminem
Pharrell Williams
Fifth Harmony

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

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