Maluma to Take Part in Bill Nye the Science Guy’s Climate Change-Themed “Earth Day! The Musical” Special on Facebook Watch

Posted on April 20, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Maluma is hoping to raise awareness about climate change…

The 27-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter is joining forces with Bill Nye the Science Guy and fellow superstar musicians for an Earth Day-centered Facebook Watch special dedicated to protecting the planet.

Earth Day! The Musical, formed in partnership with Facebook Watch and EARTHDAY.org, follows Nye, the iconic TV science educator, as he teams up with Maluma and more to share with their fans what part they can play in restoring our Earth.

Nye will also pass the mic to young climate activists discussing what work they’ve been doing to help the planet, including Alexia Akbay, CEO and co-founder of Symbrosia, a Hawaii-based startup using seaweed to reduce livestock methane; Jerome Foster II, the youngest member of the Joe Biden White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council at age 18; and Xiye Bastida, a Mexican-Chilean climate activist and one of the lead organizers of the Fridays for Future youth climate strike movement in New York.

Other A-list musical guests who will be featured in the special include Justin Bieber, Ben Platt, Charli and Dixie D’Amelio, CNCO, Cody Simpson, Idina Menzel, Jack Harlow, Steve Aoki, and Tori Kelly. Zac Efron, Desus Nice and The Kid Mero, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Karamo Brown, Nick Kroll and more are also slated to appear.

On Monday (April 19), Maluma surprised fans with his freshly minted Earth Day anthem “Rumba (Puro Oro Anthem)“ that he recorded in collaboration with Michelob Ultra Pure Gold to toast to its first-ever organic lager brewed with 100 percent renewable electricity from solar power.

During Earth Day! The Musical, Facebook will roll out its #RestoreOurEarthChallenge, which calls on international viewers to share pictures, videos and other social media posts about the steps they’re taking to combat climate change on Earth Day this year.

“Earth Day! The Musical” will air on Thursday at noon ET on Facebook Watch.

Cabello Makes the List of Tiger Beat’s 19 Under 19 Nominees

Posted on September 10, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Camila Cabello may be feeling the (Tiger) Beat soon…

Tiger Beat magazine has released it’s 19 Under 19 nominees, with the 19-year-old Cuban singer and Fifth Harmony member making the list.

The program intends to showcase and recognize the importance of entrepreneurs, influencers, musicians, philanthropists and more within the teenage demographic — proving the motto “young people can make a difference too” to be true.

Cabello received a nomination in the Best Snapchat Game category, where she’ll face off against Kendall Vertes, Aaron Carpenter, Cody Simpson, Kylie Jenner and Nash Grier.

Bella Thorne, meantime, picked up a nod in the Instagrammer of the Year category. The 18-year-old half-Cuban American actress/singer is up against Brooklyn Beckham, Lilimar, Cameron Boyce, Kalani Hilliker and Brec Bassinger.

“Friday” singer Rebecca Black also earned a nomination. The 19-year-old half-Mexican American singer, who released new single “The Great Divide” recently, is nominated in the Influencer category.

Other Latino nominees include Vine stars Brent Rivera and Matthew Espinosa.

Check out the complete list of categories and nominees below, and head to TigerBeat.com to vote.

FASHION
Peyton List
Chloe Grace Moretz
Lily-Rose Depp
Willow Smith
Maisie Williams
Luka Sabbat

BEAUTY
Kellie Sweet
Bretman Rock
Olivia Jade
Teala Dunn
Amanda Steele
Suede Brooks

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
Skai Jackson
Maddie & Mackenzie Ziegler
Daya
Shawn Mendes
Forever in Your Mind
Sabrina Carpenter

NEW AND EMERGING
Brooke Butler
Sophie Beem
Grace VanderWaal
Bailee Madison
Jacob Tremblay
Wondagurl

ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asia Newson
Alexandra Chang
G. Hannelius
Willa Doss
Ben Pasternak
Benjamin Kickz

GIRLS WHO CODE
Easy Ethical
TransUnite
Curls Defined
College Safe Search
Emoodi
The Human Race

PHILANTHROPY
Maya Penn
Mikaila Ulmer
Marley Dias
Gabe Eggerling
Daniel Lara and Joshua Holz
Teagan Stedman

INFLUENCER
Rebecca Black
Alexis G. Zall
Dolan Twins
Jack Baran
Rowan Blanchard
Kid President (Robby Novak)

MOST INFLUENTIAL SONG
“Drop” by Chloe X Halle
“Panda” by Desiigner
“Lowlife” by That Poppy
“Phoenix” by Olivia Holt
“Smile” by Daniel Skye
“Say Our Goodbyes” by Harletson (Weston Wilson, Jackson Singleton and Nathan Harrington)

BEST BREAKOUT STAR OF A VIRAL VIDEO
Mike Senatore
Millicent Phillips
Jack Aiello
Henry Marr
Calysta Bevier
Macey Hensley

BAEWATCH MALE
Anwar Hadid
Jacob Whitesides
Hayes Grier
James TW
Dylan Dauzat
Peyton Meyer

BAEWATCH FEMALE
Bea Miller
Madison Beer
Dinah Jane
Ryan Newman
Isabella Moner
Sophie Reynolds

INSTAGRAMMER OF THE YEAR
Bella Thorne
Brooklyn Beckham
Lilimar
Cameron Boyce
Kalani Hilliker
Brec Bassinger

BEST MUSICAL.LY USER
Baby Ariel
Loren Gray Beech
Jacob Sartorius
JoJo Siwa
Casey Simpson
Johnny Orlando

BEST SELFIE GAME
Landry Bender
Jordyn Jones
Hailee Steinfeld
Isac Elliot
Corey Fogelmanis
Aidan Alexander

BEST SNAPCHAT GAME
Kendall Vertes
Aaron Carpenter
Cody Simpson
Kylie Jenner
Camila Cabello
Nash Grier

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Mallory Pugh
Simone Biles
Jaheel Hyde
Gretchen Walsh
Shakur Stevenson
Giarnni Regini-Moran

BEST VINER
Matthew Espinosa
Jake Paul
Lohanthony
Brent Rivera
Ava/ Katie Ryan
The Cece Show

BEST APPEARANCE IN A MOVIE
Kylie Rogers, Miracles From Heaven
Neel Sethi, The Jungle Book
Oakes Fegley, Pete’s Dragon
Ella Anderson, The Boss
Paris Berelc, Invisible Sister
Kevin G. Quinn, Adventures in Babysitting

J Balvin Cancels Miss USA Performance Following Donald Trump’s Comments About Mexicans & Latinos

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

This year’s Miss USA contestants won’t be serenaded by J Balvin, as originally planned…

The 30-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer was slated to perform on the upcoming Miss USA pageant, airing live July 12 on NBC.

But Balvin pulled out of the show, citing his discomfort following recent comments about Mexicans and Latinos from Donald Trump, who owns the Miss Universe Organization in a joint venture with NBCUniversal.

“It was going to be my first performance on national [mainstream] television,” Balvin told Billboard exclusively from his home in Medellín, Colombia. In fact, he says, repertoire had already been discussed.

“But we’re talking about our roots, our culture, our values,” he added. “This isn’t about being punitive, but about showing leadership through social responsibility. His comments weren’t just about Mexicans, but about all Latins in general.”

The comments that ruffled Balvin’s feathers were made just a few minutes into Trump’s speech announcing his presidential bid on June 16.

“When do we beat Mexico at the border?” asked Trump. “They’re laughing at us, at our stupidity. And now they are beating us economically. They are not our friend, believe me. But they’re killing us economically.

“The U.S. has become a dumping ground for everybody else’s problems,” he continued. “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.

“It’s coming from more than Mexico,” Trump added. “It’s coming from all over South and Latin America, and it’s coming probably — probably — from the Middle East.”

Balvin didn’t immediately hear the speech, since he was in Colombia at the time, where he lives. He also didn’t associate Trump with Miss USA until a friend pointed out the connection.

When he listened to the speech, he was shocked.

“Mexico is a Latin powerhouse,” he said. “And Mexicans, they’re known as hard workers. Here in the U.S., not everybody wants to do those kinds of jobs. I’ve lived. I know what it feels like and what they go through and how families suffer. A comment like that is powerful.”

At that point, he says, he made a decision to pull out of the show — this, despite the fact that political commentary is something he typically shies away from.

“I think music is to have fun. It’s for people to have a good time with. I’m no savior and I’m no Robin Hood,” Balvin said. “But in this case, I feel totally comfortable and responsible with my decision.”

Balvin will still get his mainstream TV opportunity: On July 25, he’ll join Stevie Wonder, Avril Lavigne, Cody Simpson and Nicole Scherzinger, among others, in headlining the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. The event will air on ESPN.

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.

Posey to Host This Year’s Teen Choice Awards

Posted on July 20, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Tyler Posey is the host with the most…

The 22-year-old half-Mexican actor and star of MTV’s Teen Wolf has been named as the host of this year’s Teen Choice Awards by Fox.

Posey is familiar with the Teen Choice Awards. In 2012, he took home one of the award show’s trademark surfboards in the Choice Male Summer TV Star category, while Teen Wolf won Choice Summer TV Show.

Last year, the series received a Teen Choice Award for Choice Summer TV Show, and Posey received the award for Choice Male Summer TV Star, as well as an ALMA Award for Favorite TV Actor.

Most recently, he was named one of Variety‘s Power of Youth honorees. He received the award earlier this year in recognition of the work he has done with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Last year, Posey appeared on the big screen in Scary Movie 5. He also starred in the indie film White Frog and in the upcoming feature comedy Taco Shop, scheduled for release in 2015.

Previously announced stars scheduled to appear are Jake T. Austin, Bella Thorne, Lucy Hale, Jamie Blackley, Ian Harding, Kellan Lutz, Cody Simpson, Hailee Steinfeld, Gregg Sulkin and Zendaya.

The annual event will air live on Sunday, August 10 at 8:00 pm ET.

Voting for this year’s awards is currently open, and fans ages 13 to 19 can vote once each day per category at teenchoiceawards.com through Saturday, Aug. 9.

Becky G Appears on Jessie J’s New Single “Excuse My Rude”

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Becky G is asking to be excused…

The 16-year-old Mexican American singer/rapper has collaborated with Jessie J on the English singer-songwriter’s latest track “Excuse My Rude.”

The brand new song, which was just unveiled this week, will be featured on Jesse J’s upcoming album.

Becky G started her career as an online artist YouTube in 2011. She would go on to be featured on “Oath” by Cher Lloyd, “Wish U Were Here” by Cody Simpson and a remix of “Die Young” by Ke$ha. Becky released her debut single “Becky from the Block” earlier this 2013. The music video, which features a cameo appearance by Jennifer Lopez, was released on April 8, 2013.

Jessie J unveiled the track with a special song lyric music video, which follows “Wild” and “It’s My Party” as the latest song to be unveiled from her follow-up to Who You Are. Jessie J’s second studio album is due next month.

Sanchez to Present at the Radio Disney Music Awards

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Jessica Sanchez has a date with Radio Disney…

The 17-year-old half-Mexican American singer, who will be appearing on Fox’s Glee next month, will serve as a presenter at this year’s Radio Disney Music Awards.

The American Idol runner-up, who recently released the first single from her debut album, will make her appearance on the awards show being held on April 27 at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.

But Sanchez isn’t the only Latina set to present an award…

Selena Gomez, who performed her new single “Come and Get It” at this weekend’s MTV Movie Awards, will serve as a presenter and performer at the Radio Disney Music Awards. Gomez is also a two-time nominee.

Other presenters include Bella Thorne, Bridgit Mendler, Denise Richards, R&B singer Jason Derulo, NASCAR Daytona 500 champion Trevor Bayne and Zendaya.

Along with Gomez, Cher Lloyd, Mendler, Cody Simpson, Mindless Behavior, Austin Mahone and Coco Jones are also scheduled to perform.

Gomez Nominated for Two Radio Disney Music Awards

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Selena Gomez may take the stage more than once at this year’s Radio Disney Music Awards.

The 20-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actress isn’t just scheduled to perform at the awards show; she’s also a two-time nominee this year.

Gomez has received a nod in the She’s The One – Best Female Artist category. The Harper’s Bazaar cover girl is up against Cher Lloyd, Taylor Swift  and Bridgit Mendler.

Gomez is also nominated in the So FANTastic – Fiercest Fans category. The Spring Breakers star is up against her ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber, who could be the subject of her latest single “Rule the World,” as well as One Direction, Austin Mahone and Cody Simpson.

Other Latino nominees include Bruno Mars in the He’s The One – Best Male Artist category and Bella Thorne in the Video VIP – Best Music Video category.

Voting is officially underway and concludes April 14. Votes can be cast on RadioDisney.com, Facebook, Twitter or via text messages.

The Radio Disney Music Awards will take place Saturday, April 27, at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.

Here’s the complete list of nominees:

They’re The One – Best Music Group:

One Direction

The Wanted

Mindless Behavior

Ultimate Breakout Star – Biggest Viral Artist:

Austin Mahone

Ryan Beatty

Cimorelli

IM5

Christina Grimmie

The Bestest – Song Of The Year:

I Knew You Were Trouble – Taylor Swift

Beauty And A Beat feat. Nicki Minaj – Justin Bieber

Live While We’re Young – One Direction

Want U Back – Cher Lloyd   

He’s The One – Best Male Artist:

Justin Bieber

Cody Simpson

Austin Mahone

Bruno Mars   

She’s The One – Best Female Artist:

Selena Gomez 

Cher Lloyd

Taylor Swift

Bridgit Mendler

Hit The Road – Best Break Up Song:

We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together – Taylor Swift

Payphone – Maroon 5

Wide Awake – Katy Perry

Want U Back – Cher Lloyd

XOXO – Best Crush Song:

Wish You Were Here feat. Becky G – Cody Simpson

Say You’re Just A Friend – Austin Mahone

Had Me @ Hello – Olivia Holt

Heart Skips A Beat – Olly Murs

Radio Disney Live – Best Acoustic Performance:

Ready Or Not – Bridgit Mendler

Say Somethin’ – Austin Mahone

Loud – R5

Heart Skips A Beat – Olly Murs

Funniest Celebrity Take:

How To Audition – Cher Lloyd

Air Guitar – Ross Lynch

Sandwich Rap – Coco Jones

Video VIP – Best Music Video:

Fashion Is My Kryptonite – Bella Thorne & Zendaya

Heart It On The Radio – Ross Lynch

Ready Or Not – Bridgit Mendler

Holla At The DJ – Coco Jones

So FANTastic – Fiercest Fans:

Beliebers

Mahomies

Selenators 

Simpsonizers

Directioners

Gomez to Perform at the Radio Disney Music Awards

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Former Disney Channel star Selena Gomez is heading home…

The 20-year-old half-Mexican American actress/singer, who will be releasing new music in March, will be headlining the Radio Disney Music Awards at L.A. Live’s Nokia Theatre on Saturday, April 27.

Gomez, who will be shedding her Disney image in Spring Breakers in the coming weeks, tops the list of young performers that includes Bridgit Mendler, Cody Simpson, YouTube sensation Austin Mahone, Cher Lloyd and Coco Jones, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Fans will have the chance to vote for their favorites in categories like Ultimate Breakout Star: Biggest Viral Artist; XOXO: Best Crush Song; and So FANtastic: Fiercest Fans, among others. The Radio Disney Music Awards will also recognize five kids from the U.S. with the Heroes for Change award, recognizing their efforts to make a difference in their communities.

The Radio Disney Music Awards celebrate the most popular recording artists among kids and tweens. The awards show will be available across multiple platforms, including Vevo, Disney Channel, Radio Disney, and the RadioDisney.com and Disney.com websites.

Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.

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