Reyes to Perform at This Year’s Latin American Music Awards

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Sofía Reyes is ready for her internationally televised close-up…

The 20-year-old Mexican singer, who was discovered by way of YouTube, has been added to the list of performers for the second annual Latin American Music Awards.

Earlier this year, Reyes released her third single “Solo Yo“, a heartfelt ballad and her first singing collaboration with mentor Prince Royce. Both are featured in the official music video.

Along with Reyes, the new roster of performers includes Pitbull, Banda MS, Flo Rida, Miguel Bosé, Joey Montana, Alvaro Soler and Baby Rasta & Gringo.

They join previously announced performances by CNCO, Gente de Zona, Gerardo Ortiz, Jesse & Joy, Prince Royce, among others.

Yandel and Banda MS lead this year’s nominations with six nods each. Other top nominees include Nicky Jam, Enrique Iglesias, J Balvin and Los Plebes de Ariel Camacho.

The 2016 Latin AMAs are set to take place on October 6 at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.

The ceremony, hosted by Mexican singer and actress Lucero, will broadcast live on Telemundo, which will include a special tribute in honor of the late Mexican singer and songwriter Juan Gabriel, who died August 28.

Lucero to Host This Year’s Latin American Music Awards

Posted on October 3, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Lucero’s this year’s Latin AMAs hostess with the mostess…

The 46-year-old Mexican singer/actress and television host will serve as the host of the first-ever Latin American Music Awards.

Known as Latin America’s sweetheart, Lucero has a long history of serving as the mistress of ceremonies for numerous awards shows.

“La Novia De America” has hosted the Latin Grammy Awards eight times and the Mexican Telethon since 1997, as well as telethon editions in Chile, Guatemala, El Salvador and U.S. She also coached contestants on the first season of La Voz México.

The Latin AMAs, taking place on October 8 from the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, will begin with a one-hour red carpet pre-show special at 8:00 pm. ET, followed by the awards show at 9:00 pm. ET, to be broadcast live simultaneously on Telemundo and NBC Universo.

The night will culminate at 11:35 pm. ET, with the exclusive behind-the-scenes special Latin American Music Awards: Acceso VIP.

The night will be filled with talent. Confirmed performers for the event include Paulina Rubio, Daddy Yankee, Jesse & Joy, Reik, Farruko, Fonseca, Shaggy, Lil Jon, Yandel, Natalie La Rose, Jencarlos Canela, Luis Coronel, CD9, Gloria Trevi, Gerardo Ortiz, Il Volo and DJ Alex Sensation.

The show will also include a special musical tribute to the late queen of salsa, Celia Cruz, produced by salsa veteran Sergio George and featuring Colombian sensation Maluma, princess of salsa India, Mexican icon Yuri and singer/actress Aymée Nuviola — who portrays Cruz in the new Telemundo series Celia.

Juanes to Perform for Pope Francis at World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Juanes is about to have an experiencia religiosa…

The 42-year-old Colombian superstar will perform for Pope Francis as part of the World Meeting of Families on September 26.

The event, which takes place every three years, will mark the first time Pope Francis visits the United States during his papacy.

Juanes joins a roster that includes Andrea Bocelli and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

“Our most important mission in this voyage of life is learning how to love, and what better way to do it than through family,” said Juanes. “I’m deeply honored to sing for Pope Francis.”

The World Meeting of Families is a triennial event that seeks to strengthen family bonds globally. In choosing who would perform at the Festival, the notion was to “bring together performers that represented the world,” said executive director Donna Crilley Farrell.

Performing for the pope has been a big goal for many acts through the years, particularly acts from predominantly Catholic Latin America.
Those who’ve performed for popes in recent memory include Gloria Estefan (for Pope John Paul II in 1995), Argentina’s Diego Torres (In 2003 for John Paul II) and Mexico’s Lucero (also for Pope John Paul II in 1997).

Last year, Argentine Martina Sotessel, who plays Violetta in the popular music-minded Argentine soap opera, sang for Pope Francis in Rome.

Santiago Wins the Third Installment of Telemundo’s “La Voz Kids”

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Jonael Santiago is the pint-sized voz of the season…

The 11-year-old Puerto Rican dynamo with an outsize personality was declared the winner of the third installment of La Voz Kids, the Spanish-language kiddie version of The Voice on the Telemundo network.

Santiago’s win — determined by audience voting from more than 1.2 million viewers — was not a slam dunk by any means. This third season boasted a particularly talented lineup of finalists, including 11-year-old Shanty Sumaya, a Mexican American from Texas who already plays gigs in her home state and is particularly good at grupero; and 14-year-old Franser Pazosa, a Cuban-born 14-year-old from Portland, Oregon, with a stunning, versatile voice.

Santiago, a diminutive boy who looks younger than his years, couldn’t match their vocals, but he made up for it with stage presence, attitude and dance moves that evoked Bruno Mars and Michael Jackson. His grand finale was Mars’ “Treasure,” a song chosen for him by coach Natalia Jimenez.

“He’s an amazing package,” Jimenez told Billboard after the win. “He can dance, he can sing, he can act. I wanted him to sing something he can move with. He’s really good at singing ballads, but the most impressive thing is seeing him dance and sing at the same time.”

Even Daddy Yankee, a competing coach, agreed. “It’s so entertaining to watch Jona onstage,” he said after Santiago’s final performance.

Santiago competed against contestants coached by Jimenez, ranchera singer Pedro Fernandez and reggaeton star Daddy Yankee, who shared the stage as coaches for the first time in this third season of La Voz. The show, whose previous coaches have included Paulina Rubio and Prince Royce, has become a ratings success for Telemundo.

La Voz Kids is a variation on The Voice’s format that features kids as contestants, major music stars as coaches and big-name guest performers. For the Sunday night finale, held — as the entire season was — at Universal Orlando, featured performers for the evening, beside the contestants, were Marc Anthony and Gente de Zona, Mexican singer Lucero and La Voz coach Fernandez.

The winner of La Voz Kids gets a $50,000 cash prize from AT&T that goes toward their education, and a recording contract from Universal Music Latino for the production of a song and video. That could go in different directions for Santiago, who moved from Puerto Rico to Miami two years ago to further his training in music and dance and sings equally well in both languages.

“I felt comfortable with ‘Treasure,’” he said of his final performance. His favorite acts, he says are “Demi Lovato — I love her — and Tori Kelly. I really want to record in the studio ‘All In My Head’ by Tori Kelly; she’s awesome.” However, he added, “Spanish is my first language and I came to Miami two years ago and I’m not perfect [in English yet]. I’m Puerto Rican and I always will be and I’ll talk Spanish forever.”

Sanz to Perform at This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Alejandro Sanz is bringing zombies to the Billboard Latin Music Awards…

The 46-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter will perform “Un Zombie a la Intemperie,” the first single from his upcoming new album, during the awards show on the April 30.

Sanz’s appearance will mark the worldwide television premiere of “Un Zombie a la Intemperie.”

The song will be included on Sanz’ new album Sirope, his 10th studio set. The artist has announced to his over 12 million Twitter followers that the album will be released on May 4.

Sanz, a Latin music superstar who has won more Grammys than any other Spanish artist, has also announced the first dates of what is expected to be a worldwide tour to support the album.

Starting with a concert in Cordoba on July 7, he’ll be performing in Spanish cities throughout the summer, finishing in Seville on Sept. 26.

The Billboard Latin Music Awards, hosted by actress and TV host Gaby Espino and Mexican singer Pedro Fernandez, will also feature performances Wisin, Daddy Yankee, J Balvin, Carlos Vives, Regional Mexican chart topper Julion Alvarez y Su Norteño Banda, Ana Gabriel, Lucero, and special honorees Roberto Carlos and Carlos Santana.

Topping the list of this year’s finalists are Romeo Santos (21 entries), Enrique Iglesias (19), J Balvin (12), Marc Anthony (7), Drake (7), Descemer Bueno (6), Gente de Zona (6), Julion Alvarez y Su Norteño Banda (6), Farruko (6) and Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizarraga (6).

Fonsi Joining Telemundo’s Singing Competition Show “Yo Soy El Artista”

Posted on August 14, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Luis Fonsi is ready to judge the Latin entertainment world’s next big star…

The 36-year-old singer/songwriter has joined Telemundo’s singing competition show Yo Soy El Artista as a judge and vocal adviser during the show’s premiere in September.

Fonsi joins songstress Olga Tañon on the program, which is being hosted by singer/actress Lucero. The show has already completed casting calls across the U.S. and Puerto Rico in a bid to find contestants who can sing, dance and show overall showmanship during the 13-week competition.

“I’m happy to … be part of the team responsible of the search for future Latin stars,” Fonsi said in a statement. “I’m pleased to share my knowledge, experience, dedication, passion and discipline for music in my role as a judge and vocal adviser to find the contestant who will be the recipient of the title of El Artista.”

In his nearly 20-year career in music, Fonsi has had a continued presence on the Billboard charts. In May, the Latin Grammy winner released his latest album, 8.

“Having Luis Fonsi on Yo Soy El Artista adds a unique and different component to the competition since we have witnessed his growth as an artist,” said Maria Lopez-Alvarez, SVP of Reality Programming at Telemundo. “His contribution to the show will be essential not only because of his great talent and popularity, but also his accomplishments as a singer.”

Both Telemundo and Spain’s Reset TV are developing, producing and distributing the show, which is based on the original concept by Reset TV founders Toni Cruz and Josep Maria Mainat known for creating other popular shows such as Mira Quien Baila.

Longoria Among This Year’s Hispanic Heritage Awards Honorees

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

She’s one of the Latino community’s biggest advocates… And, now Eva Longoria is being recognized for her efforts.

The 38-year-old Mexican American actress, who recently received a special award from the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), has been named a Hispanic Heritage Awards honoree.

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) recently announced this year’s eight honorees, with the former Desperate Housewives star at the top of the list.

The Hispanic Heritage Awards celebrate Hispanic cultural pride, contributions, and accomplishments,

Longoria will receive the Community Service Award, for her endless list of charitable and political efforts within the Latino community.

Here’s a look at the 2013 Hispanic Heritage Awards honorees:

Actress Eva Longoria, Community Service Award
Musical Group Los Tigres Del Norte, Legend Award
Chef Jose Andres, Design Award
Superintendant Alberto Carvalho, Education Award
Voto Latino President Maria Teresa Kumar, Leadership Award
Actress and Singer Lucero, Vision Award
Actor/Director/Producer Diego Luna, Inspira Award
Race Car Driver Juan Pablo Montoya, Sports Award
Nonprofit National Math and Science Initiative, STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Award

“The Hispanic Heritage Awards are proud to honor yet another inspiring group of Latino leaders,” said Jose Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO of the HHF. “The Hispanic community has made significant contributions throughout history on America and the world and it’s an honor to be an organization established by the White House to recognize that impact.”

Longoria and her fellow honorees will be celebrated during the prestigious Hispanic Heritage Awards on September 5 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

The awards presentation will be broadcast on MundoFox on Sunday, September 15, at 6:00 pm EST.

Telenovela Producer Estrada Honored by Los Angeles City Council

Posted on August 11, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

She’s one of the leading telenovela producers in Latin America… And, now Carla Estrada is being recognized in the City of Angels for her industry impact.

The Mexican telenovela producer was honored on Friday by the city of Los Angeles for her audiovisual work and her support of the Hispanic community in the United States.

“The city council’s tribute to Carla Estrada is at the same time for the entire Hispanic community, because for people who speak both English and Spanish in Los Angeles, she has taken our culture to the next level with her telenovelas,” said Jose Huizar, councilman for Los Angeles’ 14th District.

After receiving the honor, Estrada said she was accepting the recognition “in the name of all Latinos who, with effort and dedication, have been able to survive here in the United States.”

“Through my work, what I’ve sent them on television is a little of their native land, a bit of its colors, its flavors, and I join them in the faraway love they have for so many relatives, for so many people they cannot have near them,” she said.

Estrada, who once appeared on People En Español‘s list of The 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the world, has worked as an executive producer on more than 20 telenovelas, as well as other entertainment programs for Televisa in her more than 30-year career.

Notable among her productions are 1987’s Quinceañera starring Adela Noriega and Ernesto Laguardia, 1993’s Los Parientes Pobres with Lucero and Laguardia, 2003’s Amor Real and 2009’s Sortilegio.

Amor Real shocked the world by having higher ratings than all of the other television shows in America; placing Univision ahead of American networks like NBC and ABC.

“When I started working on the production of shows in Mexico 35 years ago, only men were in charge of production and direction,” Estrada recalled.

“But the biggest obstacle I had were the women, because many of them refused to take orders from another woman, and they made me cry and want to throw in the towel…but I didn’t leave, which is why I’m the first woman telenovela producer in Mexico,” said Estrada, who saw the Mexican government place a statue of her in one of Mexico City’s most important parks back in 2005.

Lucero to Perform at the Billboard Latin Music Awards

Posted on March 23, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Lucero is preparing to make sweet music for Billboard…

The 43-year-old Mexican singer/actress has been added to the list of performers at next month’s 2013 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

Lucero, the star of Univision’s recent hit telenovela Por ella soy Eva, is known as “Mexico’s Sweetheart.” She’s been in the entertainment business for more than three decades and has sold more than 27 million albums worldwide.

But Lucero isn’t the only night’s big performer…

Don Omar, Gerardo Ortiz, Michel Telo and Carlos Vives have also been named as performers at the awards show, which will telecast live from Miami’s BankUnited Center on April 25 on Telemundo at 7:00 pm ET.

Don Omar, the “king of reggaeton,” leads the pack of nominees with 18 nods, including Artist of the Year.

Ortiz, who was discovered on YouTube just a few years ago, has created a musical revolution with his innovative compositions. The host of mun2’s DUB Latino is up for six awards.

Telo, who hails from Brazil, became a global musical sensation last year with his hit “Ai Se Eu Te Pego.” Up for seven awards, Telo made his U.S. debut last year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards.

Click here for the full list of nominees.

Jesse & Joy Win Big at the Latin Grammys…

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

There’s plenty of joy in Jesse & Joy’s world this week…

The Mexican pop/rock duo proved to be the ultimate victor at Thursday night’s Latin Grammy Awards show.

The 29-year-old Jesse Huerta and his 26-year-old hermanita Joy Huerta picked up four awards during the show, including best record, song and contemporary pop vocal album.

“Thanks to the best fans in the world,” said Jesse, who with his sister picked up the Best New Artist award at the 2007 Latin Grammys. “It feels incredible. We’ve not been at the Latin Grammys since 2007, so this feels like a great comeback.”

Jesse & Joy, who recently released the music video for the duo’s latest single “¿Con Quién Se Queda El Perro?”, also won the award for best short form music video for their single “Me Voy.”

Meanwhile, Colombian pop-rock singer Juanes, who will launch a tour next May, took home two awards for his MTV Unplugged set, including album of the year and best short form music video. When asked if he gets nervous before an awards show, he said that he definitely thinks about the entire process.

“I don’t suffer,” said Juanes. “You think maybe it’s there, maybe it’s not. These wins are much more than I imaged.”

Cuban jazz trumpeter, pianist and composer Arturo Sandoval won two trophies for best Latin jazz album (“Dear Diz – Every Day I Think of You“) and best tango album (“Tango – Como Yo Te Siento“).

“I’d like to dedicate this award to my father who turned me on to the tango,” said Sandoval as he received his award. “He was a mechanic, but when he spoke about the tango he knew all of the melodies.”

Mexico’s Carla Morrison, one of the year’s most celebrated indie pop acts, took the prize for best alternative song for her emotionally-driven “Déjenme Llorar,” a song about breaking up, which has helped the singer/songwriter become a YouTube sensation. Later she also won for best alternative music album.

“This is also for all the kids who have broken hearts,” Morrison said.

Mexico’s DJ collective 3BallMTY won the best new artist trophy in an acceptance speech that left the teen act in tears.

“We’re very happy and we really wanted this,” said a tearful Albert Presenda, aka DJ Otto. “We especially want to thank our families who have put up with so much of our traveling.”

Other winners included Pepe Aguilar for best ranchero album, Milly Quezada for best contemporary tropical album for “Aqui Estoy Yo,” Fonseca‘s Ilusion+ for best tropical fusion album — beating out Prince Royce — and Tucanes de Tijuana‘s 365 Dias for best norteño album.

Hosted by actress/singer Lucero and actor Cristian de la Fuente, the first round of awards included a prize for Spanish pop singer David Bisbal, who won for best pop traditional vocal album.

Earlier in the day during the Latin Grammy pre-telecast, more than 30 awards were given in a ceremony at the House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, including producer of the year to Juan Luis Guerra.

For a complete list of winners, go to latingrammy.com.

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