Bad Bunny to Receive Vanguard Award at GLAAD Media Awards

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is being feted for his activism…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican superstar, who recently won his third career Grammy, will be honored at the 34th annual GLAAD Media Awards next month for advancing and supporting the LGBTQ community.

Bad Bunny — Spotify’s most-streamed artist in the world last year — will receive the Vanguard Award for having made “a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people and issues.”

Bad Bunny’s advocacy and outspoken allyship for the LGBTQ community has reached millions around the world, using his craft to speak out for equality.

“Bad Bunny uses his role as one of the world’s most popular music artists to boldly shine a light on LGBTQ people and issues, including transgender equality and ending violence against trans women of color,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “By consistently advocating for our community, elevating our stories and demanding action from anti-LGBTQ leaders, Bad Bunny redefines the positive influence Latin music artists can have within the LGBTQ community, and has set an example for all artists.”

But El Conejo Malo isn’t the only Latino act set to be honored…

Five-time Grammy winner Christina Aguilera will receive the Advocate for Change Award for having “changed the game for LGBTQ people around the world.”

Aguilera has used her platform to be a bold advocate for the LGBTQ community, advancing conversations around acceptance and more through music. “Christina Aguilera is a beloved icon who has inspired and shared messages of love for the LGBTQ community since the start of her music career,” Ellis said. “From using her voice to speak out against anti-LGBTQ legislation to creating songs and music videos that showcase LGBTQ love, Christina loudly and proudly raises the bar for what it means to be a LGBTQ ally today.”

The awards show will be handed during the March 30 ceremony at the Beverly Hilton.

Here are GLAAD’s mini-bios of Bad Bunny & Aguilera:

Bad Bunny

Named Spotify’s most-streamed artist of 2022, with 8.3 billion streams globally, the three-time Grammy-winning artist, bringing his own voice to the forefront to help others see themselves in the world.

As he reimagines the Latin urban music genre, LGBTQ people and issues remain in the vanguards of equality and inclusion for him, especially those in Puerto Rico, where he was born. His live performances and music videos cast an array of voices, experiences and backgrounds, showcasing queer love and affection on full display. For his music video for “Yo Perreo Sola,” he dressed in drag, telling Rolling Stone, “I did it to show support to those who need it. I may not be gay, but I’m a human.”

In a performance for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the rapper paid homage to Alexa Negrón Luciano, a trans woman murdered in the city of Toa Baja, wearing a shirt in Spanish that read: “They killed Alexa, not a man in a skirt.” In 2019, the artist also helped influence a movement to force former Puerto Rican Governor, Ricardo Rosselló, to step down from office, after being exposed for corruption and anti-LGBTQ attitudes.

Moving from sound booth to the big screen, Bad Bunny plans to executive produce the forthcoming Netflix adaptation of the New York Times bestselling novel, They Both Die in the End, which features a queer Latinx storyline.

Previous GLAAD Vito Russo Award recipient Ricky Martin told Rolling Stone that Bad Bunny is an “icon for the Latin queer community.”

Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera, who has one of the most celebrated voices in history, has used her platform to be a bold advocate for the LGBTQ community, advancing conversations around LGBTQ acceptance and more, through music. Most recently, her impact on the LGBTQ community was realized after Club Q Colorado Springs shooting survivor, Michael Anderson, invoked her lyrics as he testified before the U.S. House Oversight Committee on LGBTQ violence. In 2002, Aguilera dedicated her single, “Beautiful,” to the LGBTQ community, with the line “words can’t bring us down” becoming a personal mantra for many queer people. The song brought a unique awareness and a sense of compassion in the face of hate, earning Aguilera a Special Recognition honor at the 14th GLAAD Media Awards. Last year, the seven-time Grammy-winner celebrated 20 years of “Beautiful” with a brand new music video, reminding people of the importance of accepting themselves for who they are.

A staunch supporter of LGBTQ rights and a visionary for representation, Aguilera raised over $500 million for HIV research with MAC Cosmetics in 2004, spoke out loudly against Proposition 8 in 2008 and brought trans dancers and drag artists into the limelight during the 2012 American Music Awards. Following the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, Aguilera dedicated the song, “Change,” to those affected by the tragedy with proceeds from the song going to victims’ families. She later penned a “Love Letter to the LGBTQ Community” for Billboard in 2017. Her very own Pride collection was launched in 2021, to proudly support two nonprofit organizations: TransTech and TransLash. Using the power of music to build bridges and demand change, Aguilera has redefined what it means to be a true advocate for the LGBTQ community, creating spaces for queer voices and talent to be known and thrive: From performing alongside breakthrough LGBTQ artists like Anitta, Syd, Kim Petras, Chika and Michaela Jaé, to condemning anti-LGBTQ legislation like Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law.

Rosalia Partners with MAC Cosmetics to Launch New Fiery-Red MAC Viva Glam Lipstick Shade

Posted on August 31, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Rosalia’s throwing a little shade your way…

The 26-year-old Spanish Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has teamed up with MAC Cosmetics to launch VG26, the makeup company’s all-new, limited-edition, fiery-red MAC Viva Glam lipstick shade.

Rosalia, MAC Cosmetics, MAC Viva Glam 26

Influenced by flamenco, urban rhythms, electronic beats — and a feminist ethos — MAC says Rosalia embodies passion, courage and originality that inspires us and her fans across the world.

“The incredible charisma, energy and strength of Rosalía is the perfect incarnation of this vibrant, saturated red,” says director of makeup artistry Baltasar González Pinel. “Taking its roots in flamenco, Rosalía’s art mixes genres and emotions — it takes risks, it is full of generosity, it is pure brilliance.”

“It’s an honor to be the face of Viva Glam 26 and to champion a cause that is inclusive, supports individuality and gives back 100%,” says Rosalía of becoming the brand’s newest MACtivist.

Since 1994, MAC Viva Glam has raised more than $500,000,000 globally. Every cent of the selling price of MAC’s Viva Glam lipstick is donated to the MAC Viva Glam Fund, supporting healthy futures and equal rights for all.

“We are beyond proud to join forces with the incomparable Rosalía, who will elevate

the MAC Viva Glam campaign to new levels this year. Aside from her epic voice

and coveted style, Rosalía is deeply committed to improving the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS around the globe, especially those most vulnerable, including women, girls and the LGBTQIA+ community,” says John Demsey, chairman of the MAC Viva Glam Fund & executive group president, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

VG26 has a suggested retail price of $19. It’ll be available in North America on September 24 at select MAC locations and online at maccosmetics.com.

MAC Cosmetics to Release Brand New Selena-Inspired Collection

Posted on February 26, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Selena’s legendary style lives on… And, you can own a part of it.

MAC Cosmetics has announced that a brand new makeup collection inspired by La Reina de la Musica Tejana will be released in April, honoring Selena’s 25 year legacy.

“Selena and M·A·C Cosmetics are back together! Get ready for an all NEW collection launching in April to celebrate the Queen of Tejano’s life and legacy! Stay tuned for this iconic collection,” expressed a post on Selena’s official Facebook account.

This is the second time the brand is honoring the late Mexican-American singer through beauty products.

In 2016, fans were blessed with a makeup collection that embodied Selena’s style, including her signature red lipstick and an eye shadow palette named after some of her emblematic songs, like “Como La Flor,” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” and “No Me Queda Mas.”

The limited-edition collection released in 2016 was tenderly curated by Selena’s sister Suzette Quintanilla. “I wanted the colors to be about her personally, what she wore on and offstage,” Quintanilla said in a previous press statement.

The new MAC collaboration comes on the heels of a Selena tribute concert taking place on May 9 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Presented by Q Productions, Selena XXV-Veinticinco Años counts with a star-studded lineup including Pitbull, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, A.B. Quintanilla III & Los Kumbia Allstarz, Becky G, and Ally Brooke, and more.

MAC Cosmetics to Replenish Its Limited Edition Selena Collection

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

MAC Cosmetics’ Selena collection is getting a refill…

The cosmetics line has announced plans to restock of the brand’s limited edition Selena Quintanilla collection, back by popular demand.

Originally requested via an online change.org petition from her fans back in February 2015, the 14 piece collection finally launched this past October with colors named after the legendary late Tejano singer’s biggest hits, including a deep, wine-red lipstick called “Dreaming of You“, a dusty-pinky beige eyeshadow named “Missing My Baby” — and, of course, MAC‘s signature Lipglass in a sheer pink with silverly flakes, named after Selena’s ubiquitous “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.”.

All products, except Liquid Eye Liner in Boot Black, will be available for purchase Wednesday, December 28 at 12:01am EST on maccosmetics.com, and in stores everywhere in the U.S and Canada on Thursday, December 29.

Selena Inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame

Posted on October 24, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

She’ll forever be known as La Reina de la Musica Tejana… And, now Selena Quintanilla is an official Texas legend.

The late Tejano singer was among the five iconic women who were inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame over the weekend.

Along with the rest of Selena’s many historic accomplishments — like introducing the Tejano genre into mainstream music — she was notably recognized by the Texas governor for “shattering stereotypes and expectations, proving the impossible is always possible.”

Her sister Suzette Quintanilla accepted the award on behalf of Selena and her family.

“My sister once said that the goal isn’t to love forever, but to create something that will. Today is a testament to those words. I stand up here today with so many emotions and all of these beautiful memories in my heart that I would love to share with you guys but that would take a long time,” she said as she held back the tears. “As you all know Selena was such a unique person who embodied so much for being so young. Selena was a very kind and caring person that had an infectious smile and laughter.”

A Grammy winner and owner of a clothing line and a boutique-salon, Selena was shot and killed by the founder of her first fan club on March 31, 1995 at the age of 23. The Texas-born singer was a pioneer for many artists as she seamlessly crossed over from the Spanish market and into the English market.

Before her untimely death in 1995, she had started work on an English-language crossover album. Dreaming of You was released posthumously and became the best-selling Latin album of all time, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling 175,000 copies on its very first day of release.

Shortly after her death, the star’s story was brought to life in the biopic Selena starring Jennifer Lopez.

Most recently, MAC Cosmetics launched their Selena-inspired make up line, which sold out online in a matter of hours. The highly anticipated collection, which includes lipsticks, eye shadows and blush, is now available in MAC stores.

Prince Royce to Perform at Launch of MAC Cosmetics’ Selena-Inspired Collection

Posted on September 24, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Prince Royce is headed to Selena country…

The 27-year-old Dominican American singer will serve as the special guest performer for a day-long product experience to launch MAC Cosmetics’ Selena Quintanilla-inspired collection.

The launch event will occur in the late Tejano legend’s hometown of Corpus Christi on September 30.

Royce will perform throughout the day, along with confirmed DJs like Valissa, Lola Langusta, Val Fleury and Posso.

The Quintanilla family is also set to perform.

The free event will take place at the American Bank Center in partnership with Dillard’s departments store, where fans will be able to get their hands on the Selena MAC multi-product collection, including lipsticks, blush, eye shadows and more.

The makeup line honoring the “Amor prohibido” singer will hit MAC stores in October.

Carey Partners with MAC Cosmetics for Holiday-Themed Lipstick

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Mariah Carey is ringing in the holidays in a MACtacular way…

The 45-year-old half-Venezuelan American singer, the voice behind the insta-Christmas classic “All I Want for Christmas is You,” has partnered up with MAC Cosmetics to create a holiday-themed lipstick that will come in a sparkly champagne shade.

The shimmery nude lipstick is aptly called “All I Want.”

In a statement, Carey said, “The champagne, frosted ‘All I Want’ shade is elegant, sophisticated, and glamorous.”

Additionally, Carey has announced plans to release a full Mariah x MAC Beauty Icon collection in 2016.

“Mariah is the over-the-top pop and beauty icon,” said MAC creative director James Gager. “Throughout the years we’ve all watched her with admiration and feel right now she is at her ultimate best. She exudes elegance, glamour, sophistication, and a sense of fun. Her ‘All I Want’ lipstick is the perfect frosty holiday shade and her Beauty Icon collection will be everything you think of when you think MAC and Mariah.”

Carey’s “All I Want” shade will be available online only at maccosmetics.com.

MAC Cosmetics to Launch Selena-Inspired Collection

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

The late Selena Quintanilla’s music and style legacy lives on…

The late Mexican-American music superstar, known as La Reina de la Musica Tejana, is getting her own makeup line, MAC Cosmetics has confirmed via Facebook.

“Selena’s talent and beauty, inside and out have left a colorful, meaningful impact in the world that has continued to grow over the last two decades,” MAC senior vice president James Gager said in a statement. “We have heard the passion and enthusiasm from her fans and wholeheartedly agree that her legacy embodies MAC’s philosophy. We are so excited to announce a Selena inspired MAC collection debuting in the latter part of 2016.”

Selena’s sister Suzette Quintanilla hinted that Selena’s estate and MAC were “working on something big” at the 2015 Billboard Latin Music Awards. At the time she didn’t offer many details, but on Thursday she said, in the same press release, “I am so excited that MAC Cosmetics will be releasing a collection in honor of my sister Selena. Helping to create this collection brings me back to all those late night conversations on our tour bus when she spoke of having her own makeup line one day. If Selena were here she would be beyond ecstatic to have this happening. History is being made.”

The company’s decision comes after a social media campaign by fans to bring the line to life, which included viral hashtags and a formal petition.

Earlier this year, a die-hard Selena fan named Patty Rodriguez started an online petition on change.org asking MAC for a line inspired by her idol, which drew thousands of supporters.

The line will debut in the second half of 2016.

Selena was shot to death in 1995 by the president of her fan club. This year, she would have been 44.

Hayek: The Golden Globes’ Top Trendsetting Beauty

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

The red carpet at this year’s Golden Globes was the place to witness some of the hottest beauty trends brought to vibrant life… And, Latina celebrities like Salma Hayek were ahead of the trend with their flawless skin, makeup and hair.

Hispanically Yours’ guest beauty editor Yara Ocasio—a Tampa Bay-based hair & makeup artist—paid close attention to all the action on la alfombra roja for an important trend spotting mission. And, the oh-so-talented Puerto Rican stylista shares her thoughts on the night’s most fashion-forward looks that you should try yourself:

While watching the red carpet arrivals at the 69thAnnual Golden Globes, I spotted some fabulous looks, as well as some not so fabulous one. I think some of Hollywood’s bright stars need my number. Call me! (I’m whispering it while willing the phone to ring!)

While some Latina celebrities sported bright lips, others opted for neutral colors. But, what they all seemed to have in common… natural looking makeup. No one really elected to lay on the heavy makeup.

Here’s a look at my three standout starlets and the beauty trends they rocked:

Salma Hayek
There’s only one word to describe Salma Hayek… “Perfection!” The 45-year-old Mexican actress—who was one of the night’s fashion standouts in her black and gold Gucci gown—was my absolute favorite of the evening. Hayek dazzled in eye-catching eye makeup in shades of gold, brown and beige. She completed the simple-but-beautiful look with just a tad of blush and a perfect shade of lip color. And, can we talk about that hair? So soft and natural! And she rocked two tones like nobody’s business. Hayek’s beachy, loose waves were a definite theme of the night, with fellow actresses Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Biel and Laura Dern sporting the carefree but sexy look.

Naya Rivera
While Naya Rivera’s slinky grey dress with a dominating large seam down the front didn’t land her on many best-dressed lists, her face looked flawless. The 24-year-old part-Puerto Rican Glee star, the new spokesperson for Proactiv, has such a beautiful visage. Rivera elected to keep her eye makeup subtle and focusing more attention on the apples of her cheeks and her luscious lips. Personally, I’m a true fan of black hair and red lips. After all, the color red is one this season’s sexiest trends… And, it never gets old! One word: Stunning!

Sofia Vergara
There’s no denying this sexy Latina, who gave one of the night’s most memorable acceptance speeches, looked spectacular. While Vergara’s eye makeup was kept to a minimum, the 39-year-old Colombian actress set fire to her lips with an oh-so-haute berry lip shade. The colors completely complimented her skin! And the Modern Family star wasn’t the only one rocking trendy and sexy fiery-red lips. Stars like Claire Danes and Missi Pyle joined suit! But Vergara, who looked stunning in her custom Vera Wang dress, did have one slight miss. Her hair left me slightly disappointed. Otherwise, she was thisclose to perfection.

So now that you’ve seen my top three Golden (Globes) girls, here’s some advice to help you be an absolute beauty…

Never be afraid of makeup, try something new as often as possible; you might just fall in love with that new shade. And, don’t forget the hair completes the look. But most of all, remember to always make it your own!

Yara Ocasio, one of Tampa Bay’s rising beauty stars, is a double-threat makeup artist and hair designer who had a passion for beauty, fun designs and an eye for fashion since she was a youngster. A licensed cosmetologist with more than seven years experience, Ocasio has had a fascination with makeup since she started modeling at the age of 15. And she has been doing makeup ever since. Ocasio has extensive training and has worked with Mary Kay, Guerlain, Bare Escentuals and MAC Cosmetics. After working for different cosmetics companies and hair salons, she decided to venture out on her own launch El Shaddai Makeup and Hair Designs, a company that focuses on special events like commercial and editorial photo shoots and commercials, weddings, quinces, fashion shows and more. She has even created how-to videos for Tyra Banks’ website typef.com. Click here to visit El Shaddai’s Facebook page.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: MAC Cosmetics