The 26-year-old Colombian superstar, whose real name is Juan Luis Londoño Arias, will be honored with the Billboard Spirit of Hope Award at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will take place October 21.
Announced by Telemundo and Billboard, Maluma – who recently topped the debut Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart – will be recognized for his commitment and altruistic efforts surrounding his foundation, El Arte de los Sueños, which he founded in 2016. The non-profit organization supports nearly 170 young individuals at risk of accomplishing their dreams.
Through song, dance, percussion and creative art (all with an urban emphasis), as well as psychosocial care, the organization seeks to generate the tools needed to seek a different lifestyle, so that these young dreamers can face the world and its challenges.
The Billboard Spirit of Hope Award was created in honor of Selena Quintanilla, and throughout the past 20 years has been given to an artist in recognition of their extraordinary philanthropic and humanitarian contributions beyond their musical work.
Previous recipients include Maná, Los Tigres del Norte, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Carlos Vives and Luis Fonsi, among others.
Maluma, a 2020 Billboard Latin Music Awards finalist, will also perform during the awards ceremony taking place live from the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida.
The Billboard Latin Music Awards will kick-off at 7:00 pm ET with a red carpet pre-show followed by the three-hour awards show featuring live performances by today’s top Latin artists to honor the most popular albums, songs and performers in Latin music.
The 48-year-old Puerto Rican superstar has released a special “Headphone Edition” re-release of his latest album Pausa, which was originally released in May.
The new version, complete with a new cover, features a new audio technique called “Orbital Audio.”
The patent-pending audio technique, developed by Martin with mix engineer Jaycen Joshua, creates an immersive headphone listening experience, that’s supposed to allow the listener to “engulf listeners within the complexities of a particular track for a true musical journey you can feel.”
The album features an enhanced surround sound, where each musical layer can be clearly heard and picked apart, even as it becomes part of a whole.
In the headphone mix, “Recuerdo,” featuring Carla Morrison, starts with Morrison’s voice on the left headphone, and it gradually engulfs the entire sound before Martin comes in on the right.
But the instrumental layering is most impressive, with the listener able to extrapolate every element of sound. It’s indeed a very different experience from the original recording; almost like listening in 3D.
“This new ‘Orbital Audio’ technique has enabled me to deliver an extra layer of richness and immersion that enhances and enriches the tracks and the way fans can experience music via headphones — which is especially important in this time where fans can’t share the magic of being in a live concert setting,” said Martin in a statement.
Joshua added, “What Ricky and I did was set out to solve something that’s been bothering us as well as fellow musicians for a while. We wanted to find a new way for fans to be realistically deeply entrenched in the music.”
The new version of Pausa includes a new unreleased track, “Mi Sangre” featuring Bollywood star Neha Mahajan — produced using “Orbital Audio.”
Pausafeatures collaborations with Sting, Morrison, Residente, Bad Bunny, Diego El Cigala and Pedro Capó.
Ally Brooke is gearing up for the Premios Juventud…
Univisionhas unveiled the second wave of talent confirmed to perform at this year’s Premios Juventudawards show, with the 27-year-old Mexican American singer and former Fifth Harmony making the list.
Ally Brooke, who finished in third place on the last installment of Dancing With the Stars, recently released the Spanish single “500 Veces,” featuring Messiah. No word if she’ll perform that song.
In addition to Ally Brooke, the star-studded lineup includesJ Balvin, Natanael Cano, Pedro Capo,CNCO, Karol G, Kany Garcia, Greeicy, Mau & Ricky, Ozuna, Rafa Pabon, Pitbull, Alex Rose, Sebastian Yatra, Caly y El Dandee, Danna Paola, The Wailersand Zion & Lennox, who will bless fans with a special musical number from Puerto Rico in celebration of their 20th anniversary.
They join previously announced performers Anuel AA, Rauw Alejandro,Neto Bernal, Camilo, Natti Natasha, Gloria Trevi, Manuel Turizo and Jay Wheeler.
In a first ever, PJ-only version, The Wailers will be joined on stage by Cedellaand Skip Marley,Pedro Capo, Rauw Alejandro, Camiloand Kany Garcia to send a message of love, justice and inclusion.
Pitbull will surprise fans with his first ever television performance of his single “I Believe That We will Win.”
The program will feature artists performing at the venue, a virtual audience, and an innovative integration of the latest state-of-the-art, augmented and virtual reality technologies for award presentations, intros and musical performances.
Anuel AA isn’t letting the coronavirus pandemic stop him from helping celebrate this year’s biggest Latino talents.
The 27-year-old Puerto Rican rapper will be performing as part of Univision’s Premios Juventud next month.
Anuel AA joins a list of performers that includes Rauw Alejandro,Neto Bernal, Camilo, Natti Natasha, Gloria Trevi, Manuel Turizo and Jay Wheeler.
In addition, Sebastian Yatra and actress and activist Julissa Calderon will join Ana Patricia Gámez, Francisca Lachapel, and Borja Voces as the hosts of the three-hour event.
The program will feature artists performing at the venue, a virtual audience, and an innovative integration of the latest state-of-the-art, augmented and virtual reality technologies for award presentations, intros and musical performances.
The special show will leverage technology and innovation to provide for a safe environment in delivering a live music awards show.
Premios Juventud 2020 will air at 8:00 pm ET on Thursday, August 13 via Univision.
The awards show will be preceded by “PJ Takeover,” a one-hour pre-show hosted by Jomari Goyso and Clarissa Molina and Amara La Negra, beginning at 7:00 pm ET.
Becky G is making changehappen, and now she’s being honored for her efforts…
The 23-year-old Mexican American singer will be honored as an Agent of Change during Univision’s Premios Juventud next month.
Becky G will be feted for her active role leading social change.
But she isn’t the only agent of change…
Ricky Martin will also be honored during the awards show.
The 48-year-old Puerto Rican superstar will be honored for his activism and efforts through the Ricky Martin Foundation, before and during the pandemic.
Premios Juventud, which celebrate the hottest artists in Latin music, fashion, television and social media, will be broadcast live from Miami.
The program will feature artists performing at the venue, a virtual audience, and an innovative integration of the latest state-of-the-art, augmented and virtual reality technologies for award presentations, intros and musical performances.
The special show will leverage technology and innovation to provide for a safe environment in delivering a live music awards show.
Premios Juventud 2020 will air at 8:00 pm ET on Thursday, August 13 via Univision.
Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin’s show will go on…
The 45-year-old Spanish singer and 48-year-old Puerto Rican singer have officially rescheduled their first-ever co-headlining tour through North America to 2021.
In March, Iglesias and Martin announcedplans to go on tour together with Sebastian Yatra as their special guest. The treak was supposed to kick off on September 5 in Phoenix, but as coronavirus cases continue to surge in the U.S., all three took to social media to announce they’d moved the tour dates to 2021.
“It has been way too long and I could not be more thrilled to be getting back on the road and seeing all of you,” Iglesias wrote. With Yatra reposting and adding, “See you guys in 2021.”
Next year, Iglesias and Martin will kick off the tour on September 3 in Phoenix, making stops in Chicago, New York, Miami and Las Vegas, among others.
Claudia Brant’s music will have a broader audience…
The 51-year-old Argentine singer-songwriter has signed a global publishing administration agreement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
Brant, whose credits include Luis Fonsi’s “No me doy por vencido” and Ricky Martin’s “Lo mejor de mi vida eres tu,” is one of a few prominent female songwriters in Latin music.
She returns to Sony/ATV after a stint at Universal Music Publishing Group.
“With over two thousand songs recorded, multiple awards, and 30 years of my life dedicated to songwriting, it’s clear to me now that Sony/ATV is where I belong,” said Brant in a statement. “It is my honor to be a part of this publishing powerhouse where songwriters are not only heard and understood but respected and taken care of. I am looking forward to getting back to work with my friend Jorge Mejia, whose hard work and dedication has greatly impacted my career. Moreover, I am thrilled to find new opportunities for my music under the guidance of the amazing Jon Platt and his team, both in the United States as well as internationally. I’m so glad to finally be back home.”
Brant has songwriting credits with many of Latin music’s biggest stars and beyond, including Camila Cabello, Fifth Harmony, Reik, Il Volo and CNCO.
Her deal with Sony/ATV encompasses her prior catalog with the publisher.
Most recently, she created “Canción de Autor Oficial,” a non-profit whose aim is to promote songwriters’ craft and rights. The organization teamed up with MusiCares for a live event concert series to raise money for the COVID-19 relief fund.
Jorge Mejia, Sony/ATV president and CEO for Latin America and US Latin said in a statement: “I have known and worked with Claudia for years, and I couldn’t admire her more for the uncommon dedication, commitment, and respect she brings to her craft. She is the consummate songwriter (not to mention mother, artist, songwriter advocate, the list goes on). Sony/ATV is lucky to be able to welcome her back home.”
While Pride Month parades have been put on hold throughout the world, the 48-year-old Puerto Rican superstar is helping the LGTBQ+ community celebrate in a special way.
P&G and iHeartMediahave joined forces for “Can’t Cancel Pride: A COVID-19 Relief Benefit for the LGBTQ+ Community.”
The special will raise funds for LGTBQ+ communities most impacted by COVID-19.
It will stream on Thursday, June 25 at 9:00 pm PT on iHeartRadio’s Facebook and Instagram, PrideRadio.com and broadcast on iHeartMedia stations nationwide.
In addition to Martin, the event will feature appearances by Billy Porter, Big Freedia,Adam Lambert, Melissa Etheridge, Katy Perry, Kim Petras, Sia among others. The celebration will culminate with a one-hour special hosted by leading iHeartMedia on-air personality Elvis Duran and actress and LGBTQ+ advocate Laverne Cox.
“There’s no question COVID-19 has impacted the LGBTQ+ community in a variety of ways, and at this time in the U.S., the struggle for equality and inclusion has never been more important,” said Gayle Troberman, Chief Marketing Officer for iHeartMedia. “Now is a time we need to come together to support the organizations that help bring critical resources to LGBTQ people in need and Can’t Cancel Pride aims to do just that. Like always, Pride will continue to represent the resilience, beauty and strength of the LGBTQ+ community around the nation and the globe.”
Martin publicly came out as gay in March 2010, stating: “I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.” He added that “these years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within, and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn’t even know existed.” He has since been a dynamic activist for the LGBTQ+ community.
The 48-year-old Puerto Rican superstar surprised fans on Thursday, May 28 with new music… a new EP titled Pausa, his first collective set since 2015’s A Quien Quiera Escuchar.
Martin’s new album features collaborations with Sting, Carla Morrison, Pedro Capó, Diego El Cigala, Bad Bunny, and more.
Packed with introspective, poignant and melancholic lyrics, the six-track set is born from a state of vulnerability and the need to heal through music.
“[Through this music] I share my fears, my insecurities, my moments of panic that I’ve felt throughout this quarantine,” Martin tells Billboard.
In times of turmoil, Martin offers Pausa in lieu of a different album slated to be released called Movimiento.
“I like to party but it’s not the moment for that. We had to change the concept and I’ve created two separate albums. Pausais more chill and relaxed and hopefully in September we can release the second one called Play with more upbeat music,” he says.
All songs on the EP, except for previously released “Tiburones,” are collaborations with artists Martin had never collaborated with before, including Mexican singer-songwriter Morrison.
“I’m obsessed with Carlita’s voice and I’m obsessed with the way she tells a story. So, I called her. Initially, she thought I was asking her to write a song for my album and I said, ‘No, I want to sing with you,'” Martin recalls.
From Martin and Morrison’s “Recuerdo” to the Sting-assisted “Simple,” the “She Bangs” singer opens up to Billboard about all of the collaborations featured on Pausa:
“Simple” with Sting The stunning collaboration with Sting, who sings in Spanish, sets the tone for the rest of the album: simple yet forceful and grand. “The big things are always simple, like the love there is in a sigh and reminds me why I’m alive,” Martin sings. About how the song and the melody were created, Martin says. “I called Sting and told him, ‘Something beautiful has to come out of this moment and that has to be music.’ I called him stepping out of my comfort zone because I don’t really like asking people and he said yes, to send him whatever I had and he liked what I sent him. And, he didn’t mind singing in Spanish. It’s a dream come true.”
“Recuerdo” with Carla Morrison Possibly one of the most beautiful ballads released this year (so far), the heart-wrenching lyrics in this emotional track call for an introspection of the mind and soul. “This is a special song and it’s born out of the sadness I was feeling. Carla was also going through a rough moment and we had this urge to write again. We wanted to make sure that we each didn’t lose our essence when creating this fusion and it was born very organically.”
“Cae de Una” with Pedro Capó As a true testament to Martin and Capó’s ability to turn heartbreak song into a bright melodic tune, “Cae de Una” becomes an instant hit with its infectious beat and the two Puerto Rican powerhouses trading cheeky verses. “You’re probably in a bar dancing without me. Don’t know whose skin you’re touching to forget the love you have for me,” they sing.
“Quiéreme” with Diego El Cigala Martin and Spanish singer Diego El Cigala join forces for this flamenco-tinged pop song that is a standout duet in the EP. “We sent this song to producer Raul Refree in Barcelona because I wanted to see what he could do with this song. I didn’t say anything to him because I didn’t want to have any sort of influence on him and I’m now presenting you the end result,” Martin says. The result is an explosion of sounds and an exchange of dramatic and powerful vocals.
“Cántalo” with Residente & Bad Bunny The previously released “Cántalo,” featuring fellow Puerto Rican hitmakers Residente and Bad Bunny, is a hybrid of sounds and genres including tambora, trumpet, salsa and trap. The thought-provoking track born post the #RickyRenuncia movement, calling for the removal of the now former Puerto Rican governor Ricardo Rosselló, some of the lyrics include: “Hoy no nos paran ni con tranquilizante de elefante/ El dinero, aunque sea abundante, no vale” (Nobody stops us today/ Not even with elephant soothing/ Money, although abundant, it is not worth).
The 48-year-old Puerto Rican superstar will serve as a guest judge on the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.
The “Livin’ La Vida Loca” singer kick things off as a guest judge for the premiere episode of the reality drag race competition, which will premiere on Friday, June 5 at 8:oo pm ET/PT on VH1.
In addition to Martin, the star-studded lineup of guest judges includes Tessa Thompson, Jane Krakowski, Nicole Byer, Bebe Rexha, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Sam Richardson, Madison Beer, Sarah Hyland, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Tommy Dorfman and Drag Race regular Todrick Hall.
In the premiere, Martin will help judge the all-star queens from seasons’ past as they take part in a reading mini-challenge and hit the runway for a “Werq the World” variety extravaganza.
T fifth season has thrown the traditional elimination rules out the window. RuPaul has shaken things up and has “Ru-vealed” that each week she’ll name a top all-star and that queen will lip sync for her legacy against a mysterious lip sync assassin, chosen from the most iconic performers in Drag Race“herstory.”
If the top all-star of the week wins the lip sync, she wins a $10,000 tip and the power to eliminate the bottom queen of her choice.
If the lip sync assassin wins, a bottom queen selected from a secret group vote gets the chop, and the money rolls over until a top all-star wins.
The 10 queens competing for a spot in the “Drag Race Hall of Fame” and a grand prize of $100,000 are Alexis Mateo (Season 3, All Stars 1), Blair St. Clair (Season 10), Derrick Barry (Season 8), India Ferrah (Season 3), Jujubee (Season 2, All Stars 1), Mariah Paris Balenciaga (Season 3), Mayhem Miller (Season 10), Miz Cracker (Season 10), Ongina (Season 1) and Shea Couleé (Season 9).
