Erika Ender Among the Latin Recording Academy’s Inaugural “Leading Ladies of Entertainment”

Posted on November 14, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Erika Ender is a leading lady…

The Latin Recording Academy will honor the accomplishments of women working in the Latin music industry, including the 42-year-old Panamanian and Brazilian singer, songwriter and actress, with a ceremony recognizing “The Leading Ladies of Entertainment.”

Considered one of the most prolific composers in the Latin music market today, Ender is the woman behind Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s global hit “Despacito,” having co-written the song with the Puerto Rican superstars.

Last month, Ender was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Billboard’s Leila Cobo, Executive Director of Content and Programming for Latin Music and Entertainment, will also be honored during the inaugural event, which will take place on Tuesday (November 14) at Mastro’s Ocean Club in Las Vegas.

Recording engineer Marcella Araica, Rebeca Leon, CEO and Founder of Lionfish Entertainment; Gabriela Martinez, General Manager Warner Music Latina and SVP Marketing Warner Music Latin America; and Univision’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Jessica Rodriguez will also be honored as 2017’s “Leading Ladies.”

The new Latin Grammy week event will precede the 18th annual awards, which will be broadcast live on Univision from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday (November 16).

“It is my pleasure to welcome this new event to Latin Grammy Week, where we will have another opportunity to celebrate talented and inspiring individuals,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., Latin Recording Academy President/CEO, said in a statement. “Women face a myriad of difficulties in the entertainment industry, but despite those obstacles, the women we are honoring have continually demonstrated perseverance, fortitude, and grace under pressure.”

Davina Aryeh, Chief Marketing Officer of The Latin Recording Academy, pointed out that the gender gap in the music industry “is more pronounced for Latinas.”

“We want to empower and inspire women,” she added. “Not only through the symbolic importance of the event…but also through the tangible financial contribution it will have as we donate proceeds back to our Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation in the form of scholarships for young women interested in studying music.”

Tommy Torres to Host This Year’s Latin Grammy Premiere Ceremony

Posted on November 12, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Tommy Torres will be put on his hosting hat…

The 45-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and producer, a three-time Latin Grammy-winner, will host this year’s Latin Grammy Premiere ceremony, during which approximately 85 percent of the categories will be awarded, according to the Recording Academy.

The “biggest night in Latin music” will kick off with performances by nominees Tiago Iorc, Las Migas, Debi Nova and Sig Ragga.

Additionally, the first Latin Grammy awards of the day will be presented by nominees Paula Arenas, Eduardo Cabra, Cesar Camargo Mariano and Miranda, and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Guadalupe Pineda.

The Latin Grammy Premiere 2017 will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas on Thursday (Nov. 16); live streaming will begin at 4 p.m. EST on LatinGrammy.com and Univision.com/LatinGrammy.

The premiere ceremony will be followed by the 18th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, live on Univision from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas from 8:00 – 11:00 pm EST.

Viewers can watch the Latin Grammys 2017 red carpet — “Night of the Stars” — beginning at 7:00 pm EST, featuring live interviews and commentary on the stars and their glamorous attires.

Jorge Ramos Partners with Fusion for News Series “Real America with Jorge Ramos”

Posted on November 11, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Jorge Ramos is getting Real…

The 59-year-old Mexican journalist, author and Univision news anchor is launching a news series with Fusion, according to Variety.

Jorge Ramos

The five-episode program, titled “Real America with Jorge Ramos,” will see the veteran news journalist asking provocative questions of the disrupters, dreamers, dynamic-thinking Americans who are on the cutting edge and making a difference in this uncertain time.

The series will premiere on Tuesday, November 21 at 10:00 pm ET/PT on Fusion.

In the premiere installment, Ramos travels to Puerto Rico to measure the impact of the disaster. Ramos explores what life is really like in Puerto Rico weeks after Hurricane Maria, and asks why it has taken so long for these U.S. citizens to get much needed aid and electricity. He interviews those struggling to live without basic resources, along with the Mayor of San Juan Carmen Yulin Cruz—who has challenged President Donald Trump on response efforts—the Governor Ricardo Rosello, and others who are providing aid including former New York Yankee and Puerto Rico native Jorge Posada and his wife Laura.

Upcoming episodes will feature profiles of actor and comedian John Leguizamo, Governor John Kasich (R-OH), artists and activists Ai Weiwei and JR, and world-renowned brain surgeon Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, among others.

“Jorge is the quintessential American—a proud, hard working immigrant for whom the promise of America is tangible. His curiosity is infectious and this series, like all his projects for FUSION, will further elevate the voices that are writing the next chapter of our nation’s history,” said Fusion President Daniel Eilemberg.

Ramos has been the anchor of Noticiero Univision since 1986 and hosts the Univision weekly public affairs program Al Punto. He also famously sparred with then-Presidential candidate Trump in an August 2015 press conference over Trump’s comments regarding Mexican immigrants.

“Real America with Jorge Ramos” is a Fusion original series.

Bad Bunny to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammys

Posted on October 31, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is ready to take the stage at this year’s Latin Grammys…

The 23-year-old Puerto Rican Latin hip-hop/trap singer and rapper, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is set to perform at this year’s awards show, airing live on November 16.

Bad Bunny, a nominee this year, joins a roster of performers that includes J Balvin, Flor De Toloache, Luis Fonsi, Juanes, Mon Laferte, Natalia Lafourcade, Maluma, Residente and Sofía Reyes.

Also slated to perform is person of the year honoree Alejandro Sanz and guest artists Steve Aoki, Alessia Cara, Logic and French Montana.

The Latin Grammys will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will air live on Univision, as well as around the world.

Jaime Camil and Roselyn Sanchez will host this year’s awards show.

The announced performers include the top nominees this year. Residente leads with nine — including record, album and song of year — while Maluma has seven, including three for record of the year. Juanes and Mon Laferte have five nominations each.

Marc Anthony Among Artists to Perform at “Unidos Por Puerto Rico” Concert & Telethon Event

Posted on September 27, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Marc Anthony is ready to unite for a cause…

Puerto Rico’s First Lady, Beatriz Rosselló, announced the resumption of “Unidos Por Puerto Rico” concert and telethon event, with the 49-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer among the featured artists.

The charitable initiative was originally organized in early September to help those affected by Hurricane Irma and now joins the effort to raise funds for damages caused by Hurricane Maria.

In addition to Anthony, the concert-telethon will feature Luis Fonsi, Juan Luis Guerra, Ednita Nazario, Olga Tañón, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Zion & Lennox, Carlos Vives, Maluma, La Secta, Tito el Bambino, Vico C, Nicky Jam, Jowell & Randy, Pirulo y La Tribe, Víctor Manuel, Wisin, Ozuna and Yandel, among others.

The artists will also unite for a song and video titled “Isla Bendita“, which will honor the event.

“United for Puerto Rico” will air on October 22 directly from Puerto Rico through more than 20 Spanish Broadcasting System radio stations and on television through Telemundo, Univision and Mega TV in the U.S.

“Puerto Rico needs us now more than ever after suffering the scourge of two consecutive hurricanes,” said the Rosselló in a statement.

To make a donation for the victims of Irma and Maria visit www.unidosporpuertorico.com for more information.

CNCO to Release Remix of “Reggaeton Lento,” Featuring Little Mix

Posted on August 18, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

CNCO is ready to (little) mix it up…

Little Mix has confirmed the British all-girl group will be releasing a remix of the Latin boy band’s “Reggaeton Lento.”

The collaboration, which has been kept under wraps until today, was announced by both groups on their social media accounts and will feature Little Mix singing in Spanish on the track.

It will be their first new material since 2016’s Glory Days.

“We couldn’t keep this quiet anymore,” wrote Little Mix in a tweet that was soon followed by a video phone call between the two groups. “We’re so excited to be signing with you on the reggaeton Lento Remix!” say Little Mix in a video call with the CNCO guys.

“Can’t wait for everyone to hear the new remix,” said CNCO.

The group’s original version of “Reggaeton Lento (Bailemos)” reached No. 6 on Hot Latin Songs on April 8, 2017. It hit No. 1 on the Latin Pop Songs airplay chart dated February 25.

The song has generated 99.8 million on-demand streams in the U.S., through Aug. 10, according to Nielsen Music.

CNCO, the first group spawned from the Univision reality show La Banda, won best new artist at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards.

Maluma Wins Big at Univision’s Premios Juventud

Posted on July 6, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Maluma is having a supersonic year…

The 23-year-old Colombian urban singer took home two awards at this year’s Premios Juventud.

The awards, whose theme was “Betting on the Future,” focused on social messages, with artists presenting awards to young citizens.

The show, which aired live on Univision from the Watsco Center at the University of Miami, kicked off with Maluma and Marc Anthony performing a salsa rendition of Maluma’s hit “Felices Los 4.”

Fans got to vote for the winners in 10 categories, with two of those — best fashionista and best Instagram — going to Maluma. He was also honored with a special supersonic award.

The only other multiple winners of the night were Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, who won perfect combo for “Despacito,” deemed the best collaboration between two musical artists. “Despacito” also won best song for singing, while Yankee’s “Shaky Shaky” won best song for dancing.

The breakthrough artist award went to Ozuna, who is in the midst of his first U.S. tour, while J Balvin won best video for “Sigo Extrañándote.”

Here’s the full list of winners:

PERFECT COMBO
Best collaboration between two musical artists.
Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee – “Despacito”

BEST SONG FOR DANCING
The perfect song for parties and the gym.
“Shaky Shaky” –Daddy Yankee

BEST SONG FOR SINGING
The best song for karaoke or shower concerts.
“Despacito” – Luis Fonsi (Ft. Daddy Yankee)

BEST SONG FOR LOVING
The best song for the bedroom, the couch…or the back seat of a car.
“Ya Me Enteré” – Reik

BEST SONG TO CHILL
The best song for daydreaming or hanging out with friends.
“Reggaetón Lento (Bailemos)” –CNCO

BEST SONG FOR YOUR “TROCA”
The Mexican regional song that sounds the best blasting in your “troca” (pickup truck).
“Siempre Te Voy a Querer” – Calibre 50

BEST VIDEO
The video that best demonstrates artistic and creative integrity.
“Sigo Extrañándote” – J Balvin

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST
The artist who really kick-started his/her career.
Ozuna

BEST FASHIONISTA
The artist who best leads or creates fashion trends.
Maluma

BEST INSTAGRAM
Artist who best connects with his/her Instagram followers.
Maluma

Ana Isabelle Starring in the Indie Thriller “Imprisoned”

Posted on May 20, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Ana Isabel is getting imprisoned…

The 31-year-old Puerto Rican actress and singer, whose full name is Ana Isabel Acevedo Avilés, will star in the indie thriller Imprisoned, according to Variety.

Ana Isabel joins a cast that includes Laurence Fishburne, Juan Pablo Raba, Juana Acosta, Jon Huertas, Esai Morales and John Heard.

Paul Kampf is directing from his own script, described as a revenge thriller wrapped around a love story with the question of the sacrifices made for love. Fishburne is playing the local prison warden. Raba and Acosta play a couple and Ana Isabel portrays her daughter — a young woman who never knew her father.

The film is scheduled to begin production in May in Puerto Rico.

Ana Isabel released her first album, Por El Amor, in 2007. She won Univision’s reality show Viva el Sueño in 2009.

Her acting resume includes having the lead role in five episodes of Decisiones Puerto Rico and minor roles in the movies Yellow, El Cantante and Talento de Barrio.

Shakira to Release New Album “El Dorado” This Month

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira is bringing her Latin beats back…

The 40-year-old Colombian superstar is set to release her forthcoming album, El Dorado, on May 26.

The Grammy and Latin Grammy winner announced the release date of her 11th studio album to her millions of followers on social media, along with revealing the album cover in which the “Me enamoré” singer appears half submerged in a earth-toned liquid bath.

El Dorado follows the chart-topping singer’s 2014 self-titled album.

Ahead of the new LP, Shak dropped the feel-good, pop track “Me enamoré,” which arrived at No. 11 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart dated April 29.

Shakira, who won the 2017 Billboard Latin Music Award for hot Latin songs artist of the year, female will perform at Univision’s Upfront presentation on May 16 at New York City’s Lyric Theater.

Eugenio Derbez Renews First-Look Deal with Pantelion Films

Posted on May 3, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a special re-up for Eugenio Derbez…

Following the impressive U.S. box office returns of the 54-year-old Mexican comedian’s English-language debut How to be a Latin Lover, Lionsgate-Televisa joint venture Pantelion Films has renewed its first-look deal with Derbez and producing partner Benjamin Odell’s production company, 3Pas Studios. The companies originally inked a first-look pact in August 2014.

The comedy about a gold-digging Lothario getting his comeuppance stars Derbez, Salma Hayek and a clutch of American actors led by Raquel Welch, Rob Lowe, Rob Corddry, Kristen Bell and Rob Riggle.

Ken Marino’s directorial feature debut grabbed the number two slot at the box office the weekend of April 28, grossing $12 million on just 1,118 screens. Its opening weekend audience was 89% Hispanic.

“It has always been our goal to reach deep into the acculturated Hispanic market,” said Pantelion CEO, Paul Presburger, adding: “I think we also accomplished what we have always wanted to do, which is to start bridging across acculturated Latinos to the general market.”

The deal renewal reflects Lionsgate’s commitment to underserved Hispanic audiences in the U.S. Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer has long been a strong advocate for Pantelion and its initiatives.

“We are really happy to continue our relationship with Pantelion, Lionsgate and Televisa,” said Odell, adding: “They provide us very strong support but allow us a lot of creative freedom as we continue to strengthen the 3pas Brand and expand both into the mainstream and internationally. We couldn’t think of better partners.”

How to be a Latin Lover is Pantelion’s second breakout hit with Derbez after his directorial debut Instructions Not Included, which became the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S. ($44 million) and the highest-grossing Mexican film in Mexico ($48 million). Televisa’s distribution arm Videocine releases the comedy in Mexico May 5 on more than 3,000 screens. Hayek will be at the premiere Wednesday in Mexico City.

Founded some two years ago by Derbez and former Pantelion executive Ben Odell, 3Pas Studios has a packed slate of comedies in development.

Next out of the gate is Overboard, a remake of Garry Marshall’s ‘80s comedy starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Comedy is slated to start principal photography May 23 in Vancouver with Anna Faris starring opposite Derbez.

Aside from remakes of French comedy The Valet and Korean comedy Miss Granny and live action comedy Ponce, 3Pas is also producing animated feature La Familia Peluche, based on Derbez’s popular live action TV show that aired on Univision and Televisa.

Pantelion is also collaborating with Televisa and Starz on the series Teresa, based on the popular telenovela, and gearing up for the July launch of the still-unnamed streaming movie service with partners Univision and Hemisphere Media.

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