Levy to Serve as a Hispanic Heritage Foundation Spokesperson

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

He may not have claimed the Dancing with the Stars mirror ball trophy in the end, but William Levy did manage to capture America’s hearts and attention. And, now he’s using his increased popularity to inspire Latino youth…

The 31-year-old Cuban-American telenovela star and DWTS third-place finisher has been named a spokesman for the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) 2012 Youth Awards.

As an official representative, Levy will reach out to high school seniors in Latino communities throughout the United States to address the importance of identifying and nurturing leadership qualities in students in the classroom to give them a better edge when applying for various academic grants provided by the organization in disciplines like Education, Math and Engineering, Healthcare and more. Simply visit https://www.auston.edu.sg/part-time-degrees-in-singapore/ for the part time degree in Singapore.

HHF Vice President and Executive Producer Maria-Esmeralda Paguaga says Levy is the perfect spokesperson because he’s a major contributor and active model in his efforts to invite the youth of the Latino community to reach their true potential.

“As an agent of change and role model for achievement, William offers inspiration and enthusiasm to our Latino youth to continue shaping a brilliant future for our community,” says Paguaga.

In his role, Levy will campaign to get students to take on leadership role in the workforce for the better good of the country.

For more information about the HHF, visit www.hispanicheritage.org.

Lopez Leads Latino Pack of Teen Choice Awards Nominees

Posted on May 19, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

The first wave of Teen Choice Awards nominations has been revealed… And, the world’s most powerful celebrity Jennifer Lopez leads the Latino pack of nominees.

The 42-year-old Puerto Rican singer/actress—who has won 11 Teen Choice Awards in her career, including Choice Television Personality for American Idol and Choice Red Carpet Icon last year—received five nominations for this year’s show.

In the movies section, Lopez has been nominated in the Choice Movie Actress: Comedy category for her role in What to Expect When You’re Expecting. She’ll will face off against her co-star in the film, Cameron Diaz, as well as American Reunion’s Alyson Hannigan, Crazy, Stupid Love’s Emma Stone and This Means War’s Reese Witherspoon.

In the television section, the American Idol judge has been nominated in the Choice TV: Female Personality category, alongside The Voice’s Christina Aguilera, America’s Next Top Model’s Tyra Banks, Dancing with the Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba and Fashion Star’s Jessica Simpson.

In the music section, Lopez is nominated for Choice Female Artist, as well as Choice Single by a Female Artist for her dancetastic single “Dance Again.”

Lastly, Lopez—who was the blue-ribbon beauty at this year’s Oscars—will face off against Miley Cyrus, Zooey Deschanel, Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry in the Choice Fashion Icon: Female.

But Lopez wasn’t the only Hispanic celebrity to receive multiple nominations.

Pitbull followed close behind with four nods; Selena Gomez received three nominations; and Bruno Mars, Scotty McCreery and Christina Aguilera received two.

Other Latino/a nominees include: Salma Hayek, Noomi Rapace, Zoe Saldana, Cameron Diaz, Adam Rodriguez, Lea Michele, Sofia Vergara, William Levy, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Albert Pujols and Demi Lovato.

Fans between the ages of 13-19 can vote once each day per category on the official Teen Choice Awards website. Winners will be announced on the awards show on July 22.

Here’s a look at all the Latino/a nominees and their competition:

MOVIES

Choice Movie Actress: Action
Salma Hayek, “Puss in Boots”
Milla Jovovich, “The Three Musketeers”
Paula Patton, “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”
Noomi Rapace, “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows”
Zoe Saldana, “Colombiana”

Choice Movie Actress: Comedy
Cameron Diaz, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”
Alyson Hannigan, “American Reunion”
Jennifer Lopez, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”
Emma Stone, “Crazy, Stupid, Love.”
Reese Witherspoon, “This Means War”

TELEVISION

Choice TV Actor: Action
LL Cool J, “NCIS: Los Angeles”
Daniel Dae Kim, “Hawaii Five-O”
Zachary Levi, “Chuck”
Adam Rodriguez, “CSI: Miami”
Shane West, “Nikita”

Choice TV Actress: Comedy
Miranda Cosgrove, “iCarly”
Kaley Cuoco, “The Big Bang Theory”
Zooey Deschanel, “New Girl”
Lea Michele, “Glee”
Sofia Vergara, “Modern Family”

Choice TV: Female Personality
Christina Aguilera, “The Voice”
Tyra Banks, “America’s Next Top Model”
Carrie Ann Inaba, “Dancing With The Stars”
Jennifer Lopez, “American Idol”
Jessica Simpson, “Fashion Star”

Choice TV: Male Reality Star
Paul “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio, “Jersey Shore” and “The Pauly D Project”
Rob Dyrdek, “Fantasy Factory” and “Ridiculousness”
William Levy, “Dancing With The Stars”
Scotty McCreery, “American Idol”
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, “Jersey Shore”

Choice TV: Female Reality Star
Lauren Alaina, “American Idol”
Melanie Amaro, “The X Factor”
The Kardashians, “Keeping Up With The Kardashians”
Tia & Tamera Mowry, “Tia & Tamera”
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, “Jersey Shore”

MUSIC

Choice Male Artist
Justin Bieber
Drake
Bruno Mars
Pitbull
Blake Shelton

Choice Female Artist
Adele
Jennifer Lopez
Katy Perry
Rihanna
Taylor Swift

Choice Music Group
Selena Gomez & The Scene
Gym Class Heroes
Lady Antebellum
LMFAO
The Wanted

Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Artist
Beyonce
Flo Rida
Nicki Minaj
Pitbull
Kanye West

Choice Single by a Group
“We Are Young,” fun. featuring Janelle Monáe
“Hit The Lights,” Selena Gomez & The Scene
“Ass Back Home,” Gym Class Heroes featuring Neon Hitch
“Party Rock Anthem,” LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock
“Moves Like Jagger,” Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera

Choice Single by a Female Artist
“Set Fire to the Rain,” Adele
“Stronger,” Kelly Clarkson
“Dance Again,” Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull
“Part of Me,” Katy Perry
“Eyes Open,” Taylor Swift

Choice Single by a Male Artist
“Boyfriend,” Justin Bieber
“Take Care,” Drake featuring Rihanna
“Good Feeling,” Flo Rida
“It Will Rain,” Bruno Mars
“Give Me Everything (Tonight),” Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo, AfroJack & Nayer

Choice Male Country Artist
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Hunter Hayes
Scotty McCreery
Blake Shelton

Choice Country Group
The Band Perry
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Rascal Flatts
Thompson Square

FASHION

Choice Fashion Icon: Female
Miley Cyrus
Zooey Deschanel
Jennifer Lopez
Nicki Minaj
Katy Perry

Choice Female Hottie
Miley Cyrus
Selena Gomez
Katy Perry
Rihanna
Kate Upton

SPORTS

Choice Male Athlete
David Beckham (Soccer)
Kobe Bryant (Basketball)
Albert Pujols (Baseball)
Tim Tebow (Football)
Shaun White (Snowboarding/Skateboarding/Surfing)

OTHER

Choice Twit
Justin Bieber
Miley Cyrus
Jimmy Fallon
Demi Lovato
Ryan Seacrest

Levy’s Sizzling Samba Results in Another Perfect Score on DWTS

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Following two top-notch performances, it looks like William Levy could be headed to the Dancing with the Stars finale…

During Monday night’s semi-finals, the 31-year-old Cuban American actor demonstrated his ballroom dancing prowess by performing a sizzling samba and tantalizing tango that earned raves from the judges.

In the first round, Levy and his partner Cheryl Burke took to the floor to perform a high-octane tango to the Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams,” which received 28 points out of 30 from the judges.

“Powerful, firm, convincing, full of animal magnetism,” professed judge Bruno Tonioli. “No doubt who was on top on that. You were like the dictator of the tango!”

But it was Levy’s dance in the second round that could just seal his fate as a DWTS finalist…

Performing to Sergio Mendes’ Portuguese classic “Magalenha” and dressed in a hot pink button down and skin-tight white pants, Levy’s oh-so-marvelous moves had the audience clapping throughout, especially when he shook his bon bon to the delight of the women in the crowd.

“I’ve never looked at a man’s bum for so long in my life,” said judge Len Goodman as the crowd broke into laughter. “The hunk with his junk in the trunk. The rhythm that you brought out was just fantastic.”

“I’m going to die with bum envy,” said Tonioli unable to contain his excitement for Levy’s performance.

“You lived up to every expectation,” Carrie Ann Inaba cooed. “Amazing! Good job.”

Levy’s samba resulted in his second perfect score of the season, following his fantastic foxtrot last week.

When all was said and done, Levy found himself in second place behind television host Maria Menounos.

Levy Earns First Perfect Score on DWTS…

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

With his chiseled body and striking looks, William Levy may be considered a perfect specimen… But during Monday night’s Dancing with the Stars episode, he proved to be absolutely perfect on the dance floor.

Following his individual performance, the 31-year-old Cuban American telenovela star earned a score of 30 for his slick foxtrot with partner Cheryl Burke—Levy’s first perfect score of the season.

And, the hunky heartthrob earned serious praise from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli.

“You couldn’t be more suave or debonair if you tried. I hate you even more,” Tonioli joked. Inaba added, “So much fun to watch!”

After the contestants received their individual scores, they danced in the “Trio Challenge” with an additional dance pro. Levy and Burke, matched up with Tony Dovolani, to dance a near-perfect paso doble that earned 9s from the judges.

With the added points from the trio dance, Levy stayed in first place on the leaderboard with 57/60.

Levy’s “Ethereal” Waltz Impresses DWTS Judges

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

There’s no doubt William Levy knows how to waltz this way…

During Monday’s “Classical Night” on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, the 31-year-old Cuban American telenovela star and his partner Cheryl Burke performed a poignant Viennese waltz across a smoky dance floor while 12-year-old classical singer Jackie Evancho sang “Ave Maria.”

Along with a standing ovation from the live studio audience, Levy’s waltz received rave reviews from the judges.

“That is true content; that is true dancing,” gushed judge Carrie Ann Inaba. “You find the story in the music and it’s always a story of romance, which is what all ballroom dancing is about. You bring the romance to life!”

Meanwhile, Len Goodman said William and Cheryl didn’t exactly transport him to Vienna… but they did transport him to Austria. And, Bruno Toniolo said Levy had “captured the purity and ethereal quality of the song,” commenting on how he “felt it and lived it.”

In the end, the judges awarded Levy and Burke a total of 27 points for their waltz, making them one of three pairs receiving that score.

Katherine Jenkins continued to impress with a 27-point rumba with Mark Ballas that Len Goodman called “a classic.”

Levy Tangos His Way to a Near-Perfect Score on DWTS

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

He may have injured his ankle during rehearsals… But that didn’t stop William Levy from storming back to the top of the leaderboard on Dancing with the Stars after a lackluster performance last week.

The 31-year-old Cuban telenovela star—who graced the cover of last week’s People magazine—earned his two first 10s of the season and an impressive score of 29 points for his thrilling Argentine tango with partner Cheryl Burke. That near-perfect score resulted in Levi landing atop the leaderboard alongside Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins, who also scored a 29 for her own Argentine tango.

Over the weekend, Levy had announced via his Twitter account that he’d messed up his ankle while preparing for this week’s show.

“Just wanted to let u know that I injured my right ankle pretty bad during rehearsal..MRI tomorrow. I’ll let u all know…Love u all,” the Triunfo del Amor star wrote on Sunday.

Despite a torn ligament in his ankle, Levy showed no signs of strain during his performance to the Pussycat Doll’s “Buttons” on the hit ABC reality dancing competition’s Latin Night.

“Pulsating passion! Throbbing intensity!” declared DWTS judge Bruno Tunoli. “I saw mood, I saw sensuality and passion,” commented judge Len Goodman on Levy’s Argentine tango, which Carrie Ann Inaba called “ridiculously amazing.”

Levy Graces the Cover of People Magazine…

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

He’s one of the hottest imports to the United States since Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias… And, now William Levy is getting the of-the-moment celebrity treatment with his first People magazine cover and feature story…

The 31-year-old Cuban actor and hunky heartthrob, who is currently setting hearts aflutter on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, opens up about his journey from “dirt poor to sexy star” in his cover story.

“To come to this country and receive this kind of love from people you don’t even know, it’s amazing,” he tells People.

Levy—a father of two – to son Christopher, 6, and daughter Kailey, 2, with on-and-off girlfriend Elizabeth Gutiérrez—discusses his early lean years in Cuba before emigrating to the United States at 15.

“I try to give my kids everything I never had,” says Levy, who first caught America’s attention when he starred in Jennifer Lopez’s “I’m Into You” video.

But it’s not all serious talk, Levy even discusses his sizzling sex appeal… Levy boasts what his DWTS partner Cheryl Burke calls “12-pack abs.” And his fans have taken definite notice.

“I have never heard it that loud in there,” Burke says of the deafening roar that fills the ballroom when Levy takes the floor. “He’s like a rock star!”

Along with competing on Dancing with the Stars, Levy is making his English-language television acting debut on VH1’s Single Ladies.

For the full story on William Levy, pick up this week’s issue of People, on newsstands Friday

Levy Continues to Wow on DWTS

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

It may be only the second week of Dancing with the Stars, but William Levy is already building some serious momentum in his quest to win the coveted mirror ball trophy.

Following last week’s top-tier premiere performance of the cha-cha, the 31-year-old Cuban telenovela star returned to the stage on last night’s show to perform a quickstep return with his partner Cheryl Burke. And, Levy didn’t disappoint. The “Brad Pitt of Latin America,” who receives the loudest catcalls from the audience every time he takes the stage, impressed the judges with his dance to George Gershwin’s “Nice Work If You Can Get It.”

Bruno Tonioli called Levy a “matinee idol” who reminded him of Oscar-winner Jean Dujardin from The Artist. Carrie Ann Inaba dubbed him “the Harry Connick Jr. of the ballroom,” adding, “William, you know how to turn up the heat in this ballroom.”

Levy—who earned 25 points for his quickstep—ended the night at the top tier of the leaderboard behind Katherine Jenkins and Roshon Fegan, who both earned 26s.

“We improved from last week and that’s my goal, to slowly climb up the leaderboard and that’s what we did,” said Burke. “I think he has both styles. He can really do the ballroom and the Latin really well. He obviously needs some work, but it’s only week two. This show is about if you’re good at both styles.”

Meanwhile, Levy is taken aback by the overwhelming adoration he’s received since joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars.

“I have no words to explain how good it feels,” Levy told reporters after his performance. “When I was a little boy and I was in Cuba, my dream was to come to America, like 3 years old. And today to be at this position in my life to receive this kind of love in this country, it’s amazing. It’s crazy.”

Levy Receives a Standing Ovation Following His DWTS Performance

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

William Levy may not have received the highest scores during last night’s Dancing With The Stars premiere… But the heartthrob did manage to get the biggest cheers!

Following his performance of the cha-cha to a cover of Pitbull’s “International Love” with partner Cheryl Burke , the 31-year-old Cuban-born telenovela star and model received a lengthy standing ovation and hysterical screams from the audience.

Levy, known as the “Latin Brad Pitt,” nabbed the second-best score of the night, receiving 24 points out of a total 30. And he even got some high praise from the judges.

Bruno Tonioli called him “the hottest package of the season.” Said a fawning Carrie Ann Inaba: “I’d like to thank ABC for my job. … You can dance. … I really like the way you move.” Len Goodman praised his control, saying “Well done.”

Said Levy of the chaos in the audience: “I appreciate the love.”

Sharing the premiere’s top score of 26 were two celebrities were former child star and Family Matters actor Jaleel White (a.k.a. Urkel) and British opera singing sensation Katherine Jenkins.

The night’s lowest scores belonged to Gavin DeGraw, Melissa Gilbert and Martina Navratilova, who all grabbed just 20 points.

Levy to Compete on Dancing with the Stars

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

He set hearts aflutter as Jennifer Lopez’s love interest in “I’m Into You” music video… And, now William Levy is ready to dance his way into America’s hearts.

The 31-year-old Cuban telenovela star and former model will compete on the upcoming season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.

Levy—set to guest star on VH1’s Single Ladies, his first acting stint on an English-language television project—will be paired with professional dancer Cheryl Burke, who has claimed the coveted mirror ball trophy twice in the show’s history.

Here’s a look at Levy’s competition on the 14th season of the hit dancing competition:

1) Jack Wagner, soap actor from General Hospital and Melrose Place — with Anna Trebunskaya
2) Melissa Gilbert, actress from Little House on the Prairie — with Maskim Chmerkovskiy
3) Donald Driver, receiver for the Green Bay Packers — with Peta Murgatroyd
4) Sherri Shepherd, co-host of The View — with Val Chmerkovskiy
5) Katherine Jenkins, opera star — with Mark Ballas
6) Gavin DeGraw, singer — with Karina Smirnoff
7) Martina Navratilova, legendary tennis star — with Tony Dovolani
8) Roshon Fegan, star of Disney Channel’s Shake It Up! — with Chelsie Hightower
9) Maria Menounos, co-host of Extra — with Derek Hough
10) Jaleel White, actor from Family Matters — with Kym Johnson
11) Gladys Knight, singer — with Tristan MacManus

Dancing with the Stars will premiere on Monday, March 19.

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