Pitbull to Perform on ABC’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve

Pitbull will be having a rockin’ New Year’s Eve next month…

The 31-year-old Cuban-American rap superstar, who recently launched his new album Global Warming, will help ring in 2013 by performing on ABC’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on December 31.

Pitbull

The Ryan Seacrest-hosted year-end celebration will include performances by Taylor Swift, Carly Rae Jepsen and Neon Trees in Times Square.

Pitbull will join Brandy, Flo Rida, Karmin and OneRepublic on the broadcast from the West Coast.

But he won’t be the only Hispanic artist on the show…

Fergie will be pulling double-duty during the New Year’s Eve event. The 37-year-old part-Mexican singer and Black Eyed Peas member will co-host a tribute to Dick Clark, the show’s longtime host, who died at age 82 this spring.

The two-hour segment, kicking off at 8:00 pm ET., will be co-hosted by Fergie and Jenny McCarthy.

It’s Official… Lopez Not Returning to American Idol

It’s the end of an era… Jennifer Lopez won’t be returning to spot at the judges table on American Idol next season.

Just a day after Steven Tyler announced he wouldn’t be returning as a judge, the 42-year-old Puerto Rican singer/actress called into On Air with Ryan Seacrest to confirm that she would not be returning to Fox’s hit reality singing competition.

Jennifer Lopez

Lopez hinted at the news on the Today show yesterday, but now her exit appears to be a done deal.

“It’s been a long process…I’ve really been torn,” Lopez told Idol host Ryan Seacrest. “Something has to give.”

Lopez chatted with Seacrest about the decision process for a tad, before finally saying, “The time has come for me to get back to the other things that I do… We had an amazing run.”

Lopez seemed open to returning as a mentor, but said she couldn’t commit to being there full time.

The news comes as People magazine reports that Mariah Carey is in serious talks to join the Idol judges panel. Other names being tossed around include Fergie and Adam Lambert.

Listen to Seacrest and Lopez’s full chat on Ryan Seacrest’s website.

Fergie’s First Wet N Wild Ads Released

Here’s your chance to get Fergalicious nails that “make them boys go loco.”

Wet N Wild has just released brand new images from the company’s new beauty campaign with Fergie.

Fergie's Wet N Wild Ad

The 37-year-old part-Mexican singer and Black Eyed Peas member, who was named the makeup brand’s first-ever celebrity beauty ambassador earlier this year, looks super fierce as she models this season’s hottest makeup shades.

“What a f&$@*ng incredible day of shooting with Russell James and my new Wet N Wild family! Loved it!” proclaimed the Grammy-winning songstress about the modeling session.

In one futuristic-looking image, the “Glamorous” singer has her hair pulled back in sleek ponytail as she frames her eyes in sharp sideways “v” shapes. Her nails are painted metallic gold and black and manicured into sharp points.

Fergie's Wet N Wild Ad

In a more retro image, Fergie’s hair falls in sexy waves across her face, hiding one eye. And, she looks stunning with her big full red lips and matching bright red nails.

“Fergie’s approach to beauty and style is an ideal representation of our brand. She has the unique ability to go from hip, edgy, and sexy to red-carpet glamorous. Her versatility and range is perfectly aligned with wet n wild,” said Bill George, President and Chief Operating Officer of Markwins Beauty Products when announcing the company’s partnership with Fergie. “She’s a strong woman who is immensely talented, and who has used her determination and perseverance to conquer the entertainment industry on all fronts. We couldn’t be more thrilled to work with her.”

Fergie's Wet N Wild Ad

Along with promoting products in print, online and television ads and events, Fergie will be creating her own signature collection for the cosmetic brand.

Meanwhile, fans can win autographed Fergie merchandise directly through the Wet N Wild‘s website.

Lopez Not Returning as “American Idol” Judge?

The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” must be playing on repeat in Jennifer Lopez’s mind…

After two seasons serving as a beloved judge on American Idol, the 42-year-old Puerto Rican superstar is said to be parting ways with Fox’s hit reality singing competition.

Jennifer Lopez

While no official announcement has been made as to season 12’s judging panel, Lopez herself strongly hinted that she wouldn’t be back for a third year.

“Little by little I’m making up my mind,” Lopez told Today’s Natalie Morales during an interview Thursday to discuss her role in Ice Age: Continental Drift. “I love everybody, I love the guys [Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and host Ryan Seacrest], but I am thinking it’s time for me to go and do other things I love to do like films.”

Loopz, currently on tour with Enrique Iglesias, says she’s ready to return to the projects she put off when inking a one-year deal with Idol in 2010.

“It’s a huge decision, but I have to say there are so many things I do that I put on hold for that,” explained Lopez, who was recently nominated for an ALMA Award for her work on Idol. “It’s a heartbreaking decision if I have to go.”

While no official casting announcement has been made, a source tells Us Weekly there is no way Lopez could return to Idol, given her hectic touring calendar, which conflicts with Idol‘s initial filming dates.

“There is just too much going on for her right now,” says a Lopez insider. “She regrets she can’t stay on the show. It’s been an incredible experience and she is forever grateful that she did it.”

Among those said to be in the running to replace Lopez at the judges’ desk: Fergie, Mariah Carey, and season 8’s Idol runner-up Adam Lambert.

Fergie Guest-Starring on Disney XD’s “Kick Buttowski”

She may have starred on Kids Incorporated as a girl… But StacyFergieFerguson is now having her Disney moment.

The 36-year-old part-Mexican singer is providing a guest voice on this week’s episode of the Disney XD cartoon Kick Buttowski — Suburban Daredevil.

Fergie

Fergie plays April, a girl Kick’s brother Brad asks on a date. She agrees, but mainly because she’s charmed by Kick (she lovingly calls him “Helmet Dude”).

The Evel Knievel wannabe wastes no time leveraging this status to take advantage of his brother. His goal: to get Brad’s “Golden Access Card” so he can see the new Rock Callahan movie. NBA star Dwight Howard also guest stars in the episode, reprising his role as Callahan.

The episode, titled “Bromance,” airs this Saturday at 11am/10c on Disney XD.

The Black Eyed Peas singer previously guest-voiced a character on Fox’s The Cleveland Show.

Lopez Attends Rio de Janiero’s Carnival Festivities…

La vida es un carnaval for Jennifer Lopez

The 42-year-old American Idol judge spent part of her weekend in Brazil for Rio de Janiero’s iconic Carnival festivities.

“Hello everyone! My first time here during carnival! #ILoveBrazil,” wrote Lopez on her Twitter account about her visit to the South American country.

Jennifer Lopez at Carnival

The singer/actress—joined by her boyfriend Casper Smart and manager Benny Medina—was spotted wearing a bright red shirt and jeans at the night’s festivities. She flashed a bright smile as she waved to the Carnival crowd from her private VIP seats, courtesy of Brazilian beer company Brahma at the Sambadrome, the central dance competition of the parade.

Rio de Janeiro's Carnival Festivities 2012

Lopez has been appearing in a Carnival-themed commercial in Brazil for the beer company the past few months. It features the Puerto Rican pop star effortlessly dancing the fast-paced Samba.

But Lopez wasn’t the only Latina singer in Brazil to enjoy Carnival…

Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie also turned up for the festivities wearing a yellow T-shirt and tiny denim shorts.

Fergie at Rio de Janeiro's Carnival Festivities 2012

The 36-year-old part-Mexican singer was hosted by Head and Shoulders and viewed the festivities from the same VIP location as Lopez.

Gomez Leads the Latino Pack of Kids’ Choice Award Nominees…

So what do Selena Gomez, Sofia Vergara and Victoria Justice have in common? They all run the risk of being slimed this spring!

Nickelodeon has announced the nominees for 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards with some of today’s biggest Latino and Latina stars gettin’ some serious love from the tween set.

Selena Gomez

Gomez leads the Latino pack with two nods. The 19-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actress is nominated for Favorite TV Actress for her work on Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place, as well as in the Favorite Female Singer category.

Here’s a look at this year’s Latino/a nominees:

Favorite TV Actress
Selena Gomez
Victoria Justice

Favorite Movie Actress
Sofia Vergara (The Smurfs)

Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie
Antonio Banderas (Puss in Boots)

Favorite Music Group
Big Time Rush (with Carlos Peña)
Black Eyed Peas (with Fergie)

Favorite Male Singer
Bruno Mars

Favorite Female Singer
Selena Gomez

Favorite Buttkicker
Jessica Alba

Fans will have the chance to vote for their favorite stars beginning March 1 on Nick.com, as well as via Facebook and Twitter.

The 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards will be handed out on March 31 in Los Angeles.

Fergie Takes Home Two Grammy Awards

She’d previously won six Grammys with the Black Eyed Peas… But its Fergie’s recent project without the group that has resulted in more gramophones in her collection.

The 36-year-old part-Mexican singer took home two awards at the 54th Grammy Awards on Sunday for her work on Kanye West’s “All of the Lights.”

Fergie

The track from West’s album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy—featuring Fergie, Rihanna and Kid Cudi—won in the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best Rap Song categories.

But Fergie wasn’t the only two-time winner… Jazz musician Chick Corea also picked up a pair of gramophones at this year’s Grammys.

The 70-year-old part-Spanish jazz pianist, keyboardist and composer won in the Best Improvised Jazz Solo category for the song “500 Miles High,” as well as in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album for the album Forever.

In all, Correa has won a total of 18 Grammy Awards during his illustrious career.

Meanwhile, Louis C.K. earned his first Grammy, further cementing his status as the world’s biggest comedy star.

The 44-year-old part-Mexican American comedian won in the Best Comedy Album category for “Hilarious,” beating out the Weird Al Yankovic, Patton Oswalt, Kathy Griffin and Andy Samberg’s Lonely Island for the award.

Here’s a look at some of the other Latino winners at the 54th Grammy Awards:

Best Latin Pop, Rock, Or Urban Album
Maná, Drama y Luz

 

Best Regional Mexican Or Tejano Album
Pepe Aguilar, Bicentenario

 

Best Banda or Norteño Album
Los Tigres Del Norte, Los Tigres Del Norte And Friends

Best Tropical Latin Album
Cachao, The Last Mambo

 

Michele’s First Candie’s Ads Released…

It’s official… After much speculation, Lea Michele has replaced Vanessa Hudgens as the new spokesmodel for Candie’s.

In the just-released campaign that centers on sweets like candy, baked goods and gumballs, the 25-year-old part-Spanish Glee star is pictured in a series of sweet and flirty photos while flashing her award-winning smile.

Lea Michele's Candies Photo Shoot

In one ad, Michele—wearing a short white skirt—poses on a large puffy pink pillow while striking a sultry stare.

“Tomorrow’s a BIG day. My @Candiesbrand campaign launches! They just posted the FIRST ad on Facebook! LOOK!” she tweeted on Tuesday.

Lea Michele's Candies Ad

Michele, who was one of the best dressed starlets at this month’s Golden Globes, follows in the the footsteps of previous Candie’s models including Hayden Panettiere, Fergie and Britney Spears.

“Britney Spears is definitely my favorite past Candie’s girl, her campaigns were gorgeous,” Michele mentioned in a statement.

Lea Michele's Candies Ad

The star’s spring 2012 ad campaign will include print, online, outdoor and Kohl’s-exclusive in-store placements starting this month.

Michele: A Candie’s Girl?

She’s the “people’s choice” for Favorite TV Comedy Actress… And, Lea Michele could soon be Candie’s choice…

The 25-year-old part-Spanish Glee star is reportedly the new spokesmodel for the fashion brand.

Lea_Michele

“Lea’s fans are the same as Candie’s fans,” an insider for the company tells E! News.

Lea will reportedly appear in a series of print ads later this year as part of her endorsement deal, according to other sources.

Representatives for the singer/actress—who rocked the red carpet at the People’s Choice Awards on Wednesday—and Candie’s representatives have yet to release an official statement about the alleged contract though.

Should Michele sign a deal with the clothing company, she’ll replace Candie’s most recent spokesmodel Vanessa Hudgens.

Other previous celebrities who’ve pitched for the brand include: Britney Spears, Ashlee Simpson and Stacy “Fergie” Ferguson.

Michele has previously starred in commercials for Dove, Chevrolet, Nike and HP TouchPad.