Anitta Signs Recording Deal with Warner Records

Anitta is ready to breakthrough in the United States…

The 27-year-old Brazilian singer, a massive star in Latin America, has signed a recording contract with Warner Records. And she’s eyeing the release of a multilingual debut, to be produced by Ryan Tedder, in the U.S. later this year. 

Anitta

Anitta fuses elements of reggaetón, bossa nova, R&B, hip-hop, EDM and funk carioca to create her own unique musical blend. 

She’s previously collaborated with the likes of Miley CyrusBecky GJ BalvinKaty PerryDavid Guetta and P. Diddy.

Already a star in her native Brazil — where Anitta is the most streamed artist — and beyond, Anitta’s digital profile includes 47 million Instagram followers, nearly 5 billion YouTube views, in addition to more than 14 million YouTube subscribers, and 6.5 billion cumulative Spotif ystreams. 

She has been nominated for five Latin Grammys and has won 6 MTV EMAs. She was set to perform at Coachellaand Rock In Riothis year before the COVID-19pandemic caused the cancellation of both.

“I’m so excited to join the U.S. Warner Records team,” said Anitta, who is based in Rio de Janeiro. “It’s the most important moment in my career. Now, I can show more about my art and culture to the world internationally. I can’t wait for everyone to hear all the new music I’ve been working on, which will be a fresh blend of both Spanish and English.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with the global Warner Music Latin team to bring Anitta’s incredible music to the U.S. and beyond. Anitta is truly unlike any artist we’ve ever experienced,” said Aaron Bay-Schuck and Tom Corson, co-chairmen of Warner Records. “ She’s not only an extraordinary musical talent, but is a blazing creative force, an electrifying performer and a true cultural phenomenon.”

Ricky Martin to Take Part in “Can’t Cancel Pride: A COVID-19 Relief Benefit for the LGBTQ+ Community”

Ricky Martin is expressing his Pride

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. 

Ricky Martin

P&G and iHeartMedia have 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 InstagramPrideRadio.com and broadcast on iHeartMedia stations nationwide.

In addition to Martin, the event will feature appearances by Billy PorterBig Freedia,Adam LambertMelissa EtheridgeKaty PerryKim PetrasSia 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.

In May, Marin released a six-track album  Pausa, the first of a two-part album. The follow-up, Play, is expected to be released in September 202

Rosario Dawson to Co-Host Rock the Vote’s Democracy Summer Campaign Virtual Concert

Rosario Dawson is ready to rock the vote…

The 41-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American actress and activist will co-host Rock the Vote’s Democracy Summer campaign kick-off on Thursday, June 18, a two-hour virtual concert co-headlined by Katy Perry and Black Eyed Peas.

Rosario Dawson

Co-hosted by Dawson and Logan Browning with Chuck D and Eve, the event will stream live beginning at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT on democracysummer.org, and Democracy Summer’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

Ne-YoBig FreediaLucy HaleAmara La NegraSaweetie, Sklyar Astin, Max, Leslie Grace, Dove Cameron, Sofia CarsonRich Brian and Michael K. Williams are among those slated to appear remotely. 

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro will make appearances.

“I’m excited to be a part of this kickoff to Democracy Summer 2020 with so many amazing talents, activists and speakers,” says Perry. “The young people of America are speaking loud and clear on the streets and online, and come November, it will be more important than ever to fight for justice and equality, and against systemic racism, with our ballots.”

“The young people are engaged. Their voices are loud and getting louder. The world is watching. And we need to vote,” agrees Chuck D, an early and consistent supporter of Rock the Vote, which was founded in 1990 by Virgin Records America co-chairman Jeff Ayeroff primarily to increase voter turnout among young adults.

“We are seeing the urgency for change in America happening in real time. This is the moment for us to use the most important tool on the planet to fight for that change…our right to vote,” says Ne-Yo. “Our democracy needs our voices. Voting is the moment to be the voice for injustice and for equality. But most importantly, to be the voice for humanity. We cannot let each other down in the local elections or on Nov. 3.”

Produced by BWG Live and in partnership with Voto Latino FoundationWhen We All Vote and March For Our Lives, the concert marks not only the first live-streamed event for the Rock the Vote, but also its first large-scale summer activation. 

In previous years the organization amped up in the fall before a Presidential election and typically staged a live event. Both pivots are a direct result of Covid-19.

“One of the realities is coronavirus derailed the momentum that is required in a major election cycle,” Rock the Vote president Carolyn DeWitt tells Billboard. “A few months ago we began seeing how the restrictions were affecting young people in particular, by moving them off college campuses and disrupting graduations and proms,” she says. “Our effort is really about building that momentum back up.”

With some 4 million young people turning 18 this year and innumerable issues at stake, the goal of Democracy Summer is to bring 200,000 new voters to the polls in November when Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden challenges Donald Trump, as well as myriad primary and local elections throughout the summer and fall. Those interested in the event are encouraged to register at the Democracy Summer web site to get the latest details and lineup updates, although preregistration isn’t required to tune in. Viewers can go to Rock the Vote’s website to register to vote.

The murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer and the swell of support around the Black Lives Matter movement also has catalyzed Thursday’s event. As protesters around the country have taken to the streets, Rock the Vote registered 107,000 new voters through its platforms and gained more than 25,000 new Instagram followers during the week of June 1, DeWitt says—numbers that dwarf those of a typical week.

“With what we’ve seen over the last couple weeks, the effort around Democracy Summer has become even more important. It’s not just the virus, it’s bigger than the economy standing still. The world feels like it’s on the brink of chaos and yet this moment around Black Lives Matter is bigger than that,” DeWitt says. “Frankly speaking, a big part of that is people are exercising their rights in a democracy. Young people are looking for things they can do and actions they can take in order to create change. We want to make sure we’re continuing to sustain that fire and passion into November, and make sure young people know the power of their votes and create the change they want to see.”

The live stream will include opportunities for viewers to donate to black-led and -focused organizations including the Community Justice Action Fund and National Action Network.

“Now, more than ever, voting is key for long-term change,” Black Eyed Peas said in a statement. “The youth vote is going to decide the future of America. It’s not just our duty but our honor to spread the word in an election year.”

“The diversity of America is what makes it great, and it is also what makes it our country,” says La Negra. “I am Dominican proudly, yet I am a black woman always. I matter. You matter. And together, we will always matter!”

“The need for young people to get out and vote has never been more important,” says Participant CEO David Linde. “We are proud to be working with Rock the Vote in making that need a reality and by using the inspiring, powerful message of Rep. John Lewis to make good trouble.”

Rock the Vote is planning additional Democracy Summer activations throughout the summer including on the Fourth of July and on August 6, the anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

Bad Bunny to Take Part in Houseparty’s Virtual “In The House” Event

Bad Bunny is heading to a special house party

The 26-year-old Latin trap and reggaeton singer will take part in Houseparty’s ultimate virtual bash, “In The House.”

Bad Bunny

In addition to Bad Bunny, the video chatting app has invited 

MiguelChef Jose Andres, Doja CatSnoop DoggKaty PerryNeil Patrick Harris and more stars for the weekend event.

But the curated lineup isn’t only about controlling the aux. As part of Houseparty’s new live experiential event series, Bad Bunny and the gang will do something extra.

Bad Bunny will welcome virtual guests into his kitchen, Doja Cat will talk about her music, Snoop Dogg will cook his favorite breakfast meal, Harris will pull a few tricks out of his sleeve for a magic show and Alicia Keys will demonstrate her go-to workout. 

But as far as performances go, Perry will sing her new single “Daisies,” coming out this Friday, May 15, while Idina Menzel transforms into her Frozen character Elsa for “Let It Go” and “Into The Unknown.”

Check out the full lineup featuring over 40 musicians, actors and athletes here.

Download Houseparty before heading over, which is free admission on iOSAndriodGoogle Chrome and Mac (Mac cannot host the “In The House” series). 

The party officially kicks off at 5:00 pm ET on Friday, May 15 and ends at 7:00 pm ET on Sunday, May 17. Each live set re-airs 12 hours after the original showtime, so fans won’t miss hanging out with their favorite stars and can even catch an encore round.

Christina Aguilera to Perform on ABC’s “The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II” Special

Christina Aguilerais returning for more Disney family fun…

The 39-year-old half-Ecuadorian American singer has been added to the roster of performers for this weekend’s The Disney Family Singalong: Volume IIthe ABC special airing on Mother’s Day.

Christina Aguilera

Aguilera, who was a member of The Mickey Mouse Club, appeared on the first edition of the Disney family singalong last month. She performed “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King.

This time around, Xtinawill perform Remember Me” alongside Miguel, who originally performed the track from Coco

In addition to Aguilera, other new additions include 

Katy PerryJohn LegendJennifer Hudson, the MuppetsTituss BurgessSabrina CarpenterLang Langand pros from Dancing with the Stars.

The special will air on Sunday, May 10, at 7:00 pm EDT.

Here’s the lineup for The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II,for which the Muppets will do a curtain-raiser and Burgess will provide a vocal warmup:

“A Whole New World” – Idina Menzel and Ben Platt
“Almost There” – Chloe x Halle and Anika Noni Rose
“Baby Mine” – Katy Perry
“Beauty and the Beast” – John Legend and Jennifer Hudson
“Hakuna Matata” – Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner feat. Donald Glover and Walter Russell III
“Part of Your World” – Halsey
“Poor Unfortunate Souls” – Rebel Wilson
“Remember Me” – Miguel feat. Christina Aguilera
“Step in Time” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” – Derek Hough, Julianne Hough and Hayley Erbert
“Try Everything” – Shakira
“When I Am Older” – Josh Gad
“You’ll Be in My Heart” – Disney on Broadway stars Merle Dandridge, Heather Headley, Adam Jacobs, Caissie Levy, Kara Lindsay, Kevin Massey and Josh Strickland
“Your Mother and Mine” – Sabrina Carpenter feat. Lang Lang
“Zero to Hero” – Keke Palmer feat. “Dancing with the Stars” Pros Lindsay Arnold, Alan Bersten, Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Sasha Farber and Emma Slater

Kehlani Collaborates with Zedd on New Single, “Good Thing”

Kehlani has a good thing coming…

The 24-year-old part-Mexican and part-Spanish American singer has joined voices with Zedd.

Kehlani

The hit producer has shared a snippet of his forthcoming single called “Good Thing” with Kehlani.

An innocent, syncopated synth bounces softly as if in intro. While there isn’t a preview of the singer’s work, one can imagine she’s put on her dance-pop best.

This is Zedd and Kehlani’s first collaboration. She usually works in the pop, hip-hop and R&B worlds, though she did famously appear on Calvin Harris‘ funk tune “Faking It” with Lil Yachty

“Good Thing” follows Zedd’s Katy Perry collab “365,” released in February. 

The Kehlani single is due out Friday, September 27.

Daddy Yankee Tops Billboard Argentina Hot 100 for Sixth Straight Week with “Con Calma”

Daddy Yankee is embracing the calm at the top of the charts…

The 42-year-old Puerto Rican rapper/singer continues to hold the top spot on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 with his single “Con Calma” featuring Snow for a sixth consecutive week. 

Daddy Yankee

And now, Katy Perry joins the No. 1 team, thanks to her remix of the song. The song is a debut on the charts for the American singer — giving her the best Hot Shot Debutfor an artist.   

The rest of the top three on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 remain the same as last week, with Pedro Capó feat. Farruko‘s “Calma (Remix)” at No. 2, and the Argentine trap anthem “Tumbando el club (Remix)” by Neo Pistea featuring C.R.O.ObiewanshotYsy ACazzu and more at No. 3. It is the first time three remixes have topped the list.   

Rosalía‘s song with J Balvin and El Guincho, “Con Altura,” climbed 12 places, ending the week at No. 12. Rosalía’s first-ever song on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 entered the chart last week at No. 24.  

BTS gained the most positions in the past seven days. “Boy With Luv” featuring Halsey climbed a total of 51 places, now ranking at No. 27. On the day of its release, the video clip accumulated more than 36 million views in 24 hours, setting a YouTube record.

Estelares had the best debut of the week, with Manuel Moretti’s group at No. 69 with the latest single, “Ríos de Lava.”

Finally, “Chica Paranormal” by Paulo Londra re-entered the chart at No. 76, and the Argentinian trapper totaled five songs on the list, including two in the top 10: “Tal vez” at No. 6 and “Adán y Eva” at No. 8.

The Argentina Hot 100 ranks the most popular songs in the country and is compiled by a formula that blends local streaming activity on leading music services such as YouTube, Spotifyand Apple Music, among others, as well as national radio airplay and plays of songs featured on a variety of Argentine TV networks. Streaming data is provided by Nielsen Music, while radio and TV measurement is powered by BMAT/Vericast.

The Billboard Argentina Hot 100 will appear in each monthly print issue and will be refreshed weekly each Wednesday.

Billboard Argentina Hot 100 Top 10 (Week of April 27)
1. Daddy Yankee feat. Snow & Katy Perry – “Con calma (remix)”
2. Pedro Capó feat. Farruko – “Calma”
3. Neo Pistea feat. C.R.O, Obiewanshot, Ysy A, Cazzu, Khea, Lucho SSJ, Coqeéin Montana, Marcianos Crew & Duki – “Tumbando el club (remix)”
4. Dalex feat. Rafa Pabon – “Pa mi”
5. Anuel AA y Karol G – “Secreto”
6. Paulo Londra – “Tal vez”
7. Maluma – “HP”
8. Paulo Londra – “Adán y Eva”
9. Sebastián Yatra y Reik – “Un año”
10. Nicky Jam x Ozuna – “Te robaré”

Ricky Martin to Perform Alongside Camila Cabello at This Year’s Grammys

Ricky Martinis getting into the Grammy spirit…

The Recording Academy has announced that the 47-year-old Puerto Rican superstar will take the stage during this year’s Grammy Awards ceremony.

Ricky Martin

Martin, a two-time Grammy winner, will join Camila Cabelloduring her show opening number.

In addition to Martin, J BalvinYoung Thugand Arturo Sandovalare also expected to appear alongside Cabello, a two-time nominee this year.

Additionally, the show will feature a special tribute to eight-time Grammywinner, Dolly Parton, who will also take to the stage for the first time in 18 years to perform her new music.

Set to perform the iconic country star’s classic hits will be Katy PerryKacey MusgravesLittle Big Townand Maren Morris. Parton will then take center stage to sing her latest tunes from her 2018 album, Dumplin’ — the soundtrack to Netflix’s original motion picture by the same name starring Jennifer Aniston.

Previously announced artists performing during the biggest night in music include Cardi BDan + ShayH.E.R., Post MaloneShawn MendesJanelle Monáe,Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Diana Ross.

Hosted by Alicia Keys, the 61st Annual Grammy Awards will take place live from the Staples Center on Sunday, February 10 at 8:00 pm ET, and will be broadcast live on CBS.

Demi Lovato to Join School Shooting Survivors at “March for Our Lives” in Washington, DC

Demi Lovato is heading to Washington, DC next week to help shine a light on the issue of gun violence…

The 25-year-old part-Mexican American singer/actress will join survivors of the February 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, as they take to the streets of Washington to protest gun violence.

Demi Lovato

On March 24, survivors will be joined by Lovato, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Hudson as they call for gun legislation reform.

One of the survivors, David Hogg, made the announcement for March for Our Lives during an appearance on CNN.

“We’re gonna have four major independent women that are standing with us and walking beside us,” Hogg said.

According to the March for Our Lives mission statement, organizers will “demand that a comprehensive and effective bill be immediately brought before (the U.S.) Congress to address these gun issues.”

The shooting at Stoneman Douglas High claimed the lives of 17 people.

Lovato  invited survivors onstage during the opening show of her tour in San Diego.

Other celebrities, including Jimmy Fallon and George Clooney, are set to attend as well.

The march will occur 10 days after a national student walkout, which was met with similar support by celebrities including Katy Perry and Zendaya.

Sister marches will take place in cities across the nation.

Selena Gomez Named Billboard’s 2017 Woman of the Year

Selena Gomez is the belle of the Billboard ball…

The 25-year-old Mexican American singer has been named Billboard’s 2017 Woman of the Year.

Selena Gomez

Gomez, a two-time Billboard 200 chart-leader will be presented with the award on November 30 at the annual Women in Music dinner and awards gala, held at Los Angeles’ Ray Dolby Ballroom.

Gomez, an award-winning singer, producer and actress, will join an all-star cast of previous Woman of the Year honorees including Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Pink, Katy Perry, Fergie, Beyoncé and last year’s winner, Madonna, who delivered a moving speech that touched on feminism, sexism and much more.

“Not only is Selena soaring on the charts, but she continuously inspires young women everywhere to be authentic, give back and to not be afraid to use their voice,” said John Amato, president of The Hollywood Reporter-Billboard Media Group. “She is never afraid to speak her mind and has used her platform to advocate for the needs of others. We are thrilled to be able to honor her as our Woman of the Year.”

Gomez’ career has never been in better shape. In 2015 and 2016, she enjoyed top 10 Billboard Hot 100 smashes with “Same Old Love” and “Hands to Myself” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore.” The trend continues, with hits “Bad Liar,” “Fetish” (featuring Gucci Mane) and “It Ain’t Me” (with Kygo) in the past year.

Five of her albums have cracked the top 10 of the Billboard 200, with the studio albums Revival (2015) and Stars Dance (2013) leading the chart.

Not confined to music, Gomez also executive-produced the Netflix drama 13 Reasons Why, launched partnerships with Coach and Puma, and worked tirelessly across various philanthropic endeavors, from the Step Up Foundation to coaching for World Kindness Day, and raising more than $500,000 for the Lupus Research Alliance. Also, Gomez has been an active ambassador for UNICEF since 2009.

The event, held in conjunction with the publication of Billboard’s Women in Music issue, also recognizes the most powerful female executives in the industry. Additional Women in Music honorees will be revealed at a later date.

For the first time, the Women in Music event and a red-carpet pre-show will be broadcast live for on Twitter from 9:00 pm-midnight EST on November 30.