J Balvin Leads Pack of Premio Lo Nuestro Nominees with 14

Posted on January 15, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin is the man to beat…

Univision has announced the 2021 Premio Lo Nuestro nominees, with the 35-year-old Colombian urbano singer leading the pack with 14 nominations.

Balvin, who has previously collected 13 Premios Lo Nuestro trophies, is up for Artist of the Year, an award he’s previously claimed three times.

He’s also up for Album of the Year for Colores.

Maluma follows with 12 noms, Camilo with 10, and Ozuna with eight.

Anuel, Bad Bunny, Karol G, Natti Natasha, Sebastian Yatra, and Sech continue with seven nominations each.

This year, four new categories have been added including album of the year in pop, album of the year in urban, album of the year in Mexican Regional, and cumbia song of the year. A total of 147 artists are nominated in 34 music categories that honor the pop, urban, tropical and regional Mexican genres.

Celebrating music, resilience, and hope, the 33rd edition of the coveted awards show will also feature musical debuts, exclusive collaborations, and special tributes that will connect the community with music.

The 2021 Premio Lo Nuestro will air live starting at 7:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 18 from Miami’s AmericanAirlines Arena via Univision.

Here’s the complete nominations:

Premio Lo Nuestro Artist Of The Year
1. ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ
2. BAD BUNNY
3. CAMILO
4. CHRISTIAN NODAL
5. J BALVIN
6. KAROL G
7. MALUMA
8. NATTI NATASHA
9. OZUNA
10. SEBASTIÁN YATRA

Album Of The Year
1. ALTER EGO – PRINCE ROYCE
2. AYAYAY! – CHRISTIAN NODAL
3. COLORES – J BALVIN
4. DE BUENOS AIRES PARA EL MUNDO – LOS ÁNGELES AZULES
5. GUÁRDAME ESTA NOCHE – EL FANTASMA
6. HECHO EN MÉXICO – ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ
7. MÁS CARO, QUE AYER – GERARDO ORTIZ
8. MÁS FUTURO QUE PASADO – JUANES
9. PAPI JUANCHO – MALUMA
10. YHLQMDLG – BAD BUNNY

Song Of The Year
1. ADMV – MALUMA
2. BONITA – JUANES & SEBASTIÁN YATRA
3. CARITA DE INOCENTE – PRINCE ROYCE
4. FANTASÍA – OZUNA
5. FAVORITO – CAMILO
6. KEII – ANUEL
7. LA MEJOR VERSIÓN DE MI (REMIX) – NATTI NATASHA & ROMEO SANTOS
8. MORADO – J BALVIN
9. SÓLO TÚ – CALIBRE 50
10. TUSA – KAROL G & NICKI MINAJ

New Artist Female
1. CHESCA
2. EMILIA
3. NATHY PELUSO
4. NICKI NICOLE
5. YENNIS

New Artist Male
1. CAMILO
2. JAY WHEELER
3. NATANAEL CANO
4. NETO BERNAL
5. RAUW ALEJANDRO

Remix Of The Year
1. CARAMELO (Remix) – OZUNA, KAROL G & MYKE TOWERS
2. DJ NO PARE (Remix) – JUSTIN QUILES, NATTI NATASHA, FARRUKO FT. ZION, DALEX & LENNY TAVÁREZ
3. HAWÁI (Remix) – MALUMA & THE WEEKND
4. LA CAMA (Remix) – LUNAY, MYKE TOWERS, OZUNA, CHENCHO CORLEONE & RAUW ALEJANDRO
5. LA JEEPETA (Remix) – NIO GARCIA, ANUEL, MYKE TOWERS, BRRAY & JUANKA
6. LA MEJOR VERSIÓN DE MI (Remix) – NATTI NATASHA & ROMEO SANTOS
7. PORFA (Remix) – FEID, JUSTIN QUILES, J BALVIN FT. MALUMA, NICKY JAM & SECH
8. RELACIÓN (Remix) – SECH, DADDY YANKEE, J BALVIN FT. ROSALÍA & FARRUKO
9. TATTOO (Remix) – RAUW ALEJANDRO & CAMILO
10. YO NO SÉ (Remix) – MATI GÓMEZ, NICKY JAM & REIK

“Crossover” Collaboration Of The Year
1. HAWÁI (Remix) – MALUMA & THE WEEKND
2. MAMACITA – BLACK EYED PEAS, OZUNA & J. REY SOUL
3. ME GUSTA – ANITTA, CARDI B & MYKE TOWERS
4. ME QUEDARÉ CONTIGO – PITBULL & NE-YO FT. LENIER & EL MICHA
5. QUÉ MALDICIÓN – BANDA MS DE SERGIO LIZÁRRAGA & SNOOP DOGG
6. RITMO (BAD BOYS FOR LIFE) – BLACK EYED PEAS & J BALVIN
7. SUBELO (FURTHER UP) – STATIC & BEN EL, PITBULL & CHESCA
8. TKN – ROSALÍA & TRAVIS SCOTT
9. TUSA – KAROL G & NICKI MINAJ
10. UN DÍA (ONE DAY) – J BALVIN, DUA LIPA, BAD BUNNY FT. TAINY

Video Of The Year
1. BOOGALOO SUPREME – VÍCTOR MANUELLE & WISIN
2. CUANDO ESTÉS AQUÍ – PABLO ALBORÁN
3. DESPUÉS DE TODO – YORDANO
4. EN CANTOS – ILE & NATALIA LAFOURCADE
5. FOR SALE – CARLOS VIVES & ALEJANDRO SANZ
6. GIRASOLES – LUIS FONSI
7. MALA VIDA – NICKI NICOLE
8. PECADOR – RESIDENTE
9. QUÉ LÁSTIMA – CHOCQUIBTOWN & SECH
10. TKN – ROSALÍA & TRAVIS SCOTT

Lali, Carin León & More Latin Artists Share Their New Year’s Resolutions For 2021

Pop – Artist Of The Year
1. CAMILO
2. CARLOS RIVERA
3. ENRIQUE IGLESIAS
4. JENNIFER LOPEZ
5. JUANES
6. KANY GARCÍA
7. PEDRO CAPÓ
8. RICKY MARTIN
9. SEBASTIÁN YATRA
10. SHAKIRA

Pop- Song Of The Year
1. ADMV – MALUMA
2. BONITA – JUANES & SEBASTIÁN YATRA
3. BUENA SUERTE – PEDRO CAPÓ
4. FAVORITO – CAMILO
5. NO HA PARADO DE LLOVER – MANÁ & SEBASTIÁN YATRA
6. PERDIENDO LA CABEZA – CARLOS RIVERA, BECKY G & PEDRO CAPÓ
7. SI ME DICES QUE SÍ – REIK, FARRUKO & CAMILO
8. TABÚ – PABLO ALBORÁN & AVA MAX
9. TANTO – JESSE & JOY & LUIS FONSI
10. TIBURONES – RICKY MARTIN

Pop – Collaboration Of The Year
1. BONITA – JUANES & SEBASTIÁN YATRA
2. COMO ASÍ – LALI FT. CNCO
3. EL CIEGO – MELENDI & CALI Y EL DANDEE
4. FOR SALE – CARLOS VIVES & ALEJANDRO SANZ
5. MUCHACHA – GENTE DE ZONA & BECKY G
6. PERDIENDO LA CABEZA – CARLOS RIVERA, BECKY G & PEDRO CAPÓ
7. SI ME DICES QUE SÍ – REIK, FARRUKO & CAMILO
8. TABÚ – PABLO ALBORÁN & AVA MAX
9. TANTO – JESSE & JOY & LUIS FONSI
10. UNA MENTIRA MÁS – YURI & NATALIA JIMÉNEZ

Pop – Group or Duo Of The Year
1. CALI Y EL DANDEE
2. CNCO
3. JESSE & JOY
4. MAU Y RICKY
5. REIK

Pop – Album Of The Year
1. AIRE – JESSE & JOY
2. BLANCO – RICARDO ARJONA
3. COLEGIO – CALI Y EL DANDEE
4. MÁS FUTURO QUE PASADO – JUANES
5. MESA PARA DOS – KANY GARCÍA
6. MUNAY – PEDRO CAPÓ
7. PAUSA – RICKY MARTIN
8. POR PRIMERA VEZ – CAMILO
9. QUE QUIÉNES SOMOS – CNCO
10. 20–21 – REIK

Pop/Ballad – Song Of The Year
1. ADMV – MALUMA
2. HONGOS – RICARDO ARJONA
3. LO QUE EN TI VEO – KANY GARCÍA & NAHUEL PENNISI
4. TE ADORARÉ – RICARDO MONTANER
5. UNA MENTIRA MÁS – YURI & NATALIA JIMÉNEZ

Urban – Female Artist Of The Year
1. ANITTA
2. BECKY G
3. CAZZU
4. IVY QUEEN
5. KAROL G
6. NATTI NATASHA
7. PALOMA MAMI
8. ROSALÍA

Urban – Male Artist Of The Year
1. ANUEL
2. BAD BUNNY
3. DADDY YANKEE
4. FARRUKO
5. J BALVIN
6. MALUMA
7. OZUNA
8. SECH

Urban – Song Of The Year
1. FANTASÍA – OZUNA
2. HAWÁI – MALUMA
3. KEII – ANUEL
4. LA DIFÍCIL – BAD BUNNY
5. MORADO – J BALVIN
6. MUÉVELO – NICKY JAM & DADDY YANKEE
7. QUE TIRE PA LANTE – DADDY YANKEE
8. RITMO (BAD BOYS FOR LIFE) – BLACK EYED PEAS & J BALVIN
9. SIGUES CON ÉL – ARCÁNGEL & SECH
10. TUSA – KAROL G & NICKI MINAJ

Urban – Collaboration Of The Year
1. MUÉVELO – NICKY JAM & DADDY YANKEE
2. QUÉ PENA – MALUMA & J BALVIN
3. RITMO (BAD BOYS FOR LIFE) – BLACK EYED PEAS & J BALVIN
4. SIGUES CON ÉL – ARCÁNGEL & SECH
5. TUSA – KAROL G & NICKI MINAJ

Urban – Album Of The Year
1. 1 OF 1 – SECH
2. COLORES – J BALVIN
3. NIBIRU – OZUNA
4. PAPI JUANCHO – MALUMA
5. YHLQMDLG – BAD BUNNY

Urban/Pop – Song Of The Year
1. HONEY BOO – CNCO & NATTI NATASHA
2. ME GUSTA – SHAKIRA & ANUEL
3. ME QUEDARÉ CONTIGO – PITBULL & NE-YO FT. LENIER & EL MICHA
4. SI ME DICES QUE SÍ – REIK, FARRUKO & CAMILO
5. TBT – SEBASTIÁN YATRA, RAUW ALEJANDRO & MANUEL TURIZO

Urban/Trap – Song Of The Year
1. BOUNCE – CAZZU
2. GAN-GA – BRYANT MYERS
3. MEDUSA – JHAY CORTEZ, ANUEL & J BALVIN
4. NO ME AME – RVSSIAN, ANUEL & JUICE WRLD
5. VETE – BAD BUNNY

Tropical – Artist Of The Year
1. CARLOS VIVES
2. GENTE DE ZONA
3. GILBERTO SANTA ROSA
4. JUAN LUIS GUERRA
5. MARC ANTHONY
6. PRINCE ROYCE
7. ROMEO SANTOS
8. SILVESTRE DANGOND
9. VÍCTOR MANUELLE
10. WILLIE COLÓN

Tropical – Song Of The Year
1. BOOGALOO SUPREME – VÍCTOR MANUELLE & WISIN
2. CARITA DE INOCENTE – PRINCE ROYCE
3. EL CARNAVAL DE CELIA: A TRIBUTE – KYEN?ES?
4. LA MEJOR VERSIÓN DE MI – NATTI NATASHA & ROMEO SANTOS
5. LÁMPARA PA’ MIS PIES – JUAN LUIS GUERRA
6. LO QUE TE DI – MARC ANTHONY
7. NO TE VAYAS – CARLOS VIVES
8. PA’LANTE Y PA’TRAS – N’KLABE, LA TRIBU DE ABRANTE & FARINA
9. PERRIANDO (LA MURGA REMIX) – REYKON FT. WILLIE COLÓN
10. VALLENATO APRETAO – SILVESTRE DANGOND

Tropical – Collaboration Of The Year
1. BOOGALOO SUPREME – VÍCTOR MANUELLE & WISIN
2. CANCIÓN PARA RUBÉN – CARLOS VIVES & RUBÉN BLADES
3. CARTAGENA – FONSECA & SILVESTRE DANGOND
4. IMAGINARME SIN TI – ELVIS CRESPO & MANNY CRUZ
5. LA FAMILIA – GILBERTO SANTA ROSA & TITO NIEVES
6. MI CORAZÓN ES TUYO – OLGA TAÑÓN & MANNY MANUEL
7. NUESTRO AMOR – ALEX BUENO & ROMEO SANTOS
8. PA’LANTE Y PA’TRAS – N’KLABE, LA TRIBU DE ABRANTE & FARINA
9. PERRIANDO (LA MURGA REMIX) – REYKON FT. WILLIE COLÓN
10. VALLENATO APRETAO – SILVESTRE DANGOND FT. ZION Y LENNOX

Residente, Anuel, Bad Bunny & More Latin Artists Who Penned Ultra-Personal Songs

Regional Mexican – Artist Of The Year
1. ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ
2. CARIN LEÓN
3. CHIQUIS
4. CHRISTIAN NODAL
5. EL FANTASMA
6. GERARDO ORTIZ
7. JOSS FAVELA
8. LENIN RAMÍREZ
9. NATANAEL CANO
10. NETO BERNAL

Regional Mexican – Song Of The Year
1. AMOR TUMBADO – NATANAEL CANO
2. CABALLERO – ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ
3. DORMIDA – EDWIN LUNA Y LA TRAKALOSA DE MONTERREY
4. EN ESO NO QUEDAMOS – BANDA LOS SEBASTIANES
5. ESCONDIDOS – LA ADICTIVA BANDA SAN JOSÉ DE MESILLAS
6. OTRA BORRACHERA – GERARDO ORTIZ
7. SE ME OLVIDÓ – CHRISTIAN NODAL
8. SI QUIERES – NETO BERNAL & CAROLINA ROSS
9. SÓLO TÚ – CALIBRE 50
10. YO YA NO VUELVO CONTIGO (EN VIVO) – LENIN RAMÍREZ FT. GRUPO FIRME

Regional Mexican – Collaboration Of The Year
1. NO ES QUE ME GUSTES – LUIS CORONEL & LA SÉPTIMA BANDA
2. QUÉ MALDICIÓN – BANDA MS DE SERGIO LIZÁRRAGA & SNOOP DOGG
3. SI QUIERES – NETO BERNAL & CAROLINA ROSS
4. Y LA HICE LLORAR – LOS ÁNGELES AZULES FT. ABEL PINTOS
5. YO YA NO VUELVO CONTIGO (EN VIVO) – LENIN RAMÍREZ FT. GRUPO FIRME

Regional Mexican – Group or Duo Of The Year
1. BANDA MS DE SERGIO LIZÁRRAGA
2. CALIBRE 50
3. EDWIN LUNA Y LA TRAKALOSA DE MONTERREY
4. GRUPO FIRME
5. LOS ÁNGELES AZULES

Regional Mexican – Sierreña Song Of The Year
1. CON TUS BESOS – ESLABON ARMADO
2. EL GÜERO – MARCA MP
3. EL MUCHACHO ALEGRE – FUERZA REGIDA
4. EN BOCA DE TODOS – T3R ELEMENTO
5. TÚ – CARIN LEÓN

Regional Mexican – Banda Song Of The Year
1. DORMIDA – EDWIN LUNA Y LA TRAKALOSA DE MONTERREY
2. EN ESO NO QUEDAMOS – BANDA LOS SEBASTIANES
3. ESCONDIDOS – LA ADICTIVA BANDA SAN JOSÉ DE MESILLAS
4. ESTA VEZ SOY YO – BANDA CARNAVAL
5. YO YA NO VUELVO CONTIGO (EN VIVO) – LENIN RAMÍREZ FT. GRUPO FIRME

Regional Mexican – Norteño Song Of The Year
1. EL ENVIDIOSO – LOS DOS CARNALES
2. EN HONOR A TI – LA MAQUINARIA NORTEÑA FT. GRUPO FIRME
3. MÁS TE RECUERDO – JULIÓN ÁLVAREZ
4. OTRA BORRACHERA – GERARDO ORTIZ
5. SÓLO TÚ – CALIBRE 50

Regional Mexican – Mariachi/Ranchera Song Of The Year
1. CABALLERO – ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ
2. CLARO Y OBVIO – JOSS FAVELA
3. DILE – JARY FRANCO
4. SE ME OLVIDÓ – CHRISTIAN NODAL
5. SI QUIERES – NETO BERNAL & CAROLINA ROSS

Regional Mexican – Cumbia Song Of The Year
1. ACARÍÑAME – LOS ÁNGELES AZULES, JULIETA VENEGAS & JUAN INGARAMO
2. TE EXTRAÑO, TE OLVIDO, TE AMO – LOS SOCIOS DEL RITMO & CHIQUIS
3. TE METISTE – LOS ÁNGELES DE CHARLY
4. TÚ Y YO – RAYMIX & PAULINA RUBIO
5. Y LA HICE LLORAR – LOS ÁNGELES AZULES FT. ABEL PINTOS

Regional Mexican – Album Of The Year
1. AYAYAY! – CHRISTIAN NODAL
2. DE BUENOS AIRES PARA EL MUNDO – LOS ÁNGELES AZULES
3. EL TRABAJO ES LA SUERTE – BANDA MS DE SERGIO LIZÁRRAGA
4. EN VIVO DESDE ANAHEIM, CA – GRUPO FIRME
5. GUÁRDAME ESTA NOCHE – EL FANTASMA
6. HECHO EN MÉXICO – ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ
7. LABIOS MENTIROSOS – LA ARROLLADORA BANDA EL LIMÓN DE RENE CAMACHO
8. MÁS CARO, QUE AYER – GERARDO ORTIZ
9. PORQUE ASÍ TENÍA QUE SER – BANDA CARNAVAL
10. SIMPLEMENTE GRACIAS – CALIBRE 50

United Airlines’ Oscar Munoz Named to Univision’s Board of Directors

Posted on November 13, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Oscar Munoz is ready to share his (Uni)vision…

The 61-year-old Mexican-American businessman and executive chairman of United Airlines has been named as an independent director on Univision’s board of directors.

Prior to his role at United Airlines, Munoz served on the board of parent company United Continental Holdings (UCH) and held multiple executive positions at CSX Corporation and AT&T.

Univision, the Hispanic media giant whose takeover by private equity investors led by former Viacom CFO Wade Davis will soon close, has also named SoftBank Group COO Marcelo Claure; Estée Lauder Companies SVP of public affairs María Cristina “MC” González Noguera; and veteran Walmart exec Gisel Ruiz to the board.

It’s understood that Univision will name at least four more members to the board when the pending takeover by new majority investors is complete. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2020.

ForgeLight, a firm run by Davis, and Searchlight Capital Partners are buying majority control of Univision from a collection of other private equity investors. Mexico-based production power Televisa is keeping its 36% stake.

Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, TPG, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Saban Capital Group acquired the company for $13.7 billion in 2007, beating out a rival bid from Televisa. The current transaction, which is expected to close at the end of the year, is expected to value the company at less than $10 billion.

Davis exited Viacom when it merged with CBS last December, emerging soon thereafter as the leader of the Univision bid. The deal, announced last February, was initially expected to close over the summer.

Univision has been run since 2018 by CEO Vince Sadusky. The local television and Hispanic media veteran replaced predecessor Randy Falco after the longtime former NBC exec made a series of out-of-the-box investments in English-language websites and ill-fated cable network venture Fusion. Sadusky has implemented a “back-to-basics,” Spanish-language refocus in an effort to help the flagship broadcast network regain ground it had lost to U.S. rival Telemundo in some pockets of the schedule.

Anitta to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammys

Posted on November 9, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Anitta is heading to the Latin Grammys…

The 27-year-old Brazilian singer has been added to the list of performers set to take the stage at this year’s Latin Grammys, according to the Latin Recording Academy.

Anitta appears on the final star-studded list of performers that includes Rauw Alejandro, J Balvin, Camilo, Lupita Infante, Juanes, Mariachi Sol De México De José Hernández, Ricky Martin, Natalia, Jimenez, José Luis Perales, Prince Royce, and Carla Morrison.

Those artists join previously-announced performers Anuel AA, Marc Anthony, Bad Bunny, Calibre 50, Pedro Capó, Julio Reyes Copello, Alex Cuba, Alejandro Fernández, Karol G, Kany García, Guaynaa, Los Tigres del Norte, Víctor Manuelle, Ricardo Montaner, Christian Nodal, Debi Nova, Fito Páez, Nathy Peluso, Raquel Sofía and Sebastián Yatra.

The 21st annual ceremony, led by 13-time nominee J Balvin, will also celebrate several Latin music icons, with special tributes including Julio Iglesias, Pedro Infante, Juan Luis Guerra, Roberto Carlos, and Héctor Lavoe.

Returning with a “music makes us human” theme that highlights musical excellence and the power of music in times of despair, the event will also showcase diverse stories of hope, community, sense of purpose, and celebration.

Hosted by Carlos Rivera, the 2020 Latin Grammys will air at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Thursday, November 19, via Univision.

The star-studded event will be preceded by the one-hour pre-show Noche de Estrellas, held virtually in Miami, where the majority of the categories will be awarded.

Pluto TV to Stream All Five Seasons of Wagner Moura’s Netflix Series “Narcos”

Posted on October 14, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Wagner Moura is traveling to Pluto…

All five seasons of Netflix’s Narcos, starring the 44-year-old Brazilian actor, will premiere next week on Pluto TV.

It will be the series’ first streaming run on a free, ad-supported U.S. platform.

The distribution plan, which involves a partnership with Gaumont, will kick off on October 20. Narcos will be streamed across four different linear channels on Pluto, whose ad-supported service now has 26.6 million monthly active users. There will be multiple airtimes in both English and Spanish.

Narcos will stream on Pluto TV’s Crime Drama and Narco Novelas channels and its own branded single-series, marathon-style channels – Narcos and Narcos en Español. Spanish-speaking versions of Narcos will stream with English subtitles, and respectively, English-speaking versions of Narcos will stream with Spanish subtitles catering to multi-lingual audiences.

Season 1 of Narcos will stream weeknights at 10PM ET, with catch-up episodes the following day beginning at 8PM ET. Bonus weekend marathons will be offered following the series premiere. Pluto TV will debut a new season each month through February 2021.

Narcos has been part of innovative distribution deals before. It aired on Univision in a major cross-promotion in 2016, marking an unusual reverse path for a series from streaming to broadcast TV.

Pluto, which is owned by ViacomCBS, is known for being entrepreneurial and building channels around individual shows, as it did with The Walking Dead. A bilingual approach also makes sense given its international expansion. also has been expanding internationally. It also launched Pluto TV Latino, a Spanish-language offering, in 2019.

“As the adoption of ad-supported streaming continues to accelerate, we are excited to build on that momentum and align with esteemed creators and producers in search of new ways to introduce audiences to their coveted collection of award-winning content,” Pluto SVP Content Strategy and Global Partnerships Amy Kuessner said. “Working in partnership with Gaumont, a longtime pioneer in the world of streaming, to bring the acclaimed Netflix Original series Narcos to Pluto TV is further testament to the evolving free streaming landscape that is rapidly gaining foothold for prestige partners, game-changing content and audiences alike.”

Moura earned Golden Globe and Imagen Award nominations for his performance as notorious drug cartel leader Pablo Escobar on the series.

Gloria Estefan Launches New Talk Series “Red Table Talk: The Estefans”

Posted on October 8, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Estefan is seeing red…

The 63-year-old Cuban superstar has launched her own Red Table Talk, a spinoff of Jada Pinkett Smith’s hit Facebook Watch show, with her daughter and niece.

Gloria Estefan, her daughter Emily Estefan and niece Lili Estefan, representing three different generations, took center stage at the Red Table Talk: The Estefans, which premiered on October 7.

“I’ve been pitched many times to do a talk show before but because I knew it would be a rough schedule, it would be impossible,” says Gloria, who takes on the role of mediator in the conversations. “But I was immediately jazzed about the idea because it involves spending time with family, which I love.”

The idea about a spinoff was pitched to Gloria two years ago when she was already a fan of Pinkett Smith’s Red Table Talk. After proposing the idea to her daughter, rising singer-songwriter and producer Emily, and Lili, host of Univision‘s El Gordo Y La Flaca, they immediately said yes.

“When I actually watched the show for the first time after Gloria told me about it, I thought, ‘what did I get myself into it? Did I answer too quickly?,'” says Lili who brings a 20-plus years of talk show experience to the table.

Meanwhile, Emily is the passionate voice of the Millennial youth. “You should never be forced to share things you don’t want to share,” she says. “If you’re a good person and you’re brave and put it on the table (no pun intended), only beautiful things can come from that.”

Red Table Talk: The Estefans is an eight-episode series with a new installment airing every Wednesday at 12:00 pm ET. Featured guests include Rosie O’Donnell, Kate del Castillo, Michelle Rodríguez and Gloria Guillen, mother of slain Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen.

J Balvin Earns 13 Latin Grammy Award Nominations, Including Two for Album of the Year

Posted on September 29, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin is the man to beat…

The Latin Grammy Award nominations have been announced, with the 35-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer leading the pack of nominees with 13 nominations.

J Balvin’s nominations include two for album of the year and two for record of the year (“Rojo” & “China”).

Balvin has a chance to win his first album of the year prize — a category with 10 contenders — thanks to his fifth solo album “Colores” and “Oasis,” his collaborative project with Bad Bunny. Other nominees include Bad Bunny’s sophomore release “YHLQMDLG” as well as albums from Ricky Martin, Carlos Vives, Jesse & Joy, Kany García, Natalia Lafourcade, Camilo and Fito Paez.

Bad Bunny received nine nominations, including two for album of the year (YHLQMDLG & Oasis) and one for record of the year (“Vete”).

Ozuna has eight nominations, including one for record of the year (“China”).

For record of the year, which also has 10 nominees, contenders include popular hip-hop-flavored Latin songs that have dominated the Latin music charts and earned hundreds of millions plays on streaming services, with some even reaching the billion-mark on YouTube, including Karol G and Nicki Minaj’s global hit “Tusa” and “China” by Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Ozuna, Balvin and Marco Masis. Other nominees include Balvin’s “Rojo” and Bad Bunny’s “Vete.”

“Tusa” is the sole Latin trap nominee in the song of the year category, where 11 tracks are in contention. It’s a departure for Karol G, who didn’t receive a single nomination last year and was part of the group of uber-successful Latin trap and reggaeton artists who were dissed in top categories like album, song and record of the year.

This year, the 29-year-old Colombian performer, who was named best new artist in 2018, has four nominations, including two shared with Minaj. Karol G’s fiance, Puerto Rican rapper-singer Anuel AA, marked a major breakthrough this year as a first-time nominee. He scored seven nominations, including a bid for best new artist.

“Over the last year, we continued engaging in discussions with our members to improve the awards process and actively encouraged diverse Latin music creators to join and participate,” Latin Academy President and CEO Gabriel Abaroa Jr. said in a statement, calling this year’s nominees “a group that reflects the constant evolution of Latin music.”

As a result of last year’s debacle social media exploded as Latin artists posted images of the Grammy logo with a large red “X″ across it, with words on the image reading in Spanish: “Without reggaeton, there’s no Latin Grammys.” Balvin even skipped the live show and Bad Bunny, who won best urban music album during the telecast, told the audience: “With all due respect, reggaeton is part of the Latin culture.”

To honor Latin rap and reggaeton performers, the Latin Grammys added new categories this year, including best reggaeton performance and best rap/hip-hop song.

Balvin’s 13 nominations includes several categories where he will compete with himself: Outside of album and record of the year, he’s a double nominee in the best urban music album, best urban fusion/performance and best reggaeton performance categories. Ozuna and Bad Bunny will also compete with themselves in several categories.

Others who scored multiple nominations include Juanes, Martin, Alejandro Sanz, Camilo, Carlos Vives, Kany García and Residente, the most decorated winner in the history of Latin Grammys. Rosalía, who won album of the year last year and became the first solo female performer to win the top honor since Shakira’s triumph in 2006, earned four nominations this year.

Apart from Minaj’s two nominations, other popular American artists who will compete for awards include rapper Travis Scott (best short form music video for “TKN” with Rosalía); jazz master Chick Corea and his Spanish Heart Band (best Latin jazz/jazz album for “Antidote”); DJ-producer Diplo (best urban song for “Rave de Favela” ); and rapper Tyga (best reggaeton performance for “Loco Contigo” with DJ Snake and Balvin). Justin Bieber’s right-hand songwriter, Jason Boyd aka Poo Bear, earned an album of the year nomination for his work on Jesse & Joy’s “Aire (Versión Día).”

The 21st annual Latin Grammy Awards will air live on November 19 on Univision. The nominees in the 53 categories were selected from more than 18,000 entries. Songs and albums released between June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2020 were eligible for nomination.

Click here to see the full Latin Grammy nominations.

Bad Bunny to Kick Off Uforia’s Live Music Series with Livestream Concert

Posted on September 20, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny’s going virtual…

The 26-year-old Puerto Rican singer Latin trap and reggaeton singer/rapper and songwriter will perform a livestream concert for Uforia‘s Music Series in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Bad Bunny’s show will be live-streamed on Sunday, September 20 via UforiaMusic.com, and can also be watched on his YouTube channel.

“We are extremely excited to celebrate the richness of Latinx culture during Hispanic Heritage Month with this one-of-a-kind live streaming experience, and also commemorate the Puerto Rico community’s resilience on the third anniversary of Hurricane Maria, in partnership with Verizon” said Jesus Lara, president of radio, Univision. “We are proud to showcase the artistry of Bad Bunny who has had such a profound impact on our culture and the music industry at large.”

Bad Bunny’s performance kicks off the Uforia Music Series’ star-studded livestream concerts, which will air once a month through the end of December.

Additional dates and artist lineups will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Uforia Live livestream concert will start at 6:00 pm EDT/3:00 pm PT.

Natti Natasha to Take Part in Selena Tribute at This Year’s Premios Juventud

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Natti Natasha will be honoring a Latina legend…

This year’s Premios Juventud will include a special segment, honoring 25 years of Selena Quintanilla’s music and legacy, with the 33-year-old Dominican singer-songwriter among the artists set to take part.

In addition to Natasha, Selena’s brother and producer of her biggest hits, A.B. Quintanilla III, will participate in the special dedicated to la Reina de la Musica Tejana.

The other artists participating in the Selena tribute include Karol G, Danna Paola, Ally Brooke and Greeicy.

“For me being part of this special was a real honor. She is a woman that after all these years, and everything that has happened, is a legend. I never hard the chance to meet her while she was here but she is an icon, an icon that lasts a lifetime,” Greeicy tells Billboard.

“How amazing is it that she has inspired so many with her music. It was very challenging for me to create the energy and portray her flavors of cumbia. It was a beautifully difficult challenge and it was very special because I learned from her music and I’m going to keep enjoying it with respect and I hope to honor her. To have the privilege to prepare this special with her brother, who knew her, lived with her, and spent her life with her, is very special. It was a hard challenge for me because I felt like I was speaking directly to her. The special is going to be really great, it was beautiful to be able to create it with him, he was wonderful to work with,” she adds.

With 12 nominations, J Balvin leads the 2020 Premios Juventud, followed by Karol G, Bad Bunny and Anuel AA.

Confirmed performers include CNCO, Ozuna, Natanael Cano, Pitbull and Gloria Trevi, to name a few.

Following all the safety guidelines, PJ 2020, broadcasting live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, will feature artists performing at the venue, a virtual audience, an innovative integration of the latest state-of-the-art, augmented and virtual reality technologies for award presentations, intros and musical performances.

Premios Juventud 2020, hosted by Ana Patricia Gámez, Francisca Lachapel, Borja Voces, Sebastian Yatra, and Julissa Calderon, will air at 8:00 pm ET on Thursday, August 13, via Univision, 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.

Anuel AA to Perform at This Year’s Virtual ‘Premios Juventud’ Awards Show

Posted on July 25, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

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.

Premios Juventud, which celebrate the hottest artists in Latin music, fashion, television and social media, will be broadcast live from Miami, with Becky G and Ricky Martin being honored as Agents of Change during the telecast.

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 to Receive Agent of Change Award at Univision’s Premios Juventud

Posted on July 25, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

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.