Becky G to Host & Perform at This Year’s MTV Europe Music Awards

Posted on October 9, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Becky G is pulling double duty in Europe…

The 22-year-old Mexican American bilingual singer-songwriter, who just released the trilingual track “Chicken Noodle Soup” with BTS’J-Hope, is set to host this year’s MTV Europe Music Awards, as well as perform at the awards show, which will take place in Seville, Spain.

Becky G is set for a busy night as she also has a nomination, taking on Ariana Grande, Camila Cabello, Halsey, the Jonas Brothers, and Shawn Mendes in the Best Pop category.

Becky G has notched two number one hits on the Billboard Latin Airplay charts – “Mayores” and “Sin Pijama” – and on-screen had a starring role in the Power Rangersmovie. She has also guest-starred on the Foxseries Empire.

“Becky G is an exceptional multifaceted talent who’s no stranger to the global stage,” said Bruce Gillmer, global head of music and talent,Viacom and co-brand head, MTV International. “We can’t wait to see her light up the MTV EMAstage in Seville.”

Rosalia, who’ll be the hometown favorite in her native Spain, leads the pack of Latino/a nominees with four.

Lauren Jauregui Hoping to Release Debut Album Next Year

Posted on August 16, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Lauren Jauregui is hard at work on her debut album…

The 23-year-old Cuban American singer and former Fifth Harmony member is hoping to release her long-awaited debut solo album in 2020.

When asked if the album would come out in 2019, the “Expectations” singer gave 2020 as the likely target. “I got you guys, I promise,” she said during an interview on the red carpet at the Teen Choice Awards,

Jauregui has a lot to look forward to. On Sunday night, she won in the Choice Female Artist category, beating a stacked lineup featuring Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Cardi B, Halseyand Taylor Swift.

Jaureguichatted with Billboard in June about the solo set, for which she has been “writing like crazy.” She enthused, “I’m so proud of the way that I’ve been able to articulate my point of view. I’m emo, so you’re gonna get some deep, dark lyrics from my soul, but some bops too…It’s gonna be really fun. I’m really excited to share it with the world, but I’m just kind of packaging everything and still finishing up some songs.”

Jauregui had fans buzzing with her debut solo single “Expectations,” which dropped last October, and was followed in January by the sultry “More Than That.”

Ryan Vasquez to Star in Ross Golan’s Musical “The Wrong Man”

Posted on July 26, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Ryan Vasquez is in the Wrong…

The Latino actor/singer has been cast in the world premiere in New York this September of multi-platinum songwriter Ross Golan’s musical The Wrong Man.

Vasquez will star opposite Tony-nominee Joshua Henry and Ciara Renéein the musical.

The Wrong Man is set in Reno, Nevada, and tells the story of Duran, a man just scraping by, who is accused of a murder he says he didn’t commit.

Golan’s first stage musical was initially conceived as an acoustic solo piece, but over a decade has grown to include a full-length concept album and an animated film.

Previews begin on Wednesday, September 18, with an opening night of October 7, at the Off Broadway MCC Theater.

Golan (book, music, lyrics) has written massive hits for a massive roster of artists including Maroon 5, Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Lady Antebellum, Michael Bublé, Selena Gomez, Keith Urban, Ariana Grande, Flo Rida, One Direction, Idina Menzel, Nelly, Demi Lovato, Jason Derulo, Meghan Trainor, Cee Lo Green, 5 Seconds of Summer, Prince Royce, Snoop Dogg, Gavin DeGraw, Colbie Caillat, Andy Grammer, James Blunt, Big Sean and Travis Barker.

Vasquez has appeared on Broadwayin Hamilton, Waitress and Wicked, and on television in The Good Fight, Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Code.

J Balvin Signs Management Deal with Scooter Braun’s SB Projects

Posted on June 26, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a Braun new day for J Balvin…

The 34-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer has signed a management deal with Scooter Braun’s SB Projects, according to Billboard.

J Balvin will be the latest addition to a superstar SB roster that includes Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, and in May added Demi Lovato and Idina Menzel.

“We are very excited to be working with my long-time friend J Balvin,” Braun said in a statement provided to Billboard. “He is not only an incredible talent, but his work ethic and creativity are what has allowed him to be one of the top global acts in any language. He loves his culture and his energy is contagious. We are excited for this new adventure together.”

“It was meant to be, not before not after, the time is now!!” J Balvin said in a statement. “And we are READY TO MAKE HISTORY. Life is perfect and I’m grateful with life for all the blessings and this makes part of my new beginning, because honestly we haven’t started yet; it’s time to show that we are more global than ever and that we can conquer the planet in Spanish, and make a new statement. Latino Gang, it’s global gang!! Let’s go patineta,” he added, using the Spanish word for “scooter.”

Cardi B: Apple Music’s Most-Streamed Latina Artist of All Time

Posted on March 8, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

She hasn’t been in the music industry for long, but Cardi Bhas certainly made her mark…

In celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8), Apple Music has revealed its list of the most-streamed female artists of all time, with the 26-year-old half-Dominican American rap sensation earning a spot in the Top 10.

Cardi B, the highest-ranking Latina on the list, comes in at No. 6, behind Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Beyoncéand Nicki Minaj.

Other Latinas making the list include Demi Lovato(No. 13), Selena Gomez(No. 14), Camila Cabello(No. 17) and Mariah Carey(No. 20).

Meanwhile, the “I Like It” rapper tops the list of the Most Shazam’d Women of the Past Year, coming in ahead of Sia, Dua Lipa and Nicki Minaj.

Lovato comes in at No. 5 on the Shazam-related list, while Cabello comes in at No. 10. Gomez at No. 11 and Becky Gat No. 17.

“Apple Music will be highlighting visionary women in music around the world throughout the month of March with artist curated playlists and female-driven programming (100+ Apple Music playlists featuring 3000+ tracks spotlighting single and multiple female artists),” the company said in a press release.

Here are the complete lists:

Apple Music’s most-streamed female artists of all time:

1. Ariana Grande
2. Taylor Swift
3. Rihanna
4. Beyoncé
5. Nicki Minaj
6. Cardi B
7. Adele
8. Sia
9. Lady Gaga
10. Halsey
11. Lana Del Rey
12. SZA
13. Demi Lovato
14. Selena Gomez
15. Katy Perry
16. P!nk
17. Camila Cabello
18. Mariah Carey
19. Ella Mai
20. Billie Eilish

Most Shazam’d women of the past year:

1. Cardi B
2. Sia (including LSD)
3. Dua Lipa
4. Nicki Minaj
5. Demi Lovato
6. Halsey
7. Rihanna
8. Anne-Marie
9. Ariana Grande
10. Camila Cabello
11. Selena Gomez
12. Bebe Rexha
13. Beyoncé (including The Carters)
14. Lady Gaga
15. Jess Glynne
16. Rita Ora
17. Becky G
18. P!nk
19. Katy Perry
20. Taylor Swift

Anitta Releases Two “Spotify Singles”

Posted on January 24, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Anitta is making Spotify history…

The 25-year-old Brazilian singer-songwriter has become the first Brazilian artist to release “Spotify Singles,” releasing two songs that were recorded at Spotify’s studios in New York City.

One of the tracks is an acoustic version of her recent single “Veneno,” the other is a sensual, fierce cover of Ariana Grande’s chart-topping track “Thank U, Next.”

“I loved the invitation,” Anitta wrote on Instagram. “Go check it out, people. I have not stopped listening since I recorded it.”

In addition to her Spotify session, an Anitta collaboration with Brazilian artist MC Kevinhois on the way, according to Billboard.

The single, according to Warner Music Latin, is an all-Portuguese funk/pop track called “Terremoto.”

The upcoming music video, directed by João Papa, who also directed the three music videos for her SOLO EP, is a remake of Sean Paul’s “I’m Still in Love.”

Horatio Sanz Reunites with Former SNL Castmates for “I Wish It Was Christmas Today” Performance on “The Tonight Show”

Posted on December 19, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Horatio Sanz is spreading holiday cheer…

The 49-year-old Chilean-American actor and comedian reunited with his former Saturday Night Live cast mates Jimmy Fallon, Tracy Morgan and Chris Kattan for an encore performance of their low-tech, yet festive tune “I Wish It Was Christmas Today” on The Tonight Show, alongside pop diva Ariana Grande.

Donning holiday sweaters in a makeshift Winter Wonderland, it was as if the audience was transported to 2000 when the quartet performed the song for the first time on SNL.

With Sanz on lead vocals and Fallon on keys and backup, they awkwardly jammed out with Kattan and Morgan who were basically just there for low-impact dancing.

Grande was also there but in a moral support capacity. All she did was stand behind Kattan as he carried out his duties as designated keyboard holder.

She bounced with them and stared at the camera longingly as if she was taking a series of pouty Instagram selfies.

Cardi B to Serve as the Opening Act for This Year’s MTV Video Music Awards

Posted on August 16, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Cardi B is ready to set the bar at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards…

The 25-year-old half-Dominican American rapper will serve as the opening act for this year’s ceremony.

Cardi B’s decision to hit the stage comes a month after the “Bodak Yellow” singer pulled out of Bruno Mars‘ 24K Magic World Tour to focus on motherhood.

“I thought that after giving birth to my daughter that 6 weeks would be enough time for me to recover mentally and physically,” she wrote on Instagram. “I also thought that I’d be able to bring her with me on tour, but I think I underestimated this whole mommy thing. Not only am I just not ready physically, I’m not ready to leave my baby behind since the doctors explained it’s not healthy for her to be on the road,” she said.

Cardi B, who, along with The Carters, leads the pack of MTV VMAs nominees with 10 nominations.

Along with Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, Post Malone, Logic, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes and this year’s Michael Jackson Vanguard recipient Jennifer Lopez will grace the stage too.

The MTV Video Music Awards will take place on Monday at New York’s Radio City Music Hall at 9 p.m. ET on MTV.

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

Posted on March 17, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

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.

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.

Camila Cabello’s Solo Album “Camila” Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200

Posted on January 22, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Camila Cabello is a woman on top, as she joins an elite group of fellow musicians…

The 20-year-old Cuban and Mexican singer and former Fifth Harmony member debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart with her first solo album, Camila.

The album — released through SYCO/Epic Records on January 12 — earned 119,000 equivalent album units in the week ending January 18, according to Nielsen Music.

The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption, which includes traditional album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA).

With Cabello’s arrival at No. 1, she joins an exclusive club of female performers who initially reached the Billboard 200 as part of a group, and then later hit No. 1 with a solo album.

As a former member of the all-female vocal group Fifth Harmony, Cabello claimed three top 10s while in the group. Cabello departed Fifth Harmony in December of 2016.

Cabello now joins a list of the ladies who hit No. 1 after previously scoring chart success with a group, including Gwen Stefani, LeToya, Beyonce,, Lauryn Hill, Patti Labelle, Stevie Nicks, Linda Ronstadt, Diana Ross and Janis Joplin.

An honorary mention goes to Selena Gomez, who notched three albums first with Selena Gomez & the Scene, before going totally solo with the No. 1 album Stars Dance in 2013.

Cabello is also the first woman to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with her debut full-length album in three years – since Meghan Trainor’s Title (also on Epic) opened atop the list dated Jan. 31, 2015. (Trainor had a previous EP, also named Title, which reached No. 15.) If we count all initial chart appearances by women (including EPs), Cabello is the first woman to top the list with her first overall charting effort since Ariana Grande bowed at No. 1 with her first full-length album — and chart debut — Yours Truly on Sept. 21, 2013.

In addition, as Cabello is just 20 years and 10 months old, she is the youngest person to debut at No. 1 with their first full-length album since 2015, when a 16-year-old Shawn Mendes opened at No. 1 with Handwritten on the May 2, 2015-dated chart. Cabello is the youngest woman to bow at No. 1 with her first full-length set since 2013, when Ariana Grande (then 20 years and two months old) debuted at No. 1 with Yours Truly (Sept. 21, 2013).

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