Penélope Cruz to Serve as Co-Chair of 2023 Met Gala

Posted on January 19, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Penélope Cruz has Met her match…

The 48-year-old Spanish Oscar-winning actress will serve as a co-chair of this year’s Met Gala, an annual exclusive fashion exhibition for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Cruz is among a list of celebrity co-chairs that includes Dua Lipa, Roger Federer and Michaela Coel.

They’ll be joined by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who has led the event since 1995.

Co-chairs serve as ambassadors for the event, according to Vogue. They provide input on the eclectic guest list, decor and the overall vibe of the event, which is invitation-only and to which tickets are priced at $35,000.

The 2023 theme for the fashion event is “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.”

On the evening of the May 1 event, celebrities will honor Lagerfeld’s legacy. He led the fashion houses Chanel, Fendi, and Chloé before his death in 2019.

Bruno Mars to Co-Chair the Grammy Museum’s Music Education Campaign

Posted on October 12, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Bruno Mars is helping raise money for music education…

The Grammy Museum has announced a campaign for music education, featuring the 37-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer/songwriter, with the goal of raising $3 million to $5 million for their educational programs.

The funds raised over the 18-month campaign will provide free admission to the Grammy Museum in downtown Los Angeles for everybody up to age 18 and for all college students with ID and expanded access to their music education programs across the country.

In addition to Mars, the campaign is co-chaired by Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Shawn Mendes and Rosalía.

Michael Sticka, president and CEO of The Grammy Museum, says the museum’s goal is to raise “anywhere from $3 million to $5 million – and this money goes directly to the education programs. As of [October 7] we’re at about 25% of the top end of that goal, so there’s quite a bit of momentum here.”

That money has come from foundations. The museum is now starting to reach out to labels, publishers, artists, promoters and more for additional funding. “We’ve started some of the conversations with the industry,” Sticka says.

How’s that going? “No one has said no yet,” he replies.

Has anyone in the industry said “You make a lot of money from the Grammy telecast and from the MusiCares person of the year gala. Why don’t you fund your programs yourself?”

“We always hear that,” Sticka acknowledges. “I think there’s a general confusion out there of how everything is structured. The Grammy Museum Foundation is separate from the Recording Academy, so we don’t make any money off of the telecast. We’re separate from MusiCares, so we don’t see any of the money that comes in from person of the year. That goes to their important mission. We’re all part of the same family, but we are a separate entity.

“We do receive funding from the Recording Academy. They provide a healthy percentage of our operating budget, then we go out and we raise money. This money [that we raise] doesn’t go to salaries or overhead because the Academy helps subsidize that. This money goes directly to the education programs.

“Our goal with this campaign is very simple, to do our best to democratize music education by expanding our reach into underserved communities where access to our museum and educational programs could make a huge impact, and ultimately foster the next generation of music’s creators and leaders,” Sticka said in a statement.

Ariana DeBose to Star in Sony Pictures’ Marvel Film “Kraven the Hunter”

Posted on March 1, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Ariana DeBose is ready to Calypso…

The 31-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress/singer/dancer, who made history with her SAG Awards win on Sunday, is set to join Sony Pictures’ Marvel film Kraven the Hunter, starring Aaron Taylor Johnson in the titular role.

Although it’s unconfirmed, sources say DeBose would play Calypso in the movie.

J.C. Chandor is directing the film with Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach producing. Art Marcum and Matt Holloway and Richard Wenk penned the screenplay.

One of Sony Pictures’ universe of Marvel characters, Kraven is among Marvel’s most iconic and notorious antiheroes who has encountered Venom and Black Panther among many others as well as being one of Spider-Man’s best-known and most-formidable enemies. The film will be released theatrically January 13, 2023.

As for Calypso, she is a voodoo priestess who utilizes magic potions, and besides being an adversary of Spider-Man, she is also the occasional partner and lover of Kraven.

Sony is coming off a hot streak, with Spider-Man: No Way Home becoming the biggest film of 2021 with $1.8 billion in worldwide sales after Venom: Let There Be Carnage made more than $500 million worldwide. As for future films, the Jared Leto-starrer Morbius bows in the U.S. in April, and the studio just named Dakota Johnson to lead Madame Web.

DeBose’s stock has been skyrocketing following her scene-stealing role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated West Side Story adaptation. Besides taking home the SAG Award for Supporting Actress, DeBose also has Oscars, BAFTA and Critics Choice nominations in the same category.

She’ll next appear in Matthew Vaughn’s action film Argylle from Apple, starring opposite Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson and Dua Lipa, and will also star in Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s space thriller I.S.S. alongside Chris Messina and Pilou Asbaek.

Bruno Mars’ Silk Sonic Beats Out BTS for International Group Prize at Brit Awards

Posted on February 8, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

The Brit (Awards) is back for Bruno Mars…

The 36-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer/songwriter has earned his first Brit Awards trophy as a member of a group.

Mars, who’d previously won three Brit Awards as a solo artist, and Anderson .Paak’s acclaimed Silk Sonic duo took home the award for international group.

Silk Sonic beat out BTS for the award.

Adele was the big winner at the 2022 Brit Awards, which were presented at the 02 arena in London on Tuesday. She won artist of the year, album of the year for 30 and song of the year for “Easy on Me.” She lost in just one category, the fan-voted best pop/rock act, which went to Dua Lipa.

British comedian Mo Gilligan hosted the Brit Awards, which are presented by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).

Here’s the complete list of winners.

Artist of the year
Adele, Columbia, Sony Music

Group
Wolf Alice, Dirty Hit

Brits Rising Star
Holly Humberstone, Polydor, Universal Music

Song of the year
Adele, “Easy on Me,” Columbia, Sony Music

Best new artist
Little Simz, Age 101/Awal

Album of the year
Adele,, 30, Columbia, Sony Music

Alternative/rock act
Sam Fender, Polydor, Universal Music

Hip-hop/rap/grime act
Dave, Dave Neighbourhood, Universal Music

Dance act
Becky Hill, Polydor, Universal Music

Pop/R&B act
Dua Lipa, Warner Records, Warner Music

International artist
Billie Eilish, Polydor/Interscope. Universal Music

International group
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars/Anderson. Paak), Atlantic, Warner Music

International song of the year
Olivia Rodrigo, “Good 4 U,” Polydor/Geffen, Universal Music

Songwriter of the year (only winner announced)
Ed Sheeran

Producer of the year (only winner announced)
Inflo

Bad Bunny: This Year’s Most-Streamed Artist Globally on Spotify

Posted on December 4, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a second consecutive year at the top for Bad Bunny.

Spotify has revealed its annual end-of-year list of the platform’s most-streamed artists, songs, albums and podcasts, with the 27-year-old Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton superstar named the most-streamed artist globally.

Bad Bunny notched more than 9.1 billion streams on the platform globally to top the list ahead of Taylor Swift, BTS, Drake and Justin Bieber.

In the United States, Drake dominated all artists on the platform, while Swift, Juice WRLD, Kanye West and Bad Bunny rounded out the top five.

The most-streamed song of the year globally was Olivia Rodrigo’s “drivers license,” which racked up more than 1.1 billion streams worldwide. Lil Nas X’s “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” earned second place, followed by The Kid Laroi and Bieber’s “Stay,” Rodrigo’s “good 4 u” and Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” feat. DaBaby.

Rodrigo dominated the top two spots on the U.S. list with “drivers license” and “good 4 u,” marking the first time a woman has ever done so. Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More” feat. SZA, Glass Animals’ “Heat Waves” and “Levitating” rounded out the top five.

Rodrigo’s dominance extended to the global and U.S. albums tally, with her debut album Sour finishing in first place on both charts.

For additional details on Wrapped 2021, visit Spotify’s For the Record blog.

Tainy Becomes First Person to Spend 100 Weeks Atop Any Billboard Producers Charts

Posted on October 10, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Tainy is making Billboard history…

The 32-year-old Puerto Rican record producer and songwriter has entered the history books as the first person to spend 100 weeks at No. 1 on any of Billboard‘s producers charts.

The multi-hyphenate artist (real name: Marco Masis) spends a record-extending 100th week at No. 1 on the Latin Producers survey dated October 9, thanks to his production on seven tracks on the latest Hot Latin Songs chart.

Billboard launched all-genre Hot 100 Songwriters and Hot 100 Producers charts in June 2019, as well as those for country, rock & alternative, R&B/Hip-Hop, R&B, rap, Latin, Christian, gospel and dance/electronic; alternative and hard rock joined in June 2020.

“This milestone is something crazy to me, to see that we actually made it to 100 weeks,” Tainy tells Billboard. “At the end of the day, I am just truly grateful to get to wake up every day and do what I love. It’s amazing to be a part of such an important list with all these talented producers that are working at such high levels making incredible music and pushing our culture forward globally.”

Here’s a recap of Tainy’s entries on the latest Hot Latin Songs chart.

Rank, Artist Billing, Title (co-producers in addition to Tainy)
No. 4, Bad Bunny, “Yonaguni” (Smash David, Byrd, FinesseGTB)
No. 5, Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez, “Dákiti” (Mora)
No. 6, J Balvin & Skrillex, “In Da Getto” (Skrillex)
No. 8, Kali Uchis, “Telepatía” (Manuel Lara, Albert Hype)
No. 14, Jhay Cortez & Anuel AA, “Ley Seca”
No. 30, J Balvin & Sech, “Una Nota” (Sky Rompiendo)
No. 44, Tainy x Yandel, “Deja Vu”

Almost exactly a year ago, Tainy became the first to log 50 weeks atop a producers chart, when he reached the milestone atop Latin Producers.

Of Tainy’s 100 weeks spent at No. 1 on Latin Producers, he’s ruled the past 41 frames consecutively, encompassing every chart week of 2021 so far.

Of the chart’s 120 total weeks to-date, Subelo Neo is the only other name to log double-digit weeks at No. 1, with 10 in March-May 2020. Over the chart’s existence, Tainy is the only producer to have spent every week on the survey. His collaborator Sky Rompiendo follows with 99 weeks, ranking at No. 7 this week.

Tainy scored his first production credit on Hot Latin Songs in 2006, with Tito “El Bambino” El Patron‘s “Caile,” which reached No. 2. He followed that year with his first No. 1, Wisin & Yandel‘s “Pam Pam.” He’s since added five more leaders, all since 2019: Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Ozuna and J Balvin‘s “China“; J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny and Tainy’s “Un Dia (One Day)“; Bad Bunny and Jhay Cortez‘s “Dákiti“; Kali Uchis‘ “Telepatía“; and Bad Bunny’s “Yonaguni.”

Tainy has also produced three top 10s on the Billboard Hot 100: Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Balvin’s “I Like It” (No. 1, one week, 2018), “Dákiti” (No. 5, 2020) and “Yonaguni” (No. 10, 2021).

Tainy concurrently places at No. 2 on the Latin Songwriters chart, thanks to his writing credits on “Yonaguni,” “Dákiti,” “In Da Getto,” “Telepatía,” “Ley Seca,” “Una Nota” and “Deja Vu.” He’s spent 17 weeks atop the tally, the second-most after frequent collaborator Bad Bunny (65).

Meanwhile, DannyLux adds a second week at No. 1 on Latin Songwriters, powered by his work on Eslabon Armado‘s “Jugaste y Sufri,” which he wrote solo and on which he’s a featured artist, at No. 7.

The weekly Latin Songwriters and Latin Producers charts are based on total points accrued by a songwriter and producer, respectively, for each attributed song that appears on the Hot Latin Songs chart. As with Billboard’s yearly recaps, multiple writers or producers split points for each song equally (and the dividing of points will lead to occasional ties on rankings).

Ariana DeBose to Star in Apple Original Films’ Actioner “Argylle”

Posted on September 30, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

The spies have it for Ariana DeBose…

The 30-year-old half-Afro-Puerto Rican actress, singer and dancer has joined the cast of Argylle, an action film from Apple Original Films and Matthew Vaughn’s Marv Studios.

The film is currently in production in Europe.

DeBose, a Tony Award nominee, joins a cast that includes Henry Cavill, Sam Rockwell, Bryce Dallas Howard, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, John Cena, Samuel L. Jackson, and Grammy winner Dua Lipa, who is making her big screen debut.

The film—setting up a new franchise for Vaughn—follows the world’s greatest spy, Argylle, as he is caught up in a globetrotting adventure, which takes him from America to London and beyond.

It’s based on Elly Conway’s upcoming spy novel of the same name, which is set for publication via Transworld Publishers Ltd, a division of Penguin Random House, next year.

Vaughn is directing Argylle from a script by Jason Fuchs. Dua Lipa will also pen the film’s original title track and score.

“We have assembled an absolutely stellar cast to inhabit each of the wonderfully original and captivating characters in this thrill ride of a story,” said Vaughn. “We’re so excited that production is now off and running, bringing us closer to sharing this epic action spectacle with audiences around the world.”

DeBose earned her Tony nomination in 2018 for her turn as Donna Summer in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. She also featured in the original cast of Hamilton, along with other Broadway titles including Bring It On: The Musical and Pippin.

She will next be seen portraying Anita in Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story, and can currently be seen in Apple’s musical comedy series Schmigadoon!.

Cardi B Leads Pack of Latinx MTV Video Music Awards Nominees with Four Nods

Posted on August 11, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Cardi B is (wet and) gushing with pride…

The 28-year-old half-Dominican American rap superstar has earned four MTV Video Music Awards nominations, the most of any Latinx artist.

Cardi B’s nominations all come from the racy music video for her chart-topping single “WAP,” featuring Megan Thee Stallion.

She’s up for Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Collaboration and Best Hip-Hop for “WAP.”

Bruno Mars has picked up three MTV VMAs nods.

The 35-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer is nominated for Song of the Year, Best R&B and Best Editing for “Leave The Door Open,” the chart-topping debut single by Silk Sonic, his duo with Anderson .Paak.

Bad Bunny will compete against himself in the Best Latin category.

The 27-year-old Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton singer is nominated for the videos for his hit singles “Dákiti,” featuring Jhay Cortez, and “UN DIA (ONE DAY),” featuring J. Balvin, Dua Lipa and Tainy.

Other nominees in the Best Latin category include Billie Eilish & ROSALÍA’s “Lo Vas A Olvidar,” the Black Eyed Peas and Shakira’s “Girl Like Me,” Karol G’s “Bichota” and Maluma’s “Hawái.”

Other nominees include Selena Gomez, who is nominated in the Best K-Pop category for “Ice Cream,” her collaboration with BLACKPINK, and Demi Lovato for Video for Good for “Dancing with the Devil.”

Here’s the full list of nominations for the 2021 VMAs:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP” – Atlantic Records
DJ Khaled ft. Drake – “POPSTAR” (Starring Justin Bieber) – OVO / We The Best / Epic Records
Doja Cat ft. SZA – “Kiss Me More” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Ed Sheeran – “Bad Habits” – Atlantic Records
Lil Nas X – “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” – Columbia Records
The Weeknd – “Save Your Tears” – XO / Republic Records

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ariana Grande – Republic Records
Doja Cat – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Justin Bieber – Def Jam
Megan Thee Stallion – 300 Entertainment
Olivia Rodrigo – Geffen Records
Taylor Swift – Republic Records

SONG OF THE YEAR
24kGoldn ft. iann dior – “Mood” – RECORDS LLC / Columbia Records
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic – “Leave The Door Open” – Aftermath Entertainment/ Atlantic Records
BTS – “Dynamite” – BIGHIT MUSIC
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP” – Atlantic Records
Dua Lipa – “Levitating” – Warner Records
Olivia Rodrigo – “drivers license” – Geffen Records

BEST NEW ARTIST, Presented by Facebook
24kGoldn – RECORDS LLC / Columbia Records
Giveon – Epic Records / Not So Fast
The Kid LAROI – Columbia Records
Olivia Rodrigo – Geffen Records
Polo G – Columbia Records
Saweetie – Warner Records

PUSH PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
September 2020: Wallows – “Are You Bored Yet?” – Columbia Records
October 2020: Ashnikko – “Daisy” – Warner Records
November 2020: SAINt JHN – “Gorgeous” – Godd Complexx / HITCO
December 2020: 24kGoldn – “Coco” – RECORDS LLC / Columbia Records
January 2021: JC Stewart – “Break My Heart” – Elektra Music Group
February 2021: Latto – “Sex Lies” – RCA Records
March 2021: Madison Beer – “Selfish” – Epic Records / Sing It Loud
April 2021: The Kid LAROI – “WITHOUT YOU” – Columbia Records
May 2021: Olivia Rodrigo – “drivers license” – Geffen Records
June 2021: girl in red “Serotonin” – world in red / AWAL
July 2021: Fousheé – “my slime” – RCA Records|
August 2021: jxdn – “Think About Me” – DTA Records / Elektra Music Group

BEST COLLABORATION
24kGoldn ft. iann dior – “Mood” – RECORDS LLC / Columbia Records
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP” – Atlantic Records
Doja Cat ft. SZA – “Kiss Me More” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
Drake ft. Lil Durk – “Laugh Now Cry Later” – OVO / Republic Records
Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon – “Peaches” – Def Jam
Miley Cyrus ft. Dua Lipa – “Prisoner” – RCA Records

BEST POP
Ariana Grande – “positions” – Republic Records
Billie Eilish – “Therefore I Am” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
BTS – “Butter” – BIGHIT MUSIC
Harry Styles – “Treat People With Kindness” – Columbia Records
Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon – “Peaches” – Def Jam
Olivia Rodrigo – “good 4 u” – Geffen Records
Shawn Mendes – “Wonder” – Island Records
Taylor Swift – “willow” – Republic Records

BEST HIP-HOP
Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion – “WAP” – Atlantic Records
Drake ft. Lil Durk – “Laugh Now Cry Later” – OVO / Republic Records
Lil Baby ft. Megan Thee Stallion – “On Me (remix)” – Quality Control / Motown
Moneybagg Yo – “Said Sum” – N-Less Entertainment / Interscope Records
Polo G – “RAPSTAR” – Columbia Records
Travis Scott ft. Young Thug & M.I.A. – “FRANCHISE” – Cactus Jack / Epic Records

BEST ROCK
Evanescence – “Use My Voice” – BMG
Foo Fighters – “Shame Shame” – Roswell Records / RCA Records
John Mayer – “Last Train Home” – Columbia Records
The Killers – “My Own Soul’s Warning” – Island
Kings Of Leon – “The Bandit” – RCA Records
Lenny Kravitz – “Raise Vibration” – Roxie Records / BMG

BEST ALTERNATIVE
Bleachers – “Stop Making This Hurt” – RCA Records
Glass Animals – “Heat Waves” – Republic Records
Imagine Dragons – “Follow You” – KIDinaKORNER / Interscope Records
Machine Gun Kelly ft. blackbear – “my ex’s best friend” – Bad Boy / Interscope Records
twenty one pilots – “Shy Away” – Fueled By Ramen
WILLOW ft. Travis Barker – “t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l” – MSFTSMusic / Roc Nation

BEST LATIN
Bad Bunny x Jhay Cortez – “Dákiti” – The Orchard
Billie Eilish & ROSALÍA – “Lo Vas A Olvidar” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Black Eyed Peas and Shakira – “GIRL LIKE ME” – Epic Records
J. Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Tainy – “UN DIA (ONE DAY)” – Universal Music Latino / NEON16
Karol G – “Bichota” – Universal Music Latino
Maluma – “Hawái” – Sony Music US Latin

BEST R&B
Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN, WizKid – “BROWN SKIN GIRL” – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic – “Leave The Door Open” – Aftermath Entertainment / Atlantic Records
Chris Brown and Young Thug – “Go Crazy” – Chris Brown Entertainment/RCA Records
Giveon – “HEARTBREAK ANNIVERSARY” – Epic Records / Not So Fast
H.E.R. ft. Chris Brown – “Come Through” – MBK Entertainment / RCA Records
SZA – “Good Days” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records

BEST K-POP
(G)I-DLE – “DUMDi DUMDi” – Republic Records
BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez – “Ice Cream” – YG Entertainment / Interscope Records
BTS – “Butter” – BIGHIT MUSIC Monsta X – “Gambler” – Starship Entertainment
SEVENTEEN – “Ready to love” – Pledis Entertainment
TWICE – “Alcohol-Free” – JYP Entertainment Company

VIDEO FOR GOOD
Billie Eilish – “Your Power” – Darkroom / Interscope Records
Demi Lovato – “Dancing With The Devil” – Island
H.E.R. – “Fight For You” – MBK Entertainment / RCA Records
Kane Brown – “Worldwide Beautiful” – Sony Music Nashville / RCA Records
Lil Nas X – “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” – Columbia Records
Pharrell Williams ft. JAY-Z – “Entrepreneur” – Columbia Records

BEST DIRECTION
Billie Eilish – “Your Power” – Darkroom / Interscope Records – Directed by: Billie Eilish
DJ Khaled ft. Drake – “POPSTAR (Starring Justin Bieber)” – OVO / We The Best / Epic Records – Directed by: Julien Christian Lutz aka Director X
Lil Nas X – “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” – Columbia Records – Directed by: Lil Nas X and Tanu Muino
Taylor Swift – “willow” – Republic Records – Directed by: Taylor Swift
Travis Scott ft. Young Thug & M.I.A – “Franchise” – Cactus Jack / Epic Records – Directed by: Travis Scott
Tyler, The Creator – “LUMBERJACK” – Columbia Records – Directed by: Wolf Haley

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN, WizKid – “BROWN SKIN GIRL” – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records – Cinematography by: Benoit Soler, Malik H. Sayeed, MOHAMMAED ATTA AHMED, Santiago Gonzalez, Ryan Helfant
Billie Eilish – “Therefore I Am” – Darkroom / Interscope Records – Cinematography by: Rob Witt
Foo Fighters – “Shame Shame” – Roswell Records / RCA Records – Cinematography by: Santiago Gonzalez
Justin Bieber ft. Chance The Rapper – “Holy” – RBMG/Def Jam – Cinematography by: Elias Talbot
Lady Gaga – “911” – Interscope Records – Cinematography by: Jeff Cronenweth
Lorde – “Solar Power” – LAVA/Republic Records – Cinematography by: Andrew Stroud

BEST ART DIRECTION
Beyoncé, Shatta Wale, Major Lazer – “ALREADY” – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records – Art Direction by: Susan Linns, Gerard Santos
Ed Sheeran – “Bad Habits” – Atlantic Records – Art Direction by: Alison Dominitz
Lady Gaga – “911” – Interscope Records – Art Direction by: Tom Foden, Peter Andrus
Lil Nas X – “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” – Columbia Records – Art Direction by: John Richoux
Saweetie ft. Doja Cat – “Best Friend” – Warner Records – Art Direction by: Art Haynes
Taylor Swift – “willow” – Republic Records – Art Direction by: Ethan Tobman, Regina Fernandez

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Bella Poarch – “Build A Bitch” – Warner Records – Visual Effects by: Andrew Donoho, Denhov Visuals, Denis Strahhov, Rein Jakobson, Vahur Kuusk, Tatjana Pavlik, Yekaterina Vetrova
Coldplay – “Higher Power” – Atlantic Records – Visual Effects by: Mathematic

Doja Cat & The Weeknd – “You Right” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records – Visual Effects by: La Pac, Anthony Lestremau, Julien Missaire, Petr Shkolniy, Alexi Bailla, Micha Sher, Antoine Hache, Mikros MPC, Nicolas Huget, Guillaume Ho Tsong Fang, Benjamin Lenfant, Stephane Pivron, MPC Bangalore, Chanakya Chander, Raju Ganesh, David Rouxel
Glass Animals – “Tangerine” – Republic Records – Visual Effects by: Ronan Fourreau
Lil Nas X – “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” – Columbia Records – Visual Effects by: Mathematic
P!NK – “All I Know So Far” – RCA Records – Visual Effects by: Dave Meyers, Freenjoy Inc

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Ariana Grande – “34+35” – Republic Records – Choreography by: Brian Nicholson & Scott Nicholson
BTS – “Butter” – BIGHIT MUSIC – Choreography by: SON SUNG DEUK With BHM PERFORMANCE DIRECTING TEAM
Ed Sheeran – “Bad Habits” – Atlantic Records – Choreography by: Natricia Bernard
Foo Fighters – “Shame Shame” – Roswell Records / RCA Records – Choreography by: Nina McNeely
Harry Styles – “Treat People With Kindness” – Columbia Records – Choreography by: Paul Roberts
Marshmello & Halsey – “Be Kind” – Astralwerks / Capitol Records – Choreography by: Dani Vitale

BEST EDITING
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic – “Leave The Door Open” – Aftermath Entertainment/Atlantic Records – Editing by: Troy Charbonnet
BTS – “Butter” – BIGHIT MUSIC – Editing by: Yong Seok Choi from Lumpens
Drake – “What’s Next” – OVO/Republic Records – Editing by: Noah Kendal
Harry Styles – “Treat People With Kindness” – Columbia Records – Editing by: Claudia Wass
Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon – “Peaches” – Def Jam – Editing by: Mark Mayr, Vinnie Hobbs
Miley Cyrus ft. Dua Lipa – “Prisoner” – RCA Records

Demi Lovato to Appear on Second Season of YouTube’s Music Series “Released”

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Demi Lovato is being released…

YouTube has renewed its music series Released for a second season, with the 28-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actress among the artists set to appear in future episodes.

The new season will kick off with rapper DDG, with upcoming episodes featuring Lovato and Sub Urban to follow.

A revival of MTV’s TRL, Released premieres every Thursday night at 11:45 pm ET, moments before the artists drop their latest music videos. Each 15 minute episode provides unfiltered access to the week’s featured artist and their new music ahead of its official release on YouTube.

The show also reveals exclusive music news, special announcements, and check-ins with other artists as music fans around the world countdown to the premiere together.

Sub Urban will be the featured artist on March 25 and Lovato on April 1.

Artists who previously joined the weekly YouTube series are BLACKPINK, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa and more. Washington D.C DJ Little Bacon Bear hosts the series, which is produced by Den of Thieves and Gunpowder & Sky.

Van Toffler praised the artists for their ability to create new music amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“We had a great run with the first 20 episodes of Released. From BLACKPINK to Paul McCartney to Dua Lipa to 24kGoldn, all episodes were produced during a global pandemic yet each artist rose to the occasion and chose this show to unveil new music,” the Gunpowder & Sky CEO said. “Released has quickly become the go-to home to discover what’s about to break out in music.”

“No matter the conditions, we are always proud to be part of a show that resonates with viewers at home. To see such huge success with Released after launching during a pandemic is even more thrilling, and we’re excited to continue working with this incredible team to elevate it even further,” added Den of Thieves co-founders Evan Prager and Jesse Ignjatovic.

Bad Bunny to Make Grammy Performance Debut on Sunday’s Awards Show

Posted on March 8, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is ready for his Grammy close-up…

The 26-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap star is set to make his Grammy performance debut at Sunday’s 63rd annual Grammy Awards.

Bad Bunny joins a roster of performers that includes Megan Thee Stallion, Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift.

The music ceremony, hosted by Trevor Noah, will feature a handful of performances by music’s top artists including BTS, Haim, Harry Styles, Roddy Ricch, Cardi B, Dua Lipa and Post Malone.

Cardi B first performed at the Grammys in 2018, singing “Finesse” alongside Bruno Mars, and then returned in 2019 to perform her track “Money” the following year.

Additional performers include this year’s 3-time nominee Adrian Quesada and his Black Pumas, performing on the Grammy stage for the first time, Brandi Carlile, DaBaby, Doja Cat, Mickey Guyton, Brittany Howard, Miranda Lambert, Lil Baby, Chris Martin, John Mayer and Maren Morris.

Additionally, the annual awards show will pay tribute to independent venues that have been greatly impacted by the pandemic. From bartenders to box office managers, the people who work day-to-day at Los Angeles’ Troubadour and Hotel Café, in New York City’s the Apollo Theater and Nashville’s The Station Inn will present awards for various categories throughout the night.

The 63rd annual Grammy Awards will air on CBS live Sunday, March 14 starting at 8:00 pm ET.

Fulwell 73 Productions produces the show for the Recording Academy.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

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