Peso Pluma Among Headliners for Next Year’s Tecate Pa’l Norte Festival

Peso Pluma is heading to Monterrey for a special performance next spring…

The 24-year-old Mexican Regional Mexican artist is among the headliners for the next edition of the Tecate Pa’l Norte festival, which has announced the extensive list of international stars that will take the stage the weekend of March 29-31.

Peso PlumaPeso Pluma is among a list of headliners that includes Keane, Maná and Fuerza Regida.

As it does every year, Fundidora Park in Monterrey, Nuevo León, in northern Mexico, will host one of the most highly anticipated musical events, where attendees can enjoy genres such as rock, pop, hip-hop and regional Mexican music. 

The first day will feature artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Peso Pluma, Keane, Aleman, Bad Religion, Belanova, Aterciopelados, Bomba Estéreo, Chencho Corleone, Deorro, Los Estrambóticos, Aitana and a large number of emerging groups.

The second day will highlight Blink-182, Louis Tomlinson, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Anitta, Danna Paola, Danny Ocean, Gabito Ballesteros, Latin Mafia, Sum 41, Yng Lvcas, Humbe, Young the Giant, R3hab, Justin Morales and many more.

The last day of the festival will feature Maná, Imagine Dragons, Placebo, Fuerza Regida, Los Enanitos Verdes, Enjambre, Kenia Os, Santa Fe Klan, Álvaro Díaz, Jay de la Cueva, Oscar Maydón, Kinky, The Warning and The Blessed Madonna, in addition to a variety of up-and-coming artists.

Created in 2012 by the entertainment company Apodaca Group, based in Monterrey, Tecate Pa’l Norte was created with the local public in mind, which had to travel to Mexico City to attend these types of musical events. Music, art, gastronomy and northern traditions come together in Tecate Pa’l Norte, considered one of the most important festivals in the country along with Vive Latino and Corona Capital, held in Mexico City by Ocesa.

Zack de la Rocha & Rage Against the Machine to Perform at Inaugural Andalucia Big Festival 

Zack de la Rocha is bringing the rage to Spain… 

The 52-year-old Mexican American musician, singer, songwriter, rapper and activist and his Rage Against the Machine band mates have joined the lineup of the inaugural Andalucia Big Festival in September.

Zack de la Rocha x Rage Against the MachineIt will marking de la Rocha and the band’s first show in the Spanish city of Malaga in 25 years.

The group will perform alongside Glass AnimalsMuse and Jamiroquai at the event that will take place in Malaga at Sacaba Beach on September 8, 9 and 10.

Among the other acts slated to appear at ABF are: Aurora, Gus Dapperton, Biffy Clyro, Years & Years, Stereophonics, Paolo Nutini, Michael Kiwanuka, Kevin Morby, Yard Act, Lucy Dacus, Run the Jewels, Kurt Vile & the Violators, Los Planetas and more.

Tickets for the festival from the organizers of the Mad Cool Festival will go on sale on Friday (April 29) here.

The Mad Cool team will double down on that September weekend by also hosting a one-day sister festival in Madrid on September 10, Mad Cool Sunset, which will feature another headlining set from Rage Against the Machine, as well as performances from Biffy Clyro, Glass Animals, Stereophonics, Run the Jewels, Kurt Vile and more.

The original Mad Cool festival will also be back in Madrid this summer from July 6-10 with a jam-packed lineup of huge stars, including headliners Metallica, Twenty One Pilots, Imagine Dragons, The Killers, Muse, Queens of the Stone Age, Kings of Leon, Florence & the Machine, Pixies and Jack White, as well as Chvrches, Carly Rae Jepsen, Glass Animals, Wolf Alice, Yungblud, Deftones, St. Vincent, Foals, Alt-J, The War on Drugs, Haim, Phoebe Bridgers, Royal Blood, Zara Larsson, Leon Bridges, Animal Collective, Black Pumas, Local Natives, Princess Nokia, The Struts and many more.

Nikki & Brie Bella Among Presenters at This Weekend’s iHeartRadio Music Festival

Nikki and Brie Bella are headed to the iHeartRadio Music Festival.

The 34-year-old half-Mexican American professional wrestling twins, The Bella Twins, have been added to the list of presenters at iHeartMedia’s iHeartRadio Music Festival this weekend.

Nikki & Brie Bella

Other celebrity presenters for the festival — which takes over Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on Friday and Saturday night — are Paula Abdul, Taran Killam, Ireland Baldwin, Erin Foster,Sara Foster, Ken Jeong, Sarah HylandLais Ribeiro, Shanina Shaik, Jeff GordonKristin Cavallari, KJ Apa, Skeet Ulrich, Luke Perry,Sharna Burgess, Candice Patton and Nicole Maines.

Notable attendees scheduled to hit the desert are *NSYNC‘s Lance Bass, Disney Channel star Sofia Carson and country singer Jana Kramer.

Performances kick off Friday with Fleetwood Mac, Jack White, Mariah CareyJason Aldean, Sam Smith, Panic! At The Disco, Kygo, Rae Sremmurd and Childish Gambino and then continue Saturday night with Justin Timberlake, Carrie Underwood, Imagine Dragons, Luke Bryan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kelly Clarkson, Shawn Mendes and Logic. The Daytime Stage on Saturday afternoon will feature LogicDua Lipa, 5 Seconds of Summer, Lil Uzi Vert, Dustin Lynch, MAX and Bazzi.

An exclusive live stream will air both nights of the festival and the Daytime Stage via CWTV.com and The CW app, as well as be broadcast across iHeartRadio stations.

The CW will then broadcast a two-night television special of the event on October 7 and 8 from 8:00 to 10:00 pm ET.

Luis Fonsi Joins Voices with Charly Black for “Party Animal” Remix

Luis Fonsi is ready to party

The 39-year-old Puerto Rican singer has joined forces with dancehall artist Charly Black on a new rendition of the dancehall-pop anthem “Party Animal.”

Luis Fonsi

Unlike Fonsi’s global smash “Despacito” and “Kissing Strangers” remix (with DNCE and Nicki Minaj), on this track he sings in English while adding in some Spanish words to keep some Latin flavor.

“Party Animal” was produced by Atella (who as part of the Atellagali duo has made official remixes for Axwell /\ Ingrosso, Imagine Dragons and J Balvin).

It was mixed by Josh Gudwin (Justin Bieber and Juanes among many others).

Gomez Among 24 Artists Featured on Orlando Shooting Charity Single “Hands”

Selena Gomez is lending her hands to help the victims of the Orlando Shooting.

The 23-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actress is among 24 artists featured on a new recording to raise money for the victims of the Pulse nightclub massacre.

Selena Gomez

The all-star release, entitled “Hands” — a charity single from Interscope Records with support from GLAAD — was conceived by hit songwriter Justin Tranter, co-writer of Justin Bieber’sSorry” and hits for Gomez, DNCE, Fall Out Boy and Gwen Stefani.

In addition to Gomez, the single also features Jennifer Lopez, who has worked on her own charity single with Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, Stefani, Jason Derulo, Meghan Trainor, Juanes, Pink, Mary J. Blige and Britney Spears.

The June 12 shooting at the gay nightclub in Orlando, which killed 49 people and injured 53, is the most deadly mass shooting in American history and the deadliest act of violence against the LGBT community.

Funds from the song will aid families with medical care, counseling and will also be used for education.

“Like the rest of the world I woke up to the news that morning and was horrified and sad and scared,” says Tranter, who has raised money and awareness for LGBT causes since coming out at age 14.

“Hands” is available on iTunes.

Proceeds will be distributed by Equality Florida Pulse Victims Fund, the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida and GLAAD.

The idea for the all-star project came together one day after the shooting.

L.A.-based Tranter and songwriting partner Julia Michaels had been on the road with Gomez writing songs aboard her tour bus in Miami the weekend of June 11 when news of the bloodshed prompted Tranter to switch course. That afternoon he signed on as a volunteer at The Center Orlando, the region’s chief LGBT community center.

“I called them and said, ‘If I fly up is there something for me to help with?'” he tells Billboard. “They say, ‘We need as many hands as we can possibly get.'”

“Hands” took hold the next day when Tranter met GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis who had arrived at the center from New York.

Beyond their immediate efforts — distributing food and water and GLAAD’s work with media — both were looking to make contributions that would have ongoing benefits. They point out that the massacre was also a profound attack on people of color, as that Saturday evening had been a popular “Latin Night” at Pulse. Most of the victims were of Latin heritage and Ellis says she does not want that point forgotten.

“When you hear the song it talks about hate being the driver here,” she says, “and that’s important because we have to be able to identify what’s driving these cruel acts in order to stop them. Artists using their platforms to accelerate acceptance is very powerful.”

Aligning with Interscope for the release, Tranter, GLAAD and Interscope president of A&R Aaron Bay-Schuck put the word out that a fundraiser was in the works. Within days artists from all spheres of the business had lined up — also among them Halsey, Ty Herndon, Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons, Adam Lambert, The Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, MNEK, Alex Newell, Mary Lambert, Prince Royce, Jussie Smollett, Nate Ruess and RuPaul — all recording separately from their homes, local studios, touring locations or wherever they happened to be at that moment.

“We assigned everybody what we thought would be the best part for their voice,” Tranter says, “and we asked them all to sing an additional part, just in case. But everybody got it done in time so we ended up with extra vocals.”

In Los Angeles “Interscope let us use their studio,” he notes. “Mary J. Blige recorded in New Orleans. Britney Spears in Thousand Oaks, I think. Pink in Santa Barbara. MNEK recorded at home in London. Selena recorded in her studio bus. Dan Reynolds recorded in his home. Adam Lambert was in Luxembourg. Ty Herndon the country star was in Spain. Kacey Musgraves, Nashville. Everyone just got it done.”

Another goal of the record, according to GLAAD, is to fund educational programs.

“This was an American guy who was born in Queens,” Ellis says of the gunman, Omar Mateen, 29, who was killed by police after a three hour stand-off. “He learned that hate here in America. This happened on American soil, against a particular community.”

While politicians and lobbyists have focused in recent weeks on Islamic terror and familiar narratives about gun ownership, Ellis, Tranter and others in the LGBT community want people to remember that this was a hate crime.

“I’m not educated enough to speak on the political details,” Tranter says. I’m a songwriter, not a politician. It could have been a million things but clearly, 100 percent, this was an attack on the LGBT community and people of color.”

“Hands” grew out of an unfinished piece that Tranter, Michaels and co-writer and producer BloodPop (formerly known as Blood Diamonds) had been working on and then shelved.

“The song didn’t ever finish itself and it didn’t ever feel right,” Tranter says of their initial efforts. “Now we know why.”

Mark Ronson also co-produced, while vocal engineer Benjamin Rice finessed the disparate tracks: “He helped us find the structure and make sense of it all.”

Warner/Chappell publishing executive Katie Vinten brought in numerous artists, among them P!nk, whom Tranter calls “a lifesaver,” adding, “Her vocal on the chorus is like from heaven directly.”

Spears opens the song with the plaintive line, “Can hold a gun or a hold a heart.” RuPaul is heard quietly toward the end, saying “take my hand baby.”

The songwriters had no specific plan as they entered the studio — only that they didn’t want the piece “to ever sound dated.”

“We didn’t want to have any trendy electronic elements,” Tranter notes. “We wanted it to sound classic, timeless and human. We want this anthem of positivity to be played for years to come.”

Download “Hands” here at iTunes.

Lopez & Iggy Azalea to Perform “Booty” at the American Music Awards

It’ll be a bootylicious weekend for Jennifer Lopez

The 45-year-old Puerto Rican singer/actress and American Idol judge will bring her high-octane single “Booty” to the American Music Awards stage on Sunday alongside Iggy Azalea.

Jennifer Lopez & Iggy Azalea

But Lopez and Azalea promise their performance will be completely network television-appropriate. This is the first time the duo will perform the sexy track together on television.

After TMZ reported Thursday they “have created excruciating stress” on the network censors and executives due to the risqué nature of the song and its music video, the awards top-nominated artist Azalea responded promising neither nipples nor vaginas will be exposed.

She added on Twitter, “with that being said, we aren’t performing in turtleneck sweaters either…. hahahahaha ;)”

Lopez and Azalea join a list of performers that includes 5 Seconds of Summer, Mary J. Blige, Garth Brooks, Charli XCX, Fergie, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Imagine Dragons, Jessie J, Lil Wayne, Lorde, Magic!, Nicki Minaj, One Direction and Sam Smith.

Pitbull will serves as the night’s host.

The 2014 AMAs will broadcast at 8:00 pm ET on November 23 on ABC, courtesy of Dick Clark Productions.

Blacc to Serve as a Presenter at This Year’s American Music Awards

Aloe Blacc is set to make a statement at this year’s American Music Awards.

The 35-year-old Panamanian American singer has been added to the list of presenters set to take the stage at the upcoming AMAs.

Aloe Blacc

Blacc joins Orange Is the New Black stars Taylor Schilling and Uzo Aduba, along with reality siblings Kendall and Kylie Jenner, as the latest additions.

Elizabeth Banks, Jamie Foxx, Julianne Hough, Jessie J, Heidi Klum, Olivia Munn and Emmy Rossum also are set to present at the fan-voted awards show, which will air live on ABC starting at 8:00 pm ET on Sunday, November 23, from the Nokia Theater L.A. Live. 

As previously announced, the show will feature performances by 5 Seconds of Summer, Iggy Azalea, Mary J. Blige, Garth Brooks, Charli XCX, Fergie, Selena Gomez, Imagine Dragons, Lorde, One Direction, Sam Smith, Taylor Swift and Pitbull.

Pitbull will also serve as the event’s host. Voting is currently ongoing.

 

Blacc to Perform at This Year’s MLB Home Run Derby

Aloe Blacc has scored a game-winning gig…

The 35-year-old Panamanian-American singer, who recently announced plans to release an enhanced version of his latest album Lift Your Spirit, will perform during baseball’s big weekend.

Aloe Blacc

Blacc will take the stage during Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby on July 14. The event will air on ESPN.

No word yet on what song or songs Blacc will perform during the festivities.

Meanwhile, Tony-winning performerIdina Menzel will sing the national anthem at the MLB All-Star Game on July 15 in Minneapolis. She’ll also perform during the pre-game ceremony, including a cover of Bob Dylan‘s “Forever Young.”

The game at Target Field will air on Fox, where country singer Joe Nichols will sing “God Bless America.”

MLB All-Star week will also include a Saturday concert by Grammy-winning rockers Imagine Dragons at the TCF Bank Stadium. A day later, Panic! At the Disco will perform at the All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game at Target Field.

Gomez Named Favorite International Artist at the MuchMusic Video Awards

Selena Gomez has Much(Music) to celebrate…

The 21-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actress earned her first-ever MuchMusic Video Award during the Canadian music channel’s awards ceremony on Sunday from Downtown Toronto.

Selena Gomez

The “Come & Get It” singer beat out Imagine Dragons,
 Katy Perry,
Lorde
 and Miley Cyrus
 to claim the Your Fave International Artist or Group award.

Gomez was not in attendance to accept the award in person.

Lopez to Perform at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards

Jennifer Lopez is preparing for the Sin City celebration…

The 44-year-old Puerto Rican singer/actress and American Idol judge will rock the stage at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards.

Jennifer Lopez

Lopez, who recently revealed the album title and steamy artwork for her upcoming album, has been confirmed as a performer at the May 18 BBMAs in Las Vegas.

The “I Luh Ya Papi” singer joins an all-star line-up of performers including Katy Perry, 5 Seconds of Summer, Florida Georgia Line, Imagine Dragons, Jason Derulo, John Legend, Lorde, Luke Bryan, Miley Cyrus, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, OneRepublic, Pitbull and Ricky Martin.

No word on what song Lopez will perform.