Rita Indiana Releases New LGBTT Anthem “Miedo”

Rita Indiana isn’t scared…

The 43-year-old queer Dominican singer-songwriter is celebrating Pride Month with a new reggaeton track “Miedo,” which pays homage to the LGBTT community.

Rita Indiana

“For the LGBTT community, fear (miedo) is something to be conquered every day, fear of violence, rejection and injustice,” she says. “This song is for my community, for whom love has always been a heroic trait.“

Known for poignant lyrics that often tackle topics like queerness, non-conforming sexuality and class, the singer and author of the Spanish novels Papi and Tentacle, was recently signed by Warner Chappell Music.

“Rita is an artist that fearlessly speaks her mind and tackles critical issues impacting society head on through her writing,” says Lazaro HernandezWarner Chappell Music‘s vp, a&r, U.S. & Latin America. “All of us at Warner Chappell are not only fans of her music, but are also fierce supporters of what she stands for. We look forward to helping amplify Rita’s voice and message through her music.”

Rita Indiana is set to release her forthcoming album later this year, her first solo set in a decade. Titled Mandinga Times, the album was produced by fellow Warner Chappell Music writer Eduardo Cabra, a.k.a. Visitante of Calle 13.

Isabela Merced Releases Making of Clip for Her Hit Preuvian Inspired “Papi” Music Video

Isabela Merced is celebrating her Latin American roots… 

Last month, the 18-year-old half-Peruvian American singer/actress premiered the music video for her single “Papi,” an urban-dance anthem for women who have self-respect and like to take things slow and steady. 

Isabela Merced

“Never gonna call you papi/ Even if it makes you happy,” she sings on the catchy chorus. 

The video, which currently has more than five million views, puts the spotlight on Merced’s Peruvian roots, including a modern twist on the traditional Peruvian dance called Marineraand the devil masks worn by her dancers, which represent the Diablada

“Different elements of my Peruvian culture, from the coast to the Amazons, are incorporated into every aspect of my music, wardrobe, dancing, and storytelling of my videos,” Merced, who was born in Ohio to a Peruvian mother, said in an official statement. “I want to introduce everyone to the rich culture of my family’s heritage.” 

In the official behind-the-scenes video, premiering exclusively on Billboard, fans can enjoy how the entire production came to life, from the dress rehearsals to the meaning of the “diablito” masks to Merced executing her Peruvian-inspired street outfit.

Merced, formerly known as actress Isabela Moner, has starred in many films like Dora and the Lost City of Gold. “Papi” kicks off her career as a solo musician under the name Isabela Merced — a tribute to her grandmother Yolanda Mercedand her Peruvian heritage.

Lopez Illuminates at the American Music Awards

On a high-octane night that showcased the star power of Latino artists, Jennifer Lopez shined brighter than the rest at the 39th Annual American Music Awards.

Jennifer Lopez American Music Awards 2011

In a performance that showed the 42-year-old Puerto Rican-American singer/actress pull away not one, but two layers of her outfit to reveal a barely there, sheer body suit, Lopez stole the show with a medley of her inescapable hits “Papi” and “On the Floor.”

She even started that sizzling performance by psyching out the audience with a faked emotional breakdown while singing the beginning “Until It Beats No More,” similar to the one she reportedly experienced earlier this fall while performing in New Jersey.

A short time after her show-stopping performance, Lopez returned to the stage to accept the award for favorite artist in the Latin music category and reflect on her “amazing” year.

“It’s been up and down and just exciting and overwhelming and so many things,” exclaimed a surprised Lopez, before breaking out the Spanish to thank her Latin-American fans. “Mi gente Latina, por so apoyo siempre, por todo su amor, por todo. Gracias! I love you!”

But Lopez wasn’t done rockin’ the AMA stage! She returned one last time to perform with Will.i.am on his new solo song “T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever).” For the Black Eyed Peas member, debuting a solo song at the American Music Awards with a ponytailed Lopez in a blacklight-inspired performance is extra special.

“I collaborate in the Peas all the time, but this is the first time I’ve ever done big collaborations with big-name artists on my solo projects,” he told Rolling Stone before the show. “So it means a lot that J. Lo’s even considered performing with me, that’s dope. She’s great.”

Bruno Mars was the night’s only other Latino winner. He took home the award for favorite pop/rock male artist.

Meanwhile, Pitbull and Marc Anthony performed their hit song “Rain Over Me;” Enrique Iglesias performed a mash-up of his new single “I Like How It Feels” with the PG-version of “Tonight I’m Lovin’ You;” and Christina Aguilera joined Maroon 5 to perform “Moves Like Jagger.”

First Look: Lopez’s Latest Gucci-fied Fiat Commercial

When Jennifer Lopez isn’t “On the Floor,” she’s apparently behind the wheel…

Fiat has just released the latest commercial for the all-new 2012 Fiat 500 by Gucci, featuring la Lopez. Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini customized the new limited edition Gucci 500 in partnership with Centro Stile Fiat.

Jennifer Lopez Fiat 500 by Gucci Commercial

Proving why she’s one of Glamour’s Women of the Year, Lopez looks fierce and fabulous cruising through the streets of Manhattan in the luxurious new spot before stepping out of the car in sheer style in a slit-to-there green Gucci gown.

“Elegance is hard work,” professes Lopez in the new spot. “It’s taking style, performance and originality and making them look easy.”

This is Fiat’s third commercial featuring the 42-year-old Puerto Rican-American superstar. The first was considered a “teaser” for J.Lo’s “Papi” music video, while the second commercial—the first official spot—showed a casually dressed Lopez driving through her “world,” the streets of New York City. Like the brand new spot, the “My World” commercial is set to Lopez’s latest single “Until It Beats No More.”