Alba to Make Cameo Appearance in “Entourage” Film

Jessica Alba is joining an extra special entourage

The 33-year-old half-Mexican-American actress is set to make a cameo appearance in the highly anticipated Entourage movie.

Jessica Alba

Nearly 5-years after the HBO series ended its run, Vinnie Chase and his posse are coming back. As this new trailer reveals Vince, Turtle, Drama, E and former super agent and now studio boss Ari Gold are back and larger than ever on the big screen.

The Warner Bros. film looks to be living up to its tagline of “Dream Large. Live Larger.” In addition to original cast members Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, and Jeremy Piven, the film also stars Alba, NFLers Russell Wilson and Tom Brady Liam Neeson, Voice coach and mega-producer Pharrell, Star Trek’s George Takei, Andrew Dice Clay, beloved billionaire Warren Buffett, Armie Hammer, Kelsey Grammer and Modern Family’s Ed O’Neil.

The Entourage movie opens in theaters on June 5.

Mars & Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk!” Leads the Billboard Hot 100 for an 11th Week

Bruno Mars continues to etch his name in the annals of Billboard chart history…

The 29-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, the world’s highest-paid Latino musician, rules the Billboard Hot 100 for an 11th week with his hit collaboration with Mark Ronson‘s “Uptown Funk!”

Bruno Mars

“Uptown Funk!,” released on RCA Records, becomes only the 19th No. 1 in Hot 100 history to lead for at least 11 weeks. It’s just the second to reach that level this decade: Robin Thicke‘s “Blurred Lines,” featuring T.I. and Pharrell, began a 12-week command in June 2013.

“Uptown Funk!” logs an 11th week atop the Digital Songs chart with 189,000 downloads sold (down 10 percent) in the week ending March 15, according to Nielsen Music.

It’s now one of just three songs to lead Digital Songs for at least 11 weeks: Flo Rida‘s “Low,” featuring T-Pain, racked a record 13 weeks on top in 2007-08, while Pharrell Williams‘ “Happy” dominated for 11 weeks last year.

“Uptown Funk!” leads the subscription services-based On-Demand Songs chart (4.9 million U.S. streams, down 4 percent) for a 10th week and Streaming Songs (16.9 million, down 3 percent) for a ninth. On Radio Songs, the track reigns for an eighth week with 178 million in all-format audience (down 2 percent).

Ronson and Mars’ collaboration, thus, leads the Hot 100 and its three main component charts (Digital Songs, Radio Songs and Streaming Songs) simultaneously for a record-extending seventh week (nonconsecutively).

Pentatonix Among 50 Acts to Be Honored at the 2015 YouTube Music Awards

There’s no doubt Kirstie Maldonado is YouTube sensation… After all, the video for PentatonixGrammy-winningDaft Punk” single has garnered more than 122-million views alone.

And now the 22-year-old half-Mexican/part-Spanish singer and her Pentatonix band mates are being recognized for their online success.

Pentatonix

Pentatonix, which had the best-selling album by a group last year, is one of 50 acts that will be feted during this year’s YouTube Music Awards.

The platform noted that the winners were “chosen by the fans” as they “showed the biggest growth in views, subscribers and engagement over the last six months on YouTube.”

Collectively, the winners – which include Fifth Harmony, Beyonce, Ariana Grande, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Sam Smith, Sia, Pharrell Williams, Brad Paisley, Tori Kelly and Katy Perry — have over 146 million subscribers and 44 billion lifetime views.

To celebrate the winners, the ceremony on March 23 will comprise of premiering a slew of new Vice-produced music videos by Charli XCX, Ed Sheeran, Martin Garrix, Cahoots, Max Schneider, Migos, Megan Nicole, Nicky Jam and Shamir, among others.

The move follows the platform’s first-ever YouTube Music Awards in 2013, which streamed live from New York City’s Pier 36. Jason Schwartzman and comedian Reggie Watts co-hosted, while Spike Jonze oversaw the creative direction of the ceremony, which also featured the production of live music videos by Lindsay Sterling, Avicii and Arcade Fire.

Mars’ “Uptown Funk!” Rules the Billboard Hot 100 for an Eighth Week

Make that eight weeks at the helm for Bruno Mars

The 29-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer’s smash hit collaboration with Mark Ronson, “Uptown Funk!,” rules the Billboard Hot 100 for an eighth week.

Bruno Mars

“Uptown Funk!,” released on RCA Records, leads Billboard’s Streaming Songs (19.8 million U.S. streams, up 9 percent, according to Nielsen Music) and the subscription services-based On-Demand Songs (5.4 million, down 1 percent) for a sixth week each.

On Radio Songs, “Uptown Funk!” reigns for a fifth week with a 3 percent lift to 187 million in all-format audience. In the airplay chart’s 24-year history, only eight songs have posted higher audience totals, led by Robin Thicke‘s “Blurred Lines,” featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams, which peaked with 228.9 million on the Aug. 31, 2013, tally.

“Uptown Funk!” returns to the top of the Digital Songs chart (2-1) for an eighth cumulative week on top with 257,000 downloads sold (down 14 percent) in the week ending Feb. 22.

Ronson and Mars’ collab crowns the Hot 100 and its three main component charts (Digital Songs, Radio Songs and Streaming Songs) simultaneously for a record fourth week (non-consecutively). The only other song to quadruple up at No. 1 for even two weeks: Meghan Trainor‘s “All About That Bass” last year.

“Funk” widens its lead over runner-up Ed Sheeran‘s “Thinking Out Loud,” which ranks at its No. 2 peak on the Hot 100 for a sixth week. “Funk” is up by 2 percent in overall activity, while “Loud” loses 16 percent of its points.

Bisbal to be Honored at the ASCAP Latin Music Awards

David Bisbal has is the voice

The 35-year-old Latin pop star will receive special honors during ASCAP‘s 23rd annual Latin Music Awards.

David Bisbal

Bisbal is receiving ASCAP’s Voice of Music Award, given to artists whose music represents the spirit of a generation. Past honorees include Mary J. Blige, Garth Brooks and Luis Fonsi.

Mexican singer/songwriter Mario Domm, the lead singer for Camila and also the author of many hits for other acts, will receive the Golden Note Award, given to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Past recipients include Jose Feliciano, Victor Manuelle and Pharrell Williams.

Regional Mexican group La Original Banda El Limon de Salvador Lizarraga will receive the ASCAP Latin Heritage Award, presented to music creators in recognition for their unique and enduring contributions to Latin music. Past recipients include Ricardo Arjona, Celia Cruz and Alejandro Sanz.

The awards will also honor top Latin publishers and songwriters of 2014, with awards given to the Songwriter of the year, Publisher of the year, Independent publisher of the year and Latin song of the year, as well as awards in pop, tropical, regional Mexican, urban and television categories.

The dinner ceremony will take place March 11 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.

Lopez Wins Triple Threat Prize at People Magazine Awards

Jennifer Lopez is the People (magazine’s) choice…

The 45-year-old Puerto Rican actress/singer and American Idol judge received the Triple Threat prize at the inaugural People Magazine Awards.

Jennifer Lopez

Lopez, a Grammy and Golden Globes nominee, earned the award for her acclaimed work as an actress, singer and producer.

“Whether its acting, singing or producing, I feel so blessed,” said Lopez as she accepted her award. “I love to entertain. We have to cherish every moment. I feel like it’s just the beginning.”

Ryan Guzman, who plays Lopez’s onscreen hookup in the upcoming psychological thriller Boy Next Door (out Jan. 23), presented her with the award.

The star-studded event included performances from Gwen StefaniPharrell Williams5 Seconds of Summer and Maroon 5.

The two-hour special, hosted by Nick Cannon, was broadcast live on Thursday (Dec. 18) on NBC from the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Here’s the list of winners:

Movie Performance of the Year – Actor
Michael Keaton

Triple Threat
Jennifer Lopez

Hero of the Year Award
Nora Sandigo

On Screen TV Couple of the Year
Mindy Kaling and Chris Messina

Breakout Star of the Year
Billy Eichner

Style Icon
Gwen Stefani

Movie Performance of the Year – Actress
Jennifer Aniston

PEOPLE’s Sexiest Woman
Kate Upton

Role Model
Kate Hudson

Television Performance of the Year – Actor
Jon Hamm

Next Generation Star
Chloe Grace Moretz

Television Performance of the Year – Actress 
Lisa Kudrow

Comedy Star of the Year
Kevin Hart

Blacc & Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” is the Most Shazamed Song of All Time

There’s no need to wake (me) up Aloe Blacc from this dream…

The 35-year-old Panamanian American singer-songwriter, who earned two NAACP Image Award nominations earlier this week, has made Shazam history.

Aloe Blacc

Blacc forms part of the most Shazamed song of all time. Avicii‘s hit “Wake Me Up” featuring Blacc’s vocals has collected more than 19 million queries on the music app to date.

Close behind is Robin Thicke‘s “Blurred Lines” with T.I. and Pharrell Williams with more than 18 million queries, Gotye‘s “Somebody That I Used to Know” featuring Kimbra with over 16 million, Passenger‘s “Let Her Go” with over 15 million, and Clean Bandit‘s “Rather Be” featuring Jess Glynne with over 14 million.

The numbers are now free to track, thanks to the music platform’s relaunch Wednesday. The app’s 100 million monthly mobile active users can now note the number of Shazams each song has ever had and whose music is next to join the new Hall of Fame.

Shazam’s Platinum Hall of Fame honorees — musicians whose tracks have collected more than 15 million queries — will receive a custom award designed and manufactured exclusively by Cristaux.

Additionally, users can also uninterruptedly stream their Rdio and Spotify playlists and charts from inside the app, and scroll through other exclusive content.

Corea Among the Top Latino 2015 Grammy Award Nominees

There’s no denying Chick Corea is a Grammy darling…

The 73-year-old part-Spanish jazz and fusion musician picked up two nods for the 2015 Grammy Awards, upping his total career nominations to a whopping 63.

Chick Corea

Corea, a 20-time winner, is nominated in the Improvised Jazz Solo category for “Fingerprints.” He’s also up for Jazz Instrumental Album for the Chick Corea Trio
 critically acclaimed Trilogy.

But Corea isn’t the only double-nominee this year…

David Arthur Garcia will actually compete against himself at next year’s Grammy Awards.

The award-winning Latino songwriter-producer, who won his first Grammy this year as a songwriter for co-writing Mandisa’s massive hit “Overcomer,” has picked up two nominations in the Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song category.

Garcia has earned recognition for co-penning Francesca Battistelli’s “Write Your Story” and Mercy Me’s “Shake.”

Roman Pichon Herrera has picked up two nominations in the same category as well.

The Latino music video producer is nominated in the Music Video category for co-producing Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” and Woodkid’s “The Golden Age” featuring Max Richter.

Meanwhile, Kirstie Maldonado has earned the first Grammy nomination of her career.

The half-Mexican American/part-Spanish artist and her fellow Pentatonix group mates – winners of NBC’s The Sing-Off in 2011 – earned the nod in the Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella
category for their acclaimed 
”Daft Punk” medley. Among their competition, Pentatonix will face off against Cuban composer and jazz pianist Alfredo Rodríguez’s “Guantanamera.”

But Maldonado isn’t the only first-time nominee…

Aloe Blacc has picked up the very first Grammy nod of his career in the R&B Album category. The

The 35-year-old Panamanian American singer-songwriter earned the nomination for his impressive album Lift Your Spirit.

Other notable Latino musicians/entertainers earning 2015 Grammy nominations include Christina Aguilera, Ruben Blades, Juanes
, Marco Antonio Solís, Jorge Drexler
, Ana Tijoux
, Pepe Aguilar
, Vicente Fernández
, Ixya Herrera
, Carlos Vives, Sérgio Mendes
 and Louis C.K.


The Grammys are awarded by the Recording Academy, which is made up of 22,000 members of the music industry including musicians, producers, engineers, record company and radio industry personnel and others.

The awards are determined by the academy’s voting membership of about 13,000.

Winners will be announced on February 8 at the 2015 Grammy Awards ceremony to be held at the Staples Center and broadcast live on CBS.

Here’s a complete look at the categories with Latino nominees:

Pop Duo/Group Performance
“Fancy,” Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX
“A Sky Full Of Stars,” Coldplay
“Say Something,” A Great Big World With Christina Aguilera
“Bang Bang,” Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj
“Dark Horse,” Katy Perry Featuring Juicy J

R&B Album
“Islander,” Bernhoft
“Lift Your Spirit,” Aloe Blacc
“Love, Marriage & Divorce,” Toni Braxton & Babyface
“Black Radio 2,” Robert Glasper Experiment
“Give The People What They Want,” Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

Improvised Jazz Solo
“The Eye Of The Hurricane,” Kenny Barron
“Fingerprints,” Chick Corea

“You & The Night & The Music,” Fred Hersch
“Recorda Me,” Joe Lovano
“Sleeping Giant,” Brad Mehldau

Jazz Instrumental Album
“Landmarks,” Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band
“Trilogy,” Chick Corea Trio
“Floating,” Fred Hersch Trio
“Enjoy The View,” Bobby Hutcherson, David Sanborn, Joey DeFrancesco Featuring Billy Hart
“All Rise: A Joyful Elegy For Fats Waller,” Jason Moran

Latin Jazz Album
“The Latin Side Of Joe Henderson,” Conrad Herwig Featuring Joe Lovano
“The Pedrito Martinez Group,” The Pedrito Martinez Group
“The Offense Of The Drum,” Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
“Second Half,” Emilio Solla Y La Inestable De Brooklyn
“New Throned King,” Yosvany Terry

Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

“Write Your Story,” Francesca Battistelli; Francesca Battistelli, David Arthur Garcia & Ben Glover
“Come As You Are,” Crowder
“Messengers,” Lecrae Featuring For King & Country; Torrance Esmond, Ran Jackson, Ricky Jackson, Kenneth Chris Mackey, Lecrae Moore, Joseph Prielozny, Joel Smallbone & Luke Smallbone
“Shake,” MercyMe; Nathan Cochran, David Arthur Garcia, Ben Glover, Barry Graul, Bart Millard, Soli Olds, Mike Scheuchzer & Robby Shaffer
“Multiplied,” Needtobreathe; Bear Rinehart & Bo Rinehart

Latin Pop Album
“Tangos,” Rubén Blades
“Elypse,” Camila

“Raíz,” Lila Downs, Niña Pastori And Soledad
“Loco De Amor,” Juanes

“Gracias Por Estar Aquí,” Marco Antonio Solís

Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album
“Multiviral,” Calle 13

“Behind The Machine (Detrás De La Máquina),” Chocquibtown
“Bailar En La Cueva,” Jorge Drexler
“Agua Maldita,” Molotov

“Vengo,” Ana Tijoux

Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano)
“Lastima Que Sean Ajenas,” Pepe Aguilar
“Mano A Mano – Tangos A La Manera De Vicente Fernández,” Vicente Fernández
“Voz Y Guitarra,” Ixya Herrera
“15 Aniversario,” Mariachi Divas De Cindy Shea
“Alegría Del Mariachi,” Mariachi Los Arrieros Del Valle

Tropical Latin Album
“50 Aniversario,” El Gran Combo De Puerto Rico
“First Class To Havana,” Aymee Nuviola
“Live,” Palo!

“El Asunto,” Totó La Momposina

“Más + Corazón Profundo,” Carlos Vives

World Music Album
“Toumani & Sidiki,” Toumani Diabaté & Sidiki Diabaté
“Eve,” Angelique Kidjo
“Our World In Song,” Wu Man, Luis Conte & Daniel Ho
“Magic,” Sérgio Mendes

“Traces Of You,” Anoushka Shankar

Comedy Album
“Mandatory Fun,” “Weird Al” Yankovic
“Obsessed,” Jim Gaffigan
“Oh My God,” Louis C.K.

“Tragedy Plus Comedy Equals Time,” Patton Oswalt
“We Are Miracles,” Sarah Silverman

Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella
“Beautiful Dreamer,” Pete McGuinness (The Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra)
“Daft Punk,” Ben Bram, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Avi Kaplan, Kirstie Maldonado & Kevin Olusola (Pentatonix)
“Get Smart,” Gordon Goodwin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band)
“Guantanamera,” Alfredo Rodríguez (Alfredo Rodríguez)
“Moon River,” Chris Walden (Amy Dickson)

Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals
“All My Tomorrows,” Jeremy Fox (Jeremy Fox Featuring Kate McGarry)
“Goodnight America,” Vince Mendoza (Mary Chapin Carpenter)
“New York Tendaberry,” Billy Childs (Billy Childs Featuring Renée Fleming & Yo-Yo Ma)
“Party Rockers,” Gordon Goodwin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band)
“What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?” Pete McGuinness (The Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra)

Remixed Recording, Non-Classical
“All Of Me (Tiesto’s Birthday Treatment Remix),” Tijs Michiel Verwest (John Legend)
“Falling Out (Ming Remix),” MING (Crossfingers Featuring Danny Losito)
“Pompeii (Audien Remix),” Audien (Bastille)
“The Rising (Eddie Amador Remix),” Eddie Amador (Five Knives)
“Smile (Kaskade Edit),” Ryan Raddon (Galantis)
“Waves (Robin Schulz Remix),” Robin Schulz (Mr. Probz)

Music Video
“We Exist,” Arcade Fire; David Wilson, video director; Jason Baum, video producer
“Turn Down For What,” DJ Snake & Lil Jon; Daniels, video directors; Judy Craig, Candice Ouaknine, Jonathan Wang & Bryan Younce, video producers
“Chandelier,” Sia; Daniel Askill & Sia, video directors; Jennifer Heath, video producer
“Happy,” Pharrell Williams; We Are From LA, video director; Kathleen Heffernan, Roman Pichon Herrera, Jett Steiger & Cedric Troadec, video producers
“The Golden Age,” Woodkid Featuring Max Richter; Chis Clayton & Yoann Lemoine, video directors; Roman Pichon Herrera, Christine Miller, Susan Porche & Annabel Rosier, video producers

Music Film
“Beyoncé & Jay Z: On The Run Tour,” Beyoncé & Jay Z; Jonas Åkerlund, video director; Svana Gisla, video producer
“Ghost Stories,” Coldplay; Paul Dugdale, video director; Jim Parsons, video producer
“20 Feet From Stardom,” Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer & Judith Hill; Morgan Neville, video director; Gil Friesen & Caitrin Rogers, video producers [Tata Vega]
“Metallica Through The Never,” Metallica (Robert Trujillo); Nimród Antal, video director; Adam Ellison & Charlotte Huggins, video producers
“The Truth About Love Tour: Live From Melbourne,” Pink; Larn Poland, video director; Roger Davies, video producer

Swizz Beatz to Co-Host Alicia Keys’ HIV/AIDS Charity Event Black Ball

Swizz Beatz is helping raising awareness about HIV and AIDS…

The 36-year-old half-Puerto Rican hip-hop artist and record producer is set to co-host his wife Alicia Keys’ annual charity event, which aims to shine a spotlight on HIV and AIDS.

Swizz Beatz

Keys announced Tuesday that her husband will co-host the 11th annual Black Ball alongside Diddy on October 30 at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom.

Keys, Nas, David Byrne and Angel Haze will perform.

Keep a Child Alive, Keys’ charity launched in 2003, offers assistance to people affected by HIV and AIDS in Africa and India.

Last year’s Black Ball raised $4 million and featured Carole King and Pharrell Williams.

Aguilera Returning to NBC’s “The Voice” for Season Eight

Christina Aguilera’s ready to return to her swiveling red chair…

The 33-year-old half-Ecuadorian American singer and original The Voice coach, who has taken off two consecutive seasons, is coming back for the NBC reality singing competition’s next installment.

Christina-Aguilera-Voice

Since Aguilera last sat in the famous red leather chair, she got engaged to Matt Rutler earlier this year and gave birth to their daughter, Summer Rain Rutler, in August 2014.

When Aguilera returns to The Voice for its eighth season, she’ll rejoin longtime coaches Blake Shelton and Adam Levine — but this will be the first season she’ll compete against Pharrell Williams.

Shakira and Gwen Stefani filled in for Aguilera during her hiatus from The Voice, both earning critical acclaim.