New Iteration of Menudo Announced, Five New Members Revealed

Posted on March 21, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Menudo is back…

Nearly a year after Menudo Productions announced they were on the search for new members to form the next generation of the Latin boy band, the five boys that will comprise the new iteration of the group have been revealed.

On Monday (March 20), Nicolas Calero (10), Gabriel Rossell (13), Andres Emilio (14), Alejandro Querales (15) and Ezra Gilmore (12) were announced as the new faces of the eternally youthful boy band.

And, in celebration of the announcement, the group also released their very first single “Mi Amore,” the first song off their upcoming debut album.

The process to find its new members kicked off in August when Menudo Productions, along with television personality Mario Lopez, began virtually auditioning talent between the ages of 12 and 16.

The new members are multi-talented performers with experience in acting, singing and songwriting.

“Deciding on the final five was harder than we ever imagined because there was so much great talent to choose from,” Lopez said in a statement. “The five boys we selected gelled together instantly, and the music they’ve created have exceeded all of our expectations. I think we have several massive hits, and I’m more excited than ever to introduce these boys to the world in less than three weeks.”

According to a previous statement “unlike previous group incarnations,” the new Menudo members will be “sharing in all concert, merchandise, and music revenue.” Menudo’s management will be Miami-based.

The most successful Latin boy band of all time, Menudo was originally established in Puerto Rico in 1977 by Edgardo Diaz, releasing a handful of hit songs such as “Quiero Ser” and “Claridad” and launching the music careers of Ricky Martin and Draco Rosa, among many others.

Julio Reyes Copello Signs Multiyear Worldwide Deal with Sony Music Publishing

Posted on March 16, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Julio Reyes Copello has a new worldwide deal…

The 53-year-old Colombian producer, songwriter and record engineer has inked a multiyear worldwide deal with Sony Music Publishing.

“I am thrilled to be starting this new phase of my creative life as part of the great Sony Music Publishing family,” says Copello, who won producer of the year honors at the 2022 Latin Grammys. “I am very grateful for the belief, respect and enthusiasm that [Sony Music Publishing president/CEO for Latin America & U.S. Latin] Jorge Mejia and his team have shown, which will be essential in order to find new outlets and homes for my music.”

“I have known and admired Julio for many years,” adds Mejia. “He is widely respected as a musician’s musician, with a deft touch at the piano and a sensitivity as a producer and songwriter, that makes all manner of artists and writers feel right at home whenever they work with him. It is a dream come true, therefore, to finally be able to work directly with Julio, as well as the artists and songwriters he’s developing. I can’t wait for what comes next.”

Reyes is currently working on upcoming releases with Spanish pop star Pablo Alborán, Marc Anthony, Alejandro Sanz, among many others.

The four-time Grammy and seven-time Latin Grammy winner is widely considered one of Latin pop’s most important songwriters, producers and musicians.

Since launching his career in 2001, the Cúcuta alchemist has also penned hits for the likes of superstars Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Thalía, Chayanne, Laura Pausini, Kany García and more.

In total, he has earned 48 Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations; he also has more than 10 ASCAP awards under his belt.

Aside from his songwriting career, Reyes founded Art House Records, a talent incubator where he continues to discover and develop emerging artists, which includes Joaquina, Riza, Ela Taubert and more.

Additionally, he partnered with Abbey Road Institute — the first U.S. music production school, and an extension of the music production education program held at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London.

Together, both parties established the Art House Academy & Abbey Road Institute Miami, where they specialize in music performance, music production and sound engineering to develop and educate “the next generation of singer/songwriters, music producers and sound engineers.”

Bad Bunny to Receive Vanguard Award at GLAAD Media Awards

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is being feted for his activism…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican superstar, who recently won his third career Grammy, will be honored at the 34th annual GLAAD Media Awards next month for advancing and supporting the LGBTQ community.

Bad Bunny — Spotify’s most-streamed artist in the world last year — will receive the Vanguard Award for having made “a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ people and issues.”

Bad Bunny’s advocacy and outspoken allyship for the LGBTQ community has reached millions around the world, using his craft to speak out for equality.

“Bad Bunny uses his role as one of the world’s most popular music artists to boldly shine a light on LGBTQ people and issues, including transgender equality and ending violence against trans women of color,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “By consistently advocating for our community, elevating our stories and demanding action from anti-LGBTQ leaders, Bad Bunny redefines the positive influence Latin music artists can have within the LGBTQ community, and has set an example for all artists.”

But El Conejo Malo isn’t the only Latino act set to be honored…

Five-time Grammy winner Christina Aguilera will receive the Advocate for Change Award for having “changed the game for LGBTQ people around the world.”

Aguilera has used her platform to be a bold advocate for the LGBTQ community, advancing conversations around acceptance and more through music. “Christina Aguilera is a beloved icon who has inspired and shared messages of love for the LGBTQ community since the start of her music career,” Ellis said. “From using her voice to speak out against anti-LGBTQ legislation to creating songs and music videos that showcase LGBTQ love, Christina loudly and proudly raises the bar for what it means to be a LGBTQ ally today.”

The awards show will be handed during the March 30 ceremony at the Beverly Hilton.

Here are GLAAD’s mini-bios of Bad Bunny & Aguilera:

Bad Bunny

Named Spotify’s most-streamed artist of 2022, with 8.3 billion streams globally, the three-time Grammy-winning artist, bringing his own voice to the forefront to help others see themselves in the world.

As he reimagines the Latin urban music genre, LGBTQ people and issues remain in the vanguards of equality and inclusion for him, especially those in Puerto Rico, where he was born. His live performances and music videos cast an array of voices, experiences and backgrounds, showcasing queer love and affection on full display. For his music video for “Yo Perreo Sola,” he dressed in drag, telling Rolling Stone, “I did it to show support to those who need it. I may not be gay, but I’m a human.”

In a performance for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the rapper paid homage to Alexa Negrón Luciano, a trans woman murdered in the city of Toa Baja, wearing a shirt in Spanish that read: “They killed Alexa, not a man in a skirt.” In 2019, the artist also helped influence a movement to force former Puerto Rican Governor, Ricardo Rosselló, to step down from office, after being exposed for corruption and anti-LGBTQ attitudes.

Moving from sound booth to the big screen, Bad Bunny plans to executive produce the forthcoming Netflix adaptation of the New York Times bestselling novel, They Both Die in the End, which features a queer Latinx storyline.

Previous GLAAD Vito Russo Award recipient Ricky Martin told Rolling Stone that Bad Bunny is an “icon for the Latin queer community.”

Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera, who has one of the most celebrated voices in history, has used her platform to be a bold advocate for the LGBTQ community, advancing conversations around LGBTQ acceptance and more, through music. Most recently, her impact on the LGBTQ community was realized after Club Q Colorado Springs shooting survivor, Michael Anderson, invoked her lyrics as he testified before the U.S. House Oversight Committee on LGBTQ violence. In 2002, Aguilera dedicated her single, “Beautiful,” to the LGBTQ community, with the line “words can’t bring us down” becoming a personal mantra for many queer people. The song brought a unique awareness and a sense of compassion in the face of hate, earning Aguilera a Special Recognition honor at the 14th GLAAD Media Awards. Last year, the seven-time Grammy-winner celebrated 20 years of “Beautiful” with a brand new music video, reminding people of the importance of accepting themselves for who they are.

A staunch supporter of LGBTQ rights and a visionary for representation, Aguilera raised over $500 million for HIV research with MAC Cosmetics in 2004, spoke out loudly against Proposition 8 in 2008 and brought trans dancers and drag artists into the limelight during the 2012 American Music Awards. Following the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, Aguilera dedicated the song, “Change,” to those affected by the tragedy with proceeds from the song going to victims’ families. She later penned a “Love Letter to the LGBTQ Community” for Billboard in 2017. Her very own Pride collection was launched in 2021, to proudly support two nonprofit organizations: TransTech and TransLash. Using the power of music to build bridges and demand change, Aguilera has redefined what it means to be a true advocate for the LGBTQ community, creating spaces for queer voices and talent to be known and thrive: From performing alongside breakthrough LGBTQ artists like Anitta, Syd, Kim Petras, Chika and Michaela Jaé, to condemning anti-LGBTQ legislation like Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law.

New Episode of Paramount+’s “Behind the Music” to Feature Jennifer Lopez

Posted on November 12, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Prepare for a behind the scenes look at Jennifer Lopez’s music…

The 53-year-old Puerto Rican superstar will be featured in one of the new episodes of Paramount+’s Behind the Music.

In addition to J.Lo, new installments of the documentary series will also feature Boy George, Jason Aldean and Remy Ma.

The new installments of the documentary series will hit the streamer on November 29.

Additionally, remastered episodes spotlighting Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, Gloria Estefan, Hootie & the Blowfish, Mötley Crüe, Pink and TLC will drop the same day.

Here are the loglines for the new episodes:

After three decades, Jennifer Lopez is at the very top of her game and shows no signs of slowing down. J.Lo reflects on key moments of her iconic career in music, film and fashion while celebrating her present with husband Ben Affleck.
Boy George reflects on his meteoric rise from outcast to ‘80s global superstar with Culture Club. A tumultuous love affair, intense fame and addiction almost destroyed his career – but 40 years on, he remains an LGBTQ+ pop icon.
Jason Aldean is a small-town kid turned country superstar who never backed down in life, and changed the country music genre forever.
Remy Ma shares her journey to becoming the queen of New York hip hop. Her road to fame with the Terror Squad was paved with loss – a prison sentence almost ended it all – but her comeback inspired millions.

For 14 seasons, Behind the Music has provided an intimate look into the personal lives of pop music’s greatest and most influential artists. Since moving to Paramount+, the series has gone behind the scenes into the lives of stars like Bret Michaels, Busta Rhymes, Duran Duran, Fat Joe, Huey Lewis, LL Cool J, New Kids on the Block and Ricky Martin.

The series is executive produced by Bruce Gillmer, Jennifer Demme and Michael Maniaci for MTV Entertainment Studios.

Bad Bunny Replaces Himself at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart with “Titi Me Preguntó”

Posted on October 11, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is flip-flopping…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican superstar has replaced himself at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart as “Titi Me Preguntó” rises from No. 2 (after 20 nonconsecutive weeks in the runner-up slot).

It’s the third song from Bad Bunny’s No. 1 album Un Verano Sin Ti to top the all-metric tally. It bumps the set’s second No. 1, “Me Porto Bonito,” down to No. 2 after 20 straight weeks on top.

“Titi Me Preguntó” rises to the summit boosted by gains in streams and digital downloads. The song earned 15.3 million U.S. official streams, up 2%, in the U.S. in the tracking week ending October 6, according to Luminate.

The track also sold 1,000 downloads, a 4% gain, in the same tracking period. Plus, at radio, “Titi Me Pregunto” earned 7.1 million audience impressions, down 1%, earned in the week ending October 9.

“Titi Me Pregunto” trades places with “Me Porto Bonito,” with Chencho Corleone, for the No. 1 spot after the latter’s 20 weeks in charge. The last artist to replace himself at No. 1? Bad Bunny, when “Moscow Mule” ceded the throne after its one-week reign and “Me Porto Bonito” began its command (May 28-dated survey). Thus, for the last 22 weeks, since the May 21 chart, only songs by Bad Bunny have been No. 1.

Further, as “Titi Me Pregunto” lands in the penthouse in its 22nd week, it marks an exceptionally slow climb to the top. Only seven songs, including “Titi Me Pregunto” have taken at least 22 weeks to reach No. 1. The slowest trek to the top was tallied by both Marco Antonio Solis’ “Mas Que Tu Amigo” and Azul Azul’s “La Bomba,” when each took a leisurely 32 weeks to No. 1 in 2004 and 2001, respectively.

“Titi Me Pregunto” gives Bad Bunny his 12th No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs. He breaks from a tie with Marco Antonio Solis, Ricky Martin, and Shakira for the fourth-most since the chart launched in 1986. Here’s a look at the scoreboard:

27, Enrique Iglesias
16, Luis Miguel
15, Gloria Estefan
12, Bad Bunny
11, Marco Antonio Solis
11, Ricky Martin
11, Shakira

Elsewhere, “Titi Me Pregunto” rebounds 16-13 on the overall Billboard Hot 100 chart, after its No. 5 debut and peak in May.

“Titi Me Pregunto” is the third single from Bad Bunny’s No. 1 album Un Verano Sin Ti. The set continues its No. 1 ruling with 22 weeks (and counting) on Top Latin Albums and 13 weeks on the all-genre Billboard 200 – the most for any Latin album.

Bad Bunny Earns 19th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with “Titi Me Preguntó”

Posted on September 21, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

There’s no questioning Bad Bunny’s popularity…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican superstar has notched his 19th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as “Titi Me Preguntó” climbs 7-1 on the September 24-dated ranking.

It’s the third track from Bad Bunny’s historic, chart-topping album Un Verano Sin Ti to lead the all-genre tally.

“Titi Me Preguntó” tops Latin Airplay just a month after “Me Porto Bonito,” with Chencho Corleone, ruled for one week (August 20-dated ranking).

Un Verano Sin Ti’s second single, “Moscow Mule,” earned the set its first champ (list dated July 30).

“Titi Me Preguntó” visits the summit for the first time after a 25% boost in audience impressions — to 9 million — earned in the U.S. in the week ending September 18, according to Luminate.

It sends Romeo Santos and Justin Timberlake’s “Sin Fin” to No. 3 after its debut at No. 1 the week prior.

His 19th No. 1 breaks Bad Bunny from a tie with Ricky Martin for the eighth-most champs among all acts since Latin Airplay launched in 1994.

Here’s a look at the scoreboard:

35, J Balvin
32, Enrique Iglesias
28, Ozuna
27, Daddy Yankee
22, Wisin
21, Maluma
20, Romeo Santos
19, Bad Bunny
18, Ricky Martin

Further, “Titi Me Preguntó” reaches No. 1 on Latin Airplay in its fifth week. Notably, the only song out of his 19 hits to match “Me Porto Bonito’s” equal trek to the penthouse. Previously, “Qué Pretendes,” with J Balvin, reached the top in its sixth week (August 10, 2019).

In addition to its Latin Airplay coronation, “Titi Me Preguntó” advances 3-1 on Latin Rhythm Airplay, Bad Bunny’s also 19th champ there. With the move, he matches Wisin as a solo act and Wisin & Yandel for the fourth-most No. 1s, behind Daddy Yankee and J Balvin’s 34 leaders and Ozuna’s 27.

Elsewhere, “Titi Me Preguntó” holds strong at No. 13 for a third nonconsecutive week on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart after its No. 5 debut and peak in May. Plus, it’s one of two titles still ranking in the list’s top 20 among the nine tracks from his No. 1 LP, Un Verano Sin Ti, currently on the chart.

Christina Aguilera to Receive Spirit of Hope Award at Billboard Latin Music Awards

Posted on September 9, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a spirited time for Christina Aguilera.

The 41-year-old half-Ecuadorian American actress and pop star will receive the Spirit of Hope award at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

The special award — which was established in 1996 in honor of the late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla — will recognize Aguilera for her philanthropic and humanitarian contributions beyond her musical work.

Aguilera will also perform during the awards show, which will take place on Thursday, September 29, at the Watsco Canter in Miami, and will be broadcast live on Telemundo beginning at 7:00 pm ET.

The Billboard Latin Music Awards — where Bad Bunny leads the list of finalists with a staggering 23 nods across 13 categories — will be simulcast on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, the Telemundo App, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional.

In addition to her musical accolades, including more than 75 million records sold worldwide, five No.1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, and a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, the artist also known as Xtina has lifted her voice to help end the cycle of domestic abuse, been a longtime supporter and ally to the LGBTQ+ community, raised awareness about HIV/AIDS research, and traveled the globe to help feed children in poverty-stricken areas.

Aguilera joins past Billboard Spirit of Hope recipients including Gloria Estefan, Emmanuel, Willy Chirino, Olga Tañon, Maná, Los Tigres del Norte, Ricky Martin, El General, Soraya, Juan Luis Guerra, Shakira, Ricardo Montaner, Juanes, Daddy Yankee, Marc Anthony, Carlos Vives, Carlos Santana, Luis Fonsi, and Maluma.

Ricky Martin Earns 18th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with Reik-Collab “A Veces Bien y A Veces Mal”

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Ricky Martin has made his triumphant return to the top of the charts…

The 50-year-old Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and actor has returned to the No. 1 spot for the first time in over four years on a Billboard airplay chart as “A Veces Bien y A Veces Mal” with Reik rises from No. 7 to lead the Latin Airplay ranking dated August 27.

Martin & Reik’s first collaboration lands at the summit in its 17th week boosted by a 43% gain in audience impressions to 9.1 million earned in the U.S. in the week ending August 21, according to Luminate.

With the biggest percentage gain of the week in terms of audience, it ejects Bad Bunny and Chencho Corleone’s “Me Porto Bonito” from its one week in charge. It falls to No. 2 on the current chart.

“A Veces Bien y A Veces Mal” marks the 18th ruler for Martin and first since his one-week champ “Fiebre,” featuring Wisin & Yandel, in May 2018. With the new champ, the pop star enters a tie with Bad Bunny for the eighth-most among all acts, both with 18 wins.

Plus, he continues to hold the second-most victories among Latin pop acts, trailing only Enrique Iglesias (32 leaders). Overall, J Balvin continues at the helm with 35 No. 1s.

Here’s a look at the male-dominated scoreboard:

35, J Balvin
32, Enrique Iglesias
28, Ozuna
26, Daddy Yankee
22, Wisin
21, Maluma
19, Romeo Santos
18, Bad Bunny
18, Ricky Martin
16, Carlos Vives
16, Nicky Jam
16, Shakira

For Reik, “A Veces Bien y A Veces Mal” provides the Mexican trio their fourth No. 1 and first since “Si Me Dices Que Sí,” with Farruko and Camilo, reigned for one week in June 2020.

In addition to the song’s Latin Airplay domination, Martin and Reik celebrate their Latin Pop Airplay coronation, as the track climbs 4-1 with the Greatest Gainer honors of the week.

Further, the track debuts at No. 50 on the all-metric Hot Latin Songs chart.

Bad Bunny Earns 18th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with Chencho Corleone-Collab “Me Porto Bonito”

Posted on August 22, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny continues his chart-topping ways…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican rapper and singer’s collaboration with Chencho Corleone, “Me Porto Bonito,” leads another Billboard Latin chart as the track ascends from No. 9 to lead the Latin Airplay ranking dated August 20.

It comes just three weeks after Bad Bunny topped the list with “Moscow Mule,” which jumped 11-1 on the July 30 chart (it’s No. 4 on the new chart).

“Me Porto Bonito” rallies 9-1 on Latin Airplay in its fifth week, the fastest trek to the top between Bad Bunny’s collection of 18 No. 1s among 36 career appearances.

On the tracking week ending in Aug. 14, “Me Porto Bonito” earned 9 million in audience impressions, up 35%.

With 18 leaders on his account, Bad Bunny breaks a tie with Ricky Martin as the act with the eighth-most No. 1s on Latin Airplay.

Here’s the scoreboard:

35, J Balvin
32, Enrique Iglesias
28, Ozuna
26, Daddy Yankee
22, Wisin
21, Maluma
19, Romeo Santos
18, Bad Bunny
17, Ricky Martin

The song concurrently takes over Latin Rhythm Airplay with a 7-1 lift in its eighth week.

The new leader gifts Bad Bunny his 18th No. 1 on both surveys. Meanwhile, Chencho Corleone scores his second Latin Airplay ruler and third on Latin Rhythm Airplay, dating back to his first offering, the five-week ruler which arrived through his featured role in Tito El Bambino’s “A Que No te Atreves,” in 2014.

In addition to the new chart-topper, Bad Bunny also ranks in the top 10 with one more song. Former champ “Moscow Mule” darts 5-4 after a 9% drop in weekly audience impressions.

“Me Porto Bonito’s” Latin Airplay coronation arrives 13 weeks after the song conquered the No. 1 spot on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs chart, which blends airplay, streaming data, and digital sales. The song has since held steady atop the tally thanks to its continued streaming success. In the tracking week ending Aug. 11, the song generated 20.22 million U.S. streams, a 1% decline from the week prior, according to Luminate.

Despite its 1% streaming decline, “Me Porto Bonito” remains strong atop Latin Streaming Songs also for a 13th week (and counting). Further, it dips 2-3 on the overall Streaming Songs, after its two-week coronation for Bad Bunny’s first and only champ on that survey.

Jennifer Lopez to Perform at Charity Gala for Ukraine Children & Families

Posted on July 30, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Jennifer Lopez is helping to raise funds for the children of the Ukraine…

The 53-year-old Puerto Rican superstar is set to perform on the Italian island of Capri at a Ukraine-focused charity gala for UNICEF.

Expected guests at the exclusive event, which is called LuisaViaRoma for UNICEF, include Leonardo DiCaprio; Jamie Foxx; Elon Musk’s mother, the supermodel Maye Musk; Naomi Campbell, Jared Leto, and Vanessa Hudgens.

The intimate Capri charity event will take place in the island’s Certosa di San Giacomo, a 14th-century monastery with a large grassy cloister area and a stunning view of the Mediterranean.

Lopez will be the main musical act at the exclusive gala, where the hit-making DJ Diplo and singer/actress Sofia Carson, as well as Switzerland’s DJ Cruz, are among other artists that are expected to take the stage, Italy’s La Repubblica reported.

Past editions of the charity concert have been complemented with performances by the likes of John Legend, Katy Perry and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, as well as Rita Ora, Ricky Martin and Ellie Goulding, according to Variety sister publication Women’s Wear Daily, which broke the news in May that Lopez would headline the Capri gala.

After kicking off with musical entertainment, the event will be followed by a lavish dinner and charity auction.

The guest list also includes Dutch supermodel and actor Lara Stone; U.S. producer and director Tonya Lewis Lee; Saudi producer and philanthropist Mohammed Al Turki; and, from Italy, singer and songwriter Sangiovanni and actor Matilde Gioli, according to La Repubblica.

During the charity gala, UNICEF representatives based in Ukraine will join the soirée remotely. A documentary will also screen, detailing the work being done by UNICEF at the Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps in Jordan that welcome Syrian children and their families.

It’s Lopez’s first stage performance since marrying actor Ben Affleck earlier this month.

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