Anitta to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammys

Anitta is heading to the Latin Grammys

The 27-year-old Brazilian singer has been added to the list of performers set to take the stage at this year’s Latin Grammys, according to the Latin Recording Academy.

Anitta

Anitta appears on the final star-studded list of performers that includes Rauw Alejandro, J Balvin, Camilo, Lupita Infante, Juanes, Mariachi Sol De México De José Hernández, Ricky Martin, Natalia, Jimenez, José Luis Perales, Prince Royce, and Carla Morrison.

Those artists join previously-announced performers Anuel AA, Marc Anthony, Bad Bunny, Calibre 50, Pedro Capó, Julio Reyes Copello, Alex Cuba, Alejandro Fernández, Karol G, Kany García, Guaynaa, Los Tigres del Norte, Víctor Manuelle, Ricardo Montaner, Christian Nodal, Debi Nova, Fito Páez, Nathy Peluso, Raquel Sofía and Sebastián Yatra.

The 21st annual ceremony, led by 13-time nominee J Balvin, will also celebrate several Latin music icons, with special tributes including Julio Iglesias, Pedro Infante, Juan Luis Guerra, Roberto Carlos, and Héctor Lavoe.

Returning with a “music makes us human” theme that highlights musical excellence and the power of music in times of despair, the event will also showcase diverse stories of hope, community, sense of purpose, and celebration.

Hosted by Carlos Rivera, the 2020 Latin Grammys will air at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Thursday, November 19, via Univision.

The star-studded event will be preceded by the one-hour pre-show Noche de Estrellas, held virtually in Miami, where the majority of the categories will be awarded.

John Leguizamo to Take Part in Upcoming CBS Special “Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event”

John Leguizamo is helping to honor this year’s coronavirus pandemic warriors…

The 56-year-old Colombian actor and stand-up comedian will take part in CBS’ upcoming special Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event. 

John Leguizamo

Leguizamo is among a roster of new additions to the special that includes José Andrés, Arturo Castro, John Leguizamo, George Lopez, Isabela Merced, Rita Moreno, Ana Navarro, Freddy Rodriguez and Wilmer Valderrama.

 

The event will be produced and hosted by Eva Longoria. Ricky Martin and Gloria Estefan are also set to co-host.

 

The star-studded lineup will join the show, created by Henry R. Muñoz III and directed by Ron de Moraes, to celebrate Latinx culture while also shedding light on those in the community that have been heavily impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic and those who play an essential role in fighting COVID-19.

Apart from the array of Latinx voices speaking at the event, the event will also feature musical performances, comedy pieces and docu-shorts aimed to spread awareness on the Latinx experience.

 

The special follows Longoria’s recent launch of a lifestyle site for the Latina community, She Se Puede, that covers fashion, health, culture and voting.

 

Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event will broadcast Monday, October 26 from 9:00-10:00pm, ET/PT on the CBS Television Network. Audiences can also stream the event live and on demand on CBS All Access.

Ricky Martin Officially Launches New Venture Martin Music Lab

Ricky Martin is making sound music in the industry…

The 48-year-old Puerto Rican superstar has officially launched his new venture Martin Music Lab, a brand-new company centered around the breakthrough patent-pending audio technique that creates a new type of immersive, headphone listening experience.

Ricky Martin

Martin had originally worked with the audio technique, called “orbital audio,” on his re-released Latin Grammy-nominated album Pausa.

In partnership with multi-Grammy award winner and music mix engineer Jaycen Joshua and music engineer Michael Seaberg, Martin is now focused on offering artists and studios a new breed of immersive audio.

“We were happy with the album, we high-fived each other when it was released,” Joshua tells Billboard. “Then I get a call form Ricky basically saying that he’s heard something that ‘blew his mind’ and he wants to do it to his album. So, here I am thinking I’m going to help my brother out with some audio stuff but little did I know that the rabbit hole was so deep.”

It was then that Martin, Joshua and Seaberg began the creative process behind a technique that could be applied and optimized for any type of audio entertainment –– from music and movies, to gaming and sports –– to create a personal sound experience.

“I received this immersive audio from a friend of mine in Brazil and he said ‘you should do music like this’ and I really enjoyed what I was listening but I thought, we really need to make this perfect and what is perfect to me is to be able to grab track for track, channel for channel and individualize it,” Martin says.

The goal is to “engulf listeners within the complexities of a particular track and all of its nuances,” according to a statement from the newly-established company which has hired 10 master mixers who are working with different clients. “The Lab’s mission is to build a true audio journey that you can feel and one that resonates on an individual level.”

How the patent-pending audio technique works is that it creates an immersive headphone listening experience by using any type of headphone (wired or wireless). No need for an expensive surround system. “Everybody gets to experience this – even with cheapest headphones you have,” says Martin.

But nailing that technique sounds easier said than done, according to Joshua. “I discovered so many things about immersive audio, how advanced it is in virtual reality right now and how it’s going to pretty much take over the gaming industry,” says Joshua. “In music, it’s pretty complicated because it’s a whole different math. You have multiple signals coming in – meaning different instruments and vocals coming in at the same time. But Ricky would not give up and I wasn’t going to give up after seeing his passion and excitement to achieve this.”

After the trial and error period in the studio, “I saw the look in Ricky’s eyes and he said, ‘we need to give this to the world’ and that’s why we formed the company,” says Joshua, who adds that the “orbital audio” technique can be added at any point of the mixing process and it really just depends on an artist’s vision.

“With Pausa it was done after the fact it was released and after I mixed it. So, I took those recordings and put them in our orbital audio program and just started moving stuff to wherever Ricky wanted to place it. That’s how personal this process is.”

With artists A$AP RockyResidenteBad Bunny and Myke Towers already on board to work with Martin Music Lab, the company will also boast an executive advisory board comprised of top music executives like Noah Assad (Bunny’s manager), Rodney Jerkins and Chris Taylor.

“I chose them because these are people that are constantly pushing forward music and are constantly challenging the dignity of music,” says Martin. “These are powerful people that simply put know music.” Joshua adds, “the advisory board will let us know how to be better because we always want to evolve and grow. We wanted tastemakers to be game changers, too, and for them to be part of this process.”

With the hope of expanding this technique beyond the music industry and tap into the movies, sports and, most notably, the wellness and meditation space, both Joshua and Martin see this as an opportunity to heal and improve people’s mental health via music.

“We started with music but the idea is for people to start healing,” says Ricky. “For me personally, music is a release, it helps me focus and helps remove anxiety. I want to harness that power and unlock its potential to help others find the same level of calm and serenity. As much as this is about giving people a more personalized music experience, it’s also about improving their overall mental health.”

Eva Longoria to Host the Latino-Themed CBS Special “Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event”

Eva Longoria is celebrating the Latino population in a special way…

The 45-year-old Mexican American actress and former Desperate Housewives star will host an evening that shines a spotlight on Latino culture in America with Gloria Estefan and Ricky Martin.

Eva Longoria

Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event will herald America’s diversity with a focus on Latino culture. The CBS special will not only highlight the different facets of Latino culture, but will also bring attention to those in the community who’ve been deeply impacted by COVID-19, including essential workers.

The special will air on October 26 on CBS and CBS All Access.

“When COVID-19 hit the United States, people were quick to applaud our essential workers, many of whom are Latinos, for helping to keep food on our tables, delivering our packages and working in our healthcare system,” said Longoria. “The Latinx community has been the backbone of this country for hundreds of years, not just the last seven months, and it’s time that we not only know our own worth, but are also recognized, appreciated and celebrated accordingly for our contributions, pandemic or not.”

The one-night special, created by Henry R. Muñoz III and directed by Ron de Moraes, will feature musical performances, comedy sets, docu-shorts and appearances from notable Latino stars. CBS will announce performers and stars to participate at a later date.

“We created Momento Latino because we understand the challenges that Latinos in America face every day, and we knew we had to bring together a national infrastructure of opportunity to move the community forward into the future,” said Muñoz, founder of Momento Latino. “We’ve brought together more than 130 organizations, nonprofits, artists, activists and community leaders so far, and through this special we can share with the nation the inspiring stories of how Latinos served as the backbone of this country’s essential workforce throughout the pandemic despite being among the hardest hit by the disease and the economic fallout.”

Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event is produced by Funny Or Die, in partnership with Momento Latino, UnbeliEVAble Entertainment and Global Philanthropy.

Maluma Earns 18th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with “Hawái”

Maluma is celebrating his 18th

The 26-year-old Colombian singer, whose real name is Juan Luis Londoño Arias, has earned his 18th No. 1 as his hit single “Hawái” rises to the summit on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart.

Maluma, MichelobULTRA

Maluma, who recently released the two-part video for his “Pa Ti “and “Lonely” collaboration with Jennifer Lopez, now breaks away from a tie with Ricky Martin for the fifth-most leaders on the survey, which launched in 1994.

“Hawái” moves 2-1 with a 13% increase in audience impressions, to 12.2 million, earned in the week ending September 27, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data.

The song, which is in its fourth week at No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart (which ranks songs based on a blend of airplay, sales and streaming data), concurrently lands at No. 1 on the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart, where Maluma nabs his 16th leader.

J Balvin Earns 13 Latin Grammy Award Nominations, Including Two for Album of the Year

J Balvin is the man to beat…

The Latin Grammy Award nominations have been announced, with the 35-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer leading the pack of nominees with 13 nominations.

J Balvin

J Balvin’s nominations include two for album of the year and two for record of the year (“Rojo” & “China”).

Balvin has a chance to win his first album of the year prize — a category with 10 contenders — thanks to his fifth solo album “Colores” and “Oasis,” his collaborative project with Bad Bunny. Other nominees include Bad Bunny’s sophomore release “YHLQMDLG” as well as albums from Ricky Martin, Carlos Vives, Jesse & Joy, Kany García, Natalia Lafourcade, Camilo and Fito Paez.

Bad Bunny received nine nominations, including two for album of the year (YHLQMDLG & Oasis) and one for record of the year (“Vete”).

Ozuna has eight nominations, including one for record of the year (“China”).

For record of the year, which also has 10 nominees, contenders include popular hip-hop-flavored Latin songs that have dominated the Latin music charts and earned hundreds of millions plays on streaming services, with some even reaching the billion-mark on YouTube, including Karol G and Nicki Minaj’s global hit “Tusa” and “China” by Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Ozuna, Balvin and Marco Masis. Other nominees include Balvin’s “Rojo” and Bad Bunny’s “Vete.”

“Tusa” is the sole Latin trap nominee in the song of the year category, where 11 tracks are in contention. It’s a departure for Karol G, who didn’t receive a single nomination last year and was part of the group of uber-successful Latin trap and reggaeton artists who were dissed in top categories like album, song and record of the year.

This year, the 29-year-old Colombian performer, who was named best new artist in 2018, has four nominations, including two shared with Minaj. Karol G’s fiance, Puerto Rican rapper-singer Anuel AA, marked a major breakthrough this year as a first-time nominee. He scored seven nominations, including a bid for best new artist.

“Over the last year, we continued engaging in discussions with our members to improve the awards process and actively encouraged diverse Latin music creators to join and participate,” Latin Academy President and CEO Gabriel Abaroa Jr. said in a statement, calling this year’s nominees “a group that reflects the constant evolution of Latin music.”

As a result of last year’s debacle social media exploded as Latin artists posted images of the Grammy logo with a large red “X″ across it, with words on the image reading in Spanish: “Without reggaeton, there’s no Latin Grammys.” Balvin even skipped the live show and Bad Bunny, who won best urban music album during the telecast, told the audience: “With all due respect, reggaeton is part of the Latin culture.”

To honor Latin rap and reggaeton performers, the Latin Grammys added new categories this year, including best reggaeton performance and best rap/hip-hop song.

Balvin’s 13 nominations includes several categories where he will compete with himself: Outside of album and record of the year, he’s a double nominee in the best urban music album, best urban fusion/performance and best reggaeton performance categories. Ozuna and Bad Bunny will also compete with themselves in several categories.

Others who scored multiple nominations include Juanes, Martin, Alejandro Sanz, Camilo, Carlos Vives, Kany García and Residente, the most decorated winner in the history of Latin Grammys. Rosalía, who won album of the year last year and became the first solo female performer to win the top honor since Shakira’s triumph in 2006, earned four nominations this year.

Apart from Minaj’s two nominations, other popular American artists who will compete for awards include rapper Travis Scott (best short form music video for “TKN” with Rosalía); jazz master Chick Corea and his Spanish Heart Band (best Latin jazz/jazz album for “Antidote”); DJ-producer Diplo (best urban song for “Rave de Favela” ); and rapper Tyga (best reggaeton performance for “Loco Contigo” with DJ Snake and Balvin). Justin Bieber’s right-hand songwriter, Jason Boyd aka Poo Bear, earned an album of the year nomination for his work on Jesse & Joy’s “Aire (Versión Día).”

The 21st annual Latin Grammy Awards will air live on November 19 on Univision. The nominees in the 53 categories were selected from more than 18,000 entries. Songs and albums released between June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2020 were eligible for nomination.

Click here to see the full Latin Grammy nominations.

Maluma to Receive the Billboard Spirit of Hope Award

Maluma’s spirit is being celebrated…

The 26-year-old Colombian superstar, whose real name is Juan Luis Londoño Arias, will be honored with the Billboard Spirit of Hope Award at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will take place October 21.

Maluma, MichelobULTRA

Announced by Telemundo and Billboard, Maluma – who recently topped the debut Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart – will be recognized for his commitment and altruistic efforts surrounding his foundation, El Arte de los Sueños, which he founded in 2016. The non-profit organization supports nearly 170 young individuals at risk of accomplishing their dreams.

Through song, dance, percussion and creative art (all with an urban emphasis), as well as psychosocial care, the organization seeks to generate the tools needed to seek a different lifestyle, so that these young dreamers can face the world and its challenges.

The Billboard Spirit of Hope Award was created in honor of Selena Quintanilla, and throughout the past 20 years has been given to an artist in recognition of their extraordinary philanthropic and humanitarian contributions beyond their musical work.

Previous recipients include Maná, Los Tigres del Norte, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Carlos Vives and Luis Fonsi, among others.

Maluma, a 2020 Billboard Latin Music Awards finalist, will also perform during the awards ceremony taking place live from the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida.

The Billboard Latin Music Awards will kick-off at 7:00 pm ET with a red carpet pre-show followed by the three-hour awards show featuring live performances by today’s top Latin artists to honor the most popular albums, songs and performers in Latin music.

Ricky Martin Releases ‘Headphone Edition’ of Latest Album “Pausa,” Featuring ‘Orbital Audio’ Technique

Ricky Martin is giving the world an aural treat…

The 48-year-old Puerto Rican superstar has released a special “Headphone Edition” re-release of his latest album Pausa, which was originally released in May.

Ricky Martin

The new version, complete with a new cover, features a new audio technique called “Orbital Audio.”

The patent-pending audio technique, developed by Martin with mix engineer Jaycen Joshua, creates an immersive headphone listening experience, that’s supposed to allow the listener to “engulf listeners within the complexities of a particular track for a true musical journey you can feel.”

The album features an enhanced surround sound, where each musical layer can be clearly heard and picked apart, even as it becomes part of a whole.

In the headphone mix, “Recuerdo,” featuring Carla Morrison, starts with Morrison’s voice on the left headphone, and it gradually engulfs the entire sound before Martin comes in on the right. 

But the instrumental layering is most impressive, with the listener able to extrapolate every element of sound. It’s indeed a very different experience from the original recording; almost like listening in 3D.

“This new ‘Orbital Audio’ technique has enabled me to deliver an extra layer of richness and immersion that enhances and enriches the tracks and the way fans can experience music via headphones — which is especially important in this time where fans can’t share the magic of being in a live concert setting,” said Martin in a statement.

Joshua added, “What Ricky and I did was set out to solve something that’s been bothering us as well as fellow musicians for a while. We wanted to find a new way for fans to be realistically deeply entrenched in the music.”

The new version of Pausa includes a new unreleased track, “Mi Sangre” featuring Bollywood star Neha Mahajan — produced using “Orbital Audio.” 

Pausa features collaborations with Sting, Morrison, ResidenteBad BunnyDiego El Cigala and Pedro Capó.

Ally Brooke to Perform on This Year’s Premios Juventud Awards Show

Ally Brooke is gearing up for the Premios Juventud

Univisionhas unveiled the second wave of talent confirmed to perform at this year’s Premios Juventudawards show, with the 27-year-old Mexican American singer and former Fifth Harmony making the list.

Ally Brooke

Ally Brooke, who finished in third place on the last installment of Dancing With the Stars, recently released the Spanish single “500 Veces,” featuring Messiah. No word if she’ll perform that song.

In addition to Ally Brooke, the star-studded lineup includesJ BalvinNatanael CanoPedro Capo,CNCOKarol GKany GarciaGreeicyMau & RickyOzunaRafa PabonPitbullAlex RoseSebastian YatraCaly y El DandeeDanna PaolaThe Wailersand Zion & Lennox, who will bless fans with a special musical number from Puerto Rico in celebration of their 20th anniversary.

They join previously announced performers Anuel AARauw Alejandro,Neto BernalCamiloNatti NatashaGloria Trevi, Manuel Turizo and Jay Wheeler.

In a first ever, PJ-only version, The Wailers will be joined on stage by Cedellaand Skip Marley,Pedro CapoRauw AlejandroCamiloand Kany Garcia to send a message of love, justice and inclusion.

Pitbull will surprise fans with his first ever television performance of his single “I Believe That We will Win.”

The program will feature artists performing at the venue, a virtual audience, and an innovative integration of the latest state-of-the-art, augmented and virtual reality technologies for award presentations, intros and musical performances. 

Premios Juventud, which celebrate the hottest artists in Latin music, fashion, television and social media, will be broadcast live from Miami, with Becky G and Ricky Martin being honored as Agents of Change during the telecast

Premios Juventud 2020 will air at 8:00 pm ET on Thursday, August 13 via Univision.

Anuel AA to Perform at This Year’s Virtual ‘Premios Juventud’ Awards Show

Anuel AA isn’t letting the coronavirus pandemic stop him from helping celebrate this year’s biggest Latino talents.  

The 27-year-old Puerto Rican rapper will be performing as part of Univision’s Premios Juventud next month.

Anuel AA

Anuel AA joins a list of performers that includes Rauw Alejandro,Neto BernalCamiloNatti NatashaGloria Trevi, Manuel Turizo and Jay Wheeler.

In addition, Sebastian Yatra and actress and activist Julissa Calderon will join Ana Patricia GámezFrancisca Lachapel, and Borja Voces as the hosts of the three-hour event.

Premios Juventud, which celebrate the hottest artists in Latin music, fashion, television and social media, will be broadcast live from Miami, with Becky G and Ricky Martin being honored as Agents of Change during the telecast

The program will feature artists performing at the venue, a virtual audience, and an innovative integration of the latest state-of-the-art, augmented and virtual reality technologies for award presentations, intros and musical performances. 

The special show will leverage technology and innovation to provide for a safe environment in delivering a live music awards show.

Premios Juventud 2020 will air at 8:00 pm ET on Thursday, August 13 via Univision.

The awards show will be preceded by “PJ Takeover,” a one-hour pre-show hosted by Jomari Goyso and Clarissa Molina and Amara La Negra, beginning at 7:00 pm ET.