Esparza Promoted to Series Regular on NBC’s “Law & Order: SVU”

Raúl Esparza will have a buildup of cases in the near future…

The 42-year-old Cuban American actor and Broadway star has been promoted to series regular on NBC’s long-running crime drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Raúl Esparza

“Making him a series regular is a small way of acknowledging his enormous contribution to our show,” said the show’s executive producer Warren Leight about Esparza’s promotion.

Esparza portrays by-the-book headstrong prosecutor Assistant DA Rafael Barba on the police procedural, which returns for its 15th season beginning on September 25.

Esparza’s television credits include a recurring role on Pushing Daisies, as well as a role on Hannibal.

His Broadway credits include Tony-nominated performances in the Boy George musical Taboo and the musical comedy Company.

Law & Order: SVU, which also stars Danny Pino, begins shooting next week in New York.

Prince Royce & Don Omar Top Winners at Billboard Latin Music Awards

One is a rising star on the Latin music scene; the other is a seasoned veteran… But Prince Royce and Don Omar tied for the title of this year’s “King of the Billboard Latin Music Awards.”

During Thursday night’s award ceremony, the Puerto Rican Don Omar and the Dominican-American Prince Royce each received eight awards.

Prince Royce

Prince Royce was ecstatic upon learning he had won artist/songwriter of the year and best tropical album for his self titled album and single Corazon sin cara.

“Wow! First of all I want to thank God who has given me everything,” said the soon-to-be-23-year-old singer. “[Also] my family and the Dominican Republic… and my fans I love you all with all my heart.”

Don Omar

Like Prince Royce, Don Omar thanked his mother and God as well as his fans and fellow colleagues after taking home awards for best Latin rhythm of the year, best songs of the year, best Latin rhythm artist of the year, best album of the year, best song of the year, best song of the year for airplay, and best Latin pop song of the year for his single “Taboo.”

His other hit “Danza Kuduro,” a collaboration with Brazilian artist Lucenzo, won best vocal collaboration of the year as well as best digital song.

“I am so grateful to each and every one of my colleagues in the music business… and from Puerto Rico,” said the 34-year-old reggaeton artist in Spanish. “It has been 15 years since we decided to start the urban music genre.”

Meanwhile, Mexican rock group Maná took home five awards, while Colombian pop star Shakira earned four. And, La Adictiva Banda San Jose de Mesillas group won best new artist. Marc Anthony received a Billboard Hall of Fame Award for his global, artistic influence.

Thursday’s live show was televised on Telemundo from the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami in Coral Gables.

Lovato Singing at the Latin Grammys…

She sang the national anthem for an international audience at this year’s World Series… And, now Demi Lovato is set to perform in front of Latin music superstars.

The Latin Recording Academy has confirmed that the 19-year-old part-Mexican singer/actress will perform at the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards.

Demi Lovato to perform at the Latin Grammys

There’s no official word on what song Lovato will sing at this year’s awards show—which will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on November 10—or if she’ll tackle singing in Spanish.

Earlier this year, Lovato performed her hit “Skyscraper” in English and Spanish at the ALMA Awards—even though she doesn’t speak Spanish.

Meanwhile, other confirmed performers include Pablo Alborán; Alex, Jorge Y Lena; Intocable; Los Tigres Del Norte with Paulina Rubio; Black Eyed PeasTaboo; and Wisin Y Yandel.

Hip-hop duo Calle 13 lead the pack of nominees this year with a record-breaking 10 nods, including Album of the Year, Best Urban Music Album for Entren Los Que Quieran, and Song Of The Year for Latinoamérica.”

The Latin Grammy Awards will be broadcast live on Univision at 8:00 pm. ET.

Pau Pau Reveals Details on Her New Album…

International superstar Paulina Rubio is revealing the latest details about her tenth studio album…

The 40-year-old Mexican singer and actress announced the title of the new album, “Brava!” via Twitter just moments before sharing the name with the press, as well as giving fans a look at the artwork for the album.

Paulina Rubio's photo Ready to start some interviews but I wanted you guys to be the first to see the album cover for BRAVA… My new baby!!
Paulina Rubio on WhoSay

“Ready to start some interviews but I wanted you guys to be the first to see the album cover for BRAVA… My new baby!!” wrote la “Chica Dorada,” who has sold more than 20 million album worldwide.

She later wrote messages to her fans about the significance of the album name to her fans: “Valiant, most excellent, applause after a great presentation of ‘Brava,’” she explained.

The highly anticipated 10-track album, Pau Pau’s first in more than two years, will include seven songs in Spanish and three in English. “Brava!” will include the track “Hoy me toca a mí“, a duet with Taboo of  The Black Eyed Peas.

The first single, “Me Gustas Tanto,” has already started getting some serious radio airplay. Produced by RedOne, the track is available on iTunes. The official music video will premiere on October 14th.

Meanwhile, “Brava!” will be released on November 15.

Rubio has