The Late Juan Gabriel’s Historic “Mis 40 en Bellas Artes” Concert to be Projected in Mexico City’s Zócalo

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

The music of the Juan Gabriel will fill one of Mexico City’s most iconic locations.

The late Mexican superstar’s Mis 40 en Bellas Artes will be projected in Mexico City’s Zócalo this Sunday, September 22, at a free event organized by the capital’s Secretary of Culture.

“After the cancellation of the second screening at the Cineteca Nacional scheduled for September 14, the city government, committed to cultural access, is offering the country’s most important plaza and stage so that more people can enjoy this memorable concert in a festive and family-friendly environment to continue the patriotic celebrations,” announced the Secretary of Culture in a statement.

A screening of the concert by the Divo de Juárez, organized by Universal Music, left hundreds of people outside the Cineteca Nacional on Friday, September 13, after the number of attendees exceeded the expectations of the organizers.

A second screening scheduled for the following Saturday, September 14, had to be canceled as the venue couldn’t accommodate the large crowd.

The organizers estimated that about 6,000 people arrived at the Cineteca Nacional last Friday to attend the event. Videos on social media show a large number of attendees who were left outside the venue, dancing and singing at the top of their lungs to the songs included in the concert — released by Virgin Music — undeterred by the rain that covered much of the city that afternoon.

“The turnout surpassed the historical attendance record set by Queen and the ‘Rock Montreal’ screening at the Rock Festival in the Cineteca Nacional,” the organizers said in a statement.

Mis 40 en Bellas Artes is one of the most iconic concerts that Juan Gabriel performed to celebrate his four decades of artistic career in August 2013, accompanied by the International Orchestra of the Arts and its choir. It features great hits from his discography, such as “Caray,” “He Venido a Pedirte Perdón,” “Querida,” “La Diferencia,” “Me Nace del Corazón,” “¿Por Qué Me Haces Llorar?,” “Abrázame Muy Fuerte,” and “Así Fue,” a song he performed on stage with Isabel Pantoja.

The screening of Juan Gabriel’s Mis 40 en Bellas Artes at the Zócalo is scheduled for 7 p.m. (local time).

Maldy Earns First No. 1 on Any Billboard Airplay Chart as a Solo Artist with Karol G-Collab “Gatúbela”

Posted on January 5, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Maldy is celebrating a special first…

The Puerto Rican artist is starting off the new year with a new career success as “Gatúbela,” with Karol G, captures first place on Billboard’s Latin Rhythm Airplay chart dated January 7.

The song gives the reggaetón singer his first champ as a soloist on any airplay chart.

“Gatúbela,” produced by DJ Maff, reaches the summit with a 3-1 jump, generating 7 million in audience impressions, up 1%, earned in the U.S. in week ending December 29, according to Luminate.

The track was released on August 26 via Universal Music/UMLE and reaches a No. 1 in its 18th week.

Maldy, one-half of veteran reggaetón duo Plan B, scores his first chart-topper on any airplay ranking a decade after he earned a first Latin Rhythm Airplay entry. He reached a No. 21 high prior with “La Formula Sigue,” with Zion, Arcangel, Lennox, Chencho, and RKM & Ken-Y, in 2012.

During his Plan B era, Maldy went as high as No. 4 with “Mi Vecinita” in 2014.

Karol G, meanwhile, enters a tie for the eighth-most No. 1s on Latin Rhythm Airplay.

She matches Don Omar, Nicky Jam and Yandel, all with 14 leaders.

Here’s the scoreboard since the list begun in 2005:

34, Daddy Yankee
34, J Balvin
28, Ozuna
19, Bad Bunny
19, Maluma
19, Wisin
19, Wisin & Yandel
14, Don Omar
14, Karol G
14, Nicky Jam
14, Yandel

J Balvin Returns to Longtime Agency William Morris Endeavor

Posted on September 5, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin is back with a familiar team…

The 37-year-old Colombian singer, known as the Prince of Reggaeton, has returned to his longtime agency William Morris Endeavor (WME).

The move follows a short stint with United Talent Agency (UTA) that started in May. No reason was given for his departure from or return to WME.

Balvin left WME for UTA in May after postponing his 25-date José tour. The move was surprising considering Balvin’s long and storied history with the agency. WME began booking Balvin when he still an emerging artist, and the agency played an integral role in his global touring and branding, securing early placements for him in major festivals.

UTA never formally announced its deal with Balvin, but the agency has been growing its Latin roster and currently represents several high-profile Latin stars. Bad Bunny, Balvin’s Universal Music labelmate Karol G and Brazilian powerhouse Anitta are all currently on UTA’s roster.

Balvin has grossed more than $20 million and sold over 300,000 tickets, according to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore. All six of the Colombian star’s full-length studio albums — including the collaborative Oasis album with Bad Bunny — have reached the top 10 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart, with four of them hitting No. 1. He’s charted 93 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, including 35 top 10s and nine No. 1s. In every year from 2014 through 2021, he’s finished as one of the year’s top 10 artists on Billboard’s annual year-end Top Latin Artists chart.

Other WME Latin acts include Nicky Jam, Juanes, Ozuna and Shakira.

Balvin continues to be managed by longtime manager Fabio Acosta along with Scooter Braun’s SB Projects.

Alejandro Sanz Agrees to New Unorthodox Management Deal

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Alejandro Sanz has a new unconventional management agreement…

The 53-year-old Spanish Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, one of the most iconic and influential artists in Latin music, is starting a new phase in his career with an unorthodox management agreement.

Sanz, who hasn’t had formal management in place since 2016, will now work with two separate executives, each of them focused on a different area of his career.

On the one hand, Alex Mizrahi, who heads management and promotion company OCESA-Seitrack, will now oversee Sanz’s international management and business. And Iñigo Zabala, the former president of Warner Music Iberia and Latin America, will oversee his recording career and creative output.

“There is strength in numbers,” said Sanz, explaining his decision to work with two separate entities. “I’m excited about this partnership with Álex Mizrahi and Íñigo Zabala. The three of us believe artists should develop in an ideal environment for creation, and I feel this connection between us will result in an evolved management model, where each of us brings his knowledge and experience to reach our common goals.”

With a 25-year trajectory under his belt that includes Spain’s two top-selling albums of all time, Sanz, signed to Universal Music, continues to be a touring and recording powerhouse.

“It’s hard to imagine anyone who hasn’t fallen in love, laughed or cried to an Alejandro Sanz song. The enormous power of his music goes beyond borders, ages and languages,” says Mizrahi, whose company – OCESA-Seitrack — is a subsidiary of Seitrack Management and live event giant OCESA.

On his end, Zabala’s ties to Sanz are tight; as a Warner executive, he signed Sanz to his first major record label deal over 20 years ago, and remained his friend even after Sanz moved to Universal.

“It’s an honor to collaborate again with Alejandro Sanz, whom I consider one of the best composers of all time. His influence on what is Latin music today can be felt everywhere,” said Zabala.

A four-time Grammy winner and 25-time Latin Grammy winner who was also the Latin Academy’s Person of the Year in 2017, Sanz is one of Latin music’s most celebrated and influential artists, both at a musical and political level.

Sanz was long-managed by Spanish manager Rosa Lagarrigue, but the two parted ways in 2016 in a split that ended up in a legal dispute.

Since then, Sanz has not had formal management, but had his own offices and management firm, MOW, which handles Spanish artists Nina Pastori and Pol Granch. Now, Seitrak will also have a hand in their management as well.

Eiza González Signs with William Morris Endeavor (WME)

Posted on August 22, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Eiza González has new representation…

The 30-year-old Mexican actress/singer has signed with William Morris Endeavor (WME) for representation in all areas.

González rose to acclaim after her roles in El Rey’s series From Dusk till Dawn, in which she collaborated with Robert Rodriguez. She further increased her star power in the United States after appearing in Edgar Wright’s 2017 summer blockbuster Baby Driveras Darling, the heist girlfriend to Jon Hamm’s Buddy, in the $227M grossing movie.

González has scored roles in notable movies, including Nyssiana in the Rodriguez-directed 20th Century Fox sci-fi movie Alita: Battle Angel($404.8M WW), Madame M opposite Jason Statham and Dwayne Johnson in Hobbs & Shaw($759M WW), and the upcoming Legendary/Warner Bros. sequel Godzilla vs. Kongdue out on May 21, 2021.

She most recently starred in Sony Pictures’ Bloodshotopposite Vin Diesel and Guy Pearce, which earned her an Imagen Award nomination for Best Actress in a Feature Film.

González will next be seen opposite Rosamund Pike and Peter Dinklage in I Care A Lot, which will premiere at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival.

The Mexico City native studied at the American School Foundation, the Edron Academy, M&M Studio and Televisa’s Centro de Educación Artística.’

Her breakthrough came in the teenage telenovela Lola: Érase una vezin 2007. González also starred in numerous additional series in Mexico. She signed with Universal Music, and recorded five albums.

Her other feature credits include Robert Zemeckis’ Welcome to Marwen, and voiceover credits in DreamWorks’ The Croods and 20th Century Fox’s Alvin and the Chipmunks and Horton Hears A Who!

Sebastián Yatra Earns 7th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with “TBT,” Featuring Rauw Alejandro & Manuel Turizo

Posted on July 1, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Sebastián Yatra reigns supreme…

The 25-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter’s “TBT” single with Rauw Alejandro and Manuel Turizo has risen to the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart dated July 4, dethroning the Black Eyed Peas, Ozuna and J. Rey Soul’s from their one-week reign with “Mamacita.”

“I wrote this song over a year ago with Sech in Miami,” says Yatra. “We started writing a story based on personal situations we were both going through over a guitar riff. It’s a reggaetóntune with strong pop elements co-produced by the XAXO brothers with Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo. It also has its romantic touch, which is something I vibrate with strongly.”

Yatra, Alejandro and Turizo reach the summit in the song’s 14th week thanks to its 12.42 million in audience impressions (up 7 percent) earned in the week ending June 28, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data.

“Its journey to the top is a reflection of how the song has been getting into people little by little,” Yatra continues. “It’s also a reflection of the perseverance of my team at Universal. Nowadays it is very easy to release a song and get lost in so many things — the news, our daily routines. We’ve done a nice job with ‘TBT.’”

It’s the first No. 1 for Alejandro, who began his Latin Airplaycareer a little over a year ago when he secured his first chart entry with “Luz Apaga,” with Ozuna and Lyanno (No. 48 peak, Feb. 16, 2019-dated survey).

“I was super happy to work with Manuel Turizo and Rauw Alejandro, who are both on fire these days,” Yatra adds. “They are not only extremely talented, but both have big hearts. So happy to be next to Rauw as he gets his first No. 1 on Latin Airplay. Without a doubt he’s one of the few newcomers who will leave a mark. I’m such a fan of him, his versatility and ability to create.”

As “TBT” hits No. 1 on the Latin Airplay chart, Yatra nabs his seventh leader. His first No. 1 dates back to when “Robarte Un Beso,” with Carlos Vives, ruled for one week in January 2018.

Turizo, meanwhile secures his second No. 1.

Elsewhere on the Latin charts, “TBT” remains atop the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart for a second week, and moves into the top 20 on Hot Latin Songs, which blends airplay, digital sales and streaming data.

Alejandro joins a group of other eight acts who have claimed their first No. 1 in 2020:

Artist, Song Title, Date Reached No. 1
Black Eyed Peas, “Ritmo (Bad Boys For Life),” with J Balvin, Feb. 8
Nicki Minaj, “Tusa,” with Karol G, Feb. 15
Static & Ben El, “Súbelo (Further Up),” with Pitbull and Chesca, March 28
Chesca, “Súbelo (Further Up),” with Static & Ben El and Pitbull, March 28
Ne-Yo, “Me Quedaré Contigo,” with Pitbull, featuring Lenier and El Micha, April 18
Lenier, “Me Quedaré Contigo,” with Pitbull, Ne-Yo, also featuring El Micha, April 18
El Micha, “Me Quedaré Contigo,” with Pitbull, Ne-Yo, also featuring Lenier, April 18
J.Rey Soul, “Mamacita,” with Black Eyed Peas, June 20
Camilo, “Si Me Dices Que Si,” with Reik and Farruko, June 27
Rauw Alejandro, “TBT,” with Sebastián Yatra and Manuel Turizo, July 4

Carey Reunites with Epic Records, Releasing New Album “Later This Year”

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a new deal for Mariah Carey… with the promise of new music in the near future.

The 47-year-old half-Venezuelan American Grammy-winning singer’s Butterfly MC Records is partenring with Epic Records. While terms of the partnership haven’t been revealed, the deal is said to include a new album to come “later this year.”

“To continue working with Mariah Carey at Epic has been another rewarding chapter of my career,” Epic Records chairman-CEO L.A. Reid said in a statement. “Mariah’s incomparable talents as a singer, with her vocal range that is nothing short of legendary, are matched by her brilliance as a songwriter, producer, and performer par excellence. Mariah’s chart records have established her enduring place in music history, a position that is cherished and supported by her loyal fans worldwide. I look forward to building upon all of Mariah’s success for years to come.”

Following rather tumultuous exit from Sony Music Entertainment (where she started her career in 1990) in 2000, Carey returned to Sony Music in 2015 when Reid personally signed her to Epic. The two had previously worked together on her 2005 album The Emancipation of Mimi, which was recorded/released while Reid was at Universal Music label Island Def Jam.

No further details regarding Carey’s forthcoming album were given, but with a summer tour lined up (with Lionel Richie) and the return of her Las Vegas residency set for July, it could be sooner than later.

“I am putting my heart and soul into making more new music,” Carey said in a press release. “I am so thrilled for this next chapter and to continue working with, and for, everyone that I love.”

Carey Reveals Track List for Her Greatest Hits Album “#1 To Infinity”

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Mariah Carey will have you feeling emotions and more in the near future…

After releasing the album artwork for Mariah Carey #1 To Infinity, a comprehensive greatest-hits package consisting of all 18 of her Billboard Hot 100 No. 1s, the 45-year-old half-Venezuelan-American singer has confirmed its release date.

Due May 18 on Epic Records/Columbia Records/Sony Legacy, Infinity reunites Carey with Epic chairman-CEO Antonio “L.A.” Reid, who helped spearhead Carey’s mid-2000’s comeback with The Emancipation of Mimi as then-chairman of Island Def Jam Records. In addition to Carey’s 15 Sony No. 1’s and three Universal No. 1’s, the album will include one brand-new selection, title track “Infinity.” The song will premiere globally on April 27 via all digital services, as well as a video directed by Carey’s longtime collaborator Brett Ratner. Carey is also expected to host a kick-off event for her upcoming Caesars Palace residency in Las Vegas on April 27, with more details to be announced shortly.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be back together again with Mariah,” says Reid in a statement. “There is really no one who comes close to Mariah as both a songwriter and a singer, and as the world knows, her vocal range is legendary and truly incomparable. Her music is indelibly etched into our culture, and she’s shattered so many chart records that she’s now firmly entrenched in the history books. With a fierce and loyal fan base that covers every corner of the globe, I have no doubt Mariah will do it again.”

Infinity is the first release in a multi-album deal with Epic, which Carey signed earlier this year. Carey will perform all 18 No. 1s for the first time ever as part of her residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, and is expected to pepper fan-favorite album cuts and previously never-performed tracks into each set as well. The first 18 confirmed 2015 performances are May 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 23, 24; and July 8, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 25, 26. Tickets are available at thecolosseum.com or axs.com.

Here’s the complete Mariah Carey #1 To Infinity Tracklist:
(Includes weeks at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100)

1. “Vision of Love” (4 weeks, 1990)
2. “Love Takes Time” (3 weeks, 1990)
3. “Someday” (MTV Unplugged version) (2 weeks, 1991)
4. “I Don’t Wanna Cry” (2 weeks, 1991)
5. “Emotions” (3 weeks, 1991)
6. “I’ll Be There” (featuring Trey Lorenz) (2 weeks, 1992)
7. “Dreamlover” (8 weeks, 1993)
8. “Hero” (4 weeks, 1993)
9. “Fantasy” (Bad Boy Fantasy featuring O.D.B.) (8 weeks, 1995)
10. “One Sweet Day” (featuring Boyz II Men) (16 weeks,1995-1996)
11. “Always Be My Baby” (2 weeks, 1996)
12. “Honey” (3 weeks, 1997)
13. “My All” (1 week, 1998)
14. “Heartbreaker” (featuring Jay-Z) (2 weeks, 1999)
15. “Thank God I Found You” (featuring Joe & 98 Degrees) (1 week, 2000)
16. “We Belong Together” (14 weeks, 2005)
17. “Don’t Forget About Us” (2 weeks, 2005)
18. “Touch My Body” (2 weeks, 2008)
19. “Infinity” (2015)

Tapia to Serve as a Coach on Telemundo’s “La Voz Kids”

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Roberto Tapia will be joining a prince and a golden girl in the quest to find the next singing sensation under the age of 14.

The Regional Mexican singer has been named the third and final coach for Telemundo’s upcoming singing competition La Voz Kids. Tapia joins a roster that already includes Mexican pop star Paulina Rubio and bachata singer Prince Royce.

“The strength and relevance of Roberto Tapia in the Regional Mexican music genre is an essential element for the show,” said Daniel Cubillo, Vice President of Content Development, Non-Scripted, at Telemundo Media. “Roberto represents an energy boost coming from the most active audience in the country.”

Tapia, who was born in San Diego but raised in Culiacán, Mexico, earned his first No.1 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart last August with his 11th album, El Muchacho. Although previously known for writing narcocorridos, Tapia is now known for writing inspirational music with positive messages. El Muchacho was also No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart.

La Voz Kids, which will begin airing this Spring, will also feature two soon-to-be announced hosts.

Much like NBC’s The Voice, contestants will compete in “blind auditions” followed by battle rounds and live shows. The winner will receive a recording contract with Universal Music and a scholarship.

La Voz Kids will be the first Spanish-language version of the The Voice franchise to air in the U.S.

Prince Royce Named as a Coach for Telemundo’s “La Voz Kids”

Posted on March 20, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Paulina Rubio isn’t the only Latin music superstar preparing to coach the next generation of cantantes… Prince Royce will also mentor the kids.

The 23-year-old Dominican American singer-songwriter has been added to the all-star coaching roster for Telemundo’s La Voz Kids, the reality singing competition for children 7-14 that’ll air this spring on the Spanish-language network.

“Prince Royce represents the new Latin artist generation with Hispanic roots, born and raised in this country,” said Daniel Cubillo, vice president of content development, non-scripted, at Telemundo Media.

“He has an incredible ability to mix cultures, languages and musical genres that make him a great reference point for the kids and represent the future of Latino music in our country.”

The “Addicted” singer, one of the brightest new stars in Latin music, gained national recognition with his self-titled debut album in the Fall of 2010. The album would go on to become the top-selling Latin release of 2011, according to Billboard. Royce released his sophomore album, Phase II, last Spring and has just finished a 30-day U.S. tour. He’s up for 10 Billboard Latin Music Awards this April.

Royce and Rubio will share coaching duties with a third, soon-to-be-announced celebrity.

Like with NBC’s hit The Voice, which will feature Shakira as a judge this season, contestants will compete in “blind auditions” followed by battle rounds and live shows. The winner will receive a recording contract with Universal Music and a scholarship. La Voz Kids will be the first Spanish-language version of The Voice franchise to air in the U.S.

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