With a bassy voice and over a minimalist syncopated beat, Wilfredo "Willy" Aldarondo sings of lament. "The love of my life left for New York / my mom followed my aunt, to Florida they went/packing my bags, it's my turn now / the plane landed, and no one clapped."
These are the opening lines of "Tierra," the leading single off the Puerto Rican band Chuwi's newest EP of the same title. Founded in 2020 in the northwestern coastal town of Isabela, Chuwi is composed of Willy, his sister Lorén Aldarondo, his brother Wester Aldarondo, and friend Adrián López. Describing the band's sound is a challenge in and of itself. Are they Latin jazz, indie rock, urbano, tropical fusion, or something else altogether? The answer to all of those questions is "yes."
Over the past two years, the quartet's popularity has grown among listeners and industry peers. Part of that reason is that...
These are the opening lines of "Tierra," the leading single off the Puerto Rican band Chuwi's newest EP of the same title. Founded in 2020 in the northwestern coastal town of Isabela, Chuwi is composed of Willy, his sister Lorén Aldarondo, his brother Wester Aldarondo, and friend Adrián López. Describing the band's sound is a challenge in and of itself. Are they Latin jazz, indie rock, urbano, tropical fusion, or something else altogether? The answer to all of those questions is "yes."
Over the past two years, the quartet's popularity has grown among listeners and industry peers. Part of that reason is that...
- 4/23/2024
- by Juan Arroyo
- Popsugar.com
Residente is looking back at his storied career with nostalgia and melancholy. On Thursday, the Puerto Rican icon released the seven-minute video for “Ron En El Piso,” which captures the musician looking back at his time in Calle 13 and his legacy on Latin music.
“This goes for who we are, what we were. For everything we have, for everything we had,” he wrote on Instagram, referencing the song’s lyrics. “For the crying, for all the laughter. For all the triumphs and for all the screw-ups.”
The cinematic video opens...
“This goes for who we are, what we were. For everything we have, for everything we had,” he wrote on Instagram, referencing the song’s lyrics. “For the crying, for all the laughter. For all the triumphs and for all the screw-ups.”
The cinematic video opens...
- 1/12/2024
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Last month, at the Clemente Soto Vélez Center in New York’s Lower East Side, Rita Indiana experienced a night of firsts. The Dominican novelist and artist stepped on stage to debut her latest project, Tu Nombre Verdadero, a performance and a collection of songs that she worked on alongside her wife, the Puerto Rican director and filmmaker Noelia Quintero Herencia. The piece comes after they’ve spent 14 years working together professionally, and it was also the first body of work Indiana premiered live. Days later, she shared that it...
- 5/9/2023
- by Frances Solá-Santiago
- Rollingstone.com
Jay Wheeler, Cuco, Romance, and ‘F-ckery’ Rule Night Two of Rolling Stone’s Future of Music Showcase
As Latin genres like reggaeton, dembow, bachata, and Latin trap continue to dominate the global charts, the second night of Rolling Stone’s Future of Music SXSW showcase highlighted the variety and promise of Latin music’s rising voices.
Cali, Colombia’s high-energy sibling duo Dawer x Damper kicked off the night at Acl Live at the Moody Theater. While the first act in any lineup has one of the more challenging gigs of the night, Dawer x Damper took advantage of every second they had, setting the tone for...
Cali, Colombia’s high-energy sibling duo Dawer x Damper kicked off the night at Acl Live at the Moody Theater. While the first act in any lineup has one of the more challenging gigs of the night, Dawer x Damper took advantage of every second they had, setting the tone for...
- 3/16/2023
- by Cat Cardenas
- Rollingstone.com
Letting his DNA makeup inform his travel itinerary, the Puerto Rican musician formerly known as Rene Perez Joglar embarks on a globetrotting journey of self-discovery in the ambitious, eponymous Residente.
With some 25 Latin Grammy awards to his name as the founder of influential rap group Calle 13, but looking for a fresh challenge, Perez Joglar turned to the results of an ancestry test to determine the directions his new recording project would take him.
The result makes for a diverse, highly personal musical odyssey which, while undeniably inspired, occasionally is structurally thrown off course by its inherent wanderlust.
Perez...
With some 25 Latin Grammy awards to his name as the founder of influential rap group Calle 13, but looking for a fresh challenge, Perez Joglar turned to the results of an ancestry test to determine the directions his new recording project would take him.
The result makes for a diverse, highly personal musical odyssey which, while undeniably inspired, occasionally is structurally thrown off course by its inherent wanderlust.
Perez...
- 3/25/2017
- by Michael Rechtshaffen
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If music be the food of love, the world needs a boatload right about now and pop music ain’t gonna cut it. That’s the sentiment of René Pérez Joglar, the Puerto Rican rapper more commonly known as Residente, as well as co-founder and lead singer of Calle 13, an alternative hip-hop group beloved across Latin America. (Say “Calle 13″ to a Latino person, and you’ll see a face light up.) Joglar has won 25 Grammy Awards, the most ever awarded to a Latin artist. Calle 13 is known for its satirical lyrics that often provide social commentary about Latin American issues, and Joglar is a decorated humanitarian, receiving the Nobel Peace Summit Award in 2015 for his commitment to social justice.
Read More: ‘Dara Ju’ Review: Anthony Onah’s Debut Is a Vital But Unfocused Drama About Immigrant Identity in America
What better way to combine his passions of...
Read More: ‘Dara Ju’ Review: Anthony Onah’s Debut Is a Vital But Unfocused Drama About Immigrant Identity in America
What better way to combine his passions of...
- 3/14/2017
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Entertainment One has closed multiple deals across Europe for the Canadian TV series Cardinal, with the BBC picking up the hit crime drama for the U.K. eOne also closed deals for Cardinal with C More in Scandinavia and Calle 13 in Spain.
Cardinal stars Billy Campbell (The Killing) and Karine Vanasse (Revenge) in a crime mystery tale based on the John Cardinal Mysteries novels from author Giles Blunt. The series begins with the discovery of Katie Pine, a missing 13-year-old whose body is found in the shaft-head of an abandoned mine.
Cardinal was a ratings hit in its native land,...
Cardinal stars Billy Campbell (The Killing) and Karine Vanasse (Revenge) in a crime mystery tale based on the John Cardinal Mysteries novels from author Giles Blunt. The series begins with the discovery of Katie Pine, a missing 13-year-old whose body is found in the shaft-head of an abandoned mine.
Cardinal was a ratings hit in its native land,...
- 2/10/2017
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 57th Annual Grammy Awards winners have been chosen, and we have the full list of those musicians taking home statues this Sunday, Feb. 8.
Did you favorite artists and/or songs win?
Check out the Full list of winners, below.
Record of the Year: Sam Smith, Stay With Me
Song of the Year: "Stay With Me," Sam Smith
Album of the Year: Beck, Morning Phase
Best Country Album: Miranda Lambert, Platinum
Best R&B Performance: "Drunk in Love," Beyonce feat. Jay Z
Best Rock Album: Beck, Morning Phase
Best Pop Vocal Album: Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour
Best Pop Solo Performance: “Happy,” Pharrell Williams
Best New Artist: Sam Smith
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Max Martin for “Bang Bang,” “Break Free,” “Dark Horse,” “Problem,” “Shake It Off,” “Unconditionally”
Best Folk Album: Old Crow Medicine Show, Remedy
Best Americana Album: Rosanne Cash, The River and the Thread
Best American Roots Song: “A Feather’s Not a Bird...
Did you favorite artists and/or songs win?
Check out the Full list of winners, below.
Record of the Year: Sam Smith, Stay With Me
Song of the Year: "Stay With Me," Sam Smith
Album of the Year: Beck, Morning Phase
Best Country Album: Miranda Lambert, Platinum
Best R&B Performance: "Drunk in Love," Beyonce feat. Jay Z
Best Rock Album: Beck, Morning Phase
Best Pop Vocal Album: Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour
Best Pop Solo Performance: “Happy,” Pharrell Williams
Best New Artist: Sam Smith
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Max Martin for “Bang Bang,” “Break Free,” “Dark Horse,” “Problem,” “Shake It Off,” “Unconditionally”
Best Folk Album: Old Crow Medicine Show, Remedy
Best Americana Album: Rosanne Cash, The River and the Thread
Best American Roots Song: “A Feather’s Not a Bird...
- 2/9/2015
- Entertainment Tonight
Complete list of winners and nominees of the 2014 Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles at the Staples Center on Sunday February 8. Winners will be updated as they're announced during the telecast and pre-telecast. Record Of The Year “Fancy,” Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli Xcx “Chandelier,” Sia **Winner** “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version),” Sam Smith “Shake It Off,” Taylor Swift “All About That Bass,” Meghan Trainor Album Of The Year **Winner** “Morning Phase,” Beck “Beyoncé,” Beyoncé “X,” Ed Sheeran “In The Lonely Hour,” Sam Smith “Girl,” Pharrell Williams Song Of The Year “All About That Bass,” Kevin Kadish & Meghan Trainor, songwriters (Meghan Trainor) “Chandelier,” Sia Furler & Jesse Shatkin, songwriters (Sia) “Shake It Off,” Max Martin, Shellback & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift) **Winner** “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version),” James Napier, William Phillips & Sam Smith, songwriters (Sam Smith) “Take Me To Church,” Andrew Hozier-Byrne, songwriter (Hozier) Best New Artist Iggy Azalea Bastille Brandy Clark...
- 2/8/2015
- by Donna Dickens
- Hitfix
President Barack Obama was the opening act for the Latin Grammys. It was the talk in Las Vegas during the 15th edition of the awards show, which started more than ten minutes late than originally planned as Obama gave a speech directly from the White House about immigration. The awards show began moments later featuring Calle 13 in a splashy, vibrant and colorful performance of "El Aguante." The presidential speech filled the air with optimism and did not upstage the often-unexpected night's winners, including Uruguayan crooner Jorge Drexler, who took the prize for Record of the Year, with
read more...
read more...
- 11/21/2014
- by Leila Cobo, Billboard, Justino Aguila, Billboard
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It's about to get hot on the red carpet! The 2014 Latin Grammys are tonight, and we expect to see major stars stepping out for the event. Held in Las Vegas, the ceremony will feature some of the biggest names in Latin music and include performances by Pitbull—who will take the stage with singers Carlos Santana and Chris Brown in two separate performances—Ricky Martin and Puerto Rican band Calle 13. Rocsi Diaz, Pablo Alborán and Carlos Vives are also set to attend. Marc Anthony, who wed model Shannon de Lima in the Dominican Republic on Nov. 11, will take to the stage for the first time since becoming a married man. Anthony is also a contender for the coveted Album of the Year...
- 11/20/2014
- E! Online
The Dominican Republic government commission that oversees public performances is banning a Sept. 13 concert by Miley Cyrus on morality grounds. The commission said in a statement Thursday that it took the action because Cyrus often "undertakes acts that go against morals and customs, which are punishable by Dominican law." Tickets ranging from $27 to $370 for the concert in the capital have been on sale since July. Some critics have declared Cyrus's onstage antics, including twerking and crotch-grabbing, as vulgar. A representative for Cyrus did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Concert organizers in the Dominican Republic did not comment on the ban.
- 8/22/2014
- by Associated Press
- PEOPLE.com
The Dominican Republic government commission that oversees public performances is banning a Sept. 13 concert by Miley Cyrus on morality grounds. The commission said in a statement Thursday that it took the action because Cyrus often "undertakes acts that go against morals and customs, which are punishable by Dominican law." Tickets ranging from $27 to $370 for the concert in the capital have been on sale since July. Some critics have declared Cyrus's onstage antics, including twerking and crotch-grabbing, as vulgar. A representative for Cyrus did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Concert organizers in the Dominican Republic did not comment on the ban.
- 8/22/2014
- by Associated Press
- PEOPLE.com
Mlb legend Wilie Mays busts out his Hall of Fame bat again -- this time to smash up a sports car in a rap music video! After his surprising cameo for Calle 13 ... can the Say Hey Kid obtain true baller status in the hip hop world? Plus, Keyshawn Johnson gets humiliated by Tsa after getting caught pulling a stunt we've all tried to get away with at the airport. Did he handle it better than you?...
- 3/10/2014
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Calle 13 rapper René Pérez Joglar is leading the charge against conspicuous consumption in the hip hop world -- he just beat his own Maserati to pieces and drove it off a cliff ... all to prove the point that money is killing music.René pulled off the stunt for his new music video "Adentro" -- and if that wasn't cool enough ... baseball legend Willie Mays actually hands him the bat.Rene tells us, "I bought...
- 3/7/2014
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Let this be a warning to double-check the credentials of shady businesses with terrible websites before handing them tens of thousands of dollars.
The tiny border town of San Luis got bilked for $50,000 by scammers in Mexico promising to book a concert for the pop band Maná, the Yuma Sun reports.
The city thought it had booked the Grammy Award-winning band to play at the San Luis’ Barrier 2 Bridge conference in February 2012.
But Maná never showed up and the “booking agency” that accepted the city’s wire transfer didn’t return phone calls and emails demanding a refund.
The Yuma Sun first reported the scam story back in Setpember of 2012, but it reappeared last week when city officials announced they would write the money off as a loss, since the investigation carried out by local police never led to an arrest.
The San Luis City Council sent the money to a group called Gente Pv.
The tiny border town of San Luis got bilked for $50,000 by scammers in Mexico promising to book a concert for the pop band Maná, the Yuma Sun reports.
The city thought it had booked the Grammy Award-winning band to play at the San Luis’ Barrier 2 Bridge conference in February 2012.
But Maná never showed up and the “booking agency” that accepted the city’s wire transfer didn’t return phone calls and emails demanding a refund.
The Yuma Sun first reported the scam story back in Setpember of 2012, but it reappeared last week when city officials announced they would write the money off as a loss, since the investigation carried out by local police never led to an arrest.
The San Luis City Council sent the money to a group called Gente Pv.
- 7/8/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
If there were any doubts about the power of music, Calle 13 is proving skeptics wrong.
The Puerto Rican duo have long been known for their politically infused lyrics and in recognition for their “No To Bullets” campaign, the Action on Armed Violence (Aoav) organization has named the band among the 100 Most Influential People In Armed Violence Reduction.
In November 2012, in collaboration with Unicef, Calle 13 released the music video “La Bala” (The Bullet) that lyrically and visually manifests the global increase of gun violence, while lamenting the dearth of resources worldwide. A team of 12 directors in 10 different countries helped create the video, with the motif of one deadly bullet spanning the entire globe.
(Check Out The Video Above)
"The song ‘the Bullet’ comes from the pain I feel when I see how some people devalue life," frontman René "Residente” Pérez said in a press release at the time.
In the past,...
The Puerto Rican duo have long been known for their politically infused lyrics and in recognition for their “No To Bullets” campaign, the Action on Armed Violence (Aoav) organization has named the band among the 100 Most Influential People In Armed Violence Reduction.
In November 2012, in collaboration with Unicef, Calle 13 released the music video “La Bala” (The Bullet) that lyrically and visually manifests the global increase of gun violence, while lamenting the dearth of resources worldwide. A team of 12 directors in 10 different countries helped create the video, with the motif of one deadly bullet spanning the entire globe.
(Check Out The Video Above)
"The song ‘the Bullet’ comes from the pain I feel when I see how some people devalue life," frontman René "Residente” Pérez said in a press release at the time.
In the past,...
- 7/3/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
The Ecuadorean embassy's celebrity refugee is used to living in what Assange likens to a space station as he battles extradition
Vivienne Westwood has paid a visit, as have the American civil rights activist Cornel West and the "cyberlibertarian" campaigner and former Grateful Dead lyricist John Perry Barlow.
Lady Gaga popped in while in town to launch her fragrance, after the singer Mia tweeted that she would supply tea and cake. On Thursday, René "Residente" Pérez, the lead singer of a Puerto Rican rap duo called Calle 13, called round to collaborate on a song about free expression.
And on Sunday, 362 days after Julian Assange first asked Ecuador to grant him political asylum, the WikiLeaks founder hosted his most senior visitor yet, the country's foreign minister, Ricardo Patiño. The politician's meeting with his British opposite number, William Hague, was the first ministerial-level talks of a five-nation diplomatic tangle that to...
Vivienne Westwood has paid a visit, as have the American civil rights activist Cornel West and the "cyberlibertarian" campaigner and former Grateful Dead lyricist John Perry Barlow.
Lady Gaga popped in while in town to launch her fragrance, after the singer Mia tweeted that she would supply tea and cake. On Thursday, René "Residente" Pérez, the lead singer of a Puerto Rican rap duo called Calle 13, called round to collaborate on a song about free expression.
And on Sunday, 362 days after Julian Assange first asked Ecuador to grant him political asylum, the WikiLeaks founder hosted his most senior visitor yet, the country's foreign minister, Ricardo Patiño. The politician's meeting with his British opposite number, William Hague, was the first ministerial-level talks of a five-nation diplomatic tangle that to...
- 6/17/2013
- by Esther Addley
- The Guardian - Film News
Yes, you read that right. WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange has his eyes set on his next career move: breaking into...the music industry. The political activist met with Puerto Rican René Pérez Joglar, member of the group Calle 13, while in London. The two apparently met at the Ecuadorean embassy in London, where Assange has been living for the last year after he was granted asylum by the Latin American country. Joglar announced on Twitter that he will join Assange for a live songwriting session today. The collaboration is said to address "media manipulation, freedom of expression & social media empowerment." The singer asked fans to tweet using the hashtag...
- 6/13/2013
- E! Online
René “Residente” Pérez has a not so subtle message for the FBI -- and for every major government and news organization in the World for that matter.
The lead singer of the Puerto Rican duo Calle 13 plans to meet with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in London on Thursday for a collaborative songwriting session in which the two -- and Residente’s nearly 5 million Twitter followers -- will write a song addressing media manipulation and freedom of expression.
Un saludo al FBI! Estoy aca con Julian #Assange fundador de @wikileaks. Mañana escribiremos juntos. Con ustedes. 10pm hora Londres.
— Residente C13/ RC13 (@Calle13Oficial) June 12, 2013
“Greeting FBI! I’m here with Julian #Assange founder of @wikileaks. Tomorrow we will write together. With you. 10pm London time,” the 35-year-old star tweeted on Wednesday during his initial meeting with the man behind the controversial website known for publishing classified information from government and media organizations worldwide.
The lead singer of the Puerto Rican duo Calle 13 plans to meet with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in London on Thursday for a collaborative songwriting session in which the two -- and Residente’s nearly 5 million Twitter followers -- will write a song addressing media manipulation and freedom of expression.
Un saludo al FBI! Estoy aca con Julian #Assange fundador de @wikileaks. Mañana escribiremos juntos. Con ustedes. 10pm hora Londres.
— Residente C13/ RC13 (@Calle13Oficial) June 12, 2013
“Greeting FBI! I’m here with Julian #Assange founder of @wikileaks. Tomorrow we will write together. With you. 10pm London time,” the 35-year-old star tweeted on Wednesday during his initial meeting with the man behind the controversial website known for publishing classified information from government and media organizations worldwide.
- 6/13/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
San Juan, March 20 (Ians/Efe) After a two-year battle against cancer, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Draco Rosa launched Tuesday his new album "Vida" (Life) on which he teams up with 16 artists including Ricky Martin, Shakira and Alejandro Sanz.
Others accompanying Rosa are Juan Luis Guerra, Calle 13, Juanes, Marc Anthony, Tego Calderon, Mana, Ruben Blades, Jose Feliciano, Enrique Bunbury, Andres Calamaro, Romeo Santos, Ednita Nazario and MiMa.
The new Rosa album is being released almost two years after he was diagnosed with cancer and not quite three months since doctors pronounced him cured.
"It's titled 'Vida' because I'm happy to be alive. After two years of the illness, they confirmed that I was free of cancer.
Others accompanying Rosa are Juan Luis Guerra, Calle 13, Juanes, Marc Anthony, Tego Calderon, Mana, Ruben Blades, Jose Feliciano, Enrique Bunbury, Andres Calamaro, Romeo Santos, Ednita Nazario and MiMa.
The new Rosa album is being released almost two years after he was diagnosed with cancer and not quite three months since doctors pronounced him cured.
"It's titled 'Vida' because I'm happy to be alive. After two years of the illness, they confirmed that I was free of cancer.
- 3/20/2013
- by Anita Agarwal
- RealBollywood.com
Washington — Hip-hop artists including rappers Nas and Somalia-born K'naan will take center stage in an unexpected place next year, highlighting their generation and art form alongside opera, ballet and theater at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The center, a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, announced Tuesday that its 2013-2014 season would include the weeklong festival "One Mic: Hip-Hop Culture Worldwide." It also plans to feature an international theater festival with works from at least 10 different nations and new American works commissioned in theater, opera and music.
The 2014 hip-hop festival will open with Nas rapping with musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra on music from his classic debut album "Illmatic." The festival will also feature Puerto Rican musicians Calle 13 and a graffiti exhibition.
The mix of rap, DJing and graffiti with more traditional arts at one of the nation's busiest performing arts centers will make the year unique,...
The center, a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, announced Tuesday that its 2013-2014 season would include the weeklong festival "One Mic: Hip-Hop Culture Worldwide." It also plans to feature an international theater festival with works from at least 10 different nations and new American works commissioned in theater, opera and music.
The 2014 hip-hop festival will open with Nas rapping with musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra on music from his classic debut album "Illmatic." The festival will also feature Puerto Rican musicians Calle 13 and a graffiti exhibition.
The mix of rap, DJing and graffiti with more traditional arts at one of the nation's busiest performing arts centers will make the year unique,...
- 3/5/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
San Juan, Dec 17 (Ians/Efe) Puerto Rican urban music band Calle 13 performed at Isla Grande Pier in their first concert in San Juan after a three-year absence.
Rene Perez, known as "Residente", opened the concert, one of the most anticipated musical events in years in Puerto Rico, with "No hay nadie como tu" and "Vamos a portarnos mal".
The Calle 13 soloist criticized outgoing San Juan Mayor Jorge Santini, who prevented the band from performing in the capital for years over differences with Perez.
Residente called on Puerto Rico's new administration, which takes office Jan 2, to spend more money on education.
The singer.
Rene Perez, known as "Residente", opened the concert, one of the most anticipated musical events in years in Puerto Rico, with "No hay nadie como tu" and "Vamos a portarnos mal".
The Calle 13 soloist criticized outgoing San Juan Mayor Jorge Santini, who prevented the band from performing in the capital for years over differences with Perez.
Residente called on Puerto Rico's new administration, which takes office Jan 2, to spend more money on education.
The singer.
- 12/17/2012
- by Ketali Mehta
- RealBollywood.com
Check out new clips and images from Dan Bridgeman's Hecho en México documentary, with Adanowsky, Rubén Albarrán and Amandititita. The opens in select theaters from November 30th. The doc from Pantelion Films and Lionsgate is helmed by Bridgeman (1 Giant Leap, What About Me?) who weaves a beautiful and rhythmic cinematic tapestry composed of original songs, conversations, reflections, wisdom and humor featuring many of the greatest performers and sharpest minds of Mexico today. The film showcases the richness of Mexican music both young and old, from traditional music to pop rock, and rap blended with interviews and songs of some of the most popular artists of Latin America such as Alejandro Fernández, Diego Luna, Calle 13, Lila Downs , Los Tucanes de Tijuana, and many more leading personalities. The result is an inspiring and often funny musical road trip through the modern day "Mexicanity", which resonates globally.
- 11/22/2012
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Jesse & Joy, sibling singers who hail from Mexico, won four of their five bids at the Latin Grammys Thursday. The duo won Best Record and Best Song for the catchy "Corre." They also claimed Best Contemporary Pop Album ("¿Con Quién Se Queda El Perro?") and Best Short Form Video ("Me Voy"). Among those they bested for Best Song was Dominican singer-songwriter Juan Luis Guerra who counted two tune nods among his leading six nominations. He had to be content with winning Best Producer and sharing in the Best Album award with Juanes for that Colombian rock star's "MTV Unplugged" disc. That brings his total haul to 19 Latin Grammys, tying the record of Calle 13. All four of the general field categories have been expanded to 10 nominees for the 13th annual kudofest which took place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and aired on Univision. See the full list of winners .
- 11/16/2012
- Gold Derby
Rolling Stone is crossing over.
On Friday, for the first time in its 45 years, the magazine published a special Spanish-language section on Latino music and the cultural figures that presently influence the over 50 million Hispanics in the United States.
Daniel Craig’s 007 may be the face of the Nov. 22 issue, but a flip to the back of the magazine will reveal a secondary cover featuring crossover rapper Pitbull.
Donning a bright red blazer and signature shades, “El Rey de la Fiesta” (The King of the Party) covers the special 15-page section which centers around the “10 Best Latin Rock Albums of All Time” as well as the work of Dominican Pulitzer-Prize winning novelist Junot Díaz, Puerto Rico’s hip-hop duo Calle 13, and Colombian actress Sofia Vergara, among others.
Seventeen percent of Rolling Stone magazine’s readership is Latino, according to GfK Mri audience research reported in the New York Times.
On Friday, for the first time in its 45 years, the magazine published a special Spanish-language section on Latino music and the cultural figures that presently influence the over 50 million Hispanics in the United States.
Daniel Craig’s 007 may be the face of the Nov. 22 issue, but a flip to the back of the magazine will reveal a secondary cover featuring crossover rapper Pitbull.
Donning a bright red blazer and signature shades, “El Rey de la Fiesta” (The King of the Party) covers the special 15-page section which centers around the “10 Best Latin Rock Albums of All Time” as well as the work of Dominican Pulitzer-Prize winning novelist Junot Díaz, Puerto Rico’s hip-hop duo Calle 13, and Colombian actress Sofia Vergara, among others.
Seventeen percent of Rolling Stone magazine’s readership is Latino, according to GfK Mri audience research reported in the New York Times.
- 11/12/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Puerto Rico’s Calle 13 released a music video for their anti-violence anthem “La Bala” on Thursday, People en Español reports.
The band, famous for its left-wing politics and pan-Latin American pride, got a boost for its anti-gun message from Unicef, which throw down money to produce the video and is promoting the video on its social media accounts.
The song’s lyrics lament the proliferation of guns in a world where useful resources are short. From the chorus:
There’s not much money
But there’s a lot of bullets
There’s not much food
But there’s a lot of bullets
There’s few good people
That’s why there’s so many bullets
"The song ‘the Bullet’ comes from the pain I feel when I see how some people devalue life," frontman René "Residente" Pérez said in a press release.
Simon Brand led a team of 12 directors...
The band, famous for its left-wing politics and pan-Latin American pride, got a boost for its anti-gun message from Unicef, which throw down money to produce the video and is promoting the video on its social media accounts.
The song’s lyrics lament the proliferation of guns in a world where useful resources are short. From the chorus:
There’s not much money
But there’s a lot of bullets
There’s not much food
But there’s a lot of bullets
There’s few good people
That’s why there’s so many bullets
"The song ‘the Bullet’ comes from the pain I feel when I see how some people devalue life," frontman René "Residente" Pérez said in a press release.
Simon Brand led a team of 12 directors...
- 11/9/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
We have added a new set of pictures from the event "Festival Sudoeste Tmn 2012 Music Festival".Calle 13 performing during the Festival Sudoeste Tmn 2012 Music Festival in Portugal.Photo copyright by Rui M. Leal / PR Photos. Atmosphere during the Festival Sudoeste Tmn 2012 Music Festival in Portugal.Photo copyright by Rui M. Leal / PR Photos. The Roots performing during the Festival Sudoeste Tmn 2012 Music Festival in Portugal.Photo copyright by Rui M. Leal / PR Photos. The Ting Tings performing during the Festival Sudoeste Tmn 2012 Music Festival in Portugal.Photo copyright by Rui M. Leal / PR Photos. The Roots - Festival Sudoeste Tmn 2012 Music Festival - Day 4 - Herdade da Casa Branca - Zambujeira do Mar,...
- 8/7/2012
- by James Wray
- Monsters and Critics
Buenos Aires, June 4 (Ians/Efe) Puerto Rican urban band Calle 13 has been honoured by Argentina's National University of La Plata for its contributions to popular communication and culture, the institution said.
"It's a very big honour" to receive the "Rodolfo Walsh" prize, which "many musicians in Argentina and Latin America deserve as much or more than I do", the band's leader, Rene Perez, a.k.a. "Residente", said after receiving.
"It's a very big honour" to receive the "Rodolfo Walsh" prize, which "many musicians in Argentina and Latin America deserve as much or more than I do", the band's leader, Rene Perez, a.k.a. "Residente", said after receiving.
- 6/4/2012
- by Abhijeet Sen
- RealBollywood.com
The two week grace period that Boricuas For Positive Image (Bfpi) had extended as a courtesy to ABC-tv for their efforts to schedule a meeting runs out on March 8th, 2012.
So on Thursday March 8th we look forward to seeing all our friends and new acquaintances again on 66th Street and Columbus Avenue. This protest was originally scheduled for Disney in front of their Times Square store and their Broadway production of the Lion King. However, Bfpi wanted to keep to their word of trying to resolve this before it escalates and changed the protest back to 66th St & Columbus Avenue.
It will be like a reunion of folks who have been seeing each other every Thursday for a record seven demonstrations in a row. I believe that might be a record for Boricua protest in this country. Boricuas and friends demonstrating for seven weeks in a row, who said...
So on Thursday March 8th we look forward to seeing all our friends and new acquaintances again on 66th Street and Columbus Avenue. This protest was originally scheduled for Disney in front of their Times Square store and their Broadway production of the Lion King. However, Bfpi wanted to keep to their word of trying to resolve this before it escalates and changed the protest back to 66th St & Columbus Avenue.
It will be like a reunion of folks who have been seeing each other every Thursday for a record seven demonstrations in a row. I believe that might be a record for Boricua protest in this country. Boricuas and friends demonstrating for seven weeks in a row, who said...
- 3/2/2012
- by Julio Pabon
- Aol TV.
It truly is the Year of Adele, as the British singer took home every Grammy she was for which she was nominated, totaling six wins altogether, including Album, Record and Song of the Year. Foo Fighters were second for total wins, with five, followed by the absent Kanye West with four wins.
The complete list of winners:
Album Of The Year:
21 -- Adele
Wasting Light -- Foo Fighters
Born This Way -- Lady Gaga
Doo-Wops & Hooligans -- Bruno Mars
Loud -- Rihanna
Record Of The Year:
"Rolling In The Deep" -- Adele
"Holocene" -- Bon Iver
"Grenade" -- Bruno Mars
"The Cave" -- Mumford & Sons
"Firework" -- Katy Perry
Best New Artist: (artist/producer)
The Band Perry
Bon Iver
J. Cole
Nicki Minaj
Skrillex
Song Of The Year: (songwriter)
"All Of The Lights" -- Jeff Bhasker, Malik Jones, Warren Trotter and Kanye West, songwriters
(Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and...
The complete list of winners:
Album Of The Year:
21 -- Adele
Wasting Light -- Foo Fighters
Born This Way -- Lady Gaga
Doo-Wops & Hooligans -- Bruno Mars
Loud -- Rihanna
Record Of The Year:
"Rolling In The Deep" -- Adele
"Holocene" -- Bon Iver
"Grenade" -- Bruno Mars
"The Cave" -- Mumford & Sons
"Firework" -- Katy Perry
Best New Artist: (artist/producer)
The Band Perry
Bon Iver
J. Cole
Nicki Minaj
Skrillex
Song Of The Year: (songwriter)
"All Of The Lights" -- Jeff Bhasker, Malik Jones, Warren Trotter and Kanye West, songwriters
(Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and...
- 2/13/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Havana, Jan 31: Puerto Rican reggaeton duo Calle 13 is currently filming a documentary in Cuba, official media said Monday, citing band member Rene Perez, a.k.a. "Residente".
"We're filming a big documentary about C-13 in Cuba," said Perez on his Twitter account, according to a report published on the government Web page Cubadebate.
Perez said that he traveled to Cuba on a motorboat and that it was "a great experience, a little dangerous but nice at the same time".
Residente and his stepbrother Eduardo Cabra, known as "Visitante", make up the alternative music band that has won 20 Latin Grammys and two Grammys.
The duo's.
"We're filming a big documentary about C-13 in Cuba," said Perez on his Twitter account, according to a report published on the government Web page Cubadebate.
Perez said that he traveled to Cuba on a motorboat and that it was "a great experience, a little dangerous but nice at the same time".
Residente and his stepbrother Eduardo Cabra, known as "Visitante", make up the alternative music band that has won 20 Latin Grammys and two Grammys.
The duo's.
- 1/31/2012
- by Arun Pandit
- RealBollywood.com
Some performances are so raw, so full of emotion they demand to be noticed, even when you desperately want to look away. Mexican newcomer Stephanie Sigman's breakout role in the drug-war drama "Miss Bala" -- directed by Gerardo Naranjo and produced by Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna -- is a perfect example of the power of subtlety.
Sigman is riveting as Laura, a young woman who wants to help her father and brother by entering the Miss Baja, Mexico, beauty pageant. Just as her dreams of being a beauty queen contender are about to come true, Laura falls victim to a bordertown drug lord who decides to make her a mule and plaything.
With such an intense performance to jump-start her film career, it's no wonder Sigman tells us she's weighing her options for upcoming projects in Mexico and Hollywood alike.
How did you handle playing such a difficult role?...
Sigman is riveting as Laura, a young woman who wants to help her father and brother by entering the Miss Baja, Mexico, beauty pageant. Just as her dreams of being a beauty queen contender are about to come true, Laura falls victim to a bordertown drug lord who decides to make her a mule and plaything.
With such an intense performance to jump-start her film career, it's no wonder Sigman tells us she's weighing her options for upcoming projects in Mexico and Hollywood alike.
How did you handle playing such a difficult role?...
- 1/23/2012
- by Sandie Angulo Chen
- NextMovie
It's been an incredible year in the world of showbiz, with the usual headline-grabbing antics, scandal, sleaze, celebrity births, star weddings, and bitter break-ups. Here, WENN takes a look back at the final six months of 2011...
July
The month of July was overshadowed by the sudden and shocking death of British singer Amy Winehouse. The Back to Black hitmaker was found dead at her home in London at the age of 27 and the news sent the world of showbusiness into mourning. Tributes poured in from both fans and famous friends following the tragedy, and Winehouse's music shot back into the charts.
The headlines were also dominated by celebrity divorces as Jennifer Lopez announced her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, the father of her young twins, Max and Emme. Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage also came to an abrupt end as his wife Maria Shriver filed for divorce following revelations the actor/politician fathered a lovechild with the family's housekeeper.
Scarlett Johansson's divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised and Patricia Arquette's split from husband Thomas Jane was also made official.
In happier news, all eyes were on Monaco as the world geared up for the second royal wedding of the year, following the union of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in April. In the same month as the British royals flew to Canada to begin their first international tour as a married couple, Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee, South African beauty Charlene Wittstock. The couple exchanged vows in two ceremonies in Monte Carlo and the former swimmer became her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. British supermodel Kate Moss also became a married woman as she wed rocker Jamie Hince in a lavish ceremony in the English countryside, while it was also an exciting month for the Beckham family as former Spice Girls star Victoria, already mother to three boys, gave birth to her first daughter, Harper Seven.
There was also baby joy for Hollywood actress Kate Hudson - she welcomed a son called Bingham with her rocker fiance Matt Bellamy. Singer Jewel, actress Selma Blair and former Fugees star Lauryn Hill also became parents. British artist/director Sam Taylor-Wood also hit headlines after she confirmed she was expecting a second baby with her 21-year-old fiance, actor Aaron Johnson, a year after the birth of their daughter. The couple met on the set of their 2009 film Nowhere Boy and became parents together in 2010.
July also saw troubled British rocker Pete Doherty granted his freedom after serving less than half of his six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession. Another beleaguered star to walk free from jail was rapper Dmx, who served seven months behind bars for a probation violation. However, David Gilmour’s son Charlie found himself on the other side of the prison walls as he was ordered to serve 16 months in jail for his part in the 2010 student riots in London. The Pink Floyd star’s son was charged with violent disorder for causing chaos in the British capital and swinging from a flag on the city’s Cenotaph war memorial. (Lr/Zn)
August
The usual serenity of the summer months was shattered this year when Kate Winslet cheated death in a devastating inferno at Richard Branson's luxury island home, and a string of British stars appealed for calm as widespread rioting broke out in the U.K.
Winslet was holidaying at Virgin boss Branson's Necker Island retreat when lightning struck the property, sparking a huge blaze which gutted the home. Her party of 20 miraculously escaped unscathed - and Winslet was later hailed a heroine after it emerged she carried Branson's 90-year-old mother from the property during the drama.
As unrest, looting, and arson broke out for several nights in the U.K., showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Natasha Bedingfield and Boy George called for calm, and there was also bad news for Sir Paul McCartney - who learned his phone had been hacked by the tabloid press - and veteran actress Margot Kidder, who was arrested during an environment protest at the White House.
Tragedy struck at the Indiana State Fair, when a horrific stage collapse left seven revellers dead and more than 40 injured, actor Rowan Atkinson was treated in hospital after wrecking his rare sports car by crashing it into a tree, and French actor Gerard Depardieu was left red-faced when he was thrown off a plane in Paris, France for urinating in the cabin after he was refused access to the toilet during take-off.
It was ladies night at the MTV Video Music Awards as Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga took home two honours each - and Beyonce announced her pregnancy news. And at the Teen Choice Awards, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were crowned queens of the event when they scooped whopping 11 awards between them.
Kings of Leon finally succumbed to their relentless touring schedule and axed their remaining U.S. dates to allow frontman Caleb Followill to recover from "vocal issues and exhaustion", Aerosmith rocker Tom Hamilton and Deep Purple star Jon Lord both announced they were battling cancer, Bono was hospitalised with chest pains, and Norwegian pop band A-ha thrilled fans by announcing they were to reform.
In family news, Kiss star Paul Stanley became a father again, and there were also welcome additions for Ethan Hawke, funnywoman Tina Fey, illusionist David Copperfield, Jessica Alba, and Benicio del Toro, who fathered a child with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly.
There were wedding bells for country singer Chely Wright and filmmaker Sofia Coppola, but romance took a plunge for George Michael and Geri Halliwell, who both split from their partners. Also joining the singles club was Arctic Monkeys rocker Alex Turner, who broke up with MTV presenter Alexa Chung after four years together.
The showbiz world bid farewell to songwriting legend Jerry Leiber, who died of cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 78, Police Academy star Charles 'Bubba' Smith, Bollywood veteran Shammi Kapoor, blues legend David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Warrant rocker Jani Lane, and Motown hitmaker Nickolas Ashford. (Zn/Lr)
September
September was a month rapper T.I. would like to both remember and forget - he completed an 11-month prison sentence for a probation violation only to run into legal trouble again soon after his initial release for conducting illegal business deals on his way to a halfway house. It wasn't a great month for Madonna either - her movie take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was savaged by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while her ex-husband Guy Ritchie became a dad again.
Celine Dion was left shaken up after an intruder was found running a bath at her Montreal, Canada home; Neil Diamond revealed his engagement, and Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial got underway in Los Angeles as prosecutors attempted to prove the medic was responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
R.E.M. announced they were splitting after 31 years; My Chemical Romance fired drummer Michael Pedicone after accusing him of stealing from them; Boyzone singer Ronan Keating swam the Irish Sea for Cancer Research in the U.K., and Sir Paul McCartney became a grandfather again and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year - while he also celebrated as his first ballet score debuted in New York.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched on what would have been the tragic singer's 28th birthday, and the star's Body & Soul duet with Tony Bennett became a hit, making the 85-year-old crooner the oldest living artist to have a single in America's Hot 100.
Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the host for the 2012 Oscars; model Lauren Bush became Lauren Lauren when she exchanged vows with Ralph Lauren's son David; British funnyman David Walliams braved the chills of the River Thames and a stomach bug to complete a charity 140-mile swim in eight days.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood lost a tooth during a boozy night out in Paris; Reese Witherspoon was hospitalised after she was hit by a car while out jogging in Santa Monica, California; soul legend Chaka Khan won temporary custody of her granddaughter after claiming the girl's mother was struggling with drug abuse issues, and British The Saturdays singer Una Healy announced she was pregnant.
Inxs dropped frontman J.D. fortune for a second time and replaced him with Ciaran Gribbin; Austin Powers henchman Joseph Son was sentenced to life behind bars for a Christmas Eve rape in 1990, and George Clooney went public with his new girl, Stacey Kiebler, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada.
Ashton Kutcher had a month of ups and downs - his debut on TV sitcom Two and a Half Men was a big hit as 28 million Americans tuned in, but then came the news that his marriage to Demi Moore was in trouble amid infidelity rumours. Comedienne Wanda Sykes opened up about her breast cancer battle and double mastectomy; Sharon Stone won a restraining order against an obsessed fan and promptly put the home he visited uninvited on the market, and reality TV star and filmmaker Jack Osbourne announced his engagement to actress Lisa Stelly and followed that up with the news he was to become a dad.
Third time was not the charm for Clueless star Stacy Dash, who announced her plans to divorce husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb, and X-Men star James Marsden's wife also joined the divorce club as she filed papers against her husband. Elizabeth Hurley's love life was on the up - she accepted cricket star Shane Warne's wedding proposal just three months after divorcing Arun Nayar.
Meanwhile, Elton John launched his new Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas; Smokey Robinson accepted the coveted Ella Award at the Society of Singers Gala, and the month wrapped up with Shania Twain's alleged stalker pleading guilty to harassing the singer in court in Ontario, Canada.
Among September's Hollywood weddings, Amy Smart married reality TV star Carter Oosterhouse; Cougar Town co-stars David Rogers and Sally Pressman became man and wife, and model-turned-actress Molly Sims wed in a Napa Valley vineyard in California. There were also nuptials for British filmmaker Michael Winner and DJ/producer Mark Ronson, while R&B singer Keyshia Cole and former Friends star David Schwimmer both renewed vows with their spouses in Hawaii and London, respectively.
There was baby news for model Jodie Kidd, who gave birth to a son; actress Mary McCormack, who became a mum for the third time, and January Jones, who welcomed Xander Dane to the world while staying mum about the tot's father. Actors Emily Deschanel, Ana Ortiz, Mike Myers, Danny McBride and Jenna Fischer also became new parents. In the music world, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown gave birth to her third daughter, and country star John Rich and former Pussycat Dolls member Carmit Bachar welcomed babies too.
On September's sick list were rocker Scott Weiland and pop stars Katy Perry and Adele, who both scrapped shows due to illness, while Megadeth headbanger Dave Mustaine underwent surgery for a serious neck injury.
The month's big winners included movie mogul Tyler Perry, who was named Forbes magazine's Highest Paid Man in Entertainment; actor Michael Fassbender and director Alexander Sokurov, who claimed Best Actor and Best Film honours, respectively, for Shame and Faust at the Venice Film Festival. Gritty TV drama Boardwalk Empire picked up eight Emmy Awards; Calle 13 landed a record 10 Latin Grammy Award nominations, and Happy Days star Henry Winkler picked up an honorary Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Also winning: P.J. Harvey, who scooped the Mercury Prize in Britain, Arcade Fire, who claimed Canada's Polaris Prize, and U2 and Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who were named GQ magazine's Men of the Year.
September's losers included Scarlett Johansson, who was left exposed in a series of leaked naked phone photos; Cameron Diaz, who split from baseball beau Alex Rodriguez, and John Travolta, whose beloved Mercedes-Benz was stolen outside a Jaguar dealership in Santa Monica, while his Swordfish co-star Halle Berry broke her foot while on location in Spain.
Meanwhile, we said a sad goodbye to a slew of famous faces, including actors Andy Whitfield and Cliff Robertson; beloved TV stars Mary Fickett and Vesta Williams; actor Jack Garner; French DJ Mehdi Faveris-Essadi; blues great Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith; R&B hitmaker Vesta Williams; gospel icon Jessy Dixon; celebrated British writer/producer David Croft; Happy Gilmore star Frances Bay, and moviemakers David Pressman, Charles Dubin, George Kachar and Paul Hunt. (Kl/Mt)
October
October was a big month for celebrity weddings - funnyman Seth Rogen tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Lauren Miller, Twilight star Nikki Reed married singer/songwriter Paul McDonald, and former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty walked down the aisle for the third time when she exchanged vows with celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Also hoping to make it third-time lucky was Robin Williams, who wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Also taking the plunge was Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who married his girlfriend of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, and Sir Paul McCartney, who exchanged vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell on what would have been his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon’s 71st birthday.
And Sex & the City star Mario Cantone made good use of New York's new gay rights bill by solidifying his love for longtime partner Jerry Dixon.
A number of other stars announced their intention to wed in October - NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen proposed to girlfriend Sarah Wright and Trace Cyrus popped the question to Disney actress Brenda Song. And actress Kaley Cuoco was sporting a new sparkler after boyfriend Josh 'Lazie' Resnik got down on bended knee. Also officially off the market were former child star Frankie Muniz, The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, rapper The Game and Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's grown-up little girl Francis Bean Cobain.
A number of other celebrities were prepping their homes for babies - movie star Bruce Willis, American footballer Tony Romo, former Dawson's Creek hunk James Van Der Beek, and actress Kaitlin Olson all announced they are expecting little ones, and Jessica Simpson ended months of speculation by announcing she was pregnant.
And October's new parents included Ne-Yo, who welcomed a baby boy, model Ali Landry, who gave birth to her second child, actress Spencer Grammer, who became a first time mum, and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who became a mum for the second time when baby Giulia was born. Reality TV star Tori Spelling took home baby number three, as did Jackass funnyman Johnny Knoxville. And Sex & the City beauty Kristin Davis, The Help actress Viola Davis and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Mariska Hargitay all adopted babies.
But it wasn't such a happy month for rapper Rick Ross, who suffered two seizures on his way to a concert, or socialite Kim Kardashian who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage.
In other news, Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto announced he was gay and troubled actress Lindsay Lohan had her probation revoked after failing to complete her required community service hours. She also faced a limousine lawsuit for allegedly neglecting to pay a bill, her dad was arrested - twice, and she was served a lawsuit for reportedly attacking a Betty Ford Clinic employee during her stay there last year.
Meanwhile, the stars came out to show their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests, which were originally launched in New York City in a bid to end corporate greed, and the world mourned the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, British TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboard player Joel 'Taz' Digregorio, former Weezer star Mikey Welsh, veteran British actress Betty Driver, The Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, pianist Roger Williams and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a horrific car smash at the Indy300.
November
British bachelor Hugh Grant stunned the world when he announced he had a new love in his life - a baby girl he had fathered during a brief relationship with Chinese model/actress Tinglan Hong. He wasn't the only star to join the celebrity parents' club in November - singer Lily Allen had a reason to Smile again after giving birth to a daughter, her first child with new husband Sam Cooper, while newsman Piers Morgan and his wife Celia Walden also became parents to a little girl. Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband Peter Sarsgaard announced they were expecting their second child, as did reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.
Selena Gomez revealed she is set to become a big sister, while Justin Bieber had some unwanted baby news of his own - he found himself at the centre of a paternity scandal following allegations he had impregnated 20-year-old Mariah Yeater following a backstage tryst in Los Angeles last year. The Baby hitmaker denied the claim and Yeater subsequently dropped the lawsuit.
Lindsay Lohan's troubles hit the headlines again after she was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for a probation violation, although she was released after less than five hours due to jail overcrowding. Dr. Conrad Murray was not so lucky - he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter relating to the death of Michael Jackson and sentenced to the maximum of four years behind bars.
In other legal matters, country singer Mindy McCready sparked a manhunt after she took her five-year-old son Zander from his father's Florida home without permission; Tim McGraw won a court battle with his record company bosses releasing him from his contract; and TLC star T-Boz declared bankruptcy.
Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling became driving forces in the push to improve British press standards following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal earlier this year - the three stars were called to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry and told how they had had their voicemails, emails and other private messages intercepted by private investigators working on behalf of tabloid reporters.
The sporting world mourned the death of boxing great Joe Frazier at the age of 67, just days after it was revealed he was battling liver cancer, while the hip-hop industry was rocked by the passing of rap icon Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Los Angeles home and was later declared dead at 44. British moviemaker Ken Russell also passed away, aged 84, and longtime Oscars producer Gil Cates died at 77. Meanwhile, Beatles fans remembered George Harrison on 29 November as fans marked the 10th anniversary of his death.
Veteran pop star George Michael was forced to scrap the remainder of his European tour after he was struck down by a serious bout of pneumonia; Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb also spent time in hospital after suffering abdominal pains, and Adele and Keith Urban had a quiet month as they both recovered from vocal cord surgery, while heavy rock fans rejoiced as the original members of Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a new album and tour in 2012.
It was ladies' night at the American Music Awards as Taylor Swift and Adele walked away with three honours each, while Lady Gaga reigned over the MTV Europe Music Awards and newlyweds Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ruled the Country Music Association Awards by taking home the two top vocalist prizes. November also saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher end weeks of speculation about their marriage by calling it quits, while Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles tied the knot and Anne Hathaway began making plans to wed boyfriend Adam Schulman, and former The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and American footballer Jay Cutler became engaged again, months after they broke off their initial plans to marry.
And it was a busy month for the film industry - the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, landed the biggest global debut in the film franchise's history, thanks to a massive $284 million (£177.5 million) opening weekend haul; Golden Globes bosses decided to bring back controversial comedian Ricky Gervais to host his third prizegiving in 2012; Billy Crystal stepped in for Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards a day after the comic and producer pal Brett Ratner resigned, and the race for the Oscars kicked off with the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and Mike Mills' acclaimed Beginners made history when they became the first films to tie for the Best Feature prize in the ceremony's 21-year history.
December
The holiday bells were peeling for newlyweds A.J. McLean, actress Judy Greer, reality TV star Jeff Probst and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O, while Sinead O'Connor married an addiction counsellor in Las Vegas only to call off the union 16 days later. There were also splits for actress Debra Messing and Chaz Bono.
Britney Spears led the month's bride and grooms-to-be when she accepted former agent Jason Trawick's proposal on his 40th birthday, while Steven Tyler, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood all popped the question to their girlfriends - and there was baby news for new dads Robert De Niro, Halle Berry's ex Eric Benet, actor Charlie Day, Westlife star Kian Egan, actress/singer Fantasia Barrino, Essence Atkins and pop star Dev, while actress Alyson Hannigan, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's supermodel wife Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish singer Andrea Corr announced they were pregnant.
There was drama for rapper Tyler, The Creator, who was arrested for alleged acts of vandalism during a show in Hollywood; singer Christina Perri, who was attacked in a car-jacking incident; Barry Manilow, who underwent hip surgery, and Morrissey, whose concert in Puebla, Mexico was evacuated following an earthquake, while Britain's Prince Philip and R&B star Etta James spent Christmas in hospital.
Lindsay Lohan bared all for Playboy magazine; Adam Lambert was arrested in Finland following a pre-Christmas bust-up with his boyfriend; rapper The Game halted a gig in Norway to confront a bottle-throwing fan; boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a 2010 fight with his ex; a man who leaked an unfinished new Madonna song online was arrested in Spain, and Michael Douglas' incarcerated son Cameron was handed an extra four-and-a-half years behind bars for another drug conviction.
And there was yet more drama for Terrence Howard, who requested a restraining order against his wife; model Lauren Scruggs, who lost her hand and an eye in a freak plane propeller accident; Hollywood couple Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who had to vacate their home after high winds brought a tree crashing into their living room, and pop star Selena Gomez suffered a family tragedy when her mother miscarried.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster's estranged father was jailed for five years after he was found guilty of a property scam; Angelina Jolie was sued by a Croatian journalist who alleged his chronicle of the Bosnian War inspired her directorial debut; Kirsten Dunst won a restraining order against an obsessed French fan; an extra died of a heart attack while shooting The Dark Knight Rises in New York; Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow was sentenced to six months behind bars for arranging a real-life mob beating, and Charlie Sheen had to change his phone number when he accidentally tweeted it to his followers.
The month's big winners included singer Melanie Amaro, who became the first U.S. X Factor winner; Julio Iglesias, who was named Spain's best-selling recording artist of all time; Russell Simmons, who was crowned PETA's Person of the Year; Chaka Khan, who won permanent custody of her granddaughter; Lady Gaga, who was hailed the year's highest earning female musician, and Taylor Swift who picked up Billboard magazine's coveted Woman of The Year honour.
Also winning in December: Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were all announced as the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was named Forbes magazine's Most Lucrative Star. Adele dominated the year's end album and singles polls; Jason Newsted reunited with Metallica for their 30th anniversary bash in San Francisco, and Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie Hugo was the surprise Best Film winner at the National Board of Review Awards in America.
In other movie news, Transformers: Dark of The Moon was named the year's most mistake-ridden film; Orson Welles' Citizen Kane Oscar sold at auction for $861,000; Drive dominated the Satellite Awards while The Help, The Artist and The Descendants picked up the lion's share of nominations for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, also picked up Golden Globes nods and she was named the 2012 recipient of the Stanley Kramer Award at the Producer's Guild of America Awards.
In music news, Amy Winehouse's posthumous album debuted at number one in Britain; 30 Seconds To Mars broke a concert record at a show in New York - their 309th in a single album cycle, and Gucci Mane was released from prison.
Wrapping up the month, Oscar winner Colin Firth was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London; Men's Health magazine bosses crowned Jennifer Aniston the Hottest Woman of All Time; Liz Taylor's diamonds and gems set a new auction record by becoming the most valuable private jewellery collection; Lmfao were forced to abandon a gig in Honduras after a fire broke out at the venue; Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins announced her split from fiance Gethin Jones, and Coldplay rang in 2012 with a $1.6 million gig in Abu Dhabi.
And the last month of the year saw the notable deaths of actor Bill McKinney, soul stars Dobie Gray and Howard Tate, M*A*S*H regular Harry Morgan, Clark Gable and Loretta Young's love child Judy Lewis, actress Doe Avedon Siegel, former child star Susan Gordon, country singer Billie Jo Spears, Aussie actor Graham Bown, world leaders Vaclav Havel and Kim Jong-Il, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, Kojak star Dan Frazer, directors Don Sharp and Yoshimitsu Morita, writer Christopher Hitchens and Tarzan's chimp sidekick Cheetah, who died of liver failure, aged 80.
July
The month of July was overshadowed by the sudden and shocking death of British singer Amy Winehouse. The Back to Black hitmaker was found dead at her home in London at the age of 27 and the news sent the world of showbusiness into mourning. Tributes poured in from both fans and famous friends following the tragedy, and Winehouse's music shot back into the charts.
The headlines were also dominated by celebrity divorces as Jennifer Lopez announced her split from husband of seven years, Marc Anthony, the father of her young twins, Max and Emme. Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage also came to an abrupt end as his wife Maria Shriver filed for divorce following revelations the actor/politician fathered a lovechild with the family's housekeeper.
Scarlett Johansson's divorce from Ryan Reynolds was finalised and Patricia Arquette's split from husband Thomas Jane was also made official.
In happier news, all eyes were on Monaco as the world geared up for the second royal wedding of the year, following the union of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in April. In the same month as the British royals flew to Canada to begin their first international tour as a married couple, Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee, South African beauty Charlene Wittstock. The couple exchanged vows in two ceremonies in Monte Carlo and the former swimmer became her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco. British supermodel Kate Moss also became a married woman as she wed rocker Jamie Hince in a lavish ceremony in the English countryside, while it was also an exciting month for the Beckham family as former Spice Girls star Victoria, already mother to three boys, gave birth to her first daughter, Harper Seven.
There was also baby joy for Hollywood actress Kate Hudson - she welcomed a son called Bingham with her rocker fiance Matt Bellamy. Singer Jewel, actress Selma Blair and former Fugees star Lauryn Hill also became parents. British artist/director Sam Taylor-Wood also hit headlines after she confirmed she was expecting a second baby with her 21-year-old fiance, actor Aaron Johnson, a year after the birth of their daughter. The couple met on the set of their 2009 film Nowhere Boy and became parents together in 2010.
July also saw troubled British rocker Pete Doherty granted his freedom after serving less than half of his six-month prison sentence for cocaine possession. Another beleaguered star to walk free from jail was rapper Dmx, who served seven months behind bars for a probation violation. However, David Gilmour’s son Charlie found himself on the other side of the prison walls as he was ordered to serve 16 months in jail for his part in the 2010 student riots in London. The Pink Floyd star’s son was charged with violent disorder for causing chaos in the British capital and swinging from a flag on the city’s Cenotaph war memorial. (Lr/Zn)
August
The usual serenity of the summer months was shattered this year when Kate Winslet cheated death in a devastating inferno at Richard Branson's luxury island home, and a string of British stars appealed for calm as widespread rioting broke out in the U.K.
Winslet was holidaying at Virgin boss Branson's Necker Island retreat when lightning struck the property, sparking a huge blaze which gutted the home. Her party of 20 miraculously escaped unscathed - and Winslet was later hailed a heroine after it emerged she carried Branson's 90-year-old mother from the property during the drama.
As unrest, looting, and arson broke out for several nights in the U.K., showbiz stars including Idris Elba, Natasha Bedingfield and Boy George called for calm, and there was also bad news for Sir Paul McCartney - who learned his phone had been hacked by the tabloid press - and veteran actress Margot Kidder, who was arrested during an environment protest at the White House.
Tragedy struck at the Indiana State Fair, when a horrific stage collapse left seven revellers dead and more than 40 injured, actor Rowan Atkinson was treated in hospital after wrecking his rare sports car by crashing it into a tree, and French actor Gerard Depardieu was left red-faced when he was thrown off a plane in Paris, France for urinating in the cabin after he was refused access to the toilet during take-off.
It was ladies night at the MTV Video Music Awards as Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga took home two honours each - and Beyonce announced her pregnancy news. And at the Teen Choice Awards, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez were crowned queens of the event when they scooped whopping 11 awards between them.
Kings of Leon finally succumbed to their relentless touring schedule and axed their remaining U.S. dates to allow frontman Caleb Followill to recover from "vocal issues and exhaustion", Aerosmith rocker Tom Hamilton and Deep Purple star Jon Lord both announced they were battling cancer, Bono was hospitalised with chest pains, and Norwegian pop band A-ha thrilled fans by announcing they were to reform.
In family news, Kiss star Paul Stanley became a father again, and there were also welcome additions for Ethan Hawke, funnywoman Tina Fey, illusionist David Copperfield, Jessica Alba, and Benicio del Toro, who fathered a child with Rod Stewart's daughter Kimberly.
There were wedding bells for country singer Chely Wright and filmmaker Sofia Coppola, but romance took a plunge for George Michael and Geri Halliwell, who both split from their partners. Also joining the singles club was Arctic Monkeys rocker Alex Turner, who broke up with MTV presenter Alexa Chung after four years together.
The showbiz world bid farewell to songwriting legend Jerry Leiber, who died of cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 78, Police Academy star Charles 'Bubba' Smith, Bollywood veteran Shammi Kapoor, blues legend David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Warrant rocker Jani Lane, and Motown hitmaker Nickolas Ashford. (Zn/Lr)
September
September was a month rapper T.I. would like to both remember and forget - he completed an 11-month prison sentence for a probation violation only to run into legal trouble again soon after his initial release for conducting illegal business deals on his way to a halfway house. It wasn't a great month for Madonna either - her movie take on the romance between Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII was savaged by critics at the Venice Film Festival, while her ex-husband Guy Ritchie became a dad again.
Celine Dion was left shaken up after an intruder was found running a bath at her Montreal, Canada home; Neil Diamond revealed his engagement, and Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial got underway in Los Angeles as prosecutors attempted to prove the medic was responsible for Michael Jackson's death.
R.E.M. announced they were splitting after 31 years; My Chemical Romance fired drummer Michael Pedicone after accusing him of stealing from them; Boyzone singer Ronan Keating swam the Irish Sea for Cancer Research in the U.K., and Sir Paul McCartney became a grandfather again and was named the MusiCares Person of the Year - while he also celebrated as his first ballet score debuted in New York.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation was launched on what would have been the tragic singer's 28th birthday, and the star's Body & Soul duet with Tony Bennett became a hit, making the 85-year-old crooner the oldest living artist to have a single in America's Hot 100.
Eddie Murphy was confirmed as the host for the 2012 Oscars; model Lauren Bush became Lauren Lauren when she exchanged vows with Ralph Lauren's son David; British funnyman David Walliams braved the chills of the River Thames and a stomach bug to complete a charity 140-mile swim in eight days.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood lost a tooth during a boozy night out in Paris; Reese Witherspoon was hospitalised after she was hit by a car while out jogging in Santa Monica, California; soul legend Chaka Khan won temporary custody of her granddaughter after claiming the girl's mother was struggling with drug abuse issues, and British The Saturdays singer Una Healy announced she was pregnant.
Inxs dropped frontman J.D. fortune for a second time and replaced him with Ciaran Gribbin; Austin Powers henchman Joseph Son was sentenced to life behind bars for a Christmas Eve rape in 1990, and George Clooney went public with his new girl, Stacey Kiebler, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada.
Ashton Kutcher had a month of ups and downs - his debut on TV sitcom Two and a Half Men was a big hit as 28 million Americans tuned in, but then came the news that his marriage to Demi Moore was in trouble amid infidelity rumours. Comedienne Wanda Sykes opened up about her breast cancer battle and double mastectomy; Sharon Stone won a restraining order against an obsessed fan and promptly put the home he visited uninvited on the market, and reality TV star and filmmaker Jack Osbourne announced his engagement to actress Lisa Stelly and followed that up with the news he was to become a dad.
Third time was not the charm for Clueless star Stacy Dash, who announced her plans to divorce husband number three, Emmanuel Xuereb, and X-Men star James Marsden's wife also joined the divorce club as she filed papers against her husband. Elizabeth Hurley's love life was on the up - she accepted cricket star Shane Warne's wedding proposal just three months after divorcing Arun Nayar.
Meanwhile, Elton John launched his new Million Dollar Piano residency in Las Vegas; Smokey Robinson accepted the coveted Ella Award at the Society of Singers Gala, and the month wrapped up with Shania Twain's alleged stalker pleading guilty to harassing the singer in court in Ontario, Canada.
Among September's Hollywood weddings, Amy Smart married reality TV star Carter Oosterhouse; Cougar Town co-stars David Rogers and Sally Pressman became man and wife, and model-turned-actress Molly Sims wed in a Napa Valley vineyard in California. There were also nuptials for British filmmaker Michael Winner and DJ/producer Mark Ronson, while R&B singer Keyshia Cole and former Friends star David Schwimmer both renewed vows with their spouses in Hawaii and London, respectively.
There was baby news for model Jodie Kidd, who gave birth to a son; actress Mary McCormack, who became a mum for the third time, and January Jones, who welcomed Xander Dane to the world while staying mum about the tot's father. Actors Emily Deschanel, Ana Ortiz, Mike Myers, Danny McBride and Jenna Fischer also became new parents. In the music world, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown gave birth to her third daughter, and country star John Rich and former Pussycat Dolls member Carmit Bachar welcomed babies too.
On September's sick list were rocker Scott Weiland and pop stars Katy Perry and Adele, who both scrapped shows due to illness, while Megadeth headbanger Dave Mustaine underwent surgery for a serious neck injury.
The month's big winners included movie mogul Tyler Perry, who was named Forbes magazine's Highest Paid Man in Entertainment; actor Michael Fassbender and director Alexander Sokurov, who claimed Best Actor and Best Film honours, respectively, for Shame and Faust at the Venice Film Festival. Gritty TV drama Boardwalk Empire picked up eight Emmy Awards; Calle 13 landed a record 10 Latin Grammy Award nominations, and Happy Days star Henry Winkler picked up an honorary Order of the British Empire medal at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Also winning: P.J. Harvey, who scooped the Mercury Prize in Britain, Arcade Fire, who claimed Canada's Polaris Prize, and U2 and Rolling Stone Keith Richards, who were named GQ magazine's Men of the Year.
September's losers included Scarlett Johansson, who was left exposed in a series of leaked naked phone photos; Cameron Diaz, who split from baseball beau Alex Rodriguez, and John Travolta, whose beloved Mercedes-Benz was stolen outside a Jaguar dealership in Santa Monica, while his Swordfish co-star Halle Berry broke her foot while on location in Spain.
Meanwhile, we said a sad goodbye to a slew of famous faces, including actors Andy Whitfield and Cliff Robertson; beloved TV stars Mary Fickett and Vesta Williams; actor Jack Garner; French DJ Mehdi Faveris-Essadi; blues great Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith; R&B hitmaker Vesta Williams; gospel icon Jessy Dixon; celebrated British writer/producer David Croft; Happy Gilmore star Frances Bay, and moviemakers David Pressman, Charles Dubin, George Kachar and Paul Hunt. (Kl/Mt)
October
October was a big month for celebrity weddings - funnyman Seth Rogen tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Lauren Miller, Twilight star Nikki Reed married singer/songwriter Paul McDonald, and former Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Shannen Doherty walked down the aisle for the third time when she exchanged vows with celebrity photographer Kurt Iswarienko. Also hoping to make it third-time lucky was Robin Williams, who wed graphic designer Susan Schneider.
Also taking the plunge was Kiss rocker Gene Simmons, who married his girlfriend of 28 years, Shannon Tweed, and Sir Paul McCartney, who exchanged vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell on what would have been his former Beatles bandmate John Lennon’s 71st birthday.
And Sex & the City star Mario Cantone made good use of New York's new gay rights bill by solidifying his love for longtime partner Jerry Dixon.
A number of other stars announced their intention to wed in October - NCIS: Los Angeles star Eric Christian Olsen proposed to girlfriend Sarah Wright and Trace Cyrus popped the question to Disney actress Brenda Song. And actress Kaley Cuoco was sporting a new sparkler after boyfriend Josh 'Lazie' Resnik got down on bended knee. Also officially off the market were former child star Frankie Muniz, The Devil Wears Prada actor Stanley Tucci, rapper The Game and Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's grown-up little girl Francis Bean Cobain.
A number of other celebrities were prepping their homes for babies - movie star Bruce Willis, American footballer Tony Romo, former Dawson's Creek hunk James Van Der Beek, and actress Kaitlin Olson all announced they are expecting little ones, and Jessica Simpson ended months of speculation by announcing she was pregnant.
And October's new parents included Ne-Yo, who welcomed a baby boy, model Ali Landry, who gave birth to her second child, actress Spencer Grammer, who became a first time mum, and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who became a mum for the second time when baby Giulia was born. Reality TV star Tori Spelling took home baby number three, as did Jackass funnyman Johnny Knoxville. And Sex & the City beauty Kristin Davis, The Help actress Viola Davis and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation veteran Mariska Hargitay all adopted babies.
But it wasn't such a happy month for rapper Rick Ross, who suffered two seizures on his way to a concert, or socialite Kim Kardashian who filed for divorce from husband Kris Humphries after just 72 days of marriage.
In other news, Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto announced he was gay and troubled actress Lindsay Lohan had her probation revoked after failing to complete her required community service hours. She also faced a limousine lawsuit for allegedly neglecting to pay a bill, her dad was arrested - twice, and she was served a lawsuit for reportedly attacking a Betty Ford Clinic employee during her stay there last year.
Meanwhile, the stars came out to show their support for the Occupy Wall Street protests, which were originally launched in New York City in a bid to end corporate greed, and the world mourned the loss of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, British TV and radio personality Sir Jimmy Savile, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboard player Joel 'Taz' Digregorio, former Weezer star Mikey Welsh, veteran British actress Betty Driver, The Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, pianist Roger Williams and IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, who died in a horrific car smash at the Indy300.
November
British bachelor Hugh Grant stunned the world when he announced he had a new love in his life - a baby girl he had fathered during a brief relationship with Chinese model/actress Tinglan Hong. He wasn't the only star to join the celebrity parents' club in November - singer Lily Allen had a reason to Smile again after giving birth to a daughter, her first child with new husband Sam Cooper, while newsman Piers Morgan and his wife Celia Walden also became parents to a little girl. Maggie Gyllenhaal and her husband Peter Sarsgaard announced they were expecting their second child, as did reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian and her partner Scott Disick.
Selena Gomez revealed she is set to become a big sister, while Justin Bieber had some unwanted baby news of his own - he found himself at the centre of a paternity scandal following allegations he had impregnated 20-year-old Mariah Yeater following a backstage tryst in Los Angeles last year. The Baby hitmaker denied the claim and Yeater subsequently dropped the lawsuit.
Lindsay Lohan's troubles hit the headlines again after she was sentenced to serve 30 days behind bars for a probation violation, although she was released after less than five hours due to jail overcrowding. Dr. Conrad Murray was not so lucky - he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter relating to the death of Michael Jackson and sentenced to the maximum of four years behind bars.
In other legal matters, country singer Mindy McCready sparked a manhunt after she took her five-year-old son Zander from his father's Florida home without permission; Tim McGraw won a court battle with his record company bosses releasing him from his contract; and TLC star T-Boz declared bankruptcy.
Hugh Grant, Sienna Miller and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling became driving forces in the push to improve British press standards following the News of the World phone-hacking scandal earlier this year - the three stars were called to give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry and told how they had had their voicemails, emails and other private messages intercepted by private investigators working on behalf of tabloid reporters.
The sporting world mourned the death of boxing great Joe Frazier at the age of 67, just days after it was revealed he was battling liver cancer, while the hip-hop industry was rocked by the passing of rap icon Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Los Angeles home and was later declared dead at 44. British moviemaker Ken Russell also passed away, aged 84, and longtime Oscars producer Gil Cates died at 77. Meanwhile, Beatles fans remembered George Harrison on 29 November as fans marked the 10th anniversary of his death.
Veteran pop star George Michael was forced to scrap the remainder of his European tour after he was struck down by a serious bout of pneumonia; Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb also spent time in hospital after suffering abdominal pains, and Adele and Keith Urban had a quiet month as they both recovered from vocal cord surgery, while heavy rock fans rejoiced as the original members of Black Sabbath announced they would be reuniting for a new album and tour in 2012.
It was ladies' night at the American Music Awards as Taylor Swift and Adele walked away with three honours each, while Lady Gaga reigned over the MTV Europe Music Awards and newlyweds Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ruled the Country Music Association Awards by taking home the two top vocalist prizes. November also saw Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher end weeks of speculation about their marriage by calling it quits, while Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles tied the knot and Anne Hathaway began making plans to wed boyfriend Adam Schulman, and former The Hills star Kristin Cavallari and American footballer Jay Cutler became engaged again, months after they broke off their initial plans to marry.
And it was a busy month for the film industry - the latest Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn - Part 1, landed the biggest global debut in the film franchise's history, thanks to a massive $284 million (£177.5 million) opening weekend haul; Golden Globes bosses decided to bring back controversial comedian Ricky Gervais to host his third prizegiving in 2012; Billy Crystal stepped in for Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards a day after the comic and producer pal Brett Ratner resigned, and the race for the Oscars kicked off with the Gotham Independent Film Awards, where Terrence Malick's Tree of Life and Mike Mills' acclaimed Beginners made history when they became the first films to tie for the Best Feature prize in the ceremony's 21-year history.
December
The holiday bells were peeling for newlyweds A.J. McLean, actress Judy Greer, reality TV star Jeff Probst and Yeah Yeah Yeahs rocker Karen O, while Sinead O'Connor married an addiction counsellor in Las Vegas only to call off the union 16 days later. There were also splits for actress Debra Messing and Chaz Bono.
Britney Spears led the month's bride and grooms-to-be when she accepted former agent Jason Trawick's proposal on his 40th birthday, while Steven Tyler, John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood all popped the question to their girlfriends - and there was baby news for new dads Robert De Niro, Halle Berry's ex Eric Benet, actor Charlie Day, Westlife star Kian Egan, actress/singer Fantasia Barrino, Essence Atkins and pop star Dev, while actress Alyson Hannigan, Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, Kings of Leon star Caleb Followill's supermodel wife Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Irish singer Andrea Corr announced they were pregnant.
There was drama for rapper Tyler, The Creator, who was arrested for alleged acts of vandalism during a show in Hollywood; singer Christina Perri, who was attacked in a car-jacking incident; Barry Manilow, who underwent hip surgery, and Morrissey, whose concert in Puebla, Mexico was evacuated following an earthquake, while Britain's Prince Philip and R&B star Etta James spent Christmas in hospital.
Lindsay Lohan bared all for Playboy magazine; Adam Lambert was arrested in Finland following a pre-Christmas bust-up with his boyfriend; rapper The Game halted a gig in Norway to confront a bottle-throwing fan; boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a 2010 fight with his ex; a man who leaked an unfinished new Madonna song online was arrested in Spain, and Michael Douglas' incarcerated son Cameron was handed an extra four-and-a-half years behind bars for another drug conviction.
And there was yet more drama for Terrence Howard, who requested a restraining order against his wife; model Lauren Scruggs, who lost her hand and an eye in a freak plane propeller accident; Hollywood couple Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, who had to vacate their home after high winds brought a tree crashing into their living room, and pop star Selena Gomez suffered a family tragedy when her mother miscarried.
Meanwhile, Jodie Foster's estranged father was jailed for five years after he was found guilty of a property scam; Angelina Jolie was sued by a Croatian journalist who alleged his chronicle of the Bosnian War inspired her directorial debut; Kirsten Dunst won a restraining order against an obsessed French fan; an extra died of a heart attack while shooting The Dark Knight Rises in New York; Goodfellas actor Tony Darrow was sentenced to six months behind bars for arranging a real-life mob beating, and Charlie Sheen had to change his phone number when he accidentally tweeted it to his followers.
The month's big winners included singer Melanie Amaro, who became the first U.S. X Factor winner; Julio Iglesias, who was named Spain's best-selling recording artist of all time; Russell Simmons, who was crowned PETA's Person of the Year; Chaka Khan, who won permanent custody of her granddaughter; Lady Gaga, who was hailed the year's highest earning female musician, and Taylor Swift who picked up Billboard magazine's coveted Woman of The Year honour.
Also winning in December: Guns N' Roses, the Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who were all announced as the members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, and Twilight star Kristen Stewart, who was named Forbes magazine's Most Lucrative Star. Adele dominated the year's end album and singles polls; Jason Newsted reunited with Metallica for their 30th anniversary bash in San Francisco, and Martin Scorsese's first 3D movie Hugo was the surprise Best Film winner at the National Board of Review Awards in America.
In other movie news, Transformers: Dark of The Moon was named the year's most mistake-ridden film; Orson Welles' Citizen Kane Oscar sold at auction for $861,000; Drive dominated the Satellite Awards while The Help, The Artist and The Descendants picked up the lion's share of nominations for the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Angelina Jolie's directorial debut, In The Land of Blood and Honey, also picked up Golden Globes nods and she was named the 2012 recipient of the Stanley Kramer Award at the Producer's Guild of America Awards.
In music news, Amy Winehouse's posthumous album debuted at number one in Britain; 30 Seconds To Mars broke a concert record at a show in New York - their 309th in a single album cycle, and Gucci Mane was released from prison.
Wrapping up the month, Oscar winner Colin Firth was immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds in London; Men's Health magazine bosses crowned Jennifer Aniston the Hottest Woman of All Time; Liz Taylor's diamonds and gems set a new auction record by becoming the most valuable private jewellery collection; Lmfao were forced to abandon a gig in Honduras after a fire broke out at the venue; Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins announced her split from fiance Gethin Jones, and Coldplay rang in 2012 with a $1.6 million gig in Abu Dhabi.
And the last month of the year saw the notable deaths of actor Bill McKinney, soul stars Dobie Gray and Howard Tate, M*A*S*H regular Harry Morgan, Clark Gable and Loretta Young's love child Judy Lewis, actress Doe Avedon Siegel, former child star Susan Gordon, country singer Billie Jo Spears, Aussie actor Graham Bown, world leaders Vaclav Havel and Kim Jong-Il, songwriter Ralph MacDonald, Kojak star Dan Frazer, directors Don Sharp and Yoshimitsu Morita, writer Christopher Hitchens and Tarzan's chimp sidekick Cheetah, who died of liver failure, aged 80.
- 1/1/2012
- WENN
Still looking for that perfect Christmas gift for that special someone in your life? Are you or that special someone socially conscious and always looking for ways to tie your gift-giving to making the world a better place? Then we – well, our friends at MTV Act, really – have some news for you!
Act is auctioning off a meet-and-greet with the cast of the "Jersey Shore," tickets to MTV's New Years' Eve celebration in Times Square, lunch with Sway at MTV headquarters, signed items from your favorite MTV personalities and music superstars, and much, much more to benefit the Fwd Campaign, a relief effort for the Horn of Africa created by Usaid and the Ad Council. Across the eastern Horn of Africa, more than 13 million people are in dire need of emergency assistance to survive. In the spirit of the season, Act is working hard to bring as much awareness (and...
Act is auctioning off a meet-and-greet with the cast of the "Jersey Shore," tickets to MTV's New Years' Eve celebration in Times Square, lunch with Sway at MTV headquarters, signed items from your favorite MTV personalities and music superstars, and much, much more to benefit the Fwd Campaign, a relief effort for the Horn of Africa created by Usaid and the Ad Council. Across the eastern Horn of Africa, more than 13 million people are in dire need of emergency assistance to survive. In the spirit of the season, Act is working hard to bring as much awareness (and...
- 12/13/2011
- by John Mitchell
- MTV Newsroom
The nominees have been announced for the 54th annual Grammy Awards. Kanye West leads the nominations with seven; Adele, Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars each garner six nods; and Lil Wayne and Skrillex each are up for five awards. The Grammys air live on CBS Feb. 12, 2012.
Album Of The Year:
21 -- Adele
Wasting Light -- Foo Fighters
Born This Way -- Lady Gaga
Doo-Wops & Hooligans -- Bruno Mars
Loud -- Rihanna
Record Of The Year:
"Rolling In The Deep" -- Adele
"Holocene" -- Bon Iver
"Grenade" -- Bruno Mars
"The Cave" -- Mumford & Sons
"Firework" -- Katy Perry
Best New Artist: (artist/producer)
The Band Perry
Bon Iver
J. Cole
Nicki Minaj
Skrillex
Song Of The Year: (songwriter)
"All Of The Lights" -- Jeff Bhasker, Malik Jones, Warren Trotter and Kanye West, songwriters
(Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie)
"The Cave" -- Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford and Country Winston,...
Album Of The Year:
21 -- Adele
Wasting Light -- Foo Fighters
Born This Way -- Lady Gaga
Doo-Wops & Hooligans -- Bruno Mars
Loud -- Rihanna
Record Of The Year:
"Rolling In The Deep" -- Adele
"Holocene" -- Bon Iver
"Grenade" -- Bruno Mars
"The Cave" -- Mumford & Sons
"Firework" -- Katy Perry
Best New Artist: (artist/producer)
The Band Perry
Bon Iver
J. Cole
Nicki Minaj
Skrillex
Song Of The Year: (songwriter)
"All Of The Lights" -- Jeff Bhasker, Malik Jones, Warren Trotter and Kanye West, songwriters
(Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie)
"The Cave" -- Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford and Country Winston,...
- 12/1/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Nineteen-time Latin Grammy winners Calle 13 joined forces with Unicef, MTV Latin America and Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más last week to launch the MTV Exit (End Exploitation and Trafficking) campaign within Latin American and Us Hispanic communities.
The multi-media campaign aims to reach Spanish-speaking youth in Latin America and the Us to increase awareness and prevention around human trafficking and exploitation through creative content, digital media interaction, community events and opportunities for direct participation.
Lured by false promises offering opportunities for a better life, at least 550,000 children, adolescents and youth have become victims of trafficking in Latin America and the Caribbean; often forced into unsafe sexual practices and drug use, they are at a heightened risk of contracting HIV.
Read more...
The multi-media campaign aims to reach Spanish-speaking youth in Latin America and the Us to increase awareness and prevention around human trafficking and exploitation through creative content, digital media interaction, community events and opportunities for direct participation.
Lured by false promises offering opportunities for a better life, at least 550,000 children, adolescents and youth have become victims of trafficking in Latin America and the Caribbean; often forced into unsafe sexual practices and drug use, they are at a heightened risk of contracting HIV.
Read more...
- 11/28/2011
- Look to the Stars
Calle 13 announces partnership with MTV Tr3s to benefit the MTV Exit campaign against human trafficking in New York. Photo copyright Bernadette Giacomazzo/PR Photos. Calle 13 announces partnership with MTV Tr3s to benefit the MTV Exit campaign against human trafficking in New York. Photo copyright Bernadette Giacomazzo/PR Photos. Calle 13 announces partnership with MTV Tr3s to benefit the MTV Exit campaign against human trafficking in New York. Photo copyright Bernadette Giacomazzo/PR Photos. Calle 13 announces partnership with MTV Tr3s to benefit the MTV Exit campaign against human trafficking in New York. Photo copyright Bernadette Giacomazzo/PR Photos. Calle 13 announces partnership with MTV Tr3s to benefit the MTV Exit campaign against human trafficking in New York. Photo copyright Bernadette Giacomazzo/PR Photos.
- 11/22/2011
- by M&C
- Monsters and Critics
Las Vegas, Nevada (X17online) - Puerto Rican hip-hop group Calle 13 took home a record-breaking nine awards at the 2011 Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas. Calle 13’s awards included best short-form music video, song of the year for songwriting, and the show’s top honor, album of the year. "We know that we aren’t the ones who get played on the radio … but the people who don’t sell themselves for money and make real music," lead vocalist Residente said while accepting an award. Other notable wins included Colombian pop star Shakira for best female pop vocal album and person of the year; Venezuelan singer-songwriter Franco de Vita for best male pop vocal album; and Mexican band Zoé for best rock song and best alternative music album.
- 11/11/2011
- x17online.com
Las Vegas (AP) — Hip-hop duo Calle 13 won album of the year at the Latin Grammy Awards Thursday in Las Vegas, earning the top prize after a record-breaking ceremony that saw the Puerto Rican stepbrothers receive the 19th award of their career and the most awards ever in a single night. The socially charged rap group made history before the show was over, winning its 18th award for song of the year for "Latinoamerica." That broke the record for most awards previously held by 17-time-winner Juanes. "Today, the music triumphed," frontman René Pérez Joglar said in Spanish. In all, Calle...
- 11/11/2011
- by Cristina Silva (AP)
- Hitfix
By: AOL Latino Entertainment Editors
The biggest and sexiest night of the Latin music industry, the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, took place Thursday evening at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Stars from across the Latino entertainment world -- from music, TV and film -- sauntered, swayed and strutted along the green carpet for a great night of musical celebration.
As the stars started arriving, Daddy Yankee was perched high-atop a Las Vegas skyscraper lending a surreal opening to the evening as it was just beginning.
Under the stewardship of two of the most important hostesses on Spanish-language television, from Univision, Lourdes Stephen and Giselle Blondet, along with the support of Raul De Molina, the live broadcast began in earnest.
1970's heartthrob and current Hispanic TV dancing sensation , Erik Estrada and Blanca Soto, star of the highest-rated, Spanish-language telenovela were among the first to stride down the carpet.
The biggest and sexiest night of the Latin music industry, the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, took place Thursday evening at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Stars from across the Latino entertainment world -- from music, TV and film -- sauntered, swayed and strutted along the green carpet for a great night of musical celebration.
As the stars started arriving, Daddy Yankee was perched high-atop a Las Vegas skyscraper lending a surreal opening to the evening as it was just beginning.
Under the stewardship of two of the most important hostesses on Spanish-language television, from Univision, Lourdes Stephen and Giselle Blondet, along with the support of Raul De Molina, the live broadcast began in earnest.
1970's heartthrob and current Hispanic TV dancing sensation , Erik Estrada and Blanca Soto, star of the highest-rated, Spanish-language telenovela were among the first to stride down the carpet.
- 11/11/2011
- by Miguel Ferrer
- Huffington Post
Rene Perez Joglar (R) aka 'Residente' and Eduardo Cabra Martinez of Puerto Rican band Calle 13 band pose for a photograph with nine Latin Grammys during the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, 10 November 2011. Latin Grammy Awards recognize artistic and/or technical achievement, not sales figures or chart positions, and the winners are determined by the votes of their peers-the qualified voting members of the academy. Among the winning categories was Record of the Year and Album of the Year. Epa/Mike Nelson Writer Karen Hoyos arrives at the12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA 10 November 2011. Latin Grammy Awards recognizes artistic and/or technical achievement, not sales figures or chart positions, and...
- 11/11/2011
- by M&C
- Monsters and Critics
Los Angeles - Puerto Rican hip-hop group Calle 13 notched up nine wins at the Latin Grammys Thursday night including prizes for album of the year, (Entre Los Que Quieran) and record and song of the year (Latinoamerica). The front runner going into the night, Calle 13 won every prize but one that they had been nominated for, with their rebellious music finding support across a range of categories from Urban to Alternative and even Tropical. The 12th annual Latin Grammys also celebrated Colombian superstar Shakira, who was named Person of the Year by the Latin Recording Academy, as well as winning the award for best female pop album for Sale el Sol. Venezualan singer Franco de Vita took...
- 11/11/2011
- Monsters and Critics
Getty Eduardo Cabra Martinez a.k.a. Visitante (L) and Rene Perez Joglar a.k.a. Residente of the musical group Calle 13 pose with their multiple Latin Grammy Awards on November 10, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Calle 13 were big winners on Thursday at the Latin Grammy Awards. The Puerto Rican hip-hop group took home 9 out of the 10 awards it was nominated for, including album of the year. (The group failed to turn one of its nods into a trophy...
Calle 13 were big winners on Thursday at the Latin Grammy Awards. The Puerto Rican hip-hop group took home 9 out of the 10 awards it was nominated for, including album of the year. (The group failed to turn one of its nods into a trophy...
- 11/11/2011
- by Lyneka Little
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Las Vegas (AP) — Hip-hop duo Calle 13 won album of the year at the Latin Grammy Awards Thursday in Las Vegas, earning the top prize after a record-breaking night that saw the Puerto Rican brothers receive the 19th award of their career. Earlier in the night, the socially charged rap group made history and won its 18th award — song of the year for "Latinoamerica." That broke the record for most awards previously held by 17-time-winner Juanes. "Today, the music triumphed," frontman René Pérez Joglar said in Spanish. Calle 13 was up for 10 awards in all Thursday...
- 11/11/2011
- by Cristina Silva (AP)
- Hitfix
Last night might have been all about stringin' some tunes on the guitar for the 45th Annual Cma Awards in Nashville, but tonight, all the action was in Las Vegas for the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. With so many Latin lovers, including sexy stars like Sofia Vergara, Demi Lovato and Shakira, the show was sure to be muy caliente. And it was. Latin Music's biggest night opened with host Fernando Gonzalez and a performance of "Latinoamérica" from Calle 13, who were nominated for a record of 10 awards. We already know those hips don't lie, and neither does her music. Seven-time Latin Grammy winner, and two-time Grammy winner Shakira, was honored with the 2011 Latin Recording...
- 11/11/2011
- E! Online
-- Irreverent hip-hop music duo Calle 13 got a record 10 Latin Grammy nominations Wednesday, including album, record and song of the year.
The duo were on hand when the nominations for the 12th annual awards were read in Los Angeles. The Puerto Rican-based group smiled when their names were announced several times, including for album of the year for their politically and socially charged "Entren Los Que Quieran."
The album included an anthem for Latinos, "LatinoAmerica." It also got top honors, nominated for both record and song of the year.
"I had no idea they were going to give us so many nominations. I can't believe it, forget it!" Rene Perez, half of the duo, said in an interview afterward.
"To me it's big that people have connected with the message (of the album). When I put it out I didn't know if they were going to like it. ... I...
The duo were on hand when the nominations for the 12th annual awards were read in Los Angeles. The Puerto Rican-based group smiled when their names were announced several times, including for album of the year for their politically and socially charged "Entren Los Que Quieran."
The album included an anthem for Latinos, "LatinoAmerica." It also got top honors, nominated for both record and song of the year.
"I had no idea they were going to give us so many nominations. I can't believe it, forget it!" Rene Perez, half of the duo, said in an interview afterward.
"To me it's big that people have connected with the message (of the album). When I put it out I didn't know if they were going to like it. ... I...
- 9/15/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Los Angeles, California (X17online) -- Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull and Ricky Martin are among the big names in this year's Latin Grammy Award nominations. However -- a record has been set; the less-known family group Calle 13 grabbed 10 nominations for the 12th annual awards. Shakira and Martin are both up for Album of the Year and have three noms each. Pitbull scored two. The Latin Grammy Awards will take place Nov. 10 in Las Vegas, and will be broadcast live on Univision.
- 9/14/2011
- x17online.com
Urban/hip-hop duo Calle 13 topped the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards nominations with a grande 10 nods.
Other nominees included Lena Burke and Jorge Villamizar of Latin pop trio Alex; Jorge Y Lena; singer/songwriter Myriam Hernández; Latin pop singer Reyli; and Ángel Mosqueda and Rodrigo Guardiola of alternative rock band Zoé.
For a complete list of nominees, go to LatinGrammy.com.
The 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards will air live from Las Vegas on...
Other nominees included Lena Burke and Jorge Villamizar of Latin pop trio Alex; Jorge Y Lena; singer/songwriter Myriam Hernández; Latin pop singer Reyli; and Ángel Mosqueda and Rodrigo Guardiola of alternative rock band Zoé.
For a complete list of nominees, go to LatinGrammy.com.
The 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards will air live from Las Vegas on...
- 9/14/2011
- Extra
Felicitaciones are in order this morning, as the big guns of the Spanish music world were all present and accounted for when the nominations were revealed for the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. Among the marquis names who are likely now, as we speak, considering dresses, making room on the mantle and remembering to thank their mothers: Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Ricky Martin and the family troupe Calle 13, who may prove to be the biggest winners of the night, as they already lead the way with a record 10 nominations. Who says 13 is unlucky? So what's everyone up for? Latin music heavyweights Ricky Martin and Shakira each scored three nominations for the big show, including Album of the Year...
- 9/14/2011
- E! Online
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