News (Noticias) Tagged ‘Shakira’

Universal City, CA – This morning on Wisteria Lane located on the Universal Studios back lot, NCLR
President and CEO Janet Murguía, Eva Longoria Parker (Desperate Housewives), and Cristián de la
Fuente (USA Network’s In Plain Sight and ABC’s Dancing with the Stars) announced nominees,
performers, and special honorees for the 2008 NCLR ALMA Awards.

The 2008 NCLR ALMA Awards will tape August 17 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. The all-star
event, which celebrates the outstanding artistic achievements of Latinos in motion pictures, television and
music, will air Friday, September 12 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Television and film actress, Eva Longoria Parker, returns once again as executive producer and host of
the telecast. To date, confirmed performers and presenters include Black Eyed Peas, America Ferrera,
Carlos Mencia, Jessica Alba, Adam Rodriguez, Enrique Murciano, Sofia Vergara, Cristián de la Fuente,
Kate del Castillo, Pitbull, and Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano. Special honors will be presented to
Linda Ronstadt, Shakira, and Narciso Rodriguez whose work has impacted the entertainment industry and
influenced American culture.

The two-hour special is presented by the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) – the largest national
Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S. The annual ALMA (American Latino Media
Arts) Awards recognizes and celebrates the outstanding artistic achievement of Latinos in film, television,
and music. The ALMA Awards was created by NCLR in 1995 as part of its strategy to promote the
diverse, accurate, and balanced portrayals of Latinos in the media and the enhancement of the Latino
image in the entertainment industry. The show is an example of how inclusion strengthens the
entertainment industry, just as diversity strengthens our country.

The show is presented with the support of sponsors and advertisers. Confirmed Presenting Sponsors for
2008 include Chevy and Target. Gold Sponsors are AT&T, Johnson & Johnson, Frito-Lay/PepsiCo, and
Prudential. Silver Sponsors include American Airlines, Bank of America, Bud Light, ConAgra Foods,
M&M’s, McDonald’s, State Farm Insurance Companies, Verizon, and Wachovia. Key media partners for
the 2008 ALMA Awards include our Gold Level partners AOL Latino and MTV3, and our Silver Level
partner Latina Magazine.

This year, the executive producers are Michael Levitt, Janet Murguía, Eva Longoria Parker, and David
Chavez. For more information on the 2008 NCLR ALMA Awards®, please visit www.almaawards.com.

Miss Longoria will be returning as executive producer and host of the awards show, which will be taped August 17th at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, and will include a special presentation to Linda Ronstadt, Shakira, and Narciso Rodriguez.”*

Well over a million Colombians, clad in white and shouting “No more kidnapping,” marked their independence day on Sunday with marches and concerts demanding freedom for hostages still held by leftist rebels.”*

Shakira llegó el domingo a esta remota población amazónica para junto con su compatriota Carlos Vives encabezar un concierto en ocasión del día nacional, que coincidió con marchas para reclamar la libertad de todos los secuestrados en manos de grupos irregulares.”*

La cantante colombiana Shakira participará el domingo en una jornada de protesta contra el secuestro en Leticia, un poblado en la frontera de Colombia, Brasil y Perú, en un acto al que asistirán los presidentes de esos tres países, anunció el martes su oficina de prensa.”*

- The Recently Released Julieta Venegas: MTV Unplugged Album And Its First Single “El Presente” BOTH Continue At #1 On The Charts In Mexico

- In The U.S., The Album & Single Are Both In The Top-5 Of The “Latin Pop” Charts

- Julieta Receives Critical Praise For Her First Ever-Performance In Boston, And Fills New York’s Central Park SummerStage To Capacity - Forcing The Venue To Shut Its Doors Early – As Thousands Turn Out For Her Free Performance At The LAMC

“Venegas  [is] a true Latin pop star. Forget about Shakira. There’s a new Latina pop star in town… The adoring throng in attendance showered Venegas and her 14-piece ensemble with love, singing every word to the opener, “Limon Y Sal,” …She was a nonstop display of multi-instrumental talent: playing accordion on “Seria Feliz,” strumming guitar on “Algo Esta Cambiando” and playing electric piano on “Mirame Bien” and the gorgeously melancholic “Lento.” While the unplugged format cast an old-world, organic feel, it didn’t stop the band from treating songs distinctively. The string quartet on hand added dramatic texture to “Amores Perros” and the recent “El Presente,” a No. 1 hit in Mexico and Argentina, possessed ska-like punch. Trumpets, banjos, ukuleles and woodwinds also contributed… you couldn’t help but get caught up in the festive energy. It’s a rare pleasure to see an audience so genuinely excited - and with good reason.” – Boston Herald, 7/12/08

“Venegas has fans falling for her sweet sound… More than a phenomenal voice and a clutch of hit songs, nothing flatters a pop star quite like grace and understatement. Julieta Venegas is such an artist. She made her Boston debut Thursday night, and from her simple greeting - “Hola. Buenas noches, Boston” - you’d never know she’s one of the most celebrated musicians in Latin pop today, an ambassador of good will who’s beloved by her peers far outside her native Mexico… a young singer-songwriter with a big heart and an even bigger audience… She’s no doubt the only pop star who can prompt a zealous fan to exclaim, “Oh, good! I see the accordion coming out! …The lush setting was an extension of Venegas’s new “MTV Unplugged” album, which captured her live and carefree with cameos from mutual admirers (Spanish rapper La Mala Rodríguez and uber-producer Gustavo Santaolalla, among them)… she stripped several of her songs to their cores, revealing emotions you didn’t detect the first time around… Venegas’s recent hits, the inescapable “Me Voy” and “Eres Para Mí,” both from 2006’s “Limón y Sal,” recaptured the unlikely juxtaposition of joy and heartbreak that made them so catchy in the first place. For a final encore, Venegas launched into “Andar Conmigo,” wandering away from the microphone, playing her accordion, and engaging the audience. It was time to go, but no one wanted her to. So she mouthed the lyrics, needlessly: The audience, louder each refrain, sang the song for - and to - her.” - Boston Globe, 7/12/08

“Venegas is one of the Mexican rockers who are spinning together everything they hear — rock, funk and pop from the United States; boleros; reggae; electronics; accordions — in songs that are as engaging and catchy as they are ambitious… Venegas brings sly insights to love songs… [and] is now a full-fledged hit maker” – NY  Times

Julieta Venegas came backed by a 13-piece band that included a string quartet, brass, keys and percussion…By the time she came on, the venue was filled to capacity (many latecomers were turned back at the door)…It was impressive to notice that Venegas did something seemingly impossible – she played what seemed to be an intimate show to a crowd of thousands. She showcased not only her vocal chops but also her ability on the guitar, piano and accordion, going through a mix of pop, rock and more traditionally sounding material…Venegas’ music has quite a universal appeal.”

- Miami New Times, 7/14/08 (reporting from Central Park Summerstage in New York)

Live Nation, one of the biggest live concert promoters in the world, has just offered Shakira a $70 million contract, as details regarding the agreement are expected to come to light within the next few days. “*

They say everything Shakira touches turns to gold. Her MTV Unplugged concert was the cable station’s first internationally transmitted acoustic concert in Spanish. So maybe that’s why MTV has offered the Colombian singer to document the making of her new album on a reality TV show.”*

Emails circulating erroneous news about the alleged deaths of Shakira, Alejandro Fernández and Luis Miguel are not only causing false alarm, but also spreading a nasty computer virus when the emails are opened. “*

Twenty-three years after its launch in Brazil, Rock in Rio moved to Spain as 42,000 people watched acts such as Neil Young and Alanis Morissette in a setting that was more like an amusement park than a traditional rock fest.

Bob Dylan, The Police, Shakira and Amy Winehouse are also among the more than 60 acts set to perform over two weekends at a festival the Brazilian organisers hope will eventually become a “global brand” reaching as far as China.”*

Although Dulce María has achieved a lot of success throughout her career, not only as a singer but as an actress as well, the RBD’s vocalist would one day like to compose a song with Shakira. “*

Wisin & Yandel took Los Angeles by storm this past week during the presentation of their new CD Wisin vs. Yandel: Otra Dimension at the Hard Rock Café Universal City Walk. Thousand waited for hours to get a glimpse of their favorite urban Latin superstars Wisin & Yandel. The Instore established a sales record by selling 1,600 in just two hours.

The scene repeated itself again on the following day, when thousands convened at the Staples Arena to enjoy Wisin & Yandel’s first concert at this arena. By 6:00 pm that evening there were absolutely no tickets left, a feat that have only been exceeded by acts like Ricky Martin, Maná, Revelde and Shakira.”*

Las Vegas producer Stephen Sorrentino brings a new show, “Superstars Latinos,” to the 1,200-seat Dallas Events Center at Texas Station on Friday.

“We have one shot at Texas Station to see how it works and if the fans like it then we may get to tour various Station casinos,” says Sorrentino, who’s also one of the country’s top Elton John tribute artists.

The high-energy, 90-minute musical is a tribute to Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Estefan and Ricky Martin. It features singers backed by an eight-piece Latin band.”*

The ALAS Organization’s “Concierto Por Los Niños” (Concert For The Children) Unites Over 380,000 On-Site Fans and Millions of TV Viewers In A Momentous Show Of Solidarity To Aid Latin America’s Most Vulnerable Children

Over Two Dozen Of Latin Music’s Biggest Superstars Such As Shakira, Ricky Martin, Alejandro Sanz, Miguel Bosé, Juan Luis Guerra, Maná, Los Tigres del Norte, Gustavo Cerati, Calle 13 & Many More Appear At Historic Free Concerts In Mexico City & Buenos Aeries That Have Been Called ‘Latin America’s Live-Aid’

“crowds gathered in two of Latin America’s most iconic capitals, the excitement contagious.   Its not everyday that the region’s biggest names in entertainment gather in song and never before have they come together like this for a common cause. Ricky Martin, Shakira, Miguel Bosé-just a few of the dozens of Latin American artists hoping to use their music to launch a movement against childhood poverty in the region” – CNN

(see full CNN segment here: http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=7872472&ch=4226714&src=news)

Two days after announcing that philanthropists such as Carlos Slim Helú, Howard Buffet had pledged more than $200 Million toward programs to aid impoverished children in Latin America, the ALAS (América Latina en Acción Solidaria ) organization – translated as ‘Wings’ in Spanish – brought nearly 400,000 concert fans and millions of TV viewers together through an unprecedented day of music entitled “El Concierto Por Los Niños” (The Concert For The Children.” With more than two dozen of the Latin music world’s leading superstars (such as Shakira, Ricky Martin, Alejandro Sanz, Miguel Bosé and MANY more) taking to the stage at massive free concerts in Mexico City and Buenos Aires for an event already being dubbed by press as “Latin America’s Live Aid,” ALAS designed the historic event to inspire both public and private sector support for Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs to aid the more than 32 Million children in the region living in poverty.

“Not so long ago, Latin American artists who spoke up for social causes often risked prison, exile or far worse.  What a difference a generation makes… a phalanx of Spanish-speaking pop artists headed by Colombian superstar Shakira and Spanish-Italian singer Miguel Bosé gathered to promote a new initiative to aid Latin America’s millions of poor, malnourished and undereducated children. They were joined by the world’s second-richest man, a top U.S. philanthropist and an international mob of reporters drawn by a potent cocktail of celebrity, money and power, laced with an emerging social conscience … “What’s very inspiring is to see Latin America for the first time in charge of its own issues,” said Shakira… [the] concerts, the most high-profile project yet by Latin artists to fuse charity with celebrity, are expected to draw a total audience in the hundreds of thousands. ALAS is the first Latin American organization to bring together so many prominent artists and financial impresarios behind a single cause, early childhood development assistance” – Los Angeles Times

“…billionaire Carlos Slim Helú does not seem to like appearing in public, but he apparently could not resist an invitation from the Colombian pop star Shakira and about a dozen other Latin music stars. Mr. Slim was on hand in Mexico City for the announcement of two free rock concerts to raise awareness of ALAS, a foundation started by Shakira and other musicians….The goal of ALAS, which means “wings” in Spanish, is to press business leaders and governments to finance early-childhood development programs in Latin America. The foundation claimed a major success on Thursday [as] Mr. Slim pledged $110 million to children’s programs [and] Howard Buffett pledged $85 million to existing Latin American projects. “When Shakira calls, you show up, so here I am,” said Mr. Buffett – New York Times (Sunday Business Section)

“A spectacular lineup of performers join in a call-to-action to support millions of children living in poverty in Latin America…The concert features some of Latin America’s leading artists: - New York Daily News

SEE SAMPLE EVENT PHOTOS BELOW – High Resolution Photos Available By Request

Please Visit The New ALAS Website At: www.movimientoalas.org

For More Information On ALAS, Please Contact:

(In The United States) Rogers & Cowan: John Reilly, Lorraine Osmundsen & Sylvia Bedrosian – 212.445.8400

A lineup of Latin mega-stars including Shakira, Ricky Martin and Alejandro Sanz performed simultaneously on stages in Buenos Aires and Mexico City at the weekend, raising awareness for the needs of poor children in Latin America.

Outspoken Colombian rocker Juanes, one of the most anticipated performers at Saturday’s event, was absent due to problems with his plane.

Organized by the Fundacion ALAS (Latin America in Solidarity Action), the concerts, which have been widely referred to as the Latin American version of 2005’s Live 8 anti-poverty concerts, brought together more than 380,000 people in the Mexican capital’s Zocalo plaza and the riverside Costanera Sur in Buenos Aires. Mexican magnate Carlos Slim and Howard Buffett, son of billionaire Warren Buffett, donated $200 million to combat poverty in Latin America.”*

Yahoo! Telemundo today launched Search Assist, the most advanced assistance technology available on the Web, as well as the integration of video and photos within the search results, making Web search an effortless task for U.S. Hispanic consumers. The new Yahoo! Telemundo Search was designed to better understand user intent and provide them with the results they are looking for in just one search.

Recent research conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Yahoo! on the state of the Web shows that consumers are suffering from “Web Search fatigue.” The study revealed that 99 percent of online adults use a search engine to find information on the Internet, with a mere 15 percent of people finding what they’re looking for with their first search and typically needing to conduct three to four searches.

“The new Yahoo! Telemundo Search was created to optimize user experience and get consumers what they want on the first search query,” said Jose Rivera Font, vice president and general manager, Yahoo! Hispanic Americas. “Consumers want answers and they want them quickly, so the changes we’ve made are focused on getting people to the best answer - whether it be a Web link, photo, video or video clip - all in one search.”

Search Assist goes beyond basic search “suggestions” and gives consumers real-time query suggestions as well as related topics and concepts, which is especially valuable when a person is searching for an unfamiliar topic.

Yahoo! Search Assist is there for consumers when they need it and can be turned off when they don’t. As a user types in the search box, it predicts when the person needs help with their search and opens a drop down menu of suggestions and related concepts (see diagram 1*) that enable further exploration around their search topic.

In addition to the new Search Assist feature, Yahoo! Telemundo Search has also introduced multimedia integration including video and photos (see diagram 2*) directly in the search results — allowing consumers to get their answer - whether it’s a Web link, photo or video clip — without leaving the page.

The Search Assist feature also includes YouTube and Metacafe videos indexed by Yahoo!. In addition, consumers can use shortcuts if they are only interested in accessing videos on these particular sites. To do this, they should type in the search word followed by the site they want to look in, like site:www.youtube.com or site:www.metacafe.com. For example: “caída de edgar site:www.youtube.com”. When the consumer finds the video they are looking for, they will see a still photo of it and a direct link to play the video.

Similarly, Yahoo! Telemundo users can also integrate images in their search results by adding the word ‘imágenes’ after their keyword search. For example: “Shakira Imágenes”. (see diagram #2*)

The Spanish-language versions of Search Assist, available in Yahoo! Telemundo, Yahoo! México and Yahoo! Argentina, are tailor-made to reflect local search behavior, language and tendencies. So when you search for ‘Ricky Martin’ on Yahoo! Telemundo Search, Search Assist won’t suggest “photos, lyrics, songs, music” like it does in the U.S., instead, it will offer most suggestions in Spanish like “fotos, biografía, videos, conciertos”.

As part of the new Yahoo! Telemundo Search, consumers will also see new Yahoo! Search Shortcuts, with the most useful information found on the Web, including information contributed by other online users. The new shortcuts were designed to help consumers save time when searching for popular categories such as images, news, weather, maps, and directions (see diagrams 3-6*).

Since its initial launch in October of 2007, Yahoo! Search Assist is now available in 15 countries, including Argentina and Mexico, and in seven languages.
“*

Univision Communications Wednesday kicked off its upfront presentation to advertisers with an opening number from Broadway’s In the Heights and closed with an energized mini-concert by Colombian superstar Shakira.”*

Shakira doesn’t just shake her hips and delight her fans with her music, she is also a philanthropist who takes social justice to heart. That’s why she just signed a deal with editorial house Santillana to guarantee excellence in education at the Colombian schools benefited by her foundation Pies Descalzos.”*