Cardi B has racked up four nods including Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Collaboration and Best Hip Hop, all of them for her “WAP” collaboration with Megan The Stallion, one of the biggest hits of the year. All of Bruno’s noms are also for his collaborative song “Leave the Door Open” with Anderson .Paak and Silk Sonic.

The artist with the most nominations this year is Justin Bieber, seven, closely followed by Megan The Stallion, six. More than half a dozen other performers received five nods, including veterans like Billie Eilish, BTS, Doja Cat, Drake, Lil Nas X and newcomers like Olivia Rodrigo and Giveon.

The only other Latino with multiple nominations is Bad Bunny with two, both collaborations, in the Best Latin category. El Conejito Malo competes with “Dákiti,” a joint effort with Jhay Cortez, and “Un Die (One Day)” with Balvin, Dua Lipa and Tainy. Vying also for the award in this field are Billie Eilish and Rosalía with “Lo Vas a Olvidar,” Black Eyed Peas and Shakira with “Girl Like Me,” Karol G with “Bichota” and Maluma with “Hawái.” The Best Latin category is dominated by Colombian nominees–Balvin, Shakira, Karol G and Maluma, followed by Boricuas–Bad Bunny, Cortez and Tainy.

The 2021 MTV Vido Music Awards will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Sept. 12. 

LIST OF NOMINEES

Video of the Year

Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion: “WAP” – Atlantic Records

DJ Khaled ft. Drake: “Popstar” (Starring Justin Bieber) – OVO / We The Best / Epic Records

Doja Cat ft. SZA: “Kiss Me More” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records

Ed Sheeran: “Bad Habits” – Atlantic Records

Lil Nas X: “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” – Columbia Records

The Weeknd: “Save Your Tears” – XO / Republic Records

Artist of the Year

Ariana Grande – Republic Records

Doja Cat – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records

Justin Bieber – Def Jam

Megan Thee Stallion – 300 Entertainment

Olivia Rodrigo – Geffen Records

Taylor Swift – Republic Records

Song of the Year

24kGoldn ft. Iann Dior: “Mood” – Records LLC / Columbia Records

Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic: “Leave the Door Open” – Aftermath Entertainment / Atlantic Records

BTS: “Dynamite” – Bighit Music

Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion: “WAP” – Atlantic Records

Dua Lipa: “Levitating” – Warner Records

Olivia Rodrigo: “Drivers License” – Geffen Records

Best New Artist

24kGoldn – Records LLC / Columbia Records

Giveon – Epic Records / Not So Fast

The Kid Laroi – Columbia Records

Olivia Rodrigo – Geffen Records

Polo G – Columbia Records

Saweetie – Warner Records

Push Performance of the Year

Wallows: “Are You Bored Yet?” – Atlantic Records

Ashnikko: “Daisy” – Warner Records

Saint Jhn: “Gorgeous” – Godd Complexx / HITCO

24kGoldn: “Coco” – Records LLC / Columbia Records

JC Stewart: “Break My Heart” – Elektra Music Group

Latto: “Sex Lies” – RCA Records

Madison Beer: “Selfish” – Epic Records / Sing It Loud

The Kid Laroi: “Without You” – Columbia Records

Olivia Rodrigo: “Drivers License” – Geffen Records

Girl in Red: “Serotonin” – World in Red / AWAL

Fousheé: “My Slime” – RCA Records

Jxdn: “Think About Me” – DTA Records / Elektra Music Group

Best Collaboration

24kGoldn ft. Iann Dior: “Mood” – Records LLC / Columbia Records

Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion: “WAP” – Atlantic Records

Doja Cat ft. SZA: “Kiss Me More” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records

Drake ft. Lil Durk: “Laugh Now Cry Later” – OVO / Republic Records

Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon: “Peaches” – Def Jam

Miley Cyrus ft. Dua Lipa: “Prisoner” – RCA Records

Best Pop

Ariana Grande: “Positions” – Republic Records

Billie Eilish: “Therefore I Am” – Darkroom / Interscope Records

BTS: “Butter” – Bighit Music

Harry Styles: “Treat People With Kindness” – Columbia Records

Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon: “Peaches” – Def Jam

Olivia Rodrigo: “Good 4 U” – Geffen Records

Shawn Mendes: “Wonder” – Island Records

Taylor Swift: “Willow” – Republic Records

Best Hip-Hop

Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion: “WAP” – Atlantic Records

Drake ft. Lil Durk: “Laugh Now Cry Later” – OVO / Republic Records

Lil Baby ft. Megan Thee Stallion: “On Me (remix)” – Quality Control / Motown

Moneybagg Yo – “Said Sum” – N-Less Entertainment / Interscope Records

Polo G: “Rapstar” – Columbia Records

Travis Scott ft. Young Thug & M.I.A.: “Franchise” – Cactus Jack / Epic Records

Best Rock

Evanescence: “Use My Voice” – BMG

Foo Fighters: “Shame Shame” – Roswell Records / RCA Records

John Mayer: “Last Train Home” – Columbia Records

The Killers: “My Own Soul’s Warning” – Island

Kings Of Leon: “The Bandit” – RCA Records

Lenny Kravitz: “Raise Vibration” – Roxie Records / BMG

Best Alternative

Bleachers: “Stop Making This Hurt” – RCA Records

Glass Animals: “Heat Waves” – Republic Records

Imagine Dragons: “Follow You” – Kidinakorner / Interscope Records

Machine Gun Kelly ft. Blackbear: “My Ex’s Best Friend” – Bad Boy / Interscope Records

Twenty One Pilots: “Shy Away” – Fueled By Ramen

Willow ft. Travis Barker: “Transparent Soul” – MSFTSMusic / Roc Nation

Best Latin

Bad Bunny x Jhay Cortez: “Dákiti” – The Orchard

Billie Eilish & Rosalía: “Lo Vas A Olvidar” – Darkroom / Interscope Records

Black Eyed Peas and Shakira: “Girl Like Me” – Epic Records

Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Tainy: “Un Die (One Day)” – Universal Music Latino / Neon16

Karol G: “Bichota” – Universal Music Latino

Maluma: “Hawái” – Sony Music US Latin

Best R&B

Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, Saint Jhn, WizKid: “Brown Skin Girl” – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records

Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic: “Leave the Door Open” – Aftermath Entertainment / Atlantic Records

Chris Brown and Young Thug: “Go Crazy” – Chris Brown Entertainment/RCA Records

Giveon: “Heartbreak Anniversary” – Epic Records / Not So Fast

H.E.R. ft. Chris Brown: “Come Through” – MBK Entertainment / RCA Records

SZA: “Good Days” – Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records

Best K-Pop

(G)I-DLE: “Dumdi Dumdi” – Republic Records

Blackpink and Selena Gomez: “Ice Cream” – YG Entertainment / Interscope Records

BTS – “Butter” – Bighit Music

Monsta X: “Gambler” – Starship Entertainment

Seventeen: “Ready to love” – Pledis Entertainment

Twice: “Alcohol-Free” – JYP Entertainment Company

Video for Good

Billie Eilish: “Your Power” – Darkroom / Interscope Records

Demi Lovato: “Dancing With the Devil” – Island

H.E.R.: “Fight For You” – MBK Entertainment / RCA Records

Kane Brown: “Worldwide Beautiful” – Sony Music Nashville / RCA Records

Lil Nas X: “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” – Columbia Records

Pharrell Williams ft. Jay-Z: “Entrepreneur” – Columbia Records

Best Direction

Billie Eilish: “Your Power” – Darkroom / Interscope Records – Directed by: Billie Eilish

DJ Khaled ft. Drake: “Popstar (Starring Justin Bieber)” – OVO / We The Best / Epic Records – Directed by: Julien Christian Lutz aka Director X

Lil Nas X: “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” – Columbia Records – Directed by: Lil Nas X and Tanu Muino

Taylor Swift: “Willow” – Republic Records – Directed by: Taylor Swift

Travis Scott ft. Young Thug & M.I.A: “Franchise” – Cactus Jack / Epic Records – Directed by: Travis Scott

Tyler, The Creator: “Lumberjack” – Columbia Records – Directed by: Wolf Haley

Best Cinematography

Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN, WizKid: “Brown Skin Girl” – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records – Cinematography by: Benoit Soler, Malik H. Sayeed, Mohammaed Atta Ahmed, Santiago Gonzalez, Ryan Helfant

Billie Eilish: “Therefore I Am” – Darkroom / Interscope Records – Cinematography by: Rob Witt

Foo Fighters: “Shame Shame” – Roswell Records / RCA Records – Cinematography by: Santiago Gonzalez

Justin Bieber ft. Chance The Rapper: “Holy” – RBMG / Def Jam – Cinematography by: Elias Talbot

Lady Gaga: “911” – Interscope Records – Cinematography by: Jeff Cronenweth

Lorde: “Solar Power” – LAVA/Republic Records – Cinematography by: Andrew Stroud

Best Art Direction

Beyoncé, Shatta Wale, Major Lazer: “Already” – Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records – Art Direction by: Susan Linns, Gerard Santos

Ed Sheeran: “Bad Habits” – Atlantic Records – Art Direction by: Alison Dominitz

Lady Gaga: “911” – Interscope Records – Art Direction by: Tom Foden, Peter Andrus

Lil Nas X: “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” – Columbia Records – Art Direction by: John Richoux

Saweetie ft. Doja Cat: “Best Friend” – Warner Records – Art Direction by: Art Haynes

Taylor Swift – “Willow” – Republic Records – Art Direction by: Ethan Tobman, Regina Fernandez

Best Visual Effects

Bella Poarch: “Build a Bitch” – Warner Records – Visual Effects by: Andrew Donoho, Denhov Visuals, Denis Strahhov, Rein Jakobson, Vahur Kuusk, Tatjana Pavlik, Yekaterina Vetrova

Coldplay: “Higher Power” – Atlantic Records – Visual Effects by: Mathematic

Doja Cat & The Weeknd – “You Right” – Kemosabe Records / RCA Records – Visual Effects by: La Pac, Anthony Lestremau, Julien Missaire, Petr Shkolniy, Alexi Bailla, Micha Sher, Antoine Hache, Mikros MPC, Nicolas Huget, Guillaume Ho Tsong Fang, Benjamin Lenfant, Stephane Pivron, MPC Bangalore, Chanakya Chander, Raju Ganesh, David Rouxel

Glass Animals: “Tangerine” – Republic Records – Visual Effects by: Ronan Fourreau

Lil Nas X: “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” – Columbia Records – Visual Effects by: Mathematic

P!nk: “All I Know So Far” – RCA Records – Visual Effects by: BUF, VFX Supervisors: Dominique Vidal & Geoffrey Niquet, VFX Producers: Annabelle Zoellin & Camille Gibrat

Best Choreography

Ariana Grande – “34+35” – Republic Records – Choreography by: Brian Nicholson & Scott Nicholson

BTS – “Butter” – Bighit Music – Choreography by: Son Sung with BHM Performance Directing Team

Ed Sheeran – “Bad Habits” – Atlantic Records – Choreography by: Natricia Bernard

Foo Fighters – “Shame Shame” – Roswell Records / RCA Records – Choreography by: Nina McNeely

Harry Styles – “Treat People With Kindness” – Columbia Records

Marshmello & Halsey – “Be Kind” – Astralwerks / Capitol Records – Choreography by: Dani Vitale

Best Editing

Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic: “Leave the Door Open” – Aftermath Entertainment/Atlantic Records – Editing by: Troy Charbonnet

BTS: “Butter” – Bighit Music – Editing by: Yong Seok Choi from Lumpens

Drake: “What’s Next” – OVO / Republic Records – Editing by: Noah Kendal

Harry Styles: “Treat People With Kindness” – Columbia Records

Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon: “Peaches” – Def Jam

Miley Cyrus ft. Dua Lipa: “Prisoner” – RCA Records

Featured Photo: Cardi B in ‘WAP’ (Credit: YouTube)

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WASHINGTON — Singer-actor Demi Lovato’s upcoming talk show, titled The Demi Lovato Show, originally ordered by now-defunct startup Quibi, will finally premiere next month on Roku’s free, ad-supported streaming channel.
As per a media report, all nine episodes of the show with the pop star hosting a range of celebrity guests and experts are scheduled to be premiere on July 30 exclusively on the Roku Channel.

Lovato’s show will address “some of today’s edgiest social topics in frank and honest discussions,” according to Roku.
Guests on the short-form series include Jameela Jamil, Lucy Hale, and transgender beauty icon Nikita Dragun, with more to be announced.

In each 10-minute episode, Lovato will lead discussions across a range of topics including, police reform, feminism, trans rights, sex positivity, and mental health.
“The Demi Lovato Show” is the first of more than a dozen Quibi programs (rebranded as Roku Originals) to premiere for the first time anywhere.
“Some conversations can be difficult, but I’ve never been one to shy away from speaking candidly about things,” said Lovato.

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The Mexican-American star is baring her soul in her most original documentary to date, directed by Michael D. Ratner, who has helmed several TV doc series and shorts for singer Justin Bieber and comedian Kevin Hart. Lovato and some of her closest confidants dive deep into her struggle with drug addiction, eating disorders and self-control in a film that is distinctively divided in several episodes.  

In her 2017’s documentary Simply Complicated, Lovato addressed her drug addiction, eating disorder and past relationships. 

Back in 2018, a film crew was filming Lovato’s “Tell Me You Love Me” world tour for yet another doc. But the film was permanently halted after the artist’s hospitalization on July 24  of that year.

Two years later, the singer decided to make a new documentary to “set the record straight” about what happened. Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil deals with the events before and after the 2018 concert’s dramatic end.

Episode one, titled “Losing Control,” details how the strict guidelines of those around her pushed her over the edge. The Sorry Not Sorry singer has been battling bulimia since she was a preteen after she began binge eating when she was nine years old. Lovato says she had her first hit of cocaine at 17. 

Lovato had a team of assistants—a nutritionist, a dietitian, a wellness coach and therapists—that helped to keep her sober and with her eating disorder. Despite her team being there to help, the constant micromanaging led to Lovato’s relapse, which she managed to keep hidden from her team.

The artist hid her relapse behind a charming smile and began taking hard drugs, such as heroin, without anyone being wiser. This happened one month after her sixth sobriety anniversary. She reached out to a drug dealer she knew and the downward spiral began. 

“I remember being at a photo shoot and just thinking to myself, I don’t even remember why I’m sober anymore,” Lovato recounts in the YouTube Original series. “I’m so miserable; I’m not happy.”

The Sorry Not Sorry singer’s overdose brought her to the brink of death. After getting her high, her drug dealer sexually assaulted her, leaving her naked and for dead. In episode two, “5 Minutes from Death,” Lovato’s former assistant Jordan Jackson recounts finding her and making the life-saving 911 call. 

“My doctors said that like I had five to 10 more minutes, and had my assistant not come in, I wouldn’t be here today,” Lovato said. 

The Confident singer suffered three strokes, a brain injury, multi-organ failure and even a heart attack after taking drugs laced with Fentanyl. She still suffers from physical deficits from the attack. She can’t drive anymore and has blind spots in her vision. 

The former Disney star’s road to recovery was hard enough before realizing that she was sexually assaulted the night of her overdose. The documentary is the first time Lovato revealed that she had been taken advantage of by her drug dealer.

“It wasn’t until maybe a month after my overdose that I realized, ‘Hey, you weren’t in any state of mind to make a consensual decision,’” Lovato recalls. “That kind of trauma doesn’t go away overnight.”  

Today, Lovato has made significant strides toward rebuilding her life and has created a new music album that details her life experiences over the past few years. Dancing with the Devil…The Art of Starting Over will arrive on April 2, with her single “Dancing with the Devil” claiming this week’s favorite new music release as reported by a poll conducted by Billboard. 

The first two episodes of Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil are available now on YouTube, with episode three arriving on March 30 at 3 p.m. ET. 

Episode three, “Reclaiming Power,” will recount Lovato’s journey in rehab and episode four will dive into her relationship with ex-fiance, actor and singer Max Ehrich.

Featured Photo: Demi Lovato (Credit: Courtersy of SXSW)

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YouTube Originals is set to premiere the exclusive 4-part documentary Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil about 28-year-old singer/songwriter/actress Demi Lovato on March 23, 2021.

Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil follows the last three years of Lovato’s life, most notably her near-fatal drug overdose in 2018. This dangerous medical emergency sadly led Lovato to suffer from 3 strokes and heart attack, which left her with brain damage and vision issues.

Directed and executive produced by Michael D. Rather, Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil gives the audience in-depth interviews with Lovato, Lovato’s family, friends, as well as music icons Sir Elton John and pop diva Christina Aguilera. Lovato also serves as the documentary’s executive producer alongside her manager Scooter Braun.

From a young age, Lovato showed impressive talent in music and acting. In 2002, Lovato began her professional acting career as the character Angela in Barney & Friends. Later, she became an actress for the Disney Channel in the series As the Bell Rings. Through the series was short lived, this opened the opportunity for two bigger Disney projects, most notably the TV film Camp Rock and the TV series Sonny with a Chance.  

In 2008, Lovato began her successful music career, releasing her debut album Don’t Forget. Among Lovato’s six albums, three are certified gold (Don’t Forget, Here We Go Again, and Demi), while three are certified platinum (Unbroken, Confident, and Tell Me You Love Me) by the RIAA, the Recording Industry Association of America.

Lovato’s first documentary with YouTube, was the 2017 Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated. This documentary, in support of Tell Me You Love Me, Lovato’s sixth studio album, follows her life and career to that point.

Lovato recently released her latest single, What Other People People Say a collaboration with Australian singer-songwriter Sam Fischer.  The single talks about staying true to oneself and not to mold yourself into what others think you should be. She is one of the most popular singers in contemporary pop music. On social media she is among the the most followed performers with 99.2 million followers on Instagram, 55.3 million followers on Twitter, and 16.7 million subscribers on YouTube.  

Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil is produced by Marc Ambrose, directed by Michael D. Rather and airs on March 16, 20201 on YouTube Originals.

Featured Photo: Youtube Originals

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Ana Perez

Demi Lovato Returns to Scripted TV

Singer, songwriter, and actress, Demi Lovato, who started her career on Barney and Friends then made her mark on the Disney Channel’s Camp Rock returns to television as star and executive produce the single-camera comedy Hungry.  

Although of late Lovato has been focusing more on her health and her singing career, selling over two million albums and 20 million singles in the United States, according to Billboard, she has made a few television appearances. In 2020 she had a role in a multi-episode arc in the popular comedy Will and Grace.  Now she is the lead of the series that NBC believes in enough to give it a put order. 

Hungry revolves around friends who participate in a food issues group. They get together to talk about love, success and what that perfect thing in the fridge would be that would make them feel better.

The comedy will be written and executive produced by Zuzanne Martin (Hot in Cleveland creator) who is executive producing along with Lovato.  They have partnered with Hazy Mill and B Projects along with Universal Television.

Lovato’s second documentary with YouTube originals, Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated in 2017 and the current documentary Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil, which will be premiering at this year’s SXSW.  

Michael Peña has Replaces Stanley Tucci In Roland Emmerich’s ‘Moonfall’

Michael Peña, Carolina Bartczak, Maxim Roy and Stephen Bogaert (The Umbrella Academy) have joined Roland Emmerich’s sci-fi epic Moonfall. The cast joins the talented and Academy Award-winning Halle Berry (X-Men), Patrick Wilson (The Conjuring), John Bradley (Game of Thrones), Eme Ikwuakor (Inhumans), Charlie Plummer (Looking for Alaska) and Donald Sutherland (The Hunger Games) for the film. 

The sci-fi drama starts with an unknown force that knocks the Moon from orbit and sends it on a straight shot to Earth. With life on Earth in peril, a group of strangers must team up to stop the impending collision. 

Peña (Narcos: Mexico) is stepping in to take over the role previously held by Stanley Tucci (Spotlight, Beauty and the Beast). Tucci, who had signed onto the project in October, dropped out of the film due to government-imposed travel restrictions that are banning UK flights into Canada. Peña will play Tom Lopez, a wealthy car dealer who is married to Brian Harper’s (Wilson) ex-wife, Brenda, played by Bartczak (X-Men: Apocalypse).

Roy (Shadowhunters, October Faction) is Gabriella Auclair, an army captain with a fiery heart and Bogaert (The Umbrella Academy) will portray NASA Director Albert Hutchings.

Emmerich, Harald Kloser and Spenser Cohen penned the screenplay. Emmerich is producing for his Centropolis Entertainment banner with Kloser for Street Entertainment. Centropolis is overseeing production and is collaborating with Lionsgate, AGC Studios and other distribution partners. Lionsgate is distributing the film in North America.

Moonfall is set to hit theaters in 2022.

Peña is starring in the Warner Bros. live-action/animation hybrid Tom & Jerry, set to debut on HBO Max and in theaters on February 26. He’s repped by CAA, Management 360 and attorney Rick Genow.

Demente Animation Studio and Masked Republic Partner Up

Demente Animation Studio and the multiplatform company Masked Republic have signed a production pact to develop new television and media projects featuring industry leading luchadores. 

The purpose of Demente animation “… is to create and co-create our own intellectual properties that translate across media platforms,” said Carlos Gaxiola, studio CEO. “That is why we have decided to team with Masked Republic to create and develop an animated series and content that shows a great new take on lucha libre which is a big part of Mexico’s identity and takes us back to a glorious past of the golden age of Mexican cinema.”

Masked Republic is dedicated to bring to light the richness of the scope of the Mexican luchadores  and to forge a deeper understanding of the sport’s cultural significance. Together with Demente, they developed the series.

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The animated musical film Charming, a Canadian-American production starring the voice of Demi Lovato and Wilmer Valderrama, has finally made it to the United States. It has landed at Netflix after playing exclusively overseas in movie theatres for the past two years.  

Lovato voices the rebellious Lenore with whom Prince Charming falls in love, but who seemingly is not interested in any kind of romance. Valderrama (That ‘70s Show, NCSI) is the voice of Prince Philippe Charming who is cursed as a child to appear irresistible to any woman who crosses his path.

Charming, is an animated romcom that revolves around three fairy tale princesses who find themselves engaged to the same guy, Prince Charming.

Last week Valderrama announce the good news on his Instagram:

Valderrama’s production company WV Entertainment produced the film alongside Venodur and Lovato, who served as the film’s executive producer of the film’s score.

Filmed in Canada in 2015, the animated musical’s release was postponed until 2018, when it was released in Spain and later in other parts of Europe and Africa. The film also played theatres in Mexico and other parts of Latin America.

In the U.S., Charming came directly to Netflix, which acquired the distribution rights to the film and began streaming on January 8.

— Latin Heat News Service

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Naya Rivera, best known for her breakthrough performance as Santana Lopez on Fox’s television series Glee, died of what was ruled an accidental drowning, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. On July 8, Rivera went missing after renting a pontoon boat and going for a swim with her 4-year-old son at Lake Piru, California. She son was found later sleeping in the boat with his life vest on.

The loss of Rivera is felt by millions. Many have shared touching memories, expressed their condolences and shared photos with Rivera on social media, including loving tributes to the beloved actress from friends, family, fellow actors and producers who worked with her.

“RIP Naya Rivera,” singer, songwriter and actress Demi Lovato tweeted. “I’ll forever cherish the opportunity to play your girlfriend on Glee. The character you played was groundbreaking for tons of closeted (at the time) queer girls like me, and your ambition and accomplishments were inspiring to Latina women all over the world.” 

“She played by her own rules and was in a class of her own. She had a brashness about her that I couldn’t help but be enchanted by.” Glee co-star Darren Criss tweeted. “I also always loved her voice, and savored every chance I got to hear her sing. I think she had more talent than we would have ever been able to see.” 

Rivera began her acting career at just four years old on the set of CBS’s sitcom The Royal Family in 1991. She landed small roles over the years, but Rivera’s portrayal of Santana Lopez on Glee truly showcased her talent. 

Although Rivera’s character in Glee initially began as just another stereotypical popular cheerleader, she grew into a complex and fierce character that quickly made her a fan favorite. Her depiction of the lesbian Latina on Glee resonated with millions as Rivera brought Santana’s story of coming to terms with her sexual identity to life.

Naya’s family released a statement through several of the Hollywood trades that read in part:

“We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers for Naya, Josey and our family…While we grieve the loss of our beautiful legend, we are blessed to honor her everlasting legacy and magnetic spirit. Naya was an amazing talent, but was an even greater person, mother, daughter and sister.

“Her beauty and talent were out worldly,” Glee co-star Chris Colfer, who played Kurt Hummel, wrote in an Instagram post. “She spoke truth to power with poise and fearlessness.”  

“Naya Rivera was a fierce talent with so much more to do and this is such a terrible tragedy,” 20th Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment said in a statement. “We are forever grateful for the indelible contribution she made to Glee from the first episode to the last. Our hearts are broken and our thoughts go out to Naya’s family, friends and young son.” 

The impact of her role is still felt by fans today. Rivera used her platform to advocate for more diversity on television. 

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 Written by Justina Bonilla

This year’s Super Bowl was notable for many firsts. For the first time in Super Bowl history, all halftime headliners and national anthem singer, where Latinas.

Kicking off this groundbreaking Super Bowl was Demi Lovato profoundly and beautifully singing the national anthem. Taking it to the next level, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez (J.Lo)’s electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance highlighted the best of Latino culture and talent, with the musical support of Bad Bunny and J Balvin. The performance also included the music debut of J.Lo and singer Marc Anthony’s daughter Emme Muñiz.

Since 1967, only three Latinas have sung the National Anthem for the Super Bowl. Mariah Carey was the first Latina National Anthem performer in 1992. Followed by Christina Aguilera and Demi Lovato. However, the first Latina singer to perform as a featured talent for a Super Bowl was Vikki Carr, during the opening ceremonies in 1977. Due to the national anthem not being sung that year, Carr instead sang America the Beautiful. She paved the way for future featured Latina and Latino Super Bowl performers.

Throughout Super Bowl halftime show history, only 14 Latino performers have been headliners or noted featured talent, within 8 halftime performances.

The first solo Latino musical headliner for the Super Bowl halftime show was Latina music legend Gloria Estefan in 1992. It would take another 24 years, before another Latino, Bruno Mars, would be the first solo male Latino musical headliner for the Super Bowl halftime show in 2016. Other Latinos halftime performers include Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, and Fergie with The Black Eyed Peas.

While both Shakira and J.Lo each brought their own flavor and sparkle to their performances, each made strong statements. Shakira’s performance emphasized Latino multiculturalism, while J.Lo’s performance was political.

Shakira: Diversity Within the Latino Community

When many people think of Latino culture in America, they tend to think of Mexican culture, due to Mexicans being the largest of the U.S. population at 66% with the 2nd largest group, Puerto Rican coming in at a distant 9.5%  of the population.  However, Latino culture is extremely diverse stretching over a multitude of countries and territories, especially in the Americas and the Caribbean. Its heavily and continually impacted by immigration, multi-racial, multi-ethnic and multi-religious influences.

Shakira who is from Colombia, identifies as a half-Colombian and half-Lebanese Latina. During her performance she belly danced and used the Zaghrouta (a high-pitch tongue call to express strong emotions, partially joy). She also used African based rhythms and dancing in her performances.

Arabs and Africans have lived in Latin America for centuries, as a result of the Spanish and Portuguese colonization of the 15^th century. Their influences are deep-rooted in Latino culture, including music. Arab rhythms can be heard in flamenco, while African rhythms can be heard in Rumba and Conga. Shakira’s entire performance challenges how singular Latino culture is perceived in America, proving its vast diversity.         

Jennifer Lopez: Latino Orientated Political Issues

J-Lo opened her performance with a bang, with her signature dancing style and singing her biggest hits. Her performance was peppered with strong political statements about current immigration policy, Latino American Identity and Puerto Rico.

As her daughter Emme made her singing debut on television, she and other children were first seen round glowing cages, along with red lights behind the stage mincing the look of a chain-link fence. These images artistically symbolize the inhumane immigration policy of child imprisonment and separation from parents. Tragically, these separations have led to severe psychological trauma in the children taken from their families. Adding insult to injury, many of these children will end up in foster care and never be reunited with their families, due to the incompetence of ICE’s organizational and documentation abilities.

All of the children on stage, were wearing white (a color associated with innocence), with bedazed American flags on their tops. J.Lo joined Emma on stage singing the chorus of Bruce Springsteen’s hit, Born in the U.S.A., emphasizing the fact that U.S. Latinos are Americans, for the most part. While many of us have strong ties to immigration (i.e. immigrant parents or grandparents), according to PEW research, since 2000, the majority of Latino population growth in America is by birth rate. The majority of Latino immigrants in America are documented, with the percentage of undocumented Latinos decreasing.

Unfortunately, Latinos are still heavily stereotyped as embodying the negative aspects of immigration, including crimes committed by undocumented “criminal aliens”, exploiting social welfare, and unwillingness to assimilate. These twisted ideas have been exacerbated and used as a political weapon in this heated political climate. This has led to increased harassment against Latinos, such as Latinos with legal status being arrested and illegally held in ICE facilities, including Puerto Ricans.

To emphasis that Puerto Rico is an American territory and that all Puerto Ricans are American citizens, J.Lo wore a reversible cape, with the Puerto Rican flag on the inside and the American flag on the outside. The message here is that Puerto Rico is an American territory, thus a part of America. This also brought awareness that Puerto Rico still needs aid from the devastation of recent natural disasters and political unrest.

Overall:

As a Latina I’m proud that these women used their platform to elevate the Latino image through their incredible talent and hard work. My hope is this halftime performance will be the beginning of more inclusive entertainment, highlighting the beauty and strength of Latinos and our culture.  

Latino Headliners and featured talent for The Super Bowl halftime show:

1992: Gloria Estefan (headliner)

1995: Arturo Sandoval (guest appearance)

           Miami sound Machine (guest appearance)

1999: Gloria Estefan (co-headliner)

2000: Edward James Olmos (narrator)

           Christina Aguilera (co-headliner act)

           Enrique Iglesias (co-headliner act)

2011: The Black Eyed Peas (Fergie co-headliner)

2014: Bruno Mars (headliner)

2016: Bruno Mars (guest appearance)

           Gustavo Dudamel (guest appearance)

2020: Jennifer Lopez

Shakira

Bad Bunny

J Balvin

Emme Muñiz

Latino talent who performed the National Anthem for the Super Bowl:

2002: Mariah Carey

2011: Christina Aguilera

2020: Demi Lovato 

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“He was mesmerized… He didn’t watch any of the Superbowl except halftime,” Longoria said when posting a photo of her son Santi, watching the halftime show from her lap.

“I don’t think I have ever felt prouder as a woman, as a Latina, as an American. It was the most beautiful, poignant halftime show, I’ve ever seen. The ladies shut it down,” she emphasized. “Everybody from Demi Lovato to Shakira, to J.Lo to J Balvin to Bad Bunny, just the representation that was on that field was enough to burst my heart.”

Longoria went on to declare, “It’s the best halftime show in the history of Super Bowl.”

Longoria was happy to be a part of the Emily’s List event, saying, “This is such a fun event ’cause you get to see all these amazing, powerful women, who are making a difference in our country.

She pointed out, “Emily’s list, what they do is really important, making sure women have a seat at the table in politics and government, so that’s worth supporting.”

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