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By Simone Hilliard

It looks like Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi are out and Jennifer Lopez is in as the new judge for the tenth season of "American Idol," reports Entertainment Weekly.

La Lopez officially signed on after DeGeneres confirmed her exit after a one year stint, and DioGuardi was fired from the popular Fox series.

According to TMZ, "AI" is returning to a three-judge format and once all deals are finalized, the judge's panel will consist of Randy Jackson, Lopez, and Steven Tyler.

The last time JLo appeared on "AI"" was during the show's sixth season as an Idol mentor on Latin night. Lopez received generally positive reviews on her warmth and ability to extract a not entirely terrible performance of “Bésame Mucho” from contestant Sanjaya Malakar.

Fox and Lopez's reps declined to comment on the reported deal, but all signs confirm Jenny's inked the TV deal of the year.

What do you think of Lopez' new gig? Weigh in below or @MTV3!

Tags American Idol, Chisme, Ellen DeGeneres, Gossip, host, Jennifer Lopez, latin

By Simone Hilliard

Team Blogamole breathed a collective sigh of relief today; Gustavo Cerati is breathing on his own, according to a statement released by the musician's niece, Guadalupe Mujica.

After suffering from a transient cerebral ischemic attack (mini-stroke) and undergoing emergency brain surgery earlier this year, the former Soda Stereo frontman remains "clinically stable" with "no significant changes in his health," she concluded.

Guadalupe also revealed that "the hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid in the brain) is controlled.”
Cerati was hospitalized in May after suffering from the  mini-stroke and fainting during a concert in Venezuela.

Gustavo remains hospitalized at the FLENI center in Belgrano, Buenos Aires, to continue his recovery and medical treatment.

Tr3s will continue to keep Cerati and his family in our thoughts and prayers. 

Leave your well-wishes in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Chisme, Gossip, Gustavo Cerati, Health, latin, Soda Stereo, Update

By Michael Lopez

So close and yet so far. “Juegos Prohibidos” really gave us quite the tease with Episode 4. As Nacho and Jimena’s internet relationship deepens, we begin to discover how little they really know about each other. Is Jimena’s “Guardian” (as Nacho calls himself online) young, old, heavy, skinny, rich, poor?

Would she even be able to recognize him if she passed him in a hall? Apparently not, as we found out at the good old Universidad de Santa Fe. It almost seems like the people behind this novela are just messing with our emotions (which wouldn’t surprise us) with all these chance encounters.

This time we actually SEE Jimena and Nacho brush by each other several times without ever knowing the truth. Worse yet, they log on in the same computer room at the University and miss a physical connection by literally minutes!

Read more...

Tags Colombia, episode, Juegos Prohibidos, recaps, telenovelas, Television, Tr3s, video games

By Elis T. Ortiz

Celebrating Latinos in film, the New York International Latino Film Festival kicked off this week with "The Dry Land." Co-executive producer America Ferrera joined writer / director / fiancé Ryan Piers Williams on the project, and also stars in the lead female role alongside Ryan O’Nan.

It’s the story of a war veteran (O’Nan) who returns home suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Ferrera plays the role of his wife who tries to help him cope with his disorder, while Wilmer Valderrama plays the part of best friend and fellow veteran who joins him on a journey para encontrar la verdad de lo que les ha ocurrido.

Check out this clip para ver que más dicen los actores y el director de la película "The Dry Land":

We caught up with the cast during a recent press junket to talk about "The Dry Land" and why the film is so dear to each of them. Wilmer shared his experience with visiting troops throughout different parts of the world bringing his Yo Momma comedy tour, and expressed relief in finally being able to take on a film project que cuente el aspecto humano de la situación de algunos veteranos de guerra, sin agenda política.

America gushed about the passion and dedication of her fiancé, Williams, saying that “he’s just always been such a passionate filmmaker. He’s the hardest working person in the room, hardest working on the set.”

We can tell this is one project that everyone involved is very proud to be a part of. Aca les tenemos el trailer para "The Dry Land," take a look:

Though the presence of Latino actors is felt throughout, this is not a Latino story, it’s an American story, and it’s based on the realities that many families face today. Living in a time of war, this story is sure to tug on the heartstrings of all Americans. Les recomendamos que vayan a ver esta película, not only to support Latinos in film, but to gain another perspective on what our troops may be facing when they come home to us.

"The Dry Land" opened in select cities throughout the U.S. today (July 30), and you can check their website for when it’ll be coming to a theater near you.

For more "The Dry Land" cast interviews, check out our video playlist!

Tags America Ferrera, MTV NEws, new york international latino film festival, PTSD, soldier, Tr3s, Video, Videos, War, Wilmer Valderrama

By Michael Lopez

Ahoy, Mateys! You’ve heard the rumors, but now we’ve got the photographic proof! Penelope Cruz WILL be playing a sexy swashbuckler in the latest sequel to the Disney ride. "Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" is now well along in its Hawaii shoot and Radar Online caught the first snaps of the new Mrs. Bardim in full costume!

Isn’t it about time Johnny Depp’s character got an A-List love interest? Keira Knightly was fine in the first three movies, but we always knew Elizabeth Swann was from the upper class. Never before did we get a full-blown lady pirate to challenge Captain Jack Sparrow and the Black Pearl.

In the description we’ve heard so far, Penelope is set to play a girlfriend from Jack’s past. Notice how they’re keeping it intentionally vague? Is she a good guy, a bad guy, or somewhere in between? We already know that Ian McShane's been cast as Blackbeard, so that rules out primary villain, but we’re betting she may give sneaky Sparrow a run for his money.

Either way, she’s flashing some seriously authentic historical wardrobe in these pix. We understand this is set hundreds of years ago, but would it kill you to create a 1700’s bikini? We all know Penelope’s looking fabulous right now (as a gushing new bride) and hopefully they won’t cover her up for the ENTIRE film, right?

Source: [Latino Review]

What do you think of Penelope’s “Pirates” costume? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags johnny depp, Movies & CineMás, Penelope Cruz, photo, Photos, Pirates of the Caribbean

By Michael Lopez

Latinos and extreme sports go together like grinding and rails! X Games 16 officially kicked off on Thursday (July 29) in Los Angeles, and one look at the roster reveals a heavy Hispanic presence. And not just with the guys, even lady boarders are hitting the circuit for what’s shaping up to be a very exciting event!

Broken apart into the categories of Skateboarding, BMX, Moto X, and Rally, there’s set to be over a hundred competitors from all over the world. In total, we’ve got 16 different events and Day 1’s set to kick it off with a bang! Highlights include BMX Freestyling, the Skateboard Street elimination, the first round of Moto X Super X, and more.

The list of talent is truly overwhelming, but here are a few of our personal faves:

Paul Rodriguez Jr.
No stranger to Blogamole, we’re huge fans of Paul. He’s got creativity, passion, and his Dad is hilarious! But most importantly, he’s an awesome skateboarder and won last year’s Men’s Skateboard Street competition. There’s been no “official” confirmation of his participation this year, but if he’s there we’re rooting for him!

Diogo Canina
Ok, we know we technically shouldn’t root for another country, but Brazil’s Diogo Canina is off the chain! He’s one of the best BMX ridersin the world and always puts on a dazzling show. Never one to “play it safe,” expect some major showmanship when he hits the track!

Danny Torres
Spain is on fire right now with that World Cup win. And just to prove they’ve got athletes for every sport, Danny Torres has arrived to nab motocross bragging rights. Believe us when we say that Danny’s no joke! He’s taken victory cups in Mexico, Poland, and Madrid and is a master of the backflip!

Vanessa Torres
You’ve gotta love the amount of Latinas competing this year! Leticia Bufoni, Nora Vasconcellos, the list goes on and on. Of course we’re rooting for them all, but one in particular that we love is Vanessa Torres. She’s a true skateboarding vet (having competed since 2003) and most recently won the Boston Dew Tour!

Who are your favorite competitors at this year’s X Games? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Extreme Sports, Paul Rodriguez Jr., random cool, Vanessa Torres, X-Games, X-Games 2010

By Simone Hilliard

Latinos make up 30% of Arizona's population and yet yesterday (July 29) the majority minority group was officially ostracized, thanks to Governor Jan Brewer's SB 1070 (though the most controversial sections of the law were blocked on July 28 by Federal Judge Susan Bolton).

With many Latinos up in arms over the decree, we're forced to wonder what would happen to the Republican state if Latinos staged a mass exodus?

A demonstrator shouts into a bullhorn in protest of Arizona's SB1070 immigration-enforcement law in front of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's office Thursday, July 29, 2010 in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Senior researcher Dr. Walter Ewing and research associate Seth Hoy answered that very question after a year long project. Working together, they analyzed and compiled data on every state in the US to track the political and economic impact immigrants have on this country. Arizona's findings may surprise you.

The facts for Arizona show that if all unauthorized immigrants were removed from the state, Arizona would lose $26.4 billion in economic activity, $11.7 billion in gross state product, and approximately 140,324 jobs, according to a Perryman Group report.

Mary Giovagnoli, Director of the Immigration Policy Center, released this statement:

"Whether immigrants comprise a significant component of a state’s population, as [they do] in California, Arizona, New York or Illinois, or a very small percentage of the population as a whole in states such as North and South Dakota, West Virginia or Rhode Island, they, nonetheless, have a surprising positive impact that cannot be ignored.  Armed with this information, the public can make better, more thoughtful decisions about the type of immigration policy they want to see at both the federal and state level."

Narco trafficking aside, why would Brewer alienate 30% of Arizona's population whose economic and politcal contributions could prove detrimental to the state once removed?

Source: [Latina]

Food for thought...Let us know what you think in the comments or @MTV3.

By Michael Lopez

All it took were a few short snippets, but “Dynamite” singer Taio Cruz definitely got his point across with his latest batch of Tweets. What exactly was he venting about? The term “urban” to describe his music. It was all part of Twitter’s #CallItWhatItIs hashtag and definitely makes some positive sense.

As Taio put it, “What does ‘Urban’ really mean? I’m thinking ‘urban’ is politically correct speak for ‘Black’ – Highly annoying! I’d prefer it if people just had the guts to say black!” He went on to Tweet, “If only people would class u by your creations & not on skin color. This goes for everyone! I’m sure some people are already offended but they can kiss my buttcheeks!”

Nice way to hammer it home, Taio. And to be honest, we’ll have to agree with you on this one. We too often hear that term to describe things like an “urban” market or an “urban” vibe. What does that really mean? Is it a PC way of classifying race, socioeconomic status, or what?

By calling a type of people “urban” it seems like you’re basically saying they’re from the streets, right? Dictionary.com defines the word to mean: "Pertaining to, or designating a city or town." So “urban” music is “city or town” music? We’re not buying that.

Record companies, if you feel the need to classify music by a certain race (which we think is totally wrong) at least have the guts to be up front about it.

Source: [Taletela]

Are you tired of the term “urban”? What did you think? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Chisme, Dynamite, Gossip, latin, Música, Taio Cruz, Twitt3r, twitter, Urban

By Simone Hilliard

True to their name, we haven't seen or heard from Los Amigos Invisibles since this time last year when the alternative Venezuelan band released their eighth studio album Commercial and performed at 2009's Latin Alternative Music Conference.

However, this funky, acid jazz-influenced fusion banda is back with, you guessed it, another New York showcase when they co-headline New York's Central Park Summer Stage this Saturday (July 31). That's not the only thing they have going on this weekend; the band will also shoot their music video for “Vivire Para Ti,” along with co-star Mexican rocker Natalia Lafourcade.

So, where have they been? The self described "Jamiroquai meets Santana" banda have been hitting the European festival circuit performing at the likes of Brussels' Couleur Cafe and Spain's Pirineo South Festival. The band also touched down at Tennessee's Bonnaroo festivities in June.

More importantly, what's next for the dance making music mavens? Before their NY show, el grupo will hit Philly this Thursday (July 29) and will venture to Chicago to play Lollapalooza alongside Lady Gaga, Arcade Fire, MGMT, and the Strokes next month.

Los Amigos are also currently working on re-releasing their Grammy award winning album Commercial with seven brand new tracks.

Looks like we'll be seeing much more of our disco friendly Amigos in the near future!

Are you attending any Los Amigos U.S. dates? Let us know below or @MTV3.

Tags artists, Band, latin, Los Amigos Invisibles, Música, MTV NEws, Tr3s

By Michael Lopez

Suicide attempts, deceitful husbands, and tears on the computer screen; "Juegos Prohibidos" definitely amps up the drama in Episode 3! If you thought things were moving fast in Episode 2, hold on to your seats!

First off, Nacho and Jimena’s online love affair is growing by leaps and bounds! Could there be a virtual makeout session in this episode? We’re not telling. But now that microphones have been brought into the conversation, things will be getting a lot more intimate...

If Episode 1 didn't make it clear enough, “Juegos Prohibidos” is all about modern love. Instead of roses or chocolates, Nacho’s romancing his sexy chat buddy with smiley emoticons and online treasure boxes. Whatever works, right? Even we were a little touched by his virtual swooning.

Unfortunately all is not perfect in internet paradise. Luisa’s evolving into a real threat. Jealous, resentful, and highly dramatic, we’re starting to get a little nervous about her finding out too much about Jimena. Could she pull the plug on the whole operation?

Read more...

Tags Colombia, episode, Juegos Prohibidos, recaps, telenovelas, Television, Tr3s, video games