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By Michael Lopez

What a long way we've come. 50 years ago, when the classic film West Side Story was released, characters like Bernando Nuñez were played by Anglo actors. But now with musicals like In The Heights, Latinos aren't just acting in shows, they're creating them! Nevertheless, it's important to note the historical significance of WSS, especially since it's now made a beautiful return on Blu-Ray!

The 1961 film was based on a Broadway play of the same name and featured quite a few Latino characters. There was Bernando, the colorful leader of the Sharks gang, his girl Anita (played wonderfully in the movie by Rita Moreno), and scene stealers like Chino, Pepe, and Indio.

The plot was kind of a modern twist of Romeo and Juliet, complete with dramatic deaths and a yearning love story. West Side Story also had some fantastic dance numbers, which rightfully earned it a Best Choreography Academy Award.

And, for the record, WSS nabbed 1961's Best Picture nod too, so now seems like a perfect time to re-release it in crisp High Def. The new Blu-Ray features a ton of new goodies, including song commentaries by Stephen Sondheim, original storyboards, and intricate analyses of each dance scene.

But what we're most excited about are the new documentaries featuring members of the original cast. And leading the pack of memorable faces is (you guessed it) screen legend Rita Moreno! She appears in the fantastic retrospective West Side Memories, along with her costars Russ Tamblyn and George Chakiris.

Rita won an Oscar for her role in the film (becoming the second Puerto Rican to do so) and watching it again in glorious Blu-Ray, it's easy to see why. Her performance as Anita was both tough and tender and boy did she sing her heart out on "America!"

There are a lot of things to love about the new West Side Story DVD. For die-hard fans, there are tons of goodies to immerse yourself in. And for newbies, it's a great education on Broadway musicals from years' past. Let's just hope when they greenlight the remake, they throw a few more Latino actors into the mix.

Are you a fan of West Side Story? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Blu-Ray, DVDs, Hot Stuff, Movies & CineMás, Musicals, Rita Moreno, Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story

By Michael Lopez

We've got to admit, the fans made a very good call when they crowned JL MadSkillz as our newest "El Headliner." The Puerto Rican reggaeton master can rap, sing, write, and produce, proving he's definitely a musical force to be reckoned with. MadSkillz spoke to us exclusively this week about how he felt to be the latest OurStage champ.

"It was awesome hearing I was the new 'El Headliner," he said. "I feel so grateful that the fans picked me."

Also known as Julio Luis Sanchez Melendez, JL has been performing on the mic since he was 17. He told us his passions range from urban music, to hip-hop, to romantic R&B ballads. In fact, he said that's part of the reason his management christened him MadSkillz, for his ability to seamlessly switch musical genres.

"It's funny, my manager thought of calling me MadSkillz," he told us. "At first I wasn't sure if I liked it. I thought maybe a Spanish name would be better. But then I went with it and now I feel like it suits me really well."

JL also told us a bit about his musical influences and the artists that inspired him to launch a recording career.

"Tempo is someone I've always looked up to because he's real," he said. "I was a big fan of his, but I love all kinds of music. There are so many artists who have inspired me."

MadSkillz also told us that he to got to open for a few of his musical heroes during some of their live tours. Charlie Cruz, Julio Voltio, and Jowell y Randy have all solicited his talents on the road. And it's easy to see why. So far, JL's had six singles in heavy rotation on XM Radio reggaeton stations.

But right now he's most excited about his first full-length album, which he's currently in the midst of recording.

"My first album it's taking a little bit of time, but that's because we're doing it the right way. I think people are really going to love it. It's urban, it's got a little bit of a party vibe mixed with strong ballads and love songs."

MadSkillz said we can expect to see his EP within the next year. But between now and then, he'll be hitting the live tour circuit and debuting new music via his website and Facebook page. And JL's very hopeful that 2012 will be the year he takes his songs to the next level.

"I want to be worldwide in 2012," he said. "And I'm very hopeful that 'El Headliner' and the fans from MTV Tr3s will get me there!"

Who's been your favorite "El Headliner" so far? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Dyland y Lenny, El Headliner Contest, Exclusive Entrevistas, JL MadSkillz, Música, Ourstage, Tempo, Tr3s Exclusives

By Michael Lopez

So Cal residents are getting treated to a ton of four-wheeled goodies this month with the opening of the 2011 L.A. Auto Show. Now in its 94th year, the massive two-week event showcases hundreds of cars, from futuristic concept models to classic high-speed roadsters. This year, over 40 new rides will make their debut.

The luxury vehicles making the most noise belong to BMW and Porsche. BMW, in particular, has a very hot item its unveiling for the first time to Auto Show visitors.

Looking like something from a futuristic James Bond film, the BMW i8 has pop-up doors, sleek purple headlights, and the ability to hit 155 miles per hour almost instantaneously. It also happens to be quite eco-friendly, getting 78 miles per gallon. Though it won't hit the market until 2013, you can see it in action in next month's new Mission: Impossible movie.

Porsche attracted some big headlines at the event too, with their highly-anticipated Panamera GTS. Shown in a glowing cherry red color, the four-door monster features 430 horsepower from a V-8 engine. It'll have the ability to do 0-60 mph in less than four seconds and be priced at roughly $110,000 (ouch!) when it hits the market next spring.

In the "Green" department, Honda's new Civic Natural Gas model was all the rage. It earned the event's Green Car of the Year award and rightly so. The Environmental Protection Agency certified it as the cleanest-running internal combustion vehicle available, with a 48 miles-per-gallon highway fuel economy rating. But beyond that, it's now got a roomier design and a price tag that's less than $27,000.

But don't think the L.A. Auto Show is all about serious gearheads. There are plenty of entertaining rides for the younger set too. Nintendo, for instance, debuted life-sized versions of their Mario Karts which are being used to promote their newest 3DS title. And Hot Wheels fans get to pose with a real version of their classic green Camaro (set up on a life-sized loop-de-loop track).

It's also interesting to note that Nissan unveiled a line of suped-up food trucks to capitalize on the mobile eatery craze. Officially titled NV Vans, the models include chrome bumpers, cooking facilities, and enhanced audio systems to alert hungry customers. Popular L.A. lunch companies CoolHaus and The Grilled Cheese Truck were put on display (and fed goodies to fans passing by).

If you happen to live in the Los Angeles area, you can enjoy the Auto Show up until November 27. Make sure to visit their official site for more details on all of the hot models!

Which 2012 cars are you most excited about? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, BMW, BMW i8, Cars, Food Trucks, Honda, Hot Stuff, Hot Wheels, L.A. Auto Show, Mario Kart, Nintendo, NV Vans, Porsche, Porsche Panamera GTS

By Michael Lopez

In case you haven't noticed, 2011 is almost on its way out. And, like every year, it's in the final weeks of November and December that the big Oscar-worthy movies start hitting theaters. Several of them (like Clint Eastwood's excellent J. Edgar) are already playing now. So we thought, why not share a few of our own suggestions for the gold statuette.

A Better Life: Yes, we know this movie is considered a major Academy Award long shot, but we loved it anyway. Lead Demián Bichir delivered a performance that would bring most grown men to tears. But beyond that, the story was striking, engaging, and one that really needed to be told. It's rare to see a movie about immigration get this much mainstream attention and frankly, we think it deserves more.

Moneyball: A great sports movie even for people who aren't into sports. We are always suckers for true stories and this was one almost anyone can relate to. A classic underdog tale set inside the world of Major League Baseball, it had the screenwriter from The Social Network, the director of Capote, and a powerhouse performance from Brad Pitt.

J. Edgar: Clint Eastwood has already won a ton of Oscars at this point, so we can kind of see him getting overlooked in the 2011 Best Director category. But Leonardo DiCaprio? Not a chance. His complicated performance as FBI honcho J. Edgar Hoover will most certainly earn him a Best Actor nom (and deservedly so). But it's also important to note that his co-star, Armie Hammer, delivers an exceptional performance as well and should have the odds in his favor when the Best Supporting Actor award is handed out.

The Ides Of March: Yes, we know we gave this movie a so/so review, but that was strictly for the plot. Many parts of Ides felt far-fetched and contrived, but the performances were amazing. And Ryan Gosling, in particular, stood out tremendously with his role as a shaky campaign manager. In the blink of an eye, he was able to jump from sympathetic, to angry, to calculated and cold-hearted, making him a shoo in for a Best Supporting Actor nod.

The Way: Definitely another long shot, but a well crafted film and certainly a centerpiece for Emilio Estevez' directorial talents. It's also interesting to note that in his 50 years as a professional actor, Martin Sheen has yet to win an Academy Award. And if there was ever an excuse to hand him a Best Actor statuette, it would be for his impassioned performance in The Way.

Which 2011 movies do you think deserve Oscars? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags A better life, Academy Awards, Armie Hammer, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Brad Pitt, Clint Eastwood, Demian Bichir, Emilio Estevez, Ides of March, J. Edgar, Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Sheen, Moneyball, Movies & CineMás, Oscars, Ryan Gosling, The Way

By Michael Lopez

This month, the word "Ommm" was blasted for miles from Zocalo square in Mexico City. That's because the nation's capital city hosted what may be the world's largest yoga class.

Organized by the non-profit firm Naam Yoga, the downward doggie celebration included more than 12,000 participants. Eager enthusiasts laid their cloth mats in the middle of the square, then stretched, chanted, and cleared their minds for 60 minutes.

"This truly was an explosion of joy and happiness," said Naam Mexico founder Rebeca Torres. "Many of us were touched and transformed."

Interestingly, this isn't the first time that Mexico has embraced the power of "Ommm." The country recently added yoga regimens into its prison systems as a way to calm inmates. Perhaps if Mexico really wants the trend to catch on, they'll incorporate classes taught by celebrity guests.

Are you a fan of yoga? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Mexico, Naam Yoga, Rebeca Torres, Yoga

By Michael Lopez

Long before there were iPads and Kindles, readers used to shove their faces into bound stacks of paper called books. And as much as we love touch screen technology, there's something about a good old fashioned libro that still lightens the inner soul. Apparently thousands of South Floridians seem to agree, as the 28th annual Miami Book Fair International kicks off for another glorious year.

Designed as a massive street fair in the heart of Miami, the event will span from November 13th through the 20th and feature over 350 well-known authors. It will also be a great opportunity to buy your favorite books at dirt cheap prices.

Founded in 1984, MBFI initially began as a small two-day affair. As each year passed, buzz about the event grew and now it holds the record as the largest literary festival in the country. And obviously being centered in Miami, the Fair puts an extra special emphasis on writers from the Latin community.

One of MBFI’s biggest attractions is its Ibero-American Authors Program, which features lectures and readings that are entirely in Spanish. This year, top Latin writers like Pablo Medina, Gioconda Belli, and Javier Sierra will participate in the Ibero event.

And that's not all. Another huge MBFI draw is "Children’s Alley," which is a special section of street dedicated solely to games and kids' books. There is also the newly launched "Comix Galaxy," which celebrates the artwork and stories behind the industry's hottest graphic novels.

Plus, for all of you star watchers, there will be plenty of celebs on hand too. Legendary musician Harry Belafonte has been confirmed to make an appearance, as has Jenna Elfman and Michael Moore.

And the Book Fair is embracing the digital age too. Outside of welcoming everyone with an eReader, MBFI has its own Twitter and Facebook pages. You can find out all of the details on how to book a trip (and which authors to look out for) by visiting the event's official site.

What all your all-time favorite books? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Books, Cultura, Giocondo Belli, Javier Sierra, MBFI, Miami, Miami Book Fair International, Pablo Medina

By Larry Yepez Jr.

If you haven’t heard of JBalvin yet, remember the name, because you will be hearing quite a bit from this Colombian music phenomenon. The talented Colombian is on a mission to conquer the world! JBalvin just signed an international recording contract with EMI/Capitol Latin, which is putting Balvin on its roster of artists. The record company also named him Ambassador of the Latin Urban Movement , putting him in the perfect path to achieve his global dream.

Balvin came onto the music scene in Colombia with fresh beats and seductive lyrics that instantly captivated audiences. His music videos have surpassed 35 million views on YouTube and he's on the verge of reaching two million followers in Twitter and Facebook.

Balvin gained notice Latin America when he was given the highest industry awards in Colombia. He got 3 SAYCO Awards (Sociedad de Autores y Compositores de Colombia) for the song Sin Compromiso in the categories of National Songwriter, Urban Song and Most Voted. He also got several Shock Awards and this year is nominated in the most prestigious categories: Artist or Group of the Year, Best Song on Radio and Best Urban Artist or Group. A Shock Award represents the highest level of recognition an artist can receive in Colombia.

A couple of weeks ago Balvin got a Gold Record for the sales on his album REAL. Balvin is the first Colombian Urban Artist to ever get this honor! So at the top of his game, Tr3s had a one on one with Balvin and here is what he had to say:

Tr3s:  You just signed a contract with Capitol/EMI, that's a pretty big deal! How are you taking this in?

JBalvin: I’m very happy with this honor. There's a lot of responsibility with this title of Ambassador of the Latin Urban Movement. But I'm excited about what's to come. The idea we had was to globalize the JBalvin image and after several meetings at different record labels, I can say like my song, "EMI me cautivó". I saw that we had the same vision  as to the direction I want to take my career.

I see a lot of work ahead of us with this alliance. I have been 9 years as an independent artist with a lot of discipline and now I am part of the EMI roster,  I am very happy to be part of this family.

Tr3s: What do you plan to achieve through this deal both in the U.S. and in the rest of the world?

JBalvin: I want to be part of the new school of great artists of the Urban Genre!

Tr3s: Starting your career you were compared to Daddy Yankee and recently you mentioned that you wanted to be the Jay Z of Latin Urban Music. What’s this all about?

JBalvin: Every artist has his Muse, and I have always been a fan of Daddy Yankee and also have always admired Jay Z. These artists show strong character and a lot of discipline and I like that, I like for people to see that in myself as well, I think these characteristics make strong artists.

Tr3s: Which other artists would you like to do collaborations with?

JBalvin: Whew.. We'd probably be here all afternoon if I told you all of them, but just to name a few, I'd love to work with Drake, Jay Z, Alicia Keys, Daddy Yankee and Bruno Mars.

Balvin's new production will show his versatility as he dares to mix up rhythms like reggae, salsa, rap, bachata and electronica without losing his essence nor abandoning the genre that put him on the map. He did give the scoop that he will be doing a duet with Don Omar and a collaboration with Zion y Lennox.

Check out JBalvin as our featured artists on this month's Descubre & Download!

Tags Alicia Keys, Blogger: Larry Yepez Jr, Bruno Mars, Capitol Latin/EMI Music, Daddy Yankee, Descubre & Download, Don Omar, drake, JayZ, jBalvin, SAYCO Awards, zion y lennox

By Sugey Palomares

Wedding season may be over, but Demi Lovato is still catching bouquets and making out with Wilmer Valderrama!

Although the "Skyscraper" singer has been trying to keep the heated romance low key, the new-again couple attended actress Tiffany Thornton's wedding this past week. Lovato served as a bridesmaid and wore a purple mini-dress designed by Max Azira. Photographers captured Demi and Wilmer kissing and hugging after she caught the bouquet during the reception.

She later tweeted:

"PS...Guess who caught the bouquet...ME!

We are happy to see Demi so happy after having a rough year. We give this couple our approval. Do you?

Tags Celebrities, Chisme, Demi Lovato, Música, Wilmer Valderrama

By Michael Lopez

Just when we thought Sofia Vergara had a shot at being a political wife, it seems her boyfriend Nick Loeb is turning his back on the Senate. The Republican businessman led many to believe he would be announcing his candidacy this week. But yesterday, we found out it was not meant to be.

Speaking from a posh Miami hotel, Loeb went on to say,

"With every fiber in me I want to run this race. Unfortunately, I am announcing today that I will not be a candidate for U.S. Senate. I am still in pain and not physically up to the rigors of the campaign let alone serve as a U.S. Senator."

Vergara showed her support by standing alongside Nick while he made the statement. Loeb went on to emphasize that he may still run for political office in the future, but not until he's fully recovered from his 2010 car accident.

Who knows? Maybe in a few years when he's feeling better, he can partner up with Florida's other famous Republican for a Presidential Latino ticket.

Would you vote for Sofia's steady? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Celebrity Couples, Nick Loeb, Politics, sofia vergara, U.S. Senate

By Michael Lopez

These days, it feels like we need to take Hugo Chavez statements with a grain of salt. The Venezuelan President has boasted about his celebrity pals quite a bit in the past, with stories that don't always hold true (remember Shakira's autographed guitar?) And this time, he's claiming that Calle 13 asked him to record a song on their new album.

According to Chavez, both Residente and Visitante approached him about a musical collaboration. He jokingly addressed it as a "surprise" when speaking on Venezuelan TV.

"I have a surprise for you," Hugo told viewers, when referring to Calle 13. "Now I not only dance Joropo, but also Rap and Hip-Hop."

Now, for the record, Chavez does have a fondness for a good melody. He's initiated some highly regarded music programs in his country (which helped launch the career of Gustavo Dudamel) and can supposedly play guitar rather well.

But will he really be putting his rap skills to the test on the next Calle 13 album? It sounds pretty doubtful to us.

Would you want to hear Hugo Chavez on a Calle 13 album? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Calle 13, Hugo Chavez, Música, Politics, Venezuela