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By Michael Lopez

You know you’ve hit blockbuster territory when your movie premiere gets thrown at California’s Disneyland theme park. This weekend, Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, and a host of famous faces took over “The Happiest Place On Earth” for the kickoff of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Blogamole was there to capture every moment of it.

To celebrate the fourth installment of the hugely popular Pirates franchise, Disneyland workers covered its trademark Main Street USA with skulls, cannon balls, and a 3,000-foot long "black carpet" stretching out to the park’s Rivers of America. From there, guests were able to watch the 3D film on a 90-foot screen and experience Pirates-themed fireworks at the grand finale.

Needless to say, it was southern California’s hottest ticket on Saturday night. In addition to all of the celebs who attended the event, several park goers had the chance to watch it too. But their admission price was not cheap. Disney sold exclusive premiere tickets for $1,000 a pop, with proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Club of America.

Our cameras made sure to capture every exciting moment of the event. Before the celebs arrived, spectators were treated to juggling pirate demonstrations, festive live music, and several Jack Sparrow lookalikes. Even a Pirate-themed Mickey Mouse danced and posed for the crowd!

Once the famous faces rolled in, it was clear that they were thrilled by the ambiance. Eva Longoria was seen hugging Pirate Mickey, Johnny Depp smiled and signed dozens of fan autographs, and BEP’s Taboo seemed very amused by “Jack the Monkey,” who actually appears in the film.

We had a moment to catch up with Ian McShane, who plays Stranger Tides’ resident baddie. When discussing his portrayal of the notorious character Blackbeard, the 68-year old actor said,

"It was organic. You’re never too old to be a pirate!"

The Losers' Óscar Jaenada, who plays a Spanish captain in the movie, also spoke to Blogamole about what it took to suit up for the swashbuckling film series,

"We rehearsed for three months. The sword fighting was intense."

He went on to say that shoots would last up to 15 hours a day for some of the movie’s more intricate sword fighting sequences. But, in the end, it was clear that all of the hard work paid off. On Stranger Tides does a fantastic job of continuing Jack Sparrow’s legacy. Be sure to keep checking Blogamole in the next two weeks, for our exclusive movie review!

Are you excited to see Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Óscar Jaenada, Celebrities, Disneyland, Eva Longoria, Hot Stuff, Ian McShane, johnny depp, Movie Premieres, Movies & CineMás, Penelope Cruz, Pirates of the Caribbean, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stanger Tides, Premieres, Tr3s Exclusives

By Rachael Coleman Thompson

Ricky Martin has experienced a whirlwind of changes in recent years. He became a father, came out about his sexuality, wrote a book and journeyed far into the depths of his own soul. The culmination of that spiritual catharsis has resulted in a deeply personal statement expressed the best way he knows how: through music.

Martin's ninth album, Música + Alma + Sexo, may be his first studio recording in six years, but that time wasn't idly spent. Shortly after winning two Latin Grammys for his MTV Unplugged in 2007, Martin became the father of twins, Mateo and Valentino, and, in late 2010, published his autobiography, Yo, an intimate portrait of his world and his personal journey of self-discovery.

Photo by Rachael Coleman Thompson/Tr3s

That journey was the foundation for Música + Alma + Sexo, a collection of songs that, according to Martin, represent "the three priorities of life."

"I've gone through a process that is so totally spiritual in these last— well, I'd dare say since I became a dad," Martin told Studio Tr3s in Spanish. "It was really, really intense, that searching, and many cycles opened and many cycles closed. And sex, it's part of everything, man. It's a part of life, it's also very spiritual, and it is nature. It's everything. And the music in this record talks about all of that."

The process of writing the album was a journey all its own. Writing both his book and his new songs required Martin to dig deep within himself to capture the essence that defines him as both man and musician.

"I emptied myself," Martin said. "There were periods of intense vulnerability. There were moments filled with doubt, filled with a lot of emotion, and also a lot of enjoyment. But this creative process really strengthened me. And working with Desmond Child — he's an amazing producer, someone that knows me very well. We're on the same frequency when it comes to living, spirituality, etc., so it was a very, very beautiful moment of my life. ... It's been very liberating, and this is only the beginning. I just can't wait to be on stage again."

But even when that process seemed difficult, Martin's young sons helped him keep perspective.

"Life gets complicated," Martin said. "While you're growing up and dealing with the truths of this wonderful life, one begins to forget the importance of simple things. ... Even laughing at yourself is very important, and you forget these things. My sons have taught me. They look at me and say, ‘Dad, relax. Everything is fine.' So that's the beauty of it. They teach me. They are like two small gurus with old souls that teach me a lot. They're the best thing that has ever happened."

The bilingual album features songs in both Spanish and English — including the Spanish-language duet "Lo Mejor De Mi Vida Eres Tú" with Spanish singer Natalia Jiménez and its English counterpart "The Best Thing About Me Is You" with British songstress Joss Stone — confirmation of Martin's desire to truly reach a global audience.

"You have to communicate," he said. "It's funny because when I tweet in Spanish, the Anglo-Saxons say ‘Hey, don't you speak English?' And when I tweet in English, the Latinos say, ‘Hey, brother, you're a Latino. What's the matter with you?!' And, well, the important thing is that they get the message. Fortunately, with my music I have noticed that language isn't a problem.... I like learning languages and I like trying to get the message across. But there are things that aren't translatable."

Just don't ask him to speak multiple languages at the same time.

While setting up for the interview, Tr3s host Carlos Santos told him he would be asking questions in both English and Spanish. "I've got to put some ‘Spanglishcito' in there," Santos said, to which Martin replied:

"That Spanglish is killing me!"

Studio Tr3s: Ricky Martin, featuring interviews with and performances by Martin, Jiménez and boricua reggaetón duo Wisin y Yandel, airs on Tr3s Saturday, Feb. 12.

Tags Carlos Santos, Hot Stuff, Natalia Jimenez, photo, Photos, Ricky Martin, Studio Tr3s: Ricky Martin, Wisin y Yandel

By Rachael Coleman Thompson

If you want some personal insight into Ricky Martin, tune into Tr3s on Saturday, Feb. 12, for the premiere of Studio Tr3s: Ricky Martin and hear it straight from the Puerto Rican pop star himself.

The exclusive special, taped Jan. 24 at Comtel's Studio A in North Miami Beach, features exclusive interviews with Martin and performances of songs from his new album, Música + Alma + Sexo, a collection of music culminating from his own spiritual journey. (Don't worry, if you miss it, you can read about the interview here).

Photo by Rachael Coleman Thompson/Tr3s

The songs — written with longtime producer Desmond Child, who collaborated on the smash hit "Livin' la Vida Loca," among others — include "Basta Ya" ("Enough"), a song about being true to yourself; "No Te Miento" ("I'm Not a Liar"), a song about leading "an open life"; "Más" ("More"), a song about pursuing one's dreams in the big city; the ballad "Cántame Tu Vida" ("Sing Me Your Life"); the breakup song "Te Vas" ("You're Leaving"); "Será Será" ("It Will Be, It Will Be"); and "Shine," a love song in English.

As an extra-special treat, Spanish singer Natalia Jiménez stopped by the set to perform a sweet rendition of their duet, "Lo Mejor De Mi Vida Eres Tú," and boricua reggaetón duo Wisin y Yandel joined Martin for a hoppin' collaborative performance of "Frío."

Child, Martin said, showed him how to let go, an essential step in the creation of this album.

"Desmond Child taught me that to be great, you have to dare to be ridiculous," Martin said. "In the creative process, you have to dare to laugh at yourself ... and when you are writing, write that totally random idea — "disparate" as we say in Puerto Rico. Maybe from that totally random idea emerges an extremely important metaphor, and in this record I surrounded myself with great writers and great people who dared to feel, and they showed me how important it is to not have those fears and just let it flow. And I think they created a monster."

And that's not all. Tr3s.com is featuring an exclusive online performance of Martin's 1998 classic "Vuelve," a song from the album of the same name about rejecting someone, letting them go, but finding out — a little too late — that you are nobody without that person.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

We want to hear from you! Tune in Saturday and tell us what you thought of Studio Tr3s: Ricky Martin. Talk back in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Desmond Child, Hot Stuff, Natalia Jimenez, photo, Photos, Ricky Martin, Studio Tr3s: Ricky Martin, Wisin y Yandel

By Michael Lopez

Wow. Now we feel even more proud to have dedicated an entire day of programming to reggaeton gods Wisin y Yandel. Not only do they go out of their way to honor their fans, but they continue to contribute to charitable causes around the world. Just last week, W y Y paid a visit to needy kids in Haiti and even offered $100,000 to help rebuild their orphanage.

Photo by Rachael Coleman Thompson/Tr3s

It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since Port-Au-Prince was rocked by that devastating 7.0 earthquake. Though the telethons and donations helped bring some money to the struggling country, there is still plenty of work to be done.

The St. Joseph’s Home orphanage once stood seven-stories tall and housed dozens of children in need of housing. Since the earthquake, it has slowly crumbled into an unlivable pile of rubble. Wisin y Yandel visited the site and made a vow to help rebuild it via their very generous donation.

“This experience has changed my life," Wisin said. "We are more committed than ever to continue our support for the families of St. Joseph’s and to continue helping more children.”

“We pledge to always keep in touch," Yandel added, "and to come back and visit here when the reconstruction is complete.”

Maybe they'll even add a sound system when St. Joseph’s gets renovated so the children can blast hits from W y Y’s Regreso de los Vaqueros!

What causes have you volunteered for or donated to this year? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Cultura, Haiti, Health, Hope For Haiti, photo, Photos, St. Joseph's Home, Wisin y Yandel

By Michael Lopez

Sure the critics think Justin Timberlake did a great job in The Social Network, but if you ask him, voicing an animated Boo-Boo in Yogi Bear was just as challenging. JT spoke to Tr3s at the movie’s premiere Saturday about the demands of cartoon acting.

“Animation is extremely challenging," he said. "You have to make all the performances come out in the voice.”

Yogi Bearwas a huge cartoon hit back in the 1960s. Although Yogi was always a softie at heart, his antics stealing picnic baskets at Jellystone Park with sidekick Boo-Boo raised all kinds of havoc for arch-nemesis Ranger Smith.

The movie pretty much follows the same plot line, with veteran comic Dan Aykroyd voicing a CGI Yogi and actor Tom Cavanagh doing a live-action Ranger Smith. Both stars were at the premiere, and Aykroyd even went out of his way to praise his new Boo-Boo buddy.

“Boo-Boo was a tough role," Aykroyd said. "You have to have some acting chops to do it. And [with Timberlake] we got it. We’re just confirming his talent, working with him.”

All of the stars seemed extremely proud of the film.

“I think it’s kind of like a Who Framed Roger Rabbit for a new generation,” Justin added.

You can judge for yourself when Yogi hits theaters this Friday.

Do you plan to see the new Yogi Bear movie? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Cartoons, Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake, Movies, Yogi Bear

By Michael Lopez

They’ve done The Beatles and they’ve done Elvis, so it pretty much seems like a no-brainer for the dazzling acrobats of Cirque du Soleil to create an original show based around Michael Jackson. And that’s exactly what they’re planning, with a new world tour that they’ve dubbed “The Immortal.”

Image : Mail Online

Images were released this week showcasing the company’s trademark visuals interpreted within various MJ themes. There’s the lush greenery of “Earth Song”, the zoot suit balancing act of “Smooth Criminal,” and what appear to be some ominous ghosts from “Thriller.”

One of the most interesting about the Jackson collaboration is that the show will not be a standalone attraction in Las Vegas (like the other Cirque interpretations). “The Immortal” will be a traveling tour, starting in Canada and eventually making its way through the U.S.

Profits are expected to be VERY big for the venture and reports are saying the revenues will be split 50/50 with the Cirque troop and Michael Jackson’s estate. And don’t worry if it misses your specific city, “The Immortal” is supposed to finish off at the MGM Grand in Vegas, where it will become a permanent fixture. Let’s hope there’s some “Beat It” and “Billie Jean” in there too!

Source: [Perez Hilton]

What other artists do you think deserve their own Cirque du Soleil show? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Cirque du Soleil, Hot Stuff, Música, michael jackson, The Immortal, Vegas

By Michael Lopez

Don’t worry, none of the celebs we’re about to mention love the Devil, rather they were bringing out the love for the new movie “Devil”, which had its big premiere Wednesday night (September 15). Producer M. Night Shyamalan, Jacob Vargas, and "Machete" himself, Danny Trejo, were all in attendance.

Just in time for the Halloween season, “Devil” focuses on five strangers trapped in a high-rise elevator. And with story credit going to Shyamalan, you know it’s going to get a lot creepier than that! In fact, one of them happens to be the Devil himself, but it’ll take a lot of twists and turns to find out who.

To celebrate the film’s release, stars gathered at the rooftop of L.A.’s swanky London Hotel for a premiere screening under the stars. And even though it required an elevator ride to get there, we can happily report that no one had issues with any demons on the trip up.

Danny Trejo seemed very excited about the night and was still beaming on the success of “Machete” (which happened to be in the Top 5 this week). No he wasn’t sporting any long blades on the red carpet, but did make a few jokes about it.

Jacob Vargas, who plays Security Guard Ramirez, said he was very proud of what directors John and Drew Dowdle put together and told us he “felt honored to work with Night.” Speaking of M. Night, he spoke with Team Blogamole too, explaining his thoughts on “Devil.”

“I loved it! I’m so proud of it. It’s definitely scary, but it’s also a lot fun. It’s meant to be fun! I can’t wait to watch everybody scream and laugh at this.”

We can’t wait either. And, as with all Shyamalan projects, we’re sure we’ll be guessing about El Diablo’s identity until the very last frame.

“Devil” hits theatres this Friday (September 17).

Are you excited about “Devil”? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Devil, Exclusive, Halloween, Hot Stuff, Jacob Vargas, M. Night Shyamalan, Movies & CineMás, Premieres

Para los que no los conocen, and those of you craving some refreshingly different and very danceable música, let us introduce you to the hip hop/reggae/rock/afro-Colombian quintet, Profetas. Estamos anciosos to hear some new music from these guys, since we're still awaiting the promised album to accompany their hot single "Baila," which was released last year.

Atombo Langangui and Pablo Fortaleza, Profetas' vocalists
photo via MySpace

Their 2006 release Amor y Fortaleza, earned them much deserved respect in the world of Afro-Latin music, being hailed by Rolling Stone as "the new blood that runs through the sonorous veins of a Colombian hip hop scenario, thirsty for identity, novelty, and urban reality." With influences ranging from Buju Banton to La Fania Allstars, their music transcends genres and creates a universal rhythm que nos intriga a todos a bailar.

Profetas, with their full band performances, have continued to set a buzz around the world, touring in Latin America with Method Man and Redman, and even taking their music on tour around Europe. Lo único que les falta is to release their new Baila album and conquer the world! But seriously, we can't wait for more Profetas music, check them out and you'll definitely see why!

Already a fan of Profetas? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or @MTV3!

[MTV Iggy, LP33]

Tags Baila, Method Man, Profetas, Redman

By Elis T. Ortiz

Let's face it, Latinos don't need much incentive to set off a good fiesta. But as of tomorrow, we'll have a very legitimate excuse para estar de escandalosos for the next month, as we honor our Hispanic Heritage from September 15 through October 15!

In addition to the many reasons we already have for celebrating our all-around wonderfulness, Warner Brothers is joining in on the merriment by offering a one-of-a-kind package of the best movies by Hispanic actors and filmmakers ever made! Whether you're a fan of Guillermo del Toro's "Pan's Labyrinth," can't get enough of watching Marc and JLo in "El Cantante," or perhaps seeing Javier Bardem in "The Sea Inside" is more your flavor, Warner Bros. te brinda todas estas películas y muchas más, available in a special Hispanic Heritage themed presentation via On Demand (Cable). For all you tech savvy consumers, all of the films will also be available for download via iTunes. We're predicting some "Stand and Deliver" viewing parties in the near future!

"Stand and Deliver" photo via Warner Bros.

Speaking of "Stand and Deliver," know who else is just as excited about this Warner Brothers presentation? Uno de los orgullos más grandes que tenemos en el cine norteamericano, our very own Mexican American sire of the cinemas, Edward James Olmos. He's convinced that Latinos are probably the biggest consumers of technological media, so he knows we'll be all over these flicks, both ordering and downloading, maybe at the same time. 

"Selena" photo via Warner Bros.

Part of this special Warner Bros. hook-up will be two of EJ's most famous films, "Selena" and, you guessed it, "Stand and Deliver." We spoke at length with Mr. Olmos about his amazing career, his love for the arts, and how he celebrates su herencia mexicana in an exclusive interview.

Check out some of our entrevista exclusiva with Edward James Olmos after the jump!

Read more...

Tags Edward James Olmos, El Cantante, Felipe Calderon, Guillermo del Toro, Hispanic Heritage Month, iTunes, Jaime Escalante, Javier Bardem, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Mexican Independence Day, Pan's Labyrinth, Selena, Stand and Deliver, The Sea Inside, Warner Brothers

Tr3s and Blogamole have been letting you know all Summer long about la rapera chilena que está causando gran sensación en el mundo de la música. But now it's time to really let you have it. Así es gente, Descubre & Download is hooking you up with the latest from one of the baddest divas in Latin hip hop, la única Ana Tijoux! Tr3s is giving you two FREE downloads of her latest single, the title track of her new album, "1977" as well as the "1977 (Tee Remix)" version!

(Download Anita Tijoux's hot new single '1977' HERE)

Nacida en Francia de padres Chilenos and later raised in Chile, Ana found her niche in the rhythmic beats of hip hop. It's been an interesting uphill musical ride for her thus far, being well-received at American festivals like SXSW, as well as rocking the iTunes charts. When we spoke to her at this year's LAMC, she talked with us about her welcome reception with the U.S. American audience, y como el idioma de la música is really all about flow. She also talked about her planes para el futuro, and wanting to collaborate with other artists in other genres of music.

(Click to see more behind-the-scenes pics from Ana's Descubre & Download entrevista)

Ana Tijoux's album 1977, el año en que nació, has been hailed by the LA Times as one of the year's most noteworthy records. We couldn't agree more! So go check out Ana's free music, and Descubre & Download some flavor for your ears!

What's your take on Ana Tijoux's latest single? Love it or hate it, let us know in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags 2010 LAMC, Ana Tijoux, Descubre & Download