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By Michael Lopez

2011 certainly delivered some memorable music. But with so many artists to choose from (and so many music reviewers on the internet), Billboard decided to mix things up for their end-of-the-year list. Not only did they issue a "Critics Best Of," they posted Favorite Album Top 10s from a variety of artists and celebrities.

Kelly Clarkson, Joe Jonas, Zac Brown, and Demi Lovato all put Adele's 21 on the top of their 2011 Albums list. Clarkson, in particular, gushed over the 23-year-old British soul singer, calling her music, "beautiful."

"Adele never fails," she went on to say. "Her voice, lyrics and melodies on this record are haunting reminders of the need to be needed and loved, and to love with your whole heart. It's beautiful!"

Ironically, Lovato bestowed quite a bit of praise on Kelly, listing her "Stronger" as #2 on her Favorites list. Demi went on to add Watch The Throne, Born This Way, and Miranda Lambert’s For The Record to her Top 5.

Joe Jonas shared similar tastes, also ranking Watch The Throne as one of the best records of the year. His personal faves included The Roots' Undun and Torches from Foster of the People. Sara Barielles had an eclectic mix of albums on her list, throwing in 2011 recordings from artists like Paul Simon, Feist, and The Civil Wars.

Interestingly, not a lot of Latinos were present on any of the lists. Only Bruno Mars' Doo Wops & Hooligans made a dent, particularly with The Wonder Girls. They cited it as a major influence on their writing style, along with Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream.

Now as far as the official critics go, the greatest album of 2011 was….(you guessed it) Adele’s 21. Nearly all of Billboard’s editors put it on the top of their lists. But the rest of their picks proved to be quite interesting.

Coming in at #2 was the sophomore album from Bon Iver. The Wisconson band's indie folk record struck a chord with a lot of music critics this year, particularly for its bold use of horns and string arrangements. Watch The Throne earned high marks as well, as did Drake’s latest effort, Take Care.

Newer artists like Frank Ocean, James Blake, and Florence & The Machine got quite a lot of love too. The Billboard site actually breaks down each of the selections quite vividly, enticing fans to discover some of the year's lesser known artists. It's definitely worth a look, especially if you want relatives to add iTunes dollars under your Christmas tree.

What was your favorite album of 2011? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 21, Adele, Billboard, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Bon Iver, Celebrities, Demi Lovato, drake, Florence & The Machine, Frank Ocean, Hot Stuff, James Blake, Joe Jonas, Kelly Clarkson, Música, Miranda Lambert, Sara Bareilles, The Wonder Girls, Watch the Throne

By Michael Lopez

It looks like Romeo Santos’ massive publicity push has been paying off. The bachata crooner scored some very impressive numbers with his solo debut Formula Vol. 1. Since its release last week, the record's topped the Latin Album Charts and gotten into the Billboard Top 10!

Perhaps most interesting of all, is the fact that Formula has now delivered Latin music's strongest first week sales in over four years. And, according to Romeo's management, he was last week's #1 selling artist in New York, Miami, Houston and Puerto Rico.

Santos also got a big jump in Twitter fans since the release, pushing his total Follower count to over 106,000. Speaking to his fellow Tweeters, Romeo expressed quite a bit of gratitude for Formula’s success.

"Agradezco a mis fanaticos..I luv U guys dearly. Y a los que no creyeron en mi..no hard feelings,but I guess now U know "The king stays king!" he posted.

And we can only imagine what kind of homecoming Romeo will get in New York when he appears in Times Square tonight for autographs and pictures.

Have you picked up Formula Vol. 1 yet? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Billboard, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Formula, Formula Vol. 1, Hot Stuff, Música, Romeo Santos

By Larry Yepez Jr.

Lucenzo, also known as The King of Kuduro and the mastermind behind Don Omar's hit song Danza Kuduro, is coming to the US to perform for the first time here. It's been almost two years since Danza Kuduro was released to the music industry, and like back then, today the song keeps playing on all radio stations around the world, breaking records, and banging the clubs with it's catchy rhythm.

After finishing a busy agenda with his "80 Tour" where he performed in 80 of the most important clubs and stages around the world, Lucenzo announced his arrival on November 2nd. He will perform his hits on November 4th at Club Mansion in Miami Beach!

Aside from his Kuduro Hit, Lucenzo will be performing Baila Morena and Emigrante del Mundo that have been ascending ranks of musical playlists around the world. Lucenzo comes to America, with a #1 hit in European Clubs, #1 in Latin radio and #2 in sales in Europe and Africa.

Billboard already acclaimed his success, giving him recognition as the longest lasting number one on the Hot Latin Songs List. And to add to the success, Danza Kuduro,  the collaboration with Don Omar, was named Latin Rhythm Airplay's Song of the year.

Lucenzo has definitely left his mark in music's history making everybody tighten their booty and shake it hard! Danza Kuduro = Hard Booty Dance! With almost 250 million views, Danza Kuduro is at #7 on the top 10 most watched videos of Youtube and is also #1 in sales in Italy, Holland, Spain, Portugal, Israel y Romania.

Will you go to Lucenzo's concert?

Tags 80 tour, Baila Morena, Billboard, Blogger: Larry Yepez Jr, Danza Kuduro, Don Omar, Emigrante del Mundo, Latin Grammy, Latin Rhythm Airplay, Lucenzo, popnews

By Michael Lopez

It looks like Billboard is ready to branch out. After putting out successful shows like the Billboard Music Awards and the Billboard Latin Music Awards, the trade mag is now launching the first ever Billboard Mexican Music Awards. And they've hired Kate del Castillo to be the host!

To be fair, del Castillo will actually be co-hosting with Pedro Fernandez. But the novela queen is already attracting a ton of attention over her new role. She even sent out several tweets about it this week.

Expected to be a who's who in the regional Mexican music world, the show's already lined up performances from Jenni Rivera, America Sierra, and El Bebeto. Mama-to-be Gaby Espino has been listed as a presenter, along with Chino y Nacho.

Telemundo, which coincidentally was the home of Kate's hugely popular La Reina del Sur, will be airing the show later this month. Keep checking with Blogamole to hear about all of the big winners!

Are you a fan of regional Mexican music? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Award Shows, Billboard, Billboard Mexican Music Awards, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chino y Nacho, Gaby Espino, Jenni Rivera, Kate Del Castillo, Música, Pedro Fernandez, Telemundo

By Vanessa Beatriz Soto

You guys, Ricky Martin is gay. I know. Heavy stuff. He enjoys romantic relationships with other men. (But you know, so do a lot of people.) He's a pop star, he's an actor of stage and screen. He is the face of his native Puerto Rico's International Tourism campaign. He's the co-face (is that a word? wow...) of MAC's HIV charity line, Viva Glam.

He's the co-owner of a restaurant in Miami. He's a gracious host to people who just drop in... He's the proud papi of twin sons, born via a surrogate. He has also received many awards, including a Lo Nuestro Award for Lifetime Achievement, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Hispanic Heritage Award, the International Humanitarian Award, Billboard's Spirit of Hope Award, and numerous Latin Grammys. In 2005, the U.S. Department of State named him a "Hero In Ending Modern Day Slavery." He is, in summary, all that and a bag of gourmet artisanal organic kettle chips.

According to the rumors that have been appearing in newspapers and online publications, however, he's not quite good enough for some people in Honduras. Ricky, you see, was planning a performance on October 16th in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa, at that city's totally awesomely named Chochi Sosa arena.

Then, all of a sudden a couple of days ago, Africo Madrid, Honduran Minister of the Interior, started giving quotes to the press to the effect that Ricky's presence in Honduras would be unwelcome to some of that country's religious leaders. Fox News Latino had the following to report, by way of The Advocate:

"The minister of interior of Honduras, Africo Madrid, is telling the media that evangelical and Catholic leaders want Martin's visa denied in order to "protect the moral and ethical principles of our society."

Madrid says the Christian officials don't approve of Martin's homosexuality or the fact that he's a proud father to two children. "His nuclear family is not the type of family that Honduran society and laws approve of", he said.

Ouch! Burn! What kind of way is that to treat an international humanitarian pop star, religious leaders? Way to judge! So much for Christian love!

But wait!

You see, the aforementioned leaders have yet to come forward. That's right. Not a peep:

"Despite the Minister's comments, El Heraldo reports, sources from the Honduran secretary of state's office say that they have not received any written petitions to deny Ricky Martin entry into the country."

Also, according to The Advocate ,

"sources in the Honduran secretary of state's office claim there have been no written petitions to deny Martin entry into Honduras."

So is it possible that this is all part of Africo Madrid's scheme to whip up controversy but pin the blame on religious officials? Is he trying to get Honduras on the map with a bit of sneaky P.R.? Is he a secret Ricky Martin fan, angling for a personal meeting with the star? Or do you think Honduran religious leaders are as homophobic and as tragically closed-minded as the rumor would lead us to believe?

What's your take? Tell us in the comments!

Tags Billboard, blogger: Vanessa Beatriz Soto, discrimination, Gay Rights, Honduras, Latin Grammys, pop stars, popnews, Religion, Ricky Martin

By Michael Lopez

You know you're doing something right if you're able to score more Dance Chart hits than Michael Jackson. According to Billboard, Enrique Iglesias has broken the record of most Dance/Club Play Songs #1s among men!

Enrique's latest hit, "Dirty Dancer" is the track that sealed the deal, topping the chart this past week and ousting MJ's record. But don't think earning this title was a quick victory, Iglesias has been charting Dance hits since the late 1990's.

"Bailamos" was actually his first #1 in the Dance/Club category, followed by such favorites as "Escape" and "I Like It." So far, Enrique has scored nine chart-topping hits (and we're sure there will be plenty more to come).

Of course, this record only accounts for the male audience. If Iglesias wants to the hold the title for most Dance/Club #1s among all listeners, he's going to have to topple Madonna, Janet Jackson, and Prince.

What's your favorite Enrique dance track? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Billboard, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Dance Songs, Enrique Iglesias, Hot Stuff, Música, michael jackson

By Michael Lopez

This week, bachata kingpin Prince Royce proved that he has plenty of musical staying power. The 22-year-old crooner's debut album has topped Billboard's Latin Album charts for the second time since its release over a year ago.

The first time Prince Royce shot to #1 was back in April, a full 58 weeks after it first hit shelves. Now in its 73rd week, the critically-acclaimed album bested Maná and Enrique Iglesias for the top slot.

Not only that, Royce's debut got him multiple Premios Juventud awards, a Latin Grammy nomination, and has so far sold over two million copies. Now just imagine what'll happen when that long awaited English record hits stores.

We're definitely proud of Prince's accomplishments and wish him well with his continued album success. And judging by the releases this week, he made need it. New daddy-to-be Luis Fonsi just dropped his anticipated Tierra Firme record, which means it'll be a tough battle to stay at #1.

Have you picked up Prince Royce's album yet? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Billboard, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Hot Stuff, Música, Prince Royce

By Simone Hilliard

When Beyonce's latest single "Girls (Who Run The World)" leaked last month, fans were surprised to hear a new edgier sound from the songstress. Although the reviews were somewhat hit or miss on the reportedly unmixed track, Bey candidly admitted to Billboard mag that her fourth solo LP 4 is a brand new direction, largely inspired by her newfound musical freedom.

After taking over a year off and splitting with her manager dad Matthew Knowles in March, Beyonce credited her exposure to the arts during her prolonged vacation as a catalyst for her riskier repertoire.

"I'm approaching 30, and finally took a break in my life, which I've never had. I took more than a year off: I traveled around, spent time with my husband, woke up in my own bed, ate whatever I wanted, went to museums and Broadway plays, watched documentaries, and just had life experiences. I never get to go to concerts because I'm usually performing, so I saw so many shows - great bands, like Muse and Rage Against the Machine, that also inspired the album. At this point, I really know who I am, and don't feel like I have to put myself in a box. I'm not afraid of taking risks - no one can define me."

One Broadway show in particular, coincidentally produced by the singer's husband Jay-Z, had a profound effect on 4.

"I recorded more than 60 songs: everything I ever wanted to try, I just did it. I started off being inspired by [Afrobeat music pioneer] Fela Kuti. I actually worked with the band from "Fela!" [the hit Broadway musical based on his life] for a couple of days, just to get the feel for the soul and heart of his music; it's so sexy, and has a great groove you get lost in. I loved his drums, all the horns, how everything was on the one. What I learned most from Fela was artistic freedom: he just felt the spirit."

While a release date hasn't been set for 4 as of yet, Bey did drop by the Sony Music offices this week to preview 5 songs off the forthcoming album, so a 2011 release seems likely.

Will you buy it? Let us know in the comments, or @MTV3.

Tags Beyonce, Billboard, Girls (Who Run The World), Jay Z, Matthew Knowles

By Michael Lopez

You know you’re a superstar when your albums dominate countries that don’t even speak your language. Despite containing all-Spanish tracks, Maná’s new Drama y Luz record cracked the U.S. Billboard Top 5 this week, beating artists like Britney Spears and Rihanna!

And that’s only the beginning. As the figures for the album (which was released April 12) finally got tallied, it was apparent that nearly all of Latin America embraced the Mexican rockers’ return. Countries like Argentina, Chile, Spain, and Mexico saw it shoot straight to #1.

Not only that, the critics have embraced Drama y Luz as well, praising its bold lyrics and the overall musical growth of the band. Another interesting note is Maná’s newfound success in the digital realm. The guys recently posted some amazing iTunes stats from their Twitter account.

“¡Más de 6,000 personas jugaron a “Maná- Busca tu Luz” en 48 horas! Pues por algo será, ¿no? Juega aquí para ganar...”

If things keep going at this pace, Alex, Fher, Juan, and Sergio may want to stretch that summer tour out even longer.

Have you picked up Drama y Luz yet? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Billboard, Drama Y Luz, Hot Stuff, Mana, Música

By Michael Lopez

For 20 year-old Gerardo Ortiz, earning a #1 slot on Billboard’s Latin Albums Charts is meaningful on many levels. Not only is it a great accomplishment musically, it is also a personal victory. Just last month, the tejano star was nearly killed in a hail of gunfire.

By all accounts, Ortiz should not have lived beyond March 20, 2011. That day a Mexican drug gang ambushed his SUV, firing multiple shots with AK-47 assault rifles. Both Gerardo’s cousin and his business manager were killed instantly, but miraculously the singer and his father escaped unharmed.

What would provoke such a violent attack? Believe it or not, it was Gerardo’s lyrics that caused the uproar. Famous for singing "narcocorridos," his folksy ballads have reflected the bitter truths of life in Mexico, angering many of the country’s most ruthless drug cartels.

Interestingly, some critics have claimed that Ortiz’ music has glamorized Mexico’s notorious gangsters. Gerardo’s official website does portray graphic imagery such as ski mask-wearing thugs and grenades. And Ortiz, himself, has been photographed brandishing a semi-automatic pistol on the cover of his albums.

But that obviously should never condone attempted murder. Independent music promoter Miguel Torres told Billboard that the trend in “narcocorridos” music is increasing and that isn’t necessarily a good thing.

"Narcocorridos have been around for a long time," Torres explained. "But now these songs present a new kind of dangerous element that can lead to major consequences."

But, like it or not, the music has definitely connected with audiences. Gerardo’s “Morir y Existir" album already shot to the top of the charts, overtaking established artists like Prince Royce and Gloria Trevi. Additionally, Gerardo has already earned two Top 10 singles and scored a major deal with Sony Records.

Seeing how this latest album was recorded before the March incident, we can only imagine what kind of lyrics Ortiz will be cooking up next.

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

Tags Billboard, Chisme, Gerardo Ortiz, Música, Morir y Existir, narcocorridos