Blogamole › Jenni Rivera

By Michael Lopez

If you think about it, Latino filmmakers have always seemed to have a good amount of indie street cred. Guillermo del Toro started out creating low budget masterpieces, as did Biutiful’s Alejandro González Iñárritu. And now, several new Hispanic directors are hoping to make a mark too, with their selections at this year's Sundance Film Festival.

One of the most anticipated features screening at Sundance was directed by Edward James Olmos' son, Michael. Filly Brown has already been garnering a ton of buzz and not just for its gritty plot. This movie's got an unrecognizable Jenni Rivera in the lead role, playing a tough incarcerated mother.

Mosquita y Mari is another selection that has been wowing the critics. Directed by newcomer Aurora Guerrero, this heart-wrenching drama follows the lives of two young Latinas who may be more than "just friends." Guerrero told the Huffington Post that she's extremely proud of this movie and its message to Latinos who are struggling with their sexuality.

"I think immigrant Latinos and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people have been portrayed in [film in] ways that aren't accessible to people largely because they have been written from a place of fear and hate," she explained. "I hope to provide...an opportunity for Latino families to engage in dialogue about issues of desire and sex, not just the same sex, but desire in general."

Clearly the dialogue is already happening, as Mosquita y Mari has been dominating independent movie blogs for weeks.

Spanish director Rodrigo Cortes has assembled an all-star cast for his Sundance feature, Red Lights. Robert De Niro, Sigourney Weaver, and Cillian Murphy all star in this supernatural drama which is certain to acquire big studio distribution before the year is out.

Other interesting Latino selections include Argentina's The Last Elvis. Set in the world of Presley impersonators, it's actually supposed to be a very touching story. Too bad they couldn't nab Bruno Mars for the lead.

Violeta In Heaven should be a very strong contender in the biopic category. Based on the life of Chilean folk singer Violeta Parra, it's supposedly filled with great music and has a breakout performance by Francisca Gavilán.

And as far as the short films go, Una Hora Por Favor should provide plenty of laughs throughout its 13-minute runtime. Wilmer Valderrama stars with SNL vet Michaela Watkins in what's described as a race-relations, paternalized immigration comedy.

You can check out all of the Sundance movies by visiting the festival's official site.

What's your favorite independent movie? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Aurora Guerrero, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Filly Brown, Francisca Gavilán, Jenni Rivera, Michael Olmos, Michaela Watkins, Mosquita y Mari, Movies & CineMás, Red Lights, Rodrigo Cortes, Sundance, Sundance Film Festival, The Last Elvis, Una Hora Por Favor, Violeta In Heaven, Wilmer Valderrama

By Michael Lopez

A while back we told you how we thought Jenni Rivera could do anything. A jeans mogul, a talk show host, a world-renowned Banda Queen, you name it! And now it appears she's breaking into the dramatic acting game with her new film, Filly Brown.

Debuting at 2012's Sundance Film Festival, Filly Brown follows the life of a young Latina with big hip-hop dreams. Jenni plays her plays her jailbird mom and has some very powerful scenes in the movie.

"I had to dig deep for the role," Rivera explained. "I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. If I can make Edward James Olmos cry, to me that means it was a success."

Olmos happens to be one of Filly Brown’s executive producers and he also co-stars in the film. He had quite a bit of praise for Jenni's performance, calling it "amazing."

Judging from the credits, Edward definitely has a lot invested in this project. His son is listed as co-director and his old Stand and Deliver castmate, Lou Diamond Phillips, appears in a headlining role. Hopefully if all goes well at Sundance, you can soon see Filly Brown at a theater near you.

Are you looking forward to Jenni's new movie? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Edward James Olmos, Filly Brown, Jenni Rivera, Lou Diamond Phillips, Movies & CineMás, Sundance Film Festival

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 Michael Lopez

In between her music albums, constant touring, and clothing line, we had a feeling that Jenni Rivera was spreading herself too thin. But then she took it one step further by announcing that she was launching her own TV talk show. Unfortunately it all became too much to handle and the Banda Queen has abruptly dropped out of the project.

Speaking with RegionalMex.com, Jenni claimed the show was shut down because of technical issues. She did hint, however, that there could be other TV projects in her future.

"I officially dropped out of the TV show that was to be on Estrella TV," she said. "I made the decision after things weren’t functioning how we had planned. Perhaps in the future I can offer a TV program that I so wanted to present you with. Thank you!"

Rivera still has the I Love Jenni reality series in production and told fans that she is launching her own radio program called, Contacto Directo con Jenni Rivera. If you ask us, that's more than enough. We certainly wouldn't want all of these side gigs to get in the way of her long-awaited English album.

Do you think Jenni would have made a good talk show host? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Contacto Directo con Jenni Rivera, Jenni Rivera, popnews, Radio, Television

By Michael Lopez

Anyone who's followed the career of Jenni Rivera knows that she's never at a loss for words. The Banda Queen always entertains when she's on the stage and proved to be quite engaging on her reality show, I Love Jenni. But now she may get paid for her gift of gab, with her own daytime talk show.

Reportedly titled El Show de Jenni Rivera, the Jenni talker would debut in October on L.A.'s Estrella TV. Similar to Oprah and Father Albert, she'd be seated on the couch and engaging with a variety of guests.

Of course that doesn't mean that Rivera's other ventures won't continue. Her Jenni Jeans line still seems to be moving forward as planned and her music career is as hot as ever.

Billboard just announced that Jenni has re-signed a very lucrative contract with Universal Records. Not only that, she's about to become the first female regional Mexican artist ever to play L.A.'s Staples Center!

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

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, El Show de Jenni Rivera, Jenni Rivera, Música, staples center, Talk Shows, Television

By Michael Lopez

There's no denying that banda queen Jenni Rivera is proud of her body. Whenever she takes the stage or makes an appearance, she always exudes confidence (and accentuates every curve). Now, Jenni's hoping to spread that message of full-figured pride with the launch of her own special jeans line.

Labeled "Jenni Jeans," the exclusive collection is created specifically for voluptuous women. Rivera said that she came up with the idea after years of struggling to find unique denim brands that fit her curvy physique.

"Las delgaditas con esos jeans bien bonitos y te los quieres poner tú y te sale una lonjita por acá, te aprieta la pompa por allá, ¡no'mbre!" Jenni explained. "Nosotras diseñamos y prestamos nuestros voluptuosos cuerpos para poder tomar las medidas y hacer los diferentes diseños... batallamos para encontrar jeans modernos y bonitos que nos queden bien y creo que no somos las únicas en el mundo latino."

And don't think that Rivera is stopping there. She is planning to expand her "Jenni" line to include sportswear and accessories designed specifically for Latina consumers. Eat your heart out, Gisele!

Do you plan on buying a pair of "Jenni Jeans?" Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Fashion, Hot Stuff, Jenni Jeans, Jenni Rivera, Style

By Vanessa Beatriz Soto

Jenni Rivera is never boring! "The Diva" of Mexican music has done it again, pouring beer over a seemingly-inebriated female fan during an uncomfortable interlude in her 'The Diva of Banda' concert in Puerto Vallarta.

The young lady, 18, was taunting Jenni from the audience, slinging booze and insults, and generally misbehaving. The diva asked the girl up to the stage and then the two got into it, an exchange that built until Jenni poured a beer can over the girl's head and sent her off with security hot on her heels.

Now, the norteña singer's career has long been filled with colorful incidents and some raging scandals, from an airport arrest tied to incomplete customs declarations, to several severely unfortunate exes, a stolen and subsequently leaked sex tape (I know, that is so, so wrong!), and recently, the scandalous dismissal and ongoing legal case she is building against her allegedly thieving former manager Gabriel Vázquez.

I know what you're thinking - isn't this old news? Am I in a time warp? You're not totally wrong, guys. This isn't the first time Jenni's lost her patience with a fan.  Jenni was arrested in North Carolina, USA, back in 2008 after a very similar incident.

So here's the side by side comparison:

Fan throwing beer at Jenni onstage: CHECK!

Jenni brings drunk and belligerent fan onto the stage for a face-to-face: CHECK!

Jenni and fan have angry words: OH YES, MY FRIENDS!

Jenni pours a beer can over a drunk fan's head: CHECK!

Jenni is a polarizing and controversial figure whom people tend to adore or deplore. Her cosmetics, albums, reality shows, and huge media presence also make her a huge media target, as much as years of community service and activism have made her a hero and guardian angel for battered women and other victims of domestic abuse.

After this latest incident what do you think? Is she a hero and an awesome role model for girls?

Was she within her rights to chastise the tipsy teenager and send her off? Or did she cross the line? Sassy or crass: tell us in the comments.

Tags diva de la banda, Jenni Rivera

By Vanessa Beatriz Soto

No more "Mister Nice Guy" for Gabriel Vázquez! Mexican-American musician and entrepreneur Jenni Rivera is ready to take her erstwhile manager to the bank, which is allegedly right where he hit her. After years of allegedly skimming the profit from the "Diva De La Banda," Vázquez might want to get ready for some payback.

Rivera alerted the world via Twitter that she has decided to sue for damages and reparations in connection with her manager's abuse of trust, and is hard at work preparing her case:

"Muy ocupada preparando la denuncia en contra de mi Ex-manager @gabofficial. No quiso llegar a un acuerdo en cuanto a regresar algo del dinero que me robo en tantos años...pensaria que no me atreveria a denunciarlo por traicionar mi confianza y robarme? Que tonto. El sabe como soy. Cualquier persona que afecte el bienestar de mis hijos lo pagara. Si el me robo a mi le robo a mis hijos y mi familia. La denuncia que estan preparando mis abogados incluye de 6 a 11 años de prision en Mexico. #lodelaguaalagua"

It sounds like he's in for a wild ride - Rivera is dead serious when it comes to protecting her family. So what does El Gabo have to say? Not much - his twitter feed, "@gabofficial" is silent, reflecting no posts since the beginning of April. Considering that he's facing jail time if the case goes to court, that's probably a wise move.

Tags diva de la banda, Jenni Rivera

By Michael Lopez

Amazingly, just one day after hearing the shocking news about Draco Rosa’s cancer battle, Jenni Rivera revealed that she has discovered a tumor in her breast! Thankfully it appears as though the lump is not malignant, but La Diva de la Banda will undergo surgery to have it removed.

The bombshell was dropped during Rivera’s popular reality series, I Love Jenni. On the show, the singer revealed that she discovered the tumor back in February, but chose not to tell her family until now. And, as you would expect with reality television, the reaction by those close to her was over-the-top shock.

Even though the tumor was not life-threatening, Jenni is now on a crusade to help spread awareness about breast cancer. She has recorded public service announcements for the Revlon Run/Walk For Women and is expected to participate in the Los Angeles event on May 7.

As shown on the series, it was Jenni’s quick responses that led to her getting checked out and nipping any cancer in the bud. Early detection is essential in the fight against this deadly disease and we applaud Rivera educating others on the topic.

Has anyone in your family been impacted by breast cancer? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Breast Cancer, Cancer, Celebrities, Chisme, Health, I Love Jenni, Jenni Rivera

By Michael Lopez

In December, we predicted that Mexican pop star Dulce Maria and Venezuelan duo Chino y Nacho would continue to make great music together after the success of their "Navidad Navidad" single. Now, all three artists, along with Jenni Rivera, are set to perform at the Pepsi Musica Super Bowl Fan Jam on Friday, Feb. 4.

We know what you’re thinking: This year’s Super Bowl is on Sunday, Feb. 6. Well, this won’t be happening in tandem with the Black Eyed Peas halftime show (or Christina's national anthem for that matter), but it will be a great way to kick off football's biggest weekend.

Organized by soft drink powerhouse Pepsi, the Super Bowl Fan Jam will be no small affair. The concert —the second in the NFL Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam concert series — follows opening night performances by Kid Rock, Duran Duran and Jason Derulo on Thursday, Feb. 3, at Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie, Texas. The two-and-a-half hour Friday night show will be televised on Univision the following day.

So can we expect some “Navidad Navidad” in the set list? Probably not. But with Dulce and the guys' success with holiday jingles, why not debut an original Valentine’s song for all those NFL wives looking to get romantic on Feb. 14?

Tickets for the NFL Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam concert series are on sale at Ticketmaster. Individual concert tickets are available for $45 and $60 for the Thursday night concert and $45 for the Friday night event.

What are your Super Bowl weekend plans? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Chino y Nacho, Dulce Maria, Jenni Rivera, Música, Pepsi Musica Super Bowl Fan Jam, Super Bowl