Blogamole › Juan Luis Guerra

By Ikam Acosta

The Juanes Unplugged show, which will air sometime in late May or early June, was taped earlier tonight at the New World Symphony in Miami Beach.

Some of the songs that will be featured on Juanes Unplugged are "Es Por Ti," "Todo En Mi Vida Eres Tu," "A Dios Le Pido," "Hoy Me Voy," "Camisa Negra," and "Odio Por Amor," among others. The dress rehearsal took place the night before, at the same venue.

The crowd was more energetic during the actual taping than in the dress rehearsal, as you could imagine, since it was filled with more fans and contained a broader audience. During the rehearsal, however, we got the added treat of seeing Juanes sing duets with two contest winners, one being an amazing songstress by the name of Emanuela Bellezza, with whom he sang "Fotografía."

I asked a couple of fans sitting next to me what their favorite part of the show was. "I was surprised with the Joaquín Sabina part, never expected him to be onstage," commented Alexander Monroy, referring to when Juanes welcomed Sabina onstage with him to perform a beautiful rendition of "Azul."

Another fan, Michelle Kates, commented on how she loved the intimacy and the vibe of the whole Unplugged experience. She said it was a "cool concept, great to see him in this kind of setting."

As if there wasn't enough energy filling the room, Juanes really rocked the house with his final number, "Odio Por Amor," when he was joined by Juan Luis Guerra conducting the New World Symphony choir. Needless to say, the taping of Juanes MTV Unplugged was a success.

What Juanes song would you like to see on MTV Unplugged?

Tags Blogger: Ikam Acosta, Emanuela Bellezza, Joaquín Sabina, Juan Luis Guerra, Juanes, Juanes MTV Unplugged, Música, MTV Unplugged, popnews

By Michael Lopez

Taking a break from the NBA season, Atlanta Hawks star Al Horford whisked former Miss Universe, Amelia Vega, away to the Dominican Republic for a whirlwind Christmas wedding.

Held at the home of Amelia's famous uncle Juan Luis Guerra, the event featured close family, catered Dominican delicacies, and (of course) tons of great music from the Guerra household.

In the picture released to Fox News Latino, it’s clear that Vega was quite emotional when she said her "I do's." Interestingly, many in the media didn’t even know Amelia and Al were engaged. But witnesses at the ceremony told the press that both newlyweds were "glowing" throughout the night.

Unfortunately, the honeymoon may have to wait for these two. The Hawks are on their way to battle the Nets tonight in New Jersey and we get the feeling there will be a very happy Latina cheering on Atlanta in the stands.

Do you know anyone who got married on Christmas? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Al Horford, Amelia Vega, Atlanta Hawks, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrity Couples, Chisme, Dominican Republic, Juan Luis Guerra, popnews, Weddings

By Michael Lopez

Judging from the Twitpic he recently posted, Robbi “Draco” Rosa is having a tough time with his cancer treatment. But, according to new reports, he's still anxious to record new music and has a ton of famous friends who are eager to help him out.

Alejandro Sanz shared some interesting news on his Twitter account this month, leading many to believe that Draco may have some recording plans in the future.

"Os dejo, voy a comer para luego grabar con Tommy Torres un tema para el disco de Draco Rosa. Un grande. Abrazos a tod@s. Se os quiere malamente," he wrote.

Rumors are also circulating that Juan Luis Guerra, Enrique Bunbury, and Ricky Martin may be joining Rosa for some duets. People en Español claims that we may even hear some new Draco sounds by as early as next May.

They say that music is therapy for the soul. So perhaps getting behind the mic may be just the type of inspiration Rosa needs to overcome his cancer diagnosis. And judging by the massive outpouring of support he already has, we’re certain it would be a bona fide smash.

Would you like to hear new music from Draco? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alejandro Sanz, Draco, Draco Rosa, Enrique Bunbury, Juan Luis Guerra, Música, Ricky Martin

By Michael Lopez

Get ready Juanes fans, Colombia’s rock royalty is coming to the Unplugged stage this February. Accompanied by musical director Juan Luis Guerra, El Rockero will be offering up acoustic versions of his greatest hits. And best of all, he’ll be releasing the performance as his first ever live album!

Set to go down at Miami’s New World Center, the Unplugged special promises new interpretations of classic Juanes songs. And you can bet there will be plenty of surprise guests dropping in too! No names have been released just yet, but announcements will be coming in the next few weeks.

Scoring Guerra as a collaborator is a pretty impressive feat too. The Latin Grammy god has sold millions of albums and was asked personally by Juanes to participate in the show. Speaking about the Unplugged event, he said,

“Juanes’ vocals and performances are better than ever! The Unplugged stage will be the perfect space to discover the intimacy of his music.”

We couldn’t agree more! Keep following Tr3s for updates on concert info, air times, and the details of that Unplugged live album!

Are you looking forward to Juanes' Unplugged concert? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Hot Stuff, Juan Luis Guerra, Juanes, Juanes Unplugged, Música, MTV Unplugged, Tr3s Exclusives, Unplugged

By Michael Lopez

Ever wonder what happened to the first and only Dominican Miss Universe? Crowned back in 2003, Amelia Vega has been quite busy this past decade. She's modeled for magazines, hosted TV programs, and is now recording her first full-length album.

Entitled Agua Dulce, Amelia's record promises quite an eclectic mix of music. It's produced by frequent Ricky Martin collaborator Archie Peña, it's got a duet with merengue icon Johnny Ventura, and it's incorporating the backup band used by her very famous uncle.

Oh yea, in case you didn't know, Amelia happens to be the niece of bachata god Juan Luis Guerra. And, as Vega admitted, he was quite inspirational when it came to musical advice.

"It was an honor to share with him," Amelia said. "To listen to the anecdotes of someone so talented, about his beginnings, about how someone struggles to be someone in music, about the discipline to get where he is."

So could Vega continue her uncle's streak of winning dozens of awards and selling millions of records? We'll be keeping our eyes on Billboard's Latin Album Charts to find out!

Are you planning on picking up Amelia’s debut album? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agua Dulce, Amelia Vega, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Hot Stuff, Juan Luis Guerra, Música, Miss Universe

By Simone Hilliard

Enrique Iglesias' bilingual album Euphoria has produced one hit after another. Following the successful singles "Cuando Me Enamoro," a slow ballad with Juan Luis Guerra, and "I Like It," a fist-pumping track with Pitbull and MTV's Jersey Shore cast that skyrocketed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, Iglesias is releasing a new track that's sure to be another hit.

The sexy new song, "Tonight," — which boasts the lyric, "Tonight, I'm f---ing you" — is sure to leave listeners blushing, even if that wasn't Enrique's intent.

"I was asked by a bunch of journalists, 'Was it a shock factor that you wanted to create?'" Iglesias told MTV News. "And I honestly told them, it truly wasn't about that. I love the song. I loved the melody. I loved the beat. I thought it was unique. Look, how many adults go out at night or go to the club and that goes through their head, but they would never have the guts to say it?"

The Spaniard teamed up with rapper Ludacris on "Tonight," and even joked that he partnered with Luda to redirect some of the blame for the song's raunchy content.

"I loved his work," Enrique said. "I think he's one of those artists that every single feature I've heard of his, it's always a perfect 10. He's always dead on. I played it for him, and I wanted to see what his reaction would be like, so when I played it for him he immediately called me back and was like, 'Man, I'm on this.' This is exactly what he said: 'This is my kind of sh--.' "

When it came time to shoot the video, however, Iglesias wasn't sure which direction to go.

"It's stylized, and it's not so 'in your face,'" he said. "I don't know how to explain it. When I saw the video, it didn't feel offensive. ... It's a little out there, but I loved it. It's almost like the guys' fantasy. That's what we wanted to create."

The "cinematic" video — shot in four days in Cabo, Mexico, and Los Angeles — will also feature Ludacris' acting chops.

"In this video, it wasn't about us being together," Iglesias said. "I wanted to separate his part. But it was great, and I think he's one of those guys — he's so charismatic. I wanted to get a little bit of his acting skills in there because he's a great actor. I'm trying to be as laid-back as possible."

The guys are teasing the "Tonight" video, set to debut in early 2011, with these online sneak peeks.

What do you think of Enrique's racy new track? Weigh in below or @MTV3.

Tags "Tonight", Cuando Me Enamoro, Enrique Iglesias, Euphoria, I Like It, Jersey Shore, Juan Luis Guerra, Ludacris, Pitbull

By Michael Lopez

Seeing how the 11th Annual Latin Grammys were held in Vegas this year, it should have been fitting for us to place bets on all of our predictions. Because yes, our hand-picked favorites seemed to dominate the show! But what no one could have predicted were the flying acrobats, surprise duets, and outrageous outfits worn by this year’s performers.

Image: FilmMagic

Where to begin? How about with the big winners. As we suspected, Tr3s faves Camila took home Record Of The Year for Mientes. But they did surprise us with two more victories, for Song of the Year (sorry Enrique) and Best Pop Album by a Group. Newly single Mario Domm spoke about the win and didn’t seem too humbled by the experience,

"We wanted people to know that our first Latin Grammy wasn't an accident. We wanted them to know we're three people who give a lot of harmony to the universe; harmony that contrasts with the chaos of the world.”

Speaking of harmony, as we predicted, Nelly Furtado took home Best Pop Vocal for her Mi Plan album. Sporting a sexy black dress, she seemed very excited about the win. And we’re sure she was just as excited for her collaborator Alex Cuba, who won for Best New Artist (yes, we called that one too).

Additionally, Juan Luis Guerra picked up three more Latin Grammys for his work on A Son de Guerra and Alejandro Sanz was recognized for his excellent Paraiso Express album.

Now for the other fun stuff. Hosts Eugenio Derbez and Lucero kept the night fun and light. And our own fan fave, Prince Royce, shone like a star, crooning a “Stand By Me” duet with the original singer, Ben E. King! There were also Cirque du Soleil acrobats flying during Camila’s “Besame” performance and a JabbaWockeeZ dance to Nelly’s “Bajo Otra Luz.”

And how about the fashion statements of the night? Natalia Jimenez takes the cake there, with the multicolored beaded ensemble she wore during her Ricky Martin duet. J. Lo's shimmering brown dress caught plenty of attention and Mala Rodriguez went for a bright blue miniskirt!

Overall it was an incredible evening and we can only imagine the type of parties that went down afterward on the Las Vegas strip. Who knows, a few of them may even still be raging right now…

Source: [Reuters]

What did you think of the 2010 Latin Grammys? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Alex Cuba, Award Shows, Camila, Hot Stuff, Juan Luis Guerra, Las Vegas, Latin Grammy Awards, Latin Grammys, Música, Nelly Furtado

Las Vegas is abuzz with glitz, glam, and A-list music and talent as the 11th annual Latin Grammy's get ready to tape the all-star LIVE show Thursday (November 11) at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

The event promises to be one big fiesta with veteran crooners and singer-songwriters joining a new generation of hip-hop artists and rockers.

Image: Grammy.com

Comedian Eugenio Derbez and actress Lucero will host the ceremony with Ricky Martin presenting the award for Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year to tenor Placido Domingo.

Leading the nominations include Uruguay's singer-songwriter and producer Jorge Drexler, Dominican legend Juan Luis Guerra, Spanish pop superstar Alejandro Sanz, and the Mexican soft rock group Camila. But who will emerge victorious? Here are a few predictions in some key categories!

Record Of The Year:
Only two artists are really in the running: Alejandro Sanz with the romantic "Desde Cuando" from Paraiso Express (Warner Music Latina) and pop trio Camila with "Mientes" from Dejarte de Amar (Sony Music). With a distinctive sound that blends Latin pop sensibility with contemporary R&B, Camila has managed to top charts region-wide and redefined the boundaries of good, commercial Latin pop. They'll win.

Album of the Year:
The healthy competition here includes two Latin Grammy favorites - Sanz and Juan Luis Guerra with A Son de Guerra (Capitol Latin). Tr3s' bet is on Guerra for an album that's both exquisite and loads of fun. But Camila may surprise with their utterly convincing set Dejarte de Amar, which may finally pave the way for a new generation to begin snaring this top award.

Song Of The Year:
Do Academy members vote with their ears or by name recognition? I mean, we all love Ruben Blades, but how many have heard "Las Calles" (RB Records)? Camila's "Mientes" is in the running and Sanz's "Desde Cuando" is not the best song on his album, but he boasts name power. But Enrique Iglesias' whimsical, evocative mega-hit "Cuando Me Enamoro" (Universal Music Latino), penned by Descemer Bueno and Iglesias, may have the best shot. The Latin Grammys have shunned Iglesias in the past, but here he performs with Guerra as a guest artist, which may break the jinx.

Best New Artist:
Never heard of any of the best new artist nominees? You're not alone. The stand out pick is Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter Alex Cuba who has worked with the likes of Nelly Furtado. But we can't help but note that the nominations in this category failed to recognize other new artist successes, like Tr3s Favorite Prince Royce, Chino & Nacho and Ana Isabelle.

Best Female Pop Vocal Album:
Nelly Furtado is the certain winner with the very compelling Mi Plan (Universal Music Latino), an album that deserves to win out of sheer musicianship and star power. An unlikely upset could be seen from Kany García, such a fine singer/songwriter and Latin Grammy favorite, with Boleto de Entrada (Sony Music Latin).

Best Male Pop Vocal Album:
Although we could go on and on about the merits of Sanz or Joaquín Sabina, Marc Anthony's exquisite Iconos (Sony Music Latin) should win this category hands down.

Best Urban Music Album:
In a twist, this category has gone beyond reggaetón to include a wide array of urban music exponents, and that alone is a heartening and exciting thing. While Vico C. is always a critical favorite, his Babilla went largely unnoticed, paving the way for Daddy Yankee's Mundial (El Cartel/Sony Music).

Best Urban Song:
Lots of songs here, none of them memorable hits for a lifetime. We'll go with Yankee's "Descontrol" or Mala Rodríguez's "No Pidas Perdón."

Do you agree with our predictions?

The 11th annual Latin Grammy's will air LIVE tonight at 8pm EST!

Let us know who you think will bring home the trophies in the comments, or @MTV3.

Tags Alejandro Sanz, Camila, Daddy Yankee, Enrique Iglesias, Eugenio Derbez, Jorge Drexler, Juan Luis Guerra, Latin Grammy Awards, Lucero, Mala Rodriguez, Nelly Furtado, Placido Domingo, Ricky Martin

By Simone Hilliard

If we told you a bromance was brewing between Juan Luis Guerra and a member of the Iglesias family, all of you would probably assume we meant Julio, right? Wrong!

It turns out Guerra has a new found love for Enrique! After the two collaborated on “Cuando Me Enamoro” off Enrique's latest Euforia LP, their creative chemistry was undeniable.

Guerra shared this adorable statement with Latina.com:

“I really enjoyed working with Enrique. He has a great sense of humor. He’s always making really clever jokes; you have to pay attention. He’s really smart.”

As good as "Cuando Me Enamoro" (composed and written by Enrique) is, the Dominicano did have two suggestions: bongos and maracas! Otherwise the ballad was perfect, said Guerra. He also admitted to admiring Iglesias' charisma:

"He’s one of the few Latin artists that have been able to cross over [between the English and Spanish-speaking worlds]. He deserves double the merit. He’s a young guy and I wish him the best in his career. He’ll achieve whatever he wants."

We think so too! Watch the video again, and let us know if you spot the duo's chemistry!

Weigh in on "Cuando Me Enamoro" below or @MTV3.

Tags bromance, Chisme, Enrique Iglesias, Gossip, Juan Luis Guerra, latin

By Erika Ramirez

We're not the only ones who love Ana Ortiz — Enrique Iglesias does too! Ana makes an appearance in Iglesia's latest video, "Cuando Me Enamoro," for the first single off his Euphoria album.

Featuring Juan Luis Guerra, the album is affiliated with guest hitmakers like Pitbull, Akon, Nicole Scherzinger, Wisin y Yandel, and even Lionel Richie!

We've got the video for you, plus more album details, after the jump! Read more...

Tags Akon, Enrique Iglesias, Euphoria, Juan Luis Guerra, Lionel Richie, Nicole Scherzinger, Pitbull, Wisin y Yandel