J Balvin tops Latin Grammy nods
At last year’s Latin Grammy Awards, popular reggaeton and Latin trap musicians such as J Balvin, Bad Bunny and Ozuna were dismissed in the show’s top categories. This year, they dominate.
Balvin scored 13 nominations for the 2020 Latin Grammys, including two nominations for album of the year and two for record of the year. The Latin Academy announced Tuesday that Bad Bunny and Ozuna are behind Balvin with nine and eight nominations, respectively.
Balvin has a chance to win his first album of the year prize — a category with 10 contenders — thanks to his fifth solo album “Colores” and “Oasis,” his collaborative project with Bad Bunny. Other nominees include Bad Bunny’s sophomore release “YHLQMDLG” as well as albums from Ricky Martin, Carlos Vives, Jesse & Joy, Kany Garcia, Natalia Lafourcade, Camilo and Fito Paez.
For record of the year, which also has 10 nominees, contenders include popular hip-hop-flavored Latin songs that have dominated the Latin music charts, including Karol G and Nicki Minaj’s global hit “Tusa,” and “China” by Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee,
Karol G, Ozuna, Balvin and Marco Masis. Other nominees include Balvin’s “Rojo” and Bad Bunny’s “Vete.”
Apart from Minaj’s two nominations, other popular American artists who will compete for awards include rapper Travis Scott; jazz master Chick Corea and his Spanish Heart Band; DJ-producer Diplo; and rapper Tyga.
The 21st annual Latin Grammy Awards will air on Univision on Nov. 19.
First Black producer of Super Bowl show named:
Jesse Collins is set to become the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show’s first Black executive producer.
“It is an honor to be a part of such an iconic show at such an important time in our history,” Collins said. “I am grateful to Jay-Z, Desiree Perez, the entire Roc Nation family and the NFL for granting me this opportunity.”
Last August, Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s entertainment and sports company, signed a deal to consult on the show. “Jesse Collins is innovative, creative and one of the only executive producers that speak fluent ‘artist vision.’ He’s a true artist,” Jay-Z said.
Collins, an Emmy nominee, and his Jesse Collins
Entertainment production company have produced the Grammy Awards and the BET Awards.
No artists have been signed yet for the show during the Feb. 7 game in Tampa, Florida.
Patterson awards $500 grants to teachers:
Thousands of schoolteachers will receive $500 grants from author James Patterson to help students build reading skills.
“Reading teaches kids empathy, gives them an escape when they most need it, helps them grapple with harsh realities, and perhaps most importantly, will remind them that they are not alone — even if they’re unable to see their teachers, classmates and friends in-person,” Patterson said in a statement Tuesday. The program is administered by Patterson and Scholastic Book Clubs.
Sept. 30 birthdays:
Singer Johnny Mathis is 85. Singer Marilyn McCoo is 77. Actor Barry Williams is 66. Actor Fran Drescher is 63. Singer Marty Stuart is 62. Actor Crystal Bernard is 59. Actor Marion Cotillard is 45. Actor Christopher Jackson is 45. Actor Lacey Chabert is 38. Actor Kieran Culkin is 38. Rapper T-Pain is 35.