Finalists Announced For “The 2013 Billboard Music Awards,” To Air Live From Las Vegas Sunday, May 19 on ABC

Taylor Swift, fun. and Maroon 5 Tie for the Lead as Contenders in 11 Award Categories, Followed by Rihanna, Carly Rae Jepsen and One Direction.

Steven Escobar, Producer from Diversity News TV will be Honored at the 3rd Annual Paparazzi Comedy Awards

Esteban Escobar aka Steven Escobar, Producer and Director of Diversity News TV will be Honored at the 3rd Annual Paparazzi Comedy Awards, benefiting Autism Awareness Month for “Autism Speaks” on April 4, 2013 at the Paparazzi Comedy & Variety show. International Published Book Author Lourdes Duque Baron from “Scripted In Heaven” to attend.

Hollywood, CA – Tuesday, April 2, 2013 Diversity News Productions/Publications from Diversity News TV on Blip TV and YouTube Channels announced that Diversity News TV will receive an award at the 3rd Annual Paparazzi Comedy Awards, benefiting Autism Awareness Month for “Autism Speaks” on Thursday, April 4, 2013 for  “Best B-Roll.” Steven Escobar himself will be accepting the award at event.

Hit Billboard Singer/Songwriter Fawn said, “I’m thrilled that Steven is being honored. He is one of the hardest working people I know, and very deserving of this incredible recognition.”

The 3rd Annual Paparazzi Comedy Awards will be held at the Paparazzi Comedy & Variety show at Jon Lovitz Comedy Club, 1000 Universal Studios Blvd., #222, Universal City, CA.

 ”Congratulations Diversity News TV capturing 3 years of the funniest coverage of Paparazzi Comedy and The Best B-Roll ever recorded of the Show” said Gisele Rebeiro, Executive Producer and Promoter of Paparazzi Comedy & Variety show by PartyBy5.com

Others being honored include ‘Outstanding Theatrical Comedy Productions’ – Frank Kelley, “Funniest Radio Show” – Stevie Mack Radio to Stevie Mack, “Hysterical CG Animation” – Surfing Elephant Productions to Al Bowman & Max Worthington (Producers Guild of America) and “People’s Facebook Choice Award” – Sharon “Jackie Pucci” Jacobucci  (Tru-TV “All Worked Up”). Guests attending are asked to wear blue to this event to show support for Autism Awareness Month.

Some of the confirmed celebrity guests are Author Lourdes Duque Baron (International Published Book Author for Scripted In Heaven), Dr. Cherlyn Lee (Dr. Cheryln Lee Health Former nurse to Michael Jackson, published book author “Written Before I Was Born”), Chillie Mo (Actor/Rapper/Producer/Radio Host), Fawn (Billboard Hit Recording Artist), Actress Thushari Jayasekera (Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 and Outsourced), Linda England (Actress & Singer), Carlina Rebeiro (Miss Westchester Teen California USA 2014, Model, Actress), Al Bowman (Producer), Glitter Rose (Recording artist), Stevie Mack (Comedian), Roxy Rich (Comedian, Published Book Author “Roxy Does Retail”) and many more.

Every one over the age of 16 are allowed to attend. The event will kick off at 8:00 pm with red carpet and interviews at 7:30 pm. Hosts are Kente Scott (Antwon  Fischer) and Janet Rousseau (ER). The 3rd Annual Paparazzi Comedy Awards will feature the best comedians in the entertainment industry: Anyi, Roxy Rich, Dave Shelton (Everybody Loves Raymond) and Headliners Julio Gonzales. The 3rd Annual Paparazzi Comedy Awards will be also showcasing Pop Artist Chris Morris and Angel Gold.

The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club (formerly BB Kings Night Club) is named after legendary performer Jon Lovitz, who currently performs there monthly.

Paparazzi Comedy can be seen monthly at local clubs on the Westside, please check paparazzicomedy.com and the Splash Magazine Calendar for locations. First 50 people are always FREE, Ages 16 and up, admission $10. Paparazzi Comedy & Variety show is produced by Gisele Rebeiro from PartyBy5.com.

FREE admission to everyone that brings a donation receipt from www.autismspeaks.org  Entrance admission tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased in advance online at www.thejonlovitzcomedyclub.com, to reserve VIP seating. Special $3 Valet with validation after 7:00 pm. Full Dinner menu with 2 drink minimum purchase. For booking information contact rsvp@paparazzicomedy.com


On that same night following the Paparazzi Comedy Show, recording artist Glitter Rose will celebrate her birthday. The after party birthday bash for Glitter Rose will be at the Saddle Ranch Chop House, Universal City 1000 Universal Studios Blvd, Universal City, CA 91608 from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am. Chris Morris and Angel Gold will take the stage again along with Roxy Rich for a night of dancing while DJ Cali Los starts spinning from 11:00 pm until 2:00 am. Age 21 and up, with admission  FREE with validation from The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club. Saddle Ranch offers a $5 Valet special w/validation for 3 hours.  Celebrate your birthday at our Birthday Bash After party with DJ Cali Los until 2:00 am.

Paparazzi Comedy endorsements include Diversity News Publications, KD Luxe Jewelry, Bad Azz Shoes, iVogue, Bel Air Beverages, Vlado Footwear, Nina J Hair and Bubba Sweets.

Past and current media coverage include Wire Image, Examiner.com, PR Photos, Bob Delgadillo Photography, Jovi Bantolo Photography, Pal Photography, Diversity News Magazine, Diversity News TV, Splash Magazines and Partyby5.com.

About Diversity News TV:
Diversity News TV is part of Diversity News Productions of Diversity News Publications, a news/entertainment media and public relations firm in Hollywood, CA. Diversity News TV publish content on YouTube and Blip TV. Diversity News TV coverage includes events, interviews, features, awards, red carpets, music concerts, fashion shows and much more. For more information visit http://www.diversitynewspublications.com

About Steven Escobar:
Esteban A. Escobar (born in El Salvador, Central America on September 6th) is an American (Journalist, reporter, editor, columnist, writer, producer, director, publicist, radio personality, accounts receivable specialist and philanthropist). Steven Escobar is the Executive Editor-In-Chief of DiversityNews Magazine. Esteban “Steven” Escobar is also the Producer, Director of Diversity News TV, the host of Diversity News Radio, on Air with Steven Escobar, the President of Diversity News Publications and he owns E.E.Enterprises, an affiliate of The Diversity News Publications Family of Companies. For more information visit http://www.stevenescobar.diversitynewspublications.com, http://www.stevenescobar.blogspot.com or his IMDB at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4164655/

About Autism: Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders–caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated one in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 78 percent increase in six years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

About Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org

MEDIA CONTACT FOR STEVEN ESCOBAR:
Alex Leon, Director of Marketing & PR
World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc.
TELS: (323) 465-3945 or (213) 321-9408
worldwidevitalpr.wordpress.com/
worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please post press release or mention event in your magazine, website, radio and television shows and if you would like more information contact Alex Leon via email at worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com

Esteban Escobar A.K.A. Steven Escobar nominated for a 2013 EOTM Award for Outstanding Journalist

Halle Berry, LL Cool J, Wanda Sykes Named Presenters at 44th NAACP Image Awards

Naomi Campbell, Archie Panjabi, Common, Terrence Jenkins, Cedric The Entertainer, Keke Palmer, Tyler James Williams, Meagan Good, Laz Alonso and Lamorne Morris to present at 44^th NAACP Image Awards 

Diahann Carroll and Others to Introduce Special Tributes.

NAACP ‘Entertainer of the Year’ to be Revealed.

 Wyclef and Common to Perform During Two-Hour Live Broadcast to air on Feb. 1, 8-10 p.m. EST on NBC.

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 28, 2013) – The NAACP announced today that Halle Berry, LL Cool J, Naomi Campbell, Archie Panjabi, Common, Terrence Jenkins, Wanda Sykes, Cedric The Entertainer, Keke Palmer, Tyler James Williams, Meagan Good, Laz Alonso and Lamorne Morris have been added to present at the 44^th NAACP Image Awards broadcast LIVE from Los Angeles’ historic Shrine Auditorium on Friday, Feb. 1, 8-10 p.m. ET (PT tape-delayed) on NBC.

Diahann Carroll and others will introduce special tributes.  Wyclef and Common will perform.

In addition, the NAACP “Entertainer of the Year” will be revealed.  This special honor is being bestowed upon an individual within the entertainment industry who has achieved notable success in multiple projects and mediums. The results were determined by a national polling company who surveyed a diverse sampling of individuals from across the country to vote and determine the recipient. 

As previously announced, comedian, author, radio and talk show host, Steve Harvey will host and Samuel L. Jackson, Jamie Foxx, Wanda Sykes and Tony Goldwyn will be presenters.  In addition, Dennis Haysbert will be the in-show announcer.  Kerry Washington will receive the NAACP President’s Award and United States Navy Vice Admiral Michelle Janine Howard will receive the NAACP Chairman’s Award.

Nominees for the NAACP Image Awards are determined by the number of entries received by the deadline.  To be eligible, projects must have had a national distribution date between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012. For the 2012 voting period, over 1,200 submissions were received by the artists, managers, publicists, production companies, record labels, studios, networks and/or publishers. From those entries, a nominating committee of 300 industry professionals and NAACP leaders from across the country select five nominees in each of the 53 categories. Those results were announced at a press conference. To determine the winners, the members of the NAACP vote via a secured online site. The results are tabulated by the Image Awards auditors, Bert Smith & Co., and the results are confidential until the envelope is opened LIVE on stage during the NBC telecast on Friday, February 1, 2013.

The NAACP Image Awards production team includes Executive Producers Reginald Hudlin and Brad Lachman. Bill Bracken will serve as Supervising Producer and Byron Phillips as Producer. The production team also includes Tony McCuin as Director and Melanie Massie as the Talent Executive.


Event sponsors include:  FedEx, UAW/Chrysler, AT&T, Hyundai Motors, Wells Fargo, General Motors, Walmart, Bank of America, Walgreens, Gilead Sciences, AARP, Ford Motor, Anheuser Busch, Pepsico.

About the NAACP Image Awards:
The NAACP Image Awards is the premier multicultural awards show.  It celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. For all information and latest news, please visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at http://www.naacpimageawards.net/

About the NAACP:
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. For more information visit http://www.naacp.org/

Graphic credit to: NAACP

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine and Diversity News TV are happy to announce that for a third year in a row our own Executive Editor-In-Chief Esteban Escobar and Photo Editor and Celebrity Events Photographer Rodrigo Vaz will be live covering the event to bring photos and videos including story with all the winners. Please come back to http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/

Adele,Taylor Swift Featured on the 2013 Grammy Nominees Album Available Digitally and in Stores Jan. 22nd

Album It contains 22 tracks featuring a Diverse array of recording artists and memorable songs. Available Digitally and in Stores Jan. 22, 2013; Gives Music Fans Two Chances to Attend Music’s Biggest Night.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2013) — Capitol Records and The Recording Academy^®‘s GRAMMY Recordings^® will release the 2013 GRAMMY^® Nominees album on Jan. 22, 2013 and provide lucky music and GRAMMY fans two chances to attend the 55th or the 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards^®. The album features 22 critically acclaimed smash hits from a myriad of chart-topping artists from various genres.

The 19th edition of the best-selling collection includes many of the most widely recognized GRAMMY categories representing nominees for Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song, and Best Rock Album. The album is made possible by a special arrangement with all of the major music distribution companies and rotates labels from year to year. A portion of the proceeds from the album benefit the MusiCares Foundation^®and the GRAMMY Foundation^®— two charitable organizations established by The Recording Academy.

In conjunction with the 2013 GRAMMY Nominees album, Capitol Records and The Recording Academy will offer two opportunities to attend the annual GRAMMY Awards. First, when pre-ordering the 2013 GRAMMY Nominees album at www.grammy.com/2013grammyalbum by Jan. 21, music fans can enter to win a trip to the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards on Feb. 10, 2013. Additionally, providing another chance to win tickets to Music’s Biggest Night^®, each2013 GRAMMY Nominees album purchased in stores will include a special game piece featuring a unique entry code for the GRAMMY Ticket Game. To participate, the code must be entered at www.grammy.com/2013grammyalbum for the opportunity to win a trip for two to the 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2014. The second-place winner will receive other official GRAMMY Awards merchandise.

The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held Sunday, Feb. 10 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, and will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

The 55th Grammy Awards Nominations Announced Awards show to air Feb. 10, 2013 on CBS

DAN AUERBACH (THE BLACK KEYS), FUN., JAY-Z, MUMFORD & SONS, FRANK OCEAN, AND KANYE WEST LEAD GRAMMY^® NOMINATIONS
WITH SIX EACH; THE BLACK KEYS, CHICK COREA AND MIGUEL EACH EARN FIVE.

 THE BLACK KEYS, FUN., MUMFORD & SONS, FRANK OCEAN, AND JACK WHITE VIE FOR ALBUM OF THE YEAR AT 55TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS^® FEB. 10, 2013, LIVE ON CBS.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 05, 2012) — Nominations for the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards® (www.grammy.com) were announced tonight by The Recording Academy® and reflected an eclectic mix of the best and brightest in music over the past year, as determined by the voting members of The Academy. For the fifth year, nominations for the annual GRAMMY Awards were announced on primetime television as part of “The GRAMMY® Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night®,” a one-hour CBS (www.cbs.com) entertainment special broadcast live for the first time ever from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on “GRAMMY Sunday,” Feb. 10, 2013, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). For updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy’s social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys. For a complete nominations list, please visit www.grammy.com.

Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys), FUN., Jay-Z, Mumford & Sons, Frank Ocean, and Kanye West top the nominations with six each; The Black Keys, Chick Corea, and Miguel each garner five nods; and producer Jeff Bhasker, mastering engineer Bob Ludwig and Nas are each up for four awards.

“The GRAMMY Awards process once again has produced a diverse and impressive list of nominations across multiple genres,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “This year’s nominees truly represent an exceptional and vibrant creative community that exemplifies some of the highest levels of artistry and excellence in their respective fields. Combined with the fifth year of our primetime nominations special, we’re off to an exciting start on the road to Music’s Biggest Night, the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards, on February 10.”

Following is a sampling of nominations in 81 categories from the GRAMMY Awards’ 30 Fields:

GENERAL FIELD
Album Of The Year:
El Camino — The Black Keys
Some Nights — FUN.
Babel — Mumford & Sons
Channel Orange — Frank Ocean
Blunderbuss — Jack White

Record Of The Year:
“Lonely Boy” — The Black Keys
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” — Kelly Clarkson
“We Are Young” — FUN. Featuring Janelle Monáe
“Somebody That I Used To Know” — Gotye Featuring Kimbra
“Thinkin Bout You” — Frank Ocean
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” — Taylor Swift

Best New Artist:
Alabama Shakes
FUN.
Hunter Hayes
The Lumineers
Frank Ocean

Song Of The Year:
“The A Team” — Ed Sheeran, songwriter (Ed Sheeran)
“Adorn” — Miguel Pimentel, songwriter (Miguel)
“Call Me Maybe” — Tavish Crowe, Carly Rae Jepsen & Josh Ramsay, songwriters (Carly Rae Jepsen)
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” — Jörgen Elofsson, David Gamson, Greg Kurstin & Ali Tamposi,
songwriters (Kelly Clarkson)
“We Are Young” — Jack Antonoff, Jeff Bhasker, Andrew Dost & Nate Ruess, songwriters (FUN. Featuring
Janelle Monáe)

POP FIELD
Best Pop Solo Performance:
“Set Fire To The Rain (Live)” — Adele
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” — Kelly Clarkson
“Call Me Maybe” — Carly Rae Jepsen
“Wide Awake” — Katy Perry
“Where Have You Been” — Rihanna

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
“Shake It Out” — Florence & The Machine
“We Are Young” — FUN. Featuring Janelle Monáe
“Somebody That I Used To Know” — Gotye Featuring Kimbra
“Sexy And I Know It” — LMFAO
“Payphone” — Maroon 5 & Wiz Khalifa

DANCE FIELD
Best Dance/Electronica Album:
Wonderland — Steve Aoki
Don’t Think — The Chemical Brothers
> Album Title Goes Here < — Deadmau5
Fire & Ice — Kaskade
Bangarang — Skrillex

ROCK FIELD
Best Rock Performance:
“Hold On” — Alabama Shakes
“Lonely Boy” — The Black Keys
“Charlie Brown” — Coldplay
“I Will Wait” — Mumford & Sons
“We Take Care Of Our Own” — Bruce Springsteen

Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance:
“I’m Alive” — Anthrax
“Love Bites (So Do I)” — Halestorm
“Blood Brothers” — Iron Maiden
“Ghost Walking” — Lamb Of God
“No Reflection” — Marilyn Manson
“Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)” — Megadeth

Best Rock Album:
El Camino — The Black Keys
Mylo Xyloto — Coldplay
The 2nd Law — Muse
Wrecking Ball — Bruce Springsteen
Blunderbuss — Jack White

ALTERNATIVE FIELD
Best Alternative Music Album:
The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes
Will Ever Do — Fiona Apple
Biophilia — Björk
Making Mirrors — Gotye
Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming — M83
Bad As Me — Tom Waits

R&B FIELD
Best R&B Performance:
“Thank You” — Estelle
“Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B.)” — Robert Glasper Experiment Featuring Ledisi
“I Want You” — Luke James
“Adorn” — Miguel
“Climax” — Usher

Best Urban Contemporary Album:
Fortune — Chris Brown
Kaleidoscope Dream — Miguel
Channel Orange — Frank Ocean

Best R&B Album:
Black Radio — Robert Glasper Experiment
Back To Love — Anthony Hamilton
Write Me Back — R. Kelly
Beautiful Surprise — Tamia
Open Invitation — Tyrese

RAP FIELD
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration:
“Wild Ones” — Flo Rida Featuring Sia
“No Church In The Wild” — Jay-Z & Kanye West Featuring Frank Ocean & The-Dream
“Tonight (Best You Ever Had)” — John Legend Featuring Ludacris
“Cherry Wine” — Nas Featuring Amy Winehouse
“Talk That Talk” — Rihanna Feautring Jay-Z

Best Rap Performance:
“HYFR (Hell Ya F***ing Right)” — Drake Featuring Lil Wayne
“N****s In Paris” — Jay-Z & Kanye West
“Daughters” — Nas
“Mercy” — Kanye West Featuring Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz
“I Do” — Young Jeezy Featuring Jay-Z & André 3000

Best Rap Album:
Take Care — Drake
Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album, Pt. 1 — Lupe Fiasco
Life Is Good — Nas
Undun — The Roots
God Forgives, I Don’t — Rick Ross
Based On A T.R.U. Story — 2 Chainz

COUNTRY FIELD
Best Country Solo Performance:
“Home” — Dierks Bentley
“Springsteen” — Eric Church
“Cost Of Livin’” — Ronnie Dunn
“Wanted” — Hunter Hayes
“Over” — Blake Shelton
“Blown Away” — Carrie Underwood

Best Country Album:
Uncaged — Zac Brown Band
Hunter Hayes — Hunter Hayes
Living For A Song: A Tribute To Hank Cochran — Jamey Johnson
Four The Record — Miranda Lambert
The Time Jumpers — The Time Jumpers

AMERICAN ROOTS FIELD
Best Americana Album:
The Carpenter — The Avett Brothers
From The Ground Up — John Fullbright
The Lumineers — The Lumineers
Babel — Mumford & Sons
Slipstream — Bonnie Raitt

Best Blues Album:
33 1/3 — Shemekia Copeland
Locked Down — Dr. John
Let It Burn — Ruthie Foster
And Still I Rise — Heritage Blues Orchestra
Bring It On Home — Joan Osborne

SPOKEN WORD FIELD
Best Spoken Word Album:
American Grown (Michelle Obama) — Scott Creswell & Dan Zitt, producers (Various Artists)
Back To Work: Why We Need Smart Government For A Strong Economy — Bill Clinton
Drift: The Unmooring Of American Military Power — Rachel Maddow
Seriously…I’m Kidding — Ellen DeGeneres
Society’s Child: My Autobiography — Janis Ian

COMEDY FIELD
Best Comedy Album:
Blow Your Pants Off — Jimmy Fallon
Cho Dependent (Live In Concert) — Margaret Cho
In God We Rust — Lewis Black
Kathy Griffin: Seaman 1st Class — Kathy Griffin
Mr. Universe — Jim Gaffigan
Rize Of The Fenix — Tenacious D

This year’s Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical nominations go to Dan Auerbach, Jeff Bhasker, Diplo, Markus Dravs, and Salaam Remi.

This year’s GRAMMY Awards process registered more than 17,000 submissions over a 12-month eligibility period (Oct. 1, 2011 – Sept. 30, 2012). GRAMMY ballots for the final round of voting will be mailed on Dec. 19 to the voting members of The Recording Academy. They are due back to the accounting firm of Deloitte by Jan. 16, 2013, when they will be tabulated and the results kept secret until the 55th GRAMMY telecast.

The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, and Louis J. Horvitz is director.

“The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night,” hosted by two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J and six-time GRAMMY winner Taylor Swift, featured the announcement of nominations in several categories as well as performances by The Band Perry and Dierks Bentley in a special tribute to Johnny Cash; country artist Luke Bryan; pop/rock group FUN. with singer/songwriter Janelle Monáe; country artist Hunter Hayes; three-time GRAMMY-winning group Maroon 5; three-time GRAMMY winner Ne-Yo; and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipients The Who. Presenters included nine-time GRAMMY winner Sheryl Crow, country group Little Big Town, Americana group The Lumineers, and country artist Chris Young.

About The Recording Academy: Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like “The GRAMMYs” on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs’ social communities on Foursquare, GetGlue, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and YouTube.

Photo credit to: The Recording Academy
Source: The Recording Academy

“The 40th Anniversary American Music Awards®” Nominations Announced

Nicki Minaj and Rihanna Individually Lead 2012 Nominations.
Christina Aguilera Confirmed to Perform.
New Electronic Dance Music Category Created.
Winners Determined by Online Voting at amavote.com

On October 9, 2012 Recording artist Christina Aguilera revealed the “The 40^th Anniversary American Music Awards® (AMAs)” nominations this morning from the J.W. Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE (see full list of nominees below). It was also announced that Christina Aguilera will be performing on this year’s show which will be broadcast live from the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18^th (8:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT) on ABC.  Additional acts and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets are now on sale (please visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 1-877-234-8425.).

For the fourth consecutive year, the live online pre-show “Coca-Cola Red Carpet LIVE! @ The 2012 AMAs” will stream live for fans worldwide starting at 5pm ET / 2pm PT and will be hosted by Lance Bass, Kimberly Cole, Brad Goreski and Tristan Wilds, among other hosts to be announced including a NOKIA correspondent. Viewers will be able to watch the live show on ABC.com, AMAs365.com, Cokemusic.com, Livestream, Ustream, YouTube, and through AP Live Entertainment. Livestream and Ustream-powered video players will be made available to media partners, as well as for the websites and Facebook Pages of participating talent.

Nicki Minaj and Rihanna both lead this year with four (4) nominations individually. While Drake, Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, One Direction and Usher follow with three (3) nominations each, and Carrie Underwood, Chris Brown, fun., Gotye, J.Cole, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, and Pitbull collected two (2) nominations respectively.  This year’s 2012 Artist of the Year nominees are: Justin Bieber, Drake, Maroon 5, Katy Perry, and Rihanna. This year also marks the creation of the new Electronic Dance Music Category. Nominees include David Guetta, Calvin Harris, and Skrillex.

For the sixth year, winners will be determined by online voting starting today. Fans can vote at the Coca-Cola AMA voting website, amavote.com, as well as AMA.abc.com. Artists will be honored in the categories of Pop/Rock, Country, Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Latin, Contemporary Inspirational and for the first year ever, Electronic Dance Music.  Fans can go to the official homepage of “The 40^th Anniversary American Music Awards,” ama.abc.com, to find performer and presenter announcements, artist information, and more.

“The 40^th Anniversary American Music Awards” are produced by dick clark productions, inc. (DCP) Allen Shapiro and Orly Adelson will executive produce the show. Larry Klein will produce.

Shapiro, Adelson, and Klein jointly stated, “The 40^th American Music Awards will once again represent the epitome of pop culture featuring today’s biggest stars and music icons all on one stage.”

Fans can go to ama.abc.com, AMAs365.com, follow the AMAs on Twitter @theamas, and like the AMAs on Facebook at facebook.com/amas to find performer and presenter announcements, artist information, Memes and Gifs, and more. Starting tomorrow, fans will also be able to watch “AMAs On Demand,” a weekly web series hosted by Lance Bass, Kimberly Cole, and Megan Turney. The web series will be published weekly to YouTube (youtube.com/awardsshownetwork), ABC.com and other streaming partners. The series will cover all things AMAs including breaking news, artist spotlights, retrospectives on fashion, acceptance speeches, red carpet, and backstage interviews.

AND THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES ARE…

And now, without any further suspense, this year’s nominees are:

POP/ROCK MUSIC

Favorite Male Artist:

Justin Bieber

Pitbull

Usher

Flo Rida

Favorite Female Artist:

Rihanna

Kelly Clarkson

Katy Perry

Nicki Minaj

Favorite Band, Duo, or Group:

Maroon 5

fun.

One Direction

The Wanted

Favorite Album:

Justin Bieber/Believe

Maroon 5/Overexposed

Nicki Minaj/Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

One Direction/Up All Night

COUNTRY MUSIC

Favorite Male Artist:

Luke Bryan

Eric Church

Jason Aldean

Favorite Female Artist:

Taylor Swift

Carrie Underwood

Miranda Lambert

Favorite Band, Duo, or Group:

Rascal Flatts

Zac Brown Band

Lady Antebellum

Favorite Album:

Luke Bryan/Tailgates & Tanlines

Lionel Richie/Tuskegee

Carrie Underwood/Blown Away

RAP/HIP-HOP MUSIC

Favorite Artist:

Nicki Minaj

Drake

Tyga

Favorite Album:

J. Cole/ Cole World: The Sideline Story

Drake/ Take Care

Nicki Minaj/Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

SOUL/R&B MUSIC

Favorite Male Artist:

Trey Songz

Chris Brown

Usher

Favorite Female Artist:

Rihanna

Beyonce

Mary J. Blige

Favorite Album:

Chris Brown/ Fortune

Usher/ Looking 4 Myself

Rihanna/ Talk That Talk

ALTERNATIVE ROCK MUSIC

Favorite Artist:

The Black Keys

Gotye

Linkin Park

ADULT CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

Favorite Artist:

Adele

Kelly Clarkson

Train

LATIN MUSIC

Favorite Artist:

Pitbull

Shakira

Don Omar

CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL

Favorite Artist:

Jeremy Camp

Newsboys

tobyMac

ELECTRONIC DANCE MUSIC (EDM)

Favorite Artist:

David Guetta

Skrillex

Calvin Harris

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Justin Bieber

Drake

Katy Perry

Rihanna

Maroon 5

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

J. Cole

fun.

Carly Rae Jepsen

Gotye

One Direction

About the Voting
American Music Awards® nominees are selected from both BigChampagne’s Ultimate Chart and Mediabase. The Ultimate Chart is a ranked list of the most popular artists and songs based on a weighted combination of music sales, radio and TV broadcast, internet streaming and video viewing, and incorporating additional online metrics, including activity on social networks. Mediabase monitors more than 1,800 radio stations in 180 U.S. and Canadian markets, 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week and provides vital airplay and programming information to more than 1,700 affiliate radio stations and every major broadcast group. Winners are chosen by public vote online.

About dick clark productions, inc.
Founded in 1957, dick clark productions, inc. (dcp) is a leading independent producer of television programming. dcp produces perennial hits such as the “American Music Awards,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Academy of Country Music Awards,” and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” dcp also produces popular weekly television programming, including “So You Think You Can Dance,” and owns and maintains one of the world’s most unique and extensive entertainment libraries, which includes more than 30 years of “American Bandstand” footage. For additional information about dcp, please visit www.dickclarkproductions.com

About the American Music Awards
In 1973 Dick Clark created the American Music Awards to pay tribute to popular musicians from various genres of music and to put audiences in touch with the latest phenomena in American music. Since its founding, the AMAs have honored and showcased the talents of some of the biggest names in the music industry. For press credential requests, please go tohttp://pmkbnc.wufoo.com/forms/2012-american-music-awards-media-application/. Archived footage and photography are available upon request.

Sources: Dick Clark Productions, http://www.amas365.com, prnewswire.com
Photos credit to: Dick Clark Production

XIII Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards Nominations Announced To Air Nov. 15 from 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT on Univision Network

JUAN LUIS GUERRA LEADS LATIN GRAMMY® NOMINATIONS WITH SIX; JESSE & JOY GARNER FIVE NODS; RICARDO ARJONA, EDGAR BARRERA, JUANES, CARLA MORRISON, ARTURO SANDOVAL, IVETE SANGALO AND 2012 LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY PERSON OF THE YEAR CAETANO VELOSO EACH RECEIVE FOUR NOMINATIONS. RICARDO ARJONA, BEBE, CHICO BUARQUE, CHOCQUIBTOWN, JESSE & JOY, JUANES, CARLA MORRISON, REIK, ARTURO SANDOVAL, AND CAETANO VELOSO, GILBERTO GIL & IVETE SANGALO ALL VIE FOR ALBUM OF THE YEAR AT THE XIII ANNUAL LATIN GRAMMY AWARDS®, NOV. 15, LIVE ON UNIVISION.

Nominations Once Again Reflect a Diverse Blend of Established and Rising Talent from Across the Latin Music World, and This Year Include 10 Nominees in Each of the Four General Categories.

On Tuesday, September 25, 2012 the nominations for the XIII Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® (www.latingrammy.com) were announced today at a press conference attended by national and international media at the Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The event was streamed live on LatinGRAMMY.com (and is now available as video on demand) and was hosted by The Latin Recording Academy® President/CEO Gabriel Abaroa Jr., and Univision television personality Giselle Blondet. Artists reading nominations this morning included: Maria Barracuda of pop/rock group Jotdog; Miguel “Slow” Martinez and Carlos “Tostao” Valencia of hip-hop/funk trio ChocQuibTown; pop vocalist Shaila Durcal; singer/songwriter Kany Garcia; pop duo Jesse & Joy; international superstar Juanes; singer/songwriter Gian Marco; Latin pop group Reik; Norteno band Los Tucanes de Tijuana; and pop/rock artist Ana Victoria. The XIII Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, set for Nov. 15 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, will be broadcast live on the Univision Network (www.univision.com) from 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central). For a complete list of nominees, media credentialing instructions and more information, please visit www.latingrammy.com. For updates and breaking news, please visit The Latin Recording Academy’s social networks on Twitter (www.twitter.com/latingrammys) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/latingrammys).

Juan Luis Guerra tops the nominations with six; Jesse & Joy garner five nods; Ricardo Arjona, Edgar Barrera, Juanes, Carla Morrison, Arturo Sandoval, Ivete Sangalo, and 2012 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Caetano Veloso are up for four awards; Chico Buarque, ChocQuibTown, Don Omar, Rafael Dragaud, Gregg Field, Javier Garza, Gilberto Gil, Ulises Hadjis, Roberto Talma, and Martin Terefe are among those who each received three nominations.

“The Latin GRAMMY nominations continue to highlight a varied and wide-ranging group of Latin music makers that reflects emerging talent as well as established artists,” said Abaroa. “It is always encouraging to see creative professionals across the worldwide Latin music community acknowledging their peers and recognizing excellence in recorded Latin music. We look forward to another year of celebrating the best and brightest in Latin music, and to presenting another stellar telecast in Las Vegas on Nov. 15 with our friends and partners at Univision and Mandalay Bay.”

As announced earlier this year, each of the four categories in the General Field (Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best New Artist) now include 10 nominations; the three categories in the Pop Field (Best Female Pop Vocal Album, Best Male Pop Vocal Album, and Best Pop Album By A Duo Or Group With Vocal) are now combined into two categories: Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album; Best Pop/Rock Album has been added in the Rock Field; and Best Tropical Fusion Album has been added to the Tropical Field.

Following is a sampling of nominations in 47 categories from the Latin GRAMMY Awards’ 18 Fields, featuring a diverse array of musical styles and artists, and some of the most prominent names and brightest newcomers in Latin music:

GENERAL FIELD
Album Of The Year
Independiente — Ricardo Arjona
Un Pokito De Rocanrol — Bebe
Chico — Chico Buarque
Eso Es Lo Que Hay — ChocQuibTown
Con Quien Se Queda El Perro? — Jesse & Joy
MTV Unplugged — Juanes
Dejenme Llorar — Carla Morrison
Peligro — Reik
Dear Diz (Everyday I Think Of You) — Arturo Sandoval
Especial Ivete, Gil e Caetano — Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil & Ivete Sangalo

Record Of The Year
“Fuiste Tu” — Ricardo Arjona con Gaby Moreno
“Calentura” — ChocQuibTown Featuring Tego Calderon & Zully Murillo
“Que Te Vaya Mal” — Kany Garcia
“En El Cielo No Hay Hospital” — Juan Luis Guerra
“Corre!” — Jesse & Joy
“Azul Sabina” — Juanes Featuring Joaquin Sabina
“Hasta Que Te Conoci” — Manaa
“Atras Da Porta” — Ivete Sangalo
“No Me Compares” — Alejandro Sanz
“Besame Mucho” — Zoe

Song Of The Year
“Azul Sabina” — Juan Luis Guerra, Juanes & Joaquin Sabina, songwriters
(Juanes Featuring Joaquin Sabina)
“Corre!” — Jesse & Joy & Tommy Torres, songwriters (Jesse & Joy)
“Creo En Ti” — Kiko Cibrian, Gilberto Marin, Julio Ramirez & Monica Velez, songwriters (Reik)
“Dejenme Llorar — Carla Morrison, songwriter (Carla Morrison)
“En El Cielo No Hay Hospital” — Juan Luis Guerra, songwriter (Juan Luis Guerra)
“Estoy Hecho De Pedacitos De Ti” — Jose Luis Latorre, Antonio Orozco & Xavi Perez, songwriters
(Antonio Orozco Featuring Alejandro Fernandez)
“Extranjero” — Maycon Ananias & Cassyano Correr, songwriters (Maria Gadu)
“Fuiste Tu” — Ricardo Arjona, songwriter (Ricardo Arjona con Gaby Moreno)
“Invisible” — Amaury Gutierrez & Gian Marco, songwriters (Gian Marco)
“No Me Compares” — Alejandro Sanz, songwriter (Alejandro Sanz)

Best New Artist
Gaby Amarantos
Deborah De Corral
Elain
Ulises Hadjis
Los Mesoneros
Juan Magan
Rosario Ortega
Piso 21
3BallMTY
Ana Victoria

POP FIELD
Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album
En Acustico — Pablo Alboran
Chambao — Chambao
Con Quien Se Queda El Perro? — Jesse & Joy
Bela y Sus Moskitas Muertas — Beatriz Luengo
Reconocer — Pamela Rodriguez

URBAN FIELD
Best Urban Music Album
Otro Nivel De Musica Reloaded — J. Alvarez
The Original Gallo Del Pais — Tego Calderon
The Most Powerful Rookie — Farruko
MT02 New Generation — Don Omar
La Bala — Ana Tijoux

ROCK FIELD
Best Pop/Rock Album
Porfiado — El Cuarteto De Nos
Turista Del Amor — Jotdog
Diciembre — Leiva
Camino A Encontrarte — Los Claxons
La Cuenta Atras — Vega

ALTERNATIVE FIELD
Best Alternative Music Album
Mundo Anfibio — Lisandro Aristimuno
Eso Es Lo Que Hay — ChocQuibTown
Cosas Perdidas — Ulises Hadjis
Sueno De La Maquina — Kinky
Dejenme Llorar — Carla Morrison

TROPICAL FIELD
Best Salsa Album
Eba Say Aja — Ruben Blades & Cheo Feliciano
Soy y Sere — Luis Enrique
Watch Out! Ten Cuidado! — Mambo Legends Orchestra
Busco En Pueblo — Victor Manuelle
Mi Ultima Grabacion — Tito Nieves

Best Tropical Fusion Album
Afronauta — Caseroloops
Ilusion+ — Fonseca
Una y Otra Vez — Sergent Garcia
The King Of Dance — Juan Magan
Phase II — Prince Royce

REGIONAL MEXICAN FIELD
Best Ranchero Album
Mas De Un Camino  — Pepe Aguilar
Asi — Shaila Durcal
No Que No… — Pedro Fernandez
Aqui En El Rancho — Miguel y Miguel
Trio Ellas — Trio Ellas

Best Regional Mexican Song
“Ay Mi Mexico” — Ismael Gallegos & Alberto “Beto” Jimenez Maeda, songwriters
(Mariachi Divas De Cindy Shea)
“Como Me Acuerdo De Ti” — Charlie Corona & Jesse Turner, songwriters (Siggno)
“El Dia Que Me Fui” — Luis Carlos Monroy & Adrian Pieragostino, songwriters (Shaila Durcal)
“El Mejor Perfume” — Luis Carlos Monroy & Adrian Pieragostino, songwriters
(La Original Banda El Limon De Salvador Lizarraga)
“Vivo Contenta” — Manuel Eduardo Toscano, songwriter (Paquita La Del Barrio)

BRAZILIAN FIELD
Best MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) Album
Oasis De Bethania — Maria Bethania
Joao Bosco 40 Anos Depois — Joao Bosco
Amoragio — Ivan Lins
O Que Voce Quer Saber De Verdade — Marisa Monte
Raiz — Leila Pinheiro
Elo — Maria Rita
Especial Ivete, Gil e Caetano — Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil & Ivete Sangalo

Best Brazilian Song (Portuguese Language)
“A Doida” — Pretinho Da Serrinha, Leandro Fab & Seu Jorge, songwriters (Seu Jorge)
“Ai Se Eu Te Pego” — Antonio Dyggs & Sharon Axe Moi, songwriters (Michel Telo)
“Ainda Bem” — Arnaldo Antunes & Marisa Monte, songwriters (Marisa Monte)
“Amor E Pra Quem Ama” — Lenine & Ivan Santos, songwriters (Lenine)
“Querido Diario” — Chico Buarque, songwriter (Chico Buarque)

Producer Of The Year nominations go to Moogie Canazio, Gregg Field & Arturo Sandoval, Sergio George, Juan Luis Guerra, and Martin Terefe.

This year’s Latin GRAMMY Awards process registered a record-breaking more than 7,500 submissions over a 12-month eligibility period (Jul. 1, 2011 – June. 30, 2012), and all members of The Latin Recording Academy were able to submit entries for consideration through an online entry process for the first time. Latin GRAMMY ballots for the final round of voting will be mailed on Oct. 2 to the voting members of The Latin Recording Academy. They are due back to the accounting firm Deloitte by Oct. 23, when they will be tabulated and the results kept secret until the XIII Latin GRAMMY telecast. This year, for the first time, The Latin Recording Academy and Spotify will be working together to offer voting members and all music fans the opportunity to listen to nominated music for the XIII Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. More details to be announced shortly.

The XIII Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will be supported on radio via Univision Radio (the official Spanish-language radio network of the Latin GRAMMY Awards), and highlighted on the Internet at www.latingrammy.com andwww.univisionmusica.com, featuring video interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from today’s nominations announcement. Additionally, the telecast will be distributed internationally to more than 100 countries.

A limited number of tickets to the XIII Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will be available for sale to the public, and may be purchased at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office (877.632.7400; www.mandalaybay.com) or through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com). On-sale date and further information will be announced soon.

About The Latin Recording Academy: is an International, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community. For more information about The Latin Recording Academy, please visit www.latingrammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization’s social networks as a Twitter follower at www.twitter.com/latingrammys, and a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/latingrammys.

Source: The Latin Recording Academy
Graphic credit to: The Latin Recording Academy Facebook

Editor’s Note: Photos and story coverage of today’s nominations announcement by our photographer/reporter Stella Gomez will be posted soon, please come back for more.

Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Lochte, Robert Rodriguez, Zoë Saldana, Natalie Morales, Andy Garcia and Rafael Amaya Named Presenters of 2012 NCLR ALMA Awards

RAP SUPERSTAR FLO RIDA TO PERFORM WITH ROSELYN SANCHEZ AT STAR-STUDDED SHOW FEATURING THEME MUSIC WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY MUSIC SENSATION PITBULL.

LOCHTE TO BE HONORED ALONG WITH FIVE OTHER LATINO MEDAL WINNERS IN MOVING OLYMPIC TRIBUTE.

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – September 13, 2012 – Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Lochte, Robert Rodriguez, Zoë Saldana, Natalie Morales, Andy Garcia and Rafael Amaya will be presenters at the 2012 NCLR ALMA Awards®, along with “Devious Maids” cast members Ana Ortiz, Judy Reyes, Dania Ramirez and Edy Ganem. The star-studded special kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month airs Friday, September 21 (8-9 p.m. ET) on NBC.

Rap sensation Flo Rida will perform with Roselyn Sanchez during the high-energy show, which will feature theme music written and performed by music powerhouse Pitbull.

In addition to serving as a presenter, Olympic Gold medalist Ryan Lochte will also be one of six Latino Olympic medal winners from this summer’s London Games saluted in a special Olympic tribute.

Also honored will be Brenda Villa and Jessica Steffens (water polo), Danell Leyva (men’s gymnastics), Leonel Manzano (track and field) and Marlen Esparza (boxing).

As previously announced, Eva Longoria and George Lopez will return as co hosts of the 2012 NCLR ALMA Awards®, and five-time Grammy Award winner Christina Aguilera (NBC’s “The Voice”) will receive the 2012 NCLR Special Achievement Award for her incredible career and exceptional work in philanthropy. America Ferrera, Michael Peña, Nicole Richie and Wilmer Valderrama will also be on hand to celebrate the accomplishments of some of the most prolific Latinos in the entertainment industry, spanning music, television and film.

Hispanic cable network mun2 will present the ALMA Awards red carpet special and Telemundo will host the official bilingual ALMA Awards website at http://www.telemundo.com/almaawards and stream the pre-show online. Comcast’s Xfinity TV customers will have access to the show on demand.

Viewers can also watch the entire special online after it airs via http://telemundo.com/almaawards.

The 2012 NCLR ALMA Awards® are produced by dick clark productions’ executive producers Orly Adelson and Barry Adelman, along with Eva Longoria and Janet Murguía, President and CEO of NCLR.

For additional information, including announcements
about the presenters and performers at this year’s show, please visit www.almaawards.com and follow the show on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/AlmaAwards. Information is also available on
www.nbc.com/alma-awards/.

Sources: The Lippin Group, NBC Publicity, The National Council of La Raza (NCLR).
Logo credit to: NBC (nbcumv.com)

Editor’s Note: Congratulations to all the nominees and honorees. Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications is a proud media partner of the 2012 NCLR ALMA Awards.

This post brought and partial sponsored by: Close Up Photography and Modeling Agency. (Click logo to visit website)

Diversity News Magazine Proud Media Partner of the 2012 NCLR ALMA Awards to Air September 21 on NBC

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