The decline of Catholicism in Latin America

Latin America is losing its Catholic identity. (Juliana Barrera/Voxxi)

Latin America is losing its Catholic identity. (Juliana Barrera/Voxxi)

A new survey by the Pew Research Center, “Religion in Latin America,” reveals that Latin Americans born into Roman Catholic families have increasingly left the faith for Protestant churches.

Latin America remains home to an estimated 40 percent of the planet’s Catholic population. But the survey finds that 19 percent of Latin Americans now describe themselves as Protestant.

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Why are Latin Americans leaving the Catholic Church for Protestantism?

The survey asked respondents to rate eight possible explanations. Protestants who converted from Catholicism most frequently say they “wanted a more personal experience with God.” Other commonly cited reasons include the style of worship at their new church and a desire for greater emphasis on morality.

What about the “Francis effect?”

The research also showed that Pope Francis is highly popular and influential in Latin America, with two-thirds or more of the population expressing a positive opinion.

“The Catholic Church’s status in Latin America has drawn more attention since Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected pope in March 2013, taking the name Francis.” The Pew reported, “while it is too soon to know whether Francis can stop or reverse the church’s losses in the region, the new survey finds that people who are currently Catholic overwhelmingly view Francis favorably and consider his papacy a major change for the church.” 

<img class=”alignright size-medium wp-image-326883″ src=”https://ionevoxxi.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/catholic-church.jpg?w=300&h=210″ alt=”Catholicism in Latin America.” width=”300″ height=”210″ />

Why is Latin America cooling on Catholicism? (Juliana Barrera/Voxxi)

However, the authors of the Pew report said former Catholics are more pessimistic of the pope than those still in the Church, he is highly regarded by a majority of ex-Catholics only in Argentina and Uruguay. Significant percentages of former Catholics also say it’s too soon to tell whether Francis represents real change, or to identify a tangible “Francis effect.”

What about Hispanics Catholics in the U.S.?

The ratio of decline in Latin American Catholics is similar to those who live in the U.S., the “New York Times” noted, where large numbers of those raised Catholic, Hispanic and non-Hispanic, have abandoned the church.

 According to PEW research, “Nearly a quarter of Hispanic adults in the United States were raised Catholic but have since left the faith, while just 2 percent of U.S. Hispanics have converted to Catholicism after being raised in another religious tradition or with no affiliation.”

The survey was conducted from October 2013 to February 2014 in every Spanish- or Portuguese-speaking country in Latin America, except for Cuba.

Enrique and Pitbull bring ‘Sex and Love’ with a South Beach style party

MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 26: Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias perform at American Airlines Arena on October 26, 2014 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)

MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 26: Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias perform at American Airlines Arena on October 26, 2014 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)

International superstars Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull brought the party of “Sex and Love” to their beloved hometown Miami, with up-and-coming Colombian star J Balvin, who opened the show with his mega hit “6AM” along with surprise guest Farruko.

Pitbull was up first, using his hourlong set to showcase a South Miami Beach style party, with songs such as “Dont’ Stop the Party,” “Fireball,” “International Love” and, best of all, “Rain Over Me.” The Cuban rapper also paid tribute to his collaborators that he has worked with over the years, including those with JLO, Marc Anthony, Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Neyo, Kesha and many more.

“I used to perform on the corner of NW 7th Avenue and 79th Street,” he recalled. “It’s an honor to be able to perform at the AAA.”

Pitbull had everyone jumping during the show but when Enrique Iglesias hit the stage the party was just getting started and the crowd went wild with “I’m a Freak.”
Iglesias sang some of his greatest hits: “Finally Found You,” “Bailamos,” “El Perdedor,” “Loco,”and the summer anthem “Bailando” with Gente de Zona.
And what’s a party without alcohol and some confessions?

Iglesias invited a fan on stage for some shots as he opened up about the separation of his parents when he was younger, and the time he moved from Spain to the U.S. He topped the confession off by singing a beautiful cover of “Stand By Me,” a song that he says made him nostalgic about those hard times.

Both singers made reference of how much they loved Miami because it was where their careers started and they both interacted with the audience to show their appreciation for the “305.”
The Spanish heartthrob and the Cuban rapper kept the audience on their feet all night and at the end of the concert the energetic duo said goodbye with their 2010 smash “I Like It” claiming “We fucking love you, Miami!”

Wesly Tones: la nueva generación de música latina urbana

El cantante de música latina urbana Wesly Tones habló con VOXXI sobre su nuevo sencillo “Los Gatos” una producción que lo mantendrá bailando toda la noche. (Facebook: Wesly Tones )

El cantante de música latina urbana Wesly Tones habló con VOXXI sobre su nuevo sencillo “Los Gatos” una producción que lo mantendrá bailando toda la noche. (Facebook: Wesly Tones )

Wesly Tones forma parte de una nueva generación de artistas que están redefiniendo la música latina urbana. El músico comparte con nosotros los ritmos de su nuevo álbum “La Profecia”.

El artista puertoriqueño afirma que le gustaría colaborar con artistas de diferentes géneros como Enrique Iglesias, Shakira o Pitbull y que no le asusta experimentar con nuevos ritmos.
“Me encantaría colaborar con estos artistas porque tienen técnicas multifacéticas y eso va conmigo”, explica Tones.

Nacido en La Isla del Encanto, Tones ha estado rodeado de música toda su vida. Escribió su primera canción cuando tenía 12 años y su familia siempre estuvo en el mundo de la música porque su padre era miembro de la famosa orquesta de la isla “Costa Brava”.

El secreto de su éxito es la incorporación de diversos ritmos que absorbió creciendo pero siempre manteniendo un ritmo bailable: “Soy puertoriqueño así que siempre estaré influenciado por la salsa el merengue y el reggaeton”.

“Los gatos” es el segundo sencillo del álbum “La Profecía” que pronto podremos escuchar. El vídeo se filmó en Miami con el mago de la producción musical Maffio. Con la mano de Maffio detrás del proyecto está claro que no vamos a poder mantenernos sentados.
Tones confiesa que le gusta llegar más allá de los límites convencionales y que igual se transforma en el futuro.

“Estoy dispuesto a crear un poco de cada cosa. Me gustaría producir nueva música, retarme a mi mismo y crear nuevas canciones”.

Su anterior sencillo, “De Cabeza” llegó al número 10 en los “Billboard Tropical Airplay” y aguantó en los primeros lugares durante siete semanas consecutivas.
Ver también: Gente de Zona almost gave up on ‘Bailando’

Wesly Tones redefines Latin urban music

Latin Urban artist Wesly Tones talked to VOXXI about his new single “Los Gatos,” which he promises will keep you dancing all night long. (Facebook: Wesly Tones )

Latin Urban artist Wesly Tones talked to VOXXI about his new single “Los Gatos,” which he promises will keep you dancing all night long. (Facebook: Wesly Tones )

Wesly Tones is part of the new wave of artists who are redefining Latin urban music. The musician is ready to share with the world his catchy and upbeat music released on his new album “La Profecia.”

The Puerto Rican artist shared with VOXXI that he would love to collaborate with artists who have different styles such as Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, Pitbull. He also emphasized he’s not afraid of experimenting with new rhythms.

“I ‘d like to collaborate with these artists because they have multifaceted techniques, and I relate to that.” tones said.

Born in La Isla del Encanto, Tones has been surrounded by music his entire life. He wrote his first song when he was 12, and his family was always involved with the music industry because his dad was a member of the recognized orchestra “Costa Brava” on the island.

The key to his musical success is incorporating diverse rhythms hat he grew up listening to but always keeping a focus on a dance beat: “I’m Puerto Rican so I’m influence by salsa, merengue and reggaeton.”

“Los gatos,” is the second single from his album “La Profecía,” that will be released soon. The video was filmed in Miami with superstar artist and music producer Maffio. With someone like Maffio behind it, Wesly Tones promises that his fans won’t be able to sit still in one place with his new creation.

Tones confesses he’s not afraid to push the limits of transformation in the future.

“I’m ready to create a little bit of everything. I’ll love to produce new music, to test myself and make new songs.”

His previous single “De Cabeza” reached number 10 on the “Billboard Tropical Airplay” chart, and the song remained in that category for seven consecutive weeks.

Al ritmo de Mohombi

Mohombi habla con VOXXI de su nuevo sencillo “Movin.” (Foto: Nevarez Communications)

Mohombi habla con VOXXI de su nuevo sencillo “Movin.” (Foto: Nevarez Communications)

El cantante sueco-congoleño Mohombi habló con VOXXI sobre su nuevo sencillo “Movin” y sus planes para hacernos bailar a su ritmo por muchos años.

Mohombi se dio a conocer en el panorama musical en el 2010 con su gran éxito “Bumpy Ride,” producido por nada menos que el galardonado RedOne. El sencillo llegó a encabezar la lista de los más escuchados en EE.UU. y Europa y llegó a tener 212 millones de visitas en VEVO.

Entrevista a Mohombi

¿Cómo comenzó su carrera musical y cuáles son sus raíces?

Crecí envuelto en música latina y todavía sigo en ese mundo. Desde Celia Cruz a Pitbull, he colaborado con diversas estrellas latinas y pronto se verán los resultados.

Háblanos de “Movin” con BirdMan y Caskey.

“Movin” es la mejor tarjeta de presentación de mi próximo álbum “Universe”.

“Movin” es un mundo lleno de energía y diversidad. Yo represento AfroPop, Caskey lo complementa con su Cash Money Rap & y la fiesta está a cargo del mismo Soca King, Mr KMC. Birdman nos presenta.

Hemos visto el vídeo y además de cantar usted sabe bailar…

Mis padres regentaban un club cuando yo era niño. Creo que no hace falta más explicación.

¿A la conquista de la audiencia norteamericana?

Mi música es acerca de construír puentes. La industria musical es cada vez más abierta a diferentes tendencias. Cada día tenemos más similitudes y menos diferencias.

Símplemente voy a seguir haciendo lo que mejor hago: ser yo mismo y todo saldrá bien. Tampoco vengo solo a EE.UU. Traigo una historia y tengo millones de seguidores.

Mohombi’s next big sonic venture is around the corner

Mohombi talks about his new single “Movin.” (Credit:Nevarez Communications)

Mohombi talks about his new single “Movin.” (Credit:Nevarez Communications)

The Swedish-Congolese singer Mohombi chatted with VOXXI about his new single “Movin” and how he plans to keep you dancing for years to come.

Mohombi first broke out into the international music scene in 2010 with his mega-hit, “Bumpy Ride,” which was produced by award-winning producer, RedOne. The single dominated the charts throughout the U.S. and Europe surpassing over 212 million views on VEVO. There’s no stopping him now.

Q&A with Mohombi

Tell us how you started on your musical career and who influenced your music.

I grew up with Latin Music and I’m still growing with the culture. All the way from Celia Cruz to Pitbull, I have made lots of collaborations with multiple Latin Superstars that will be out soon.

Tell us about “Movin” featuring BirdMan and Caskey.

I believe that Movin is a great way to introduce my upcoming album “Universe.”

Let’s say that “Movin” is a planet full of energy and diversity. I represent AfroPop, Caskey kills it with his Cash Money Rap & the party is hosted by the Soca King Himself Mr KMC. The fact that Birdman himself introduces us in the song speaks for itself.

We saw the video and we were impressed by your dancing skills.

My parents used to have a nightclub when I was a child. Do I need to say more ?

How are you planning to conquer the U.S. audience?

My music is about building bridges and the music Industry is becoming more open to foreign music, realizing that we have more similarities than differences.

I’m just gonna keep doing what I do best: Be myself, and everything is gonna be alright… I’m not coming to the U.S. alone. I’m walking in with a story and millions of followers.

Mohombi promises there will be plenty more for his fans to follow, and plenty of motivation for you to get up and dance.

Calle 13 lead Latin Grammy nominations

Puerto Rican duo, Calle 13 dominates Latin Grammy nominations. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Puerto Rican duo, Calle 13 dominates Latin Grammy nominations. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The 15th Annual Latin Grammy awards nominations were revealed to the world on Wednesday in a very unique way, and it looks like Calle 13 is taking away the most recognitions.

This year the recording academy announced the nominations on a video that was put up on the Latin Grammy site with announcements made by a wide array of artists and fans.

Gabriel Abaroa Jr., president of the Latin Recording Academy, said the nominations reflected the “dynamic and vibrant worldwide Latin community of artists, producers, engineers and songwriters.”

The urban music duo Calle 13 is the top competitor for the Latin Grammys. Eduardo Cabra  also known as “visitante” of the group is nominated for 10 awards, including producer of the year, while the Puerto Rican band is up for nine. The nominations were mostly tied to its 2014 release “MultiViral.”

Andres Castro scored eight nods followed by Tom Coyne who received seven, Julio Reyes Copello and Carlos Vives each received six nominations, and Descemer Bueno and Enrique Iglesias were next with five nominations each for their wildly successful “Bailando”and their popular song “loco.”

Album of the year competitors include Marc Anthony, Calle 13, Ruben Blades, Camila, Paco de Lucia, Jorge Drexler, Carlos Vives, Fonseca, Jarabe De Palo, the trio of Lila Downs, Nina Pastori and Soledad.

The Latin Grammy Awards will be broadcast live on November. 20 from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on U.S. Spanish-language network Univision.

Here are the nominations in other categories for the 15th Annual Latin Grammys.

Album Of The Year

  • 3.0 — Marc Anthony
  • Tangos — Rubén Blades
  • Multiviral — Calle 13
  • Elypse — Camila
  • Canción Andaluza — Paco de Lucía
  • Raíz — Lila Downs, Niña Pastori y Soledad
  • Bailar En La Cueva — Jorge Drexler
  • Fonseca Sinfónico — Fonseca
  • Somos — Jarabe De Palo
  • Más + Corazón Profundo — Carlos Vives

Record Of The Year:

  • “Donde Está El Amor — Pablo Alborán Featuring Jesse & Joy
  • “Cambio De Piel” — Marc Anthony
  • “Respira El Momento” — Calle 13
  • “Decidiste Dejarme” — Camila
  • “Universos Paralelos” — Jorge Drexler Featuring Ana Tijoux
  • “Llegaste Tú” — Luis Fonsi Featuring Juan Luis Guerra
  • “Bailando” — Enrique Iglesias Featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente De Zona
  • “Darte Un Beso” — Prince Royce
  • “Cuando Nos Volvamos A Encontrar” — Carlos Vives Featuring Marc Anthony
  • “El Mar De Sus Ojos”— Carlos Vives Featuring ChocQuibTown

Song Of The Year

  • “A Bossa Nova É Foda” — Caetano Veloso, songwriter; performed by Caetano Veloso
  • “Bailando” — Descemer Bueno, Gente De Zona, Enrique Iglesias, songwriters; performed by Enrique Iglesias Featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente De Zona
  • “Cambio De Piel” — Yoel Henríquez & Julio Reyes Copello, songwriters; performed by Marc Anthony
  • “Corazones Invencibles” — Manu Moreno & Aleks Syntek, songwriters; performed by Aleks Syntek
  • “Cuando Nos Volvamos A Encontrar” — Andrés Castro, Carlos Vives, songwriters; performed by Carlos Vives Featuring Marc Anthony
  • “Darte Un Beso” — Andrés Castro, Guianko Gómez, Juan Riveros & Prince Royce, songwriters; performed by Prince Royce
  • “Decidiste Dejarme” — Mario Domm, Lauren Evans & Mónica Vélez, songwriters; performed by Camila
  • “Mi Tesoro” — Jesse & Joy, songwriters; performed by Jesse & Joy
  • “Ojos Color Sol” — Calle 13 & Silvio Rodríquez, songwriters; performed by Calle 13 Featuring Silvio Rodríguez
  • “Universos Paralelos” — Jorge Drexler & Ana Tijoux, songwriters; performed by Jorge Drexler Featuring Ana Tijoux

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

  • Amor En Portofino — Andrea Bocelli
  • Tiempo — Linda Briceño
  • Orígenes: El Bolero Volumen 2 — Café Quijano
  • Fonseca Sinfónica — Fonseca
  • Gracias Por Estar Aquí — Marco Antonio Solís

Best Urban Performance

  • “6AM” — J Balvin Featuring Farruko
  • “Adentro” — Calle 13
  • “Bailando” — Enrique Iglesias Featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente De Zona
  • “Pura Vida” — Don Omar
  • “Que Viva La Vida” — Wisin

Best Rock Album

  • Palosanto — Bunbury
  • Ama-Zonas — Doctor Krápula
  • Don Tetto — Don Tetto
  • El Final Del Mundo Vol. II: Nada Es Imposible — Luz Verde
  • Agua Maldita — Molotov

Best Alternative Music Album

  • Romantisísmico — Babasónicos
  • Fruta — Caloncho
  • Los Cafres — 25 Años De Música! — Los Cafres
  • El Vuelo Del Pez — Siddhartha
  • Aquelarre — Sig Ragga

Best Salsa Album

  • 3.0 — Marc Anthony
  • Déjame Así — Maite Hontelé
  • Mis Mejores Recuerdos — Tito Nieves
  • First Class To Havana — Aymee Nuviola
  • 50 Aniversario — Mario Ortiz All Star Band

Best Norteño Album

  • Amor Amor — Conjunto Primavera
  • XX Años — El Poder Del Norte
  • En Tus Manos — Los Rieleros Del Norte
  • Por Ti — Pesado
  • Clásicas De Ayer Y Siempre — Polo Urias Y Su Máquina Norteña

Best MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) Album

  • Calma Aí, Coração Ao Vivo — Zeca Baleiro
  • De Graça — Jeneci
  • Inventario Encontra Ivan Lins— Ivan Lins
  • Verdade, Uma Ilusão — Marisa Monte
  • Caymmi — Nana, Dori E Danilo

Calle 13, líder de nominaciones a los Grammy Latinos

El duo puertoriqueño domina las nominaciones de este año en los Grammy Latinos. (Foto by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

El duo puertoriqueño domina las nominaciones de este año en los Grammy Latinos. (Foto by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Los nominados a la 15 edición de los Grammy Latinos se anunciaron hoy de una manera muy original y con Calle 13 como líder en el número de candidaturas para este prestigioso premio.

La organización ha comunicado las nominaciones en un vídeo colgado en el portal de los Grammy Latinos en el que muy diversos artistas y aficionados han actuado de presentadores.

Gabriel Abaroa Jr., presidente de la Latin Recording Academy, destaca en su mensaje “el dinamismo de la comunidad mundial de artistas latinos, productores, creadores y técnicos”.

El dúo urbano Calle 13  es el máximo nominado en esta edición. Eduardo Cabra, conocido artísticamente como “Visitante”, se lleva 10 nominaciones, entre ellas productor del año. El grupo está nominado en total con 9 premios. La mayor parte de las nominaciones corresponden a su álbum lanzado en 2014, “MultiViral.”

Andrés Castro consigue 8 nominaciones seguido de Tom Coyne con 7, Julio Reyes Copello and Carlos Vives, 6 respectivamente y Descemer Bueno y Enrique Iglesias con 5 cada uno por su exitoso “Bailando” y su popular melodía “Loco”.

Los competidores para álbum del año incluyen a Marc Anthony, Calle 13, Ruben Blades, Camila, Paco de Lucia, Jorge Drexler, Carlos Vives, Fonseca, Jarabe De Palo, the trio of Lila Downs, Nina Pastori y Soledad.

Los Grammy Latinos se retransmitirán en directo el 20 de noviembre desde el Grand Garden Arena del MGM en Las Vegas por la cadena en español Univision.

Otras nominaciones para los Grammy Latinos en su 15 edición son:

Álbum del año

  • 3.0 — Marc Anthony
  • Tangos — Rubén Blades
  • Multiviral — Calle 13
  • Elypse — Camila
  • Canción Andaluza — Paco de Lucía
  • Raíz — Lila Downs, Niña Pastori y Soledad
  • Bailar En La Cueva — Jorge Drexler
  • Fonseca Sinfónico — Fonseca
  • Somos — Jarabe De Palo
  • Más + Corazón Profundo — Carlos Vives

Grabación del año

  • “Donde Está El Amor — Pablo Alborán Featuring Jesse & Joy
  • “Cambio De Piel” — Marc Anthony
  • “Respira El Momento” — Calle 13
  • “Decidiste Dejarme” — Camila
  • “Universos Paralelos” — Jorge Drexler Featuring Ana Tijoux
  • “Llegaste Tú” — Luis Fonsi Featuring Juan Luis Guerra
  • “Bailando” — Enrique Iglesias Featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente De Zona
  • “Darte Un Beso” — Prince Royce
  • “Cuando Nos Volvamos A Encontrar” — Carlos Vives Featuring Marc Anthony
  • “El Mar De Sus Ojos”— Carlos Vives Featuring ChocQuibTown

Canción del año

  • “A Bossa Nova É Foda” — Caetano Veloso, songwriter; performed by Caetano Veloso
  • “Bailando” — Descemer Bueno, Gente De Zona, Enrique Iglesias, songwriters; performed by Enrique Iglesias Featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente De Zona
  • “Cambio De Piel” — Yoel Henríquez & Julio Reyes Copello, songwriters; performed by Marc Anthony
  • “Corazones Invencibles” — Manu Moreno & Aleks Syntek, songwriters; performed by Aleks Syntek
  • “Cuando Nos Volvamos A Encontrar” — Andrés Castro, Carlos Vives, songwriters; performed by Carlos Vives Featuring Marc Anthony
  • “Darte Un Beso” — Andrés Castro, Guianko Gómez, Juan Riveros & Prince Royce, songwriters; performed by Prince Royce
  • “Decidiste Dejarme” — Mario Domm, Lauren Evans & Mónica Vélez, songwriters; performed by Camila
  • “Mi Tesoro” — Jesse & Joy, songwriters; performed by Jesse & Joy
  • “Ojos Color Sol” — Calle 13 & Silvio Rodríquez, songwriters; performed by Calle 13 Featuring Silvio Rodríguez
  • “Universos Paralelos” — Jorge Drexler & Ana Tijoux, songwriters; performed by Jorge Drexler Featuring Ana Tijoux

Mejor álbum tradicional vocal pop

  • Amor En Portofino — Andrea Bocelli
  • Tiempo — Linda Briceño
  • Orígenes: El Bolero Volumen 2 — Café Quijano
  • Fonseca Sinfónica — Fonseca
  • Gracias Por Estar Aquí — Marco Antonio Solís

Mejor actuación urbana

  • “6AM” — J Balvin Featuring Farruko
  • “Adentro” — Calle 13
  • “Bailando” — Enrique Iglesias Featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente De Zona
  • “Pura Vida” — Don Omar
  • “Que Viva La Vida” — Wisin

Mejor álbum rock

  • Palosanto — Bunbury
  • Ama-Zonas — Doctor Krápula
  • Don Tetto — Don Tetto
  • El Final Del Mundo Vol. II: Nada Es Imposible — Luz Verde
  • Agua Maldita — Molotov

Mejor álbum de música alternativa

  • Romantisísmico — Babasónicos
  • Fruta — Caloncho
  • Los Cafres — 25 Años De Música! — Los Cafres
  • El Vuelo Del Pez — Siddhartha
  • Aquelarre — Sig Ragga

Mejor álbum de salsa

  • 3.0 — Marc Anthony
  • Déjame Así — Maite Hontelé
  • Mis Mejores Recuerdos — Tito Nieves
  • First Class To Havana — Aymee Nuviola
  • 50 Aniversario — Mario Ortiz All Star Band

Mejor álbum norteño

  • Amor Amor — Conjunto Primavera
  • XX Años — El Poder Del Norte
  • En Tus Manos — Los Rieleros Del Norte
  • Por Ti — Pesado
  • Clásicas De Ayer Y Siempre — Polo Urias Y Su Máquina Norteña

Mejor ábum MPB (Música Popular Brasileña)

  • Calma Aí, Coração Ao Vivo — Zeca Baleiro
  • De Graça — Jeneci
  • Inventario Encontra Ivan Lins— Ivan Lins
  • Verdade, Uma Ilusão — Marisa Monte
  • Caymmi — Nana, Dori E Danilo

Laura Pausini tops a great year for duets

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCAW_L3qfbA]

It seems 2014 is the year of musical collaboration with artists from many genres releasing their duets albums.

We start with Italian singer Laura Pausini, who just re-released her album “20 grandes Exitos.”

Pausini recorded incredible duets with Miguel Bosé, Marc Anthony, Kylie Minogue and she will be touring Mexico in the following months to serenade her fans.

Laura Pausini premieres worldwide a special edition of her “20 Greatest Hits.” (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for LARAS)

Laura Pausini premieres worldwide a special edition of her “20 Greatest Hits.” (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for LARAS)

But if you are in the mood for Spanish reggae, you can listen to Rosana’s duet with Sie7e called “Sin Miedo,” her second single from her newest album, “8 Lunas.”

“8 Lunas,” consists of 16 hits from Rosanas’ career, 15 of which she invites friends and colleagues to sing with her.

“I gave them the option to sing my songs and make them their own,” Rosana told VOXXI about the process of the production.

“In other words, if someone hears the songs sung by these artists, they would think the track is theirs.”

And let’s not forget the talk of the town with the jazz standards album “Cheek to Cheek,” between Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.

There may be 60 years between them, but the jazz singer and the pop star like making music together.

“When I met her, the first thing I said [was], ‘Let’s do an album together,’” Tony Bennett said on an interview with CBS. “She said, ‘Okay.’ It was just that quick.”

“I was a jazz singer since I was a little girl,” said Lady Gaga, “and nobody had really picked up on it. So when Tony asked, I got really excited.”

The standard version of “Cheek To Cheek” features 11 tracks with 15 tracks on the deluxe version.

Los secretos de belleza de Sofía Vergara

Sofía Vergara comparte sus secretos de belleza. (Shutterstock)

Sofía Vergara comparte sus secretos de belleza. (Shutterstock)

Sofía Vergara ha revelado sus secretos básicos de belleza y sorpendentemente se reducen a tres: una buena modista, una dieta sana y aceite de coco.

Vergara no es aficionada a las dietas extremas; ella cree en que se puede comer y beber variado siempre que sea con moderación, explicó en una entrevista para Yahoo.

“Nunca he seguido dietas extremas o practicado ejercicios exagerados. Nunca he sido la última chica en irme de la fiesta ni he bebido exageradamente”, afirmó Sofía Vergara, quien se toma un vasito de vino a la hora de la cena.

En lugar de realizar lo que muchas otras estrellas sufren con una desintoxicación pre-show, Sofía se modera durante todo el año: “Por supuesto que tomo carbohidratos pero de lunes a jueves trato de comer sano añadiendo frutas, verduras y proteínas. Evitar los dulces es lo peor, mi mayor tentación. Trato de reducirlos una semana antes de un evento y aumento mis ejercicios. No me queda mucho tiempo con tanto trabajo pero trato de hacer todo equilibrado”.

Sofía explica las reglas que hay que seguir cuando se sale de casa.

“[La mujer latina] siempre está sexy porque nos han enseñado que no podemos salir de casa sin arreglarnos, maquilladas, con tacones y bien peinadas. Estos detalles, aunque parezcan irrelevantes, son fundamentales y dan confianza a la mujer en sí misma. Todas necesitamos una ayudita; nadie es perfecta”.

También recomienda resaltar lo mejor de cada cual.

Sofía Vergara sugiere destacar lo mejor del cuerpo.

“Si, por ejemplo, tu cintura no es estrecha pero tienes una buena delantera, debes elegir un atuendo que lo destaque. Debes jugar y resaltar lo bueno que tienes”, afirma la actriz. Ella, personalmente depende de su imágen -melena y maquillaje-, que siempre son muy parecidos, dentro de su zona de confort. “Es importante para una mujer sabes qué le queda bien”.

¿Y el secreto de su sedosa melena?

Sofía revela que en su tiempo libre la cuida con aceite de coco natural. “Todo el mundo me echa piropos de mi pelo”, dijo la coqueta actriz.

La actriz colombiana afirma que sus dos mejores amigas en cuanto a su imágen se refiere son su modista y su estilísta.

“Tengo una estilista que me recomienda vestidos. Realmente me lee la mente a la hora de elegir un vestido. Y eso es fundamental dado que mi cuerpo es más curvilíneo que el de muchas actrices requiere un poco más de trabajo”.