MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Univision Network brought audiences the hottest music performances during tonight’s ninth annual “Premios Juventud” youth awards show. Broadcast LIVE from the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami, at 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. Central), the “super hero” themed awards show delivered show-stopping performances. As the only show of its kind on Spanish-language television, “Premios Juventud” included 25 singular categories that celebrate the vibrant Hispanic youth’s tastes on everything from music, film and sports, to fashion, novelas, pop culture and more. This year’s undisputable winner was Prince Royce with eight awards in categories including “Red Hot Artist,” “Catchiest Tune,” “My Favorite Video,” and “My Ringtone,” to name a few.
Hosted by superhero-clad line-up of stars, including novela star Ana Brenda Contreras, actress-singer-composer Eiza; regional Mexican music sensation Gerardo Ortiz, tropical fusion music duo Chino y Nacho, television actress and personality Alicia Machado; and Hollywood star Wilmer Valderrama, “Premios Juventud” delivered some of the most anticipated performances. The show kicked off with a show-stopping futuristic performance by Chino y Nacho, featuring British singer-songwriter Jay Sean, with the duo descending on stage in Tron-inspired air motorcycles to present their hit “Bebé Bonita,” as the audience followed along in an unprecedented show of lights.
In one of the night’s most anticipated performances, rapper Flo Rida presented his latest summer hits, including “Whistle,” “Good Feeling” and “Wild Ones.” Prince Royce also debuted his new song “Close To You,” flying over an amped up “Premios Juventud” fan pit for an up-close-and-personal encounter that later ended with a spectacular finale set against a pyrotechnic curtain of epic proportions.
Presenting his recent single “Back in Time” superstar Pitbull (Mr. Worldwide) brought down the house in an adrenaline-charged “Men in Black” themed performance. Rock singer-songwriter Beto Cuevas also teamed up with Flo Rida to present his newest released track “Quiero Creer” in a “chilling” high-intensity number. The “King of Bachata” Romeo Santos performed a medley of his hits “La Diabla” and “Magia Negra,” in a dark and sultry rendition featuring La Mala Rodríguez. Reggaeton duo Dyland & Lenny performed with “Premios Juventud’s” official DJ Juan Magan in a special interpretation of “Pégate Más” and PeeWee sang his latest single “Live Your Life.”
Brother and sister pop duo Jesse & Joy performed their romantic ballad “Corre,” followed by Puerto Rican Salsa star Victor Manuelle who took the stage along with regaetton stars Voltio and Jowell y Randy, to present their hit song “Ella Lo Que Quiere es Salsa.” Mexican pop star Belinda also captivated fans with a dramatic entrance, as she emerged on stage surrounded by a ring of fire to present “En El Amor Hay Que Perdonar,” accompanied by the powerhouse New World Symphony.
International Colombian super star Juanes performed some of his chart-topping hits, including “Nada Valgo Sin Tu Amor” and “A Dios Le Pido,” as selected by “Premios Juventud” fans, and regional Mexican singer Espinoza Paz presented “Vamos Haciendo El Amor,” fresh off of his new mariachi album. Tribal-guarachero Latin house group 3Ball MTY also delivered a high-energy performance of “Besos Al Aire” with America Sierra and Smoky, while Puerto Rican singer songwriter Kany García presented her upbeat single “Que Te Vaya Mal,” and Gerardo Ortiz romanced the audience with a 1920’s black and white inspired “Solo Vine a Despedirme.”
As pioneers of young Hispanic music talent, “Premios Juventud” also lent its famed stage to present teenage newcomers Matt Hunter, who delivered the television debut of his first single “Mi Amor,” Leslie Grace who sang a bachata version of the hit song “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” and sibling trio Vazquez Sound, who presented a unique interpretation of international super star Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.”
The night’s romantic tone was set by Spanish pop star David Bisbal’s “El Ruido” and Frankie J’s “Tienes Que Creer en Mi,” while new female vocalist Eiza performed “Te Acordarás De Mi” and Spanish pop singer-songwriter Beatriz Luengo debuted her funky new single “Lengua.”
In one of the evening’s most emotional moments, Univision personality Giselle Blondet presented novela actor Fernando Colunga with the “Supernova” award, in recognition of his work as one of Hispanic America’s most revered actors. Past recipients of the “Supernova” award include other leading Latin artists such as Shakira, Maná, Ricardo Arjona, Chayanne, and most recently, Antonio Banderas. “Premios Juventud” also presented regaettón duo Wisin y Yandel with the first-ever “Ídolo de la Juventud” award, a special recognition to their accomplished career and commitment to the community.
Additional winners included bachata king Romeo Santos in two categories including “The Perfect Combo” and “Just Play it All;” Shakira winning the “Best Moves” category, Pitbull with the “My Urban Artist” winning and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez taking away the “Most Electrifying Athelete” category.
For the first time ever, viewers were able to vote for their favorite celebrities for the Best Dressed category tweeting #MejorVestido in real time. Selected by the fans via Twitter, Belinda won the female Best Dressed category “Quiero Vestir Como Ella” and Gerardo Ortiz won in the male category “El de Mejor Estilo.”
The “Premios Juventud” blue carpet also showcased some of the year’s hottest fashion, with the arrival of superstar performers, presenters and guests. Hosts Alejandra Espinoza (“Sábado Gigante”), Ana Patricia González (“Despierta América”), Veronica Bastos (“Sal y Pimienta”), celebrity fashion guru Rodner Figueroa (“Sal y Pimienta”) and comedian Omar Chaparro, reported from the blue carpet beginning at 7 p.m. ET/PT (6:00 p.m. Central), in a star-blazing prequel that set the tone for what would be an super hero comic –inspired evening. The PJ blue carpet entertainment included the latest hip-hop/reggaeton sensation La Fórmula, featuring R.K.M. y Ken-Y, Zion y Lennox, Lobo, and Arcángel.
During the broadcast, two “Premios Juventud” scholarships were awarded on-air to deserving high school seniors of Hispanic heritage. Based on academic achievement, financial need and a short essay submission, this year the “Premios Juventud” scholarships honored Stephanie Perez from Florida with $50,000 and Margarita Bolaños from California with $25,000, sponsored by State Farm.
Each and every one of tonight’s winners were chosen by fans voting at PremiosJuventud.com, online and on their mobile phones. Users also decided which song Juanes played during this performance. This year’s show had more interactivity than ever before, including live backstage streaming during the broadcast. Hosted by Univision novela star Paola Pedroza (“El Talismán”), the streaming featured real-time fan commentary from Twitter and Facebook alongside the stream on PremiosJuventud.com. Plus, winners thanked those they weren’t able to on stage on the exclusive “Thank You Cam”. Users could view photos from “Premios Juventud” fan parties around the country, and vote in live interactive polls during key moments of the show on the “Premios Juventud” forum.
The latest and greatest from tonight’s awards show can be found on the site and the Univision App, including a full list of the winners and the greatest moments from the carpet and show in videos and photos. Full length musical performances are also available. Fans can also catch up on what they didn’t see on the show, including behind-the-scenes, exclusive interviews, and the one and only FanCAM featuring video bloggies with “Premios Juventud” performers and nominees from rehearsal week, such as Romeo Santos, Prince Royce, Juanes, Eiza Gonzalez, Espinoza Paz, Matt Hunter and many more.
The excitement continues as fans vote for their favorites from the “Premios Juventud” carpet. Online voting opened tonight and will continue through Monday morning, right before results are revealed on PremiosJuventud.com and on El Gordo y la Flaca. The latest social media updates can be found on the “Premios Juventud” forum, and Univision Musica’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/univisionmusica) and Twitter @univisionmusica pages.
To download photographs of the event, please visit ftpmia.univision.net
Username:
press; Password: Univision
“PREMIOS JUVENTUD” 2012 COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS
POP CATEGORY:
Síganme los Buenos (Follow Me): Prince Royce
MOVIES CATEGORY:
¡Qué Actorazo! (Best Actor!): Antonio Banderas
Actriz Que se Roba la Pantalla (She Steals the Show): Sofia Vergara
Película Más Padre (Favorite Flick): “Puss in Boots”
MUSIC CATEGORY:
La Combinación Perfecta (The Perfect Combo): “Promise” (Romeo Santos & Usher)
¡Qué Rico Que Se Mueve! (Best Moves): Shakira
Voz del Momento (Red Hot Artist): Prince Royce
La Más Pegajosa (Catchiest Tune): “Las Cosas Pequeñas” (Prince Royce)
Lo Toco Todo (Just Play It All): “Formula Vol. 1” (Romeo Santos)
Mi Video Favorito (My Favorite Video): “Las Cosas Pequeñas” (Prince Royce)
El Súper Tour (The Super Tour): “Euphoria” (Enrique Inglesias, Pitbull & Prince Royce)
Canción Corta-Venas (Heart-Wrenching Song): “Las Cosas Pequeñas” (Prince Royce)
Mi Ringtone (My Ringtone): “Las Cosas Pequeñas” (Prince Royce)
Mi Artista Pop (My Pop Artist): Camila
Mi Artista Regional Mexicano (My Regional Mexican Artist): Espinosa Paz
Mi Artista de Rock (My Rock Artist): Maná
Mi Artista Tropical (My Tropical Artist): Prince Royce
Mi Artista Urbano (My Urban Artist): Pitbull
SPORTS CATEGORY:
Deportista de Alto Voltaje (Most Electrifying Athlete): Javier “Chicharito” Hernández
La Nueva Promesa (Promising New Player): Canelo Álvarez
SOAP OPERA CATEGORY:
¡Está Buenísimo! (He’s so HOT!): David Zepeda (Abismo de Pasión & Triunfo del Amor)
Chica Que Me Quita El Sueño (Girl of My Dreams): Ana Brenda Contreras (La Que No Podía Amar)
Mejor Tema Novelero (Best “Novela” Theme Song): “Día de Suerte” (Alejandra Guzmán, Una Familia con Suerte)
About Univision Communications Inc.
Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) is the leading media company serving Hispanic America. Its assets include Univision Network, one of the top five networks in the U.S. regardless of language and the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the country reaching 97% of U.S. Hispanic households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network reaching 88% of U.S. Hispanic households; Univision Cable Networks, including Galavisión, the country’s leading Spanish-language cable network, and a suite of six cable offerings - De Película, De Película Clásico, Bandamax, Ritmoson, Telehit and Clásico TV; Univision Studios, which produces and co-produces reality shows, dramatic series and other programming formats for the Company’s platforms; Univision Local Media, which owns and/or operates 62 television stations and 70 radio stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Interactive Media, a network of national and local online and mobile sites including Univision.com, which continues to be the #1 most-visited Spanish-language website among U.S. online Hispanics, Univision Móvil, a longstanding industry-leader with unique, relevant mobile products and services, and Univision Partner Group, a specialized advertising and publisher network. Headquartered in New York City, UCI has television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States. For more information, please visit www.univision.net.