PITBULL TO PERFORM AT 'PREMIOS JUVENTUD'

 Pitbull

A veritable who’s who of Hispanic mega-stars will be onstage during the ninth annual edition of Univision’s “Premios Juventud” (Youth Awards), as some of today’s hottest artists and celebrities have confirmed their appearance as hosts and performers. The Univision Network will air the 2012 “Premios Juventud” show LIVE from the Bank United Center at the University of Miami on Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central).

This year’s youth-oriented awards show promises nonstop rhythm and excitement with explosive performances by top-selling recording artists. “The King of Bachata” and former Aventura lead singer Romeo Santos, the most nominated artist of the night with 11 nominations, will perform a medley of his hits “Diabla” and “Magia Negra,” featuring La Mala Rodríguez. Prince Royce, nominated for 10 “Premios Juventud” awards, will debut his catchy bilingual song titled “Close To You,” hot off his newest album, “Phase II.” Nominated for seven “Premios Juventud” awards, Pitbull (Mr. Worldwide) is slated to perform his most recent single, “Back in Time.” Among other Latin music superstars who have confirmed their participation as performers are regional Mexican music star Espinoza Paz, nominated for three “Premios Juventud” awards; brother and sister pop duo Jesse & Joy, nominated for three “Premios Juventud” awards; tribal-guarachero Latin house group 3BallMTY, nominated for two “Premios Juventud” awards; rock-pop singer/songwriter Juanes and tropical fusion music duo Chino y Nacho (featuring Jay Sean), both nominated for one “Premios Juventud” award; rock singer/songwriter Beto Cuevas; famous American rapper Flo Rida; and young Mexican pop singer/telenovela actress Belinda. 

Building on the enormous popularity of the yearly “Premios Juventud” broadcasts, Univision’s production team is putting together yet another truly spectacular show targeted to young audiences, this time featuring a “superheroes” theme and a group of celebrity hosts that no other Hispanic awards show has ever assembled. Co-hosting the event throughout the evening will be telenovela stars Ana Brenda Contreras and Eiza, along with regional Mexican music sensation Gerardo Ortiz (nominated for six “Premios Juventud” awards), tropical fusion music duo Chino y Nacho (also performing), television actress and personality Alicia Machado, and famed English-language actor Wilmer Valderrama.

During the broadcast, two “Premios Juventud” scholarships will be 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 will honor one student with $50,000 and one runner-up with $25,000, sponsored by State Farm.

With awards in 25 totally unconventional categories, “Premios Juventud” goes beyond traditional award ceremonies, allowing young Hispanics to honor their favorite celebrities in five distinct areas: Music, Movies, Novelas, Sports, and Pop Culture. All of the nominees are determined through votes cast by thousands of fans on www.PremiosJuventud.com.

Fans are gearing up for the 2012 show with extensive online and mobile coverage at PremiosJuventud.com and on the Univision App. Videos and photo galleries from previous years, including the best and worst dressed, plus backstage exclusives are available. Fans can also vote online to pick what song Juanes will sing during the show, now through July 2. Plus, participate in a trivia to discover who will be the ‘superheroes’ of this year’s show, and buy tickets to the event. Users are also engaging on social platforms including “Premios Juventud” forums, on Facebook.com/PremiosJuventud and Twitter via @PremiosJuventud.

Since its debut in 2004, the “Premios Juventud” youth awards show has been a phenomenal ratings success. In 2011, the live broadcast of “Premios Juventud” helped Univision rank No. 1, regardless of language, among all demographics, surpassing viewership of all other major broadcast networks. In fact, according to Nielsen the awards show positioned Univision as the No. 1 network during the entire night among Adults 18-49 for the second consecutive year, and among Adults 18-34 for the fourth consecutive year. 

Photo Courtesy Of: Univision Interactive Media