Simon Fuller

Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony team up with “American Idol” creator for new show.

Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony team up with "American Idol" creator for new show.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony are teaming up with “American Idol” creator Simon Fuller to begin a new reality competition show that celebrates Latin music. In a statement released Wednesday, the couple will travel to major cities to assemble a cast of performers and create a live show called “Q’Viva! The Chosen” that will “become one of the greatest celebrations of Latin Culture that the world has ever seen,” reports the Los Angeles Times.

“This is a show for the 21st century with an unprecedented global and local story,” said Lopez in the statement. “The Latin culture is a tapestry that is rich in passion, tradition and artistry. We are going to places where all of this talent lives and wouldn’t have otherwise been discovered. This journey for me and Marc is going to be exciting and groundbreaking.”

With Fuller’s production company, XIX Entertainment, the trio will embark on a series that will be filmed in three languages and broadcast simultaneously across 21 countries in North America, Central America and South America.

“Latin music and dance is loved all over the world, but there has never been a particular show or live experience that truly celebrates its beauty and splendor,” Fuller said in the statement. “Q’Viva is that show.”

Lopez is currently serving as a judge on the tenth season of “American Idol,” where Anthony has also appeared on the show as a mentor.

There is no word yet on when “Q’Viva! The Chosen” will air.

Annie Lennox moves to Universal Music

Annie Lennox moves to Universal Music. The departure from Sony is a big deal for Lennox. Everyone of her solo and Eurythmics albums are available through Sony. The first Lennox Universal album will be the Christmas record ‘A Christmas Cornucopia’ in November. The album will feature Annie’s unique take on her favourite Christmas carols plus a new song ‘Universal Child’. “I’m absolutely delighted to be working with Island Records on my upcoming recording,” stated Ms. Lennox. “This album is something I’ve wanted to do for many years. It’s a true labour of love, and I feel very fortunate to be in partnership with such a cutting edge team, especially when I’m at a stage in my creativity when I want to diversify, and pursue my passion in my own individual way. I’ve never been part of a ‘mold,’ and Island are really supportive and appreciative of where I’m coming from. I want to make timeless music that people will love in many years to come…and I’d like to think that ‘A Christmas Cornucopia’ is going to be of those recordings.” “There are precious few artists who redefine the boundaries of popular music like Annie,” said Lucian Grainge, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Group. “And we are delighted to be part of the next exciting chapter in her already storied career.” “Annie Lennox is one of world’s greatest singers,” commented Ms. Lennox’s manager Simon Fuller. “She has sold tens of millions of albums, celebrated countless hit singles and won every major award and honour there is to receive. However there is one thing she has always wanted to do and now it’s about to happen. Annie has always wanted to record an album of Christmas songs and to see this finally come to fruition is very special. Annie and I are thrilled to now be working with Island Records and all my friends at Universal around the world. We are looking forward very much to a long, happy and successful partnership for many years to come.” “The album Annie has recorded is timeless and inspiring, a very special showcase for her extraordinary voice,” added Universal Music UK chairman David Joseph. “This record is just the start of what feels like a natural, and very exciting, new partnership between Annie and Island Records.”

Simon Cowell To Receive Special BAFTA Award

Simon Cowell, known in the United States for his role in bringing ‘American Idol’ to television, will be honored in his home, the United Kingdom, with a special award. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) will honor Cowell for his work, especially “his development of new talent.” In the U.K., Cowell has worked on similar amateur talent shows such as ‘Pop Idol,’ ‘The X Factor’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent.’ Now, Cowell joins the ranks of famous Britons like Jane Tranter, Paul Watson, Paul Greengrass, Adam Curtis and Andy Harries when he receives the award on June 6. “The Academy is delighted to be presenting Simon Cowell with this Special Award,” BAFTA Television Committee Chair John Willis said. “Over the past few years he has not only helped change the entertainment landscape but has re-invented Saturday night family entertainment. His shows enable exciting new talent to shine and are the most talked-about programmes on British television. He is quite simply one of the most brilliant entertainment producers of our time.”