In the previews and the first episode of the brand new Nuyorican co-produced ‘Q’Viva The Chosen’ Jennifer Lopez proclaims “This is like being able to really, really go – I am Latina and this is who we are… isn’t it fabulous, isn’t it amazing, doesn’t it bring tears to your eyes and make you want to dance, smile, and stay up all night?”
In truth, JLo, La Diva del Bronx, and her now ex-husband Marc Anthony are hoping this new collaboration of theirs will do precisely that for viewers of their new Latin American talent search show on Univision. Or at the very least, have them tune in to watch.
Now y’all knew I was going to write about this!
After Saturday’s first episode, and after so many weeks of constant promotion about Jennifer and Marc’s reunion for the show, it turns out the former Latino First Couple of entertainment might be on to something. From the Brazilian Capoeira dancers, to the Puerto Rican twins that captivated Marc, a very steamy Argentinian tango, and a lovable pair of Mexican Quebradita dancing siblings, ‘Q’Viva’ is all about celebrating the best of Latino culture and entertainment straight from each country.
Contestants submitted videos of their respective talents to the show’s producers, these entries were reviewed, the best of the bunch were presented to JLo, Marc and their third wheel, producer Jamie King, who then selected performers to assess in person. Jennifer and Marc then travel to the various countries where the performers live, surprise them with an impromptu visit, the performers audition before the super stars, and if they are impressed with what they see the talent gets airplane tickets to Los Angeles. There they will compete with the rest of the Latin American talent sent to California and ultimately the top tier of performers will all be a part of “the biggest Latin American entertainment show in history” in Las Vegas, Nevada.
An advertisers dream no doubt.
My favorite part about Q’Viva, however, outside of the tremendous talent being showcased, is just how much more access we get to Jennifer herself, in Spanish no less. The American Idol judge has certainly improved her bilingual skills since Selena – anyone remember that Cristina interview from the 90s? – and in way, this feels like JLo connecting to her Latin American roots like she’s never done before.
“It’s probably going to be the biggest thing I’ve been involved in yet,” Lopez reflected at one point.
Ms. Lopez, I think you might be right.