In The News: Shakira, Hugo Chavez, Guerra, Menudo

Unauthorized Shakira Documentary Coming
People En Espagnol reports that Carlos Vanegas, Shakira's first promotor (1991-1993), is about to release an unauthorized documentary of Shakira's life, including obstacles she's faced and details of her personal life. Vanegas says he wants to show the truth, with respect.

Shakira never responded to his request to produce the documentary and has been reticent to share/show details of her life. This is not the first unauthorized biography; her ex-manager has also written an unauthorized bio that's rumored to come out in 2008.

The documentary is schedule to hit TV sets in Spain before the year's end and from there ....? So, will your respect for the Colombian superstar's privacy be overcome by your curiosity? Hmmm.

Hugo Chavez - Musical Performer?
Whatever you may think of Venezuela's controversial president, Hugo Chavez, as a personality he's always been a little larger than life. Each Sunday Chavez holds a regular television and radio program named "Hello, President" and, at the program's close, he sings folk songs along with his guest performers.

Now, Chavez is releasing a CD of traditional Venezuelan folk music that features him singing (I'm not sure who else is singing with him). The CD is titled Canciones de Siempre (Songs for All Time) and it's reported that the CD will be free to all Venezuelans.

Reader reviews welcome!

Juan Luis Guerra Feted By Fellow Artists
The night before the Latin Grammy Awards is traditionally reserved to pay tribute to the Latin Recording Academy's 'Person of the Year'. This year's honoree, Juan Luis Guerra, will be serenaded by a star-studded cast of artists including Brazil's Daniela Mercury, fellow Dominicans Milly Quezada and Johnny Ventura and Colombia's Carlos Vivies.

It's too bad that this is not a televised event because it's bound to be one many fans would enjoy watching. On the other hand, the Latin Grammys on Thursday Nov. 8th will be televised live on Univision, from 8 - 11 PM (ET/PT).

Making Menudo Reality Show Starts This Month
Last spring I told you about auditions being held for the 'new Menudo'. (Did any of you make it?) Now it's time to see the 15 finalists, all between the ages of 13 & 19, compete against each other on the air until the lucky 5 are finally selected, handed a recording contract with Epic Records, a studio album and a world tour.

You can follow the competition and the journey from your living room (or den, office or cellphone). The MTV reality series Making Menudo will premier Oct. 25th at 10:30 PM (ET/PT) with the first of 10 planned episodes. The show will also be re-broadcast on MTV Tr3s Saturdays at 2 PM (ET/PT). The technologically inclined can also catch the show by logging into the Making Menudo website or with MTV/MTV Tr3s Mobile.

It doesn't look like the audience gets to vote, though millions of "you're the best" vibes can't hurt.

* Photo Shakira courtesy Evan Agostini/Getty Images; Juan Luis Guerra courtesy EMI