The first-ever Latin American Music Awards is just around the corner. We don't doubt that all eyes will be set on the Latin AMAs on October 8th. With performers such as Il Volo, Paulina Rubio and Daddy Yankee, we also don't doubt that the debut awards show will be a success! As the star-studded awards show makes its way to town, many of the nominees are thrilled to have been recognized at the the first Hispanic version of the AMAs, which will air live from the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, Calif. via Telemundo.
One of those artists is Chiquis Rivera, who is nominated for Best New Artist and Female Artist of the Year. We caught up with the Mexican-American songstress, who not only talked to us about her nods, but also about her upcoming first-ever concert in California and what she has in stock for the rest of the year and 2016. Check out our exclusive interview below!
Latin Times: Congrats on your two nominations! How does it feel to be recognized in the first-ever Latin AMAs?
Chiquis Rivera: Wow! What can I say? It's a blessing. I feel happy, I feel so many different emotions. Just to be considered or to be nominated, for me is already a big deal. I'm already a winner to be nominated with people I admire and artists I respect industry. It feels good to be representing my Mexican culture and I'm just really excited. The day I found out I was nominated I was having a really bad that and the news just made me smile.
LT: Which of the two awards are you hoping to nab? New Artist of the Year or Female Artist of the Year?
CR: I would probably take New Artist of the Year, just because I'm the only female in the category. It feels great to know that women are rising in the industry!
LT: What would winning a Latin AMA mean for your career?
CR: This would be my absolute first award since I launched my career. I would obviously dedicate it to my mom [Jenni Rivera] and God, because if it weren't for them, I wouldn't be here. I would definitely have to celebrate.
LT: Besides your nominations, you're also going to be presenting at the awards show. Can you give us a spoiler?
CR: I'm going to be presenting. I love to present, that's actually one of the things I enjoy the most. What can I tell you? I guess I'm going to have to wear two dresses *laughs*, but other than that I'm not even sure what category I'll be presenting, but I'll be excited to be there and it's an L.A., so it's close to home.
LT: Being that you've been to so many star-studded events, at this point, do you still get nervous when attending or performing at an awards show?
CR: I still get nervous, but not as much as I used to. Normally, I get butterflies before the red carpet or going on stage. But yea, I think it's something that's normal. I've talked to people that have been in the industry for over 20 years and they still get nervous. So, I think it's normal.
LT: How about acceptance speeches. Do you plan them ahead of time or do you just wing it when on stage?
CR: I think about 'what would I say if I won?' I don't like to write a speech down because I don't like how it feels. I guess in my mind, I try to make a list of people and then just kind of wing it. When I receive awards in the name of my mom, I later regret not making a list because then I forget of people to thank. That always happens!
LT: I see that you're ecstatic with your first concert in Anaheim, California on October 3rd---what are some things that fans can expect in your "Aprovéchame" Tour?
CR: I was praying this morning and thanking God because people from New York and Texas are coming to my show. I can't believe that people love me so much that they want to come to my very first concert and it means the world for me. Even if I have days that I want to give up, I don't because of them, they push me. I think that the concert is going to be very cool. I'm going to sing songs that people normally won't expect me to sing. I want people to understand that I'm very musically inclined, I've been around music my whole life and I love all kinds of music. That's what they're going to experience that night ---a little bit of pop, obviously banda, acoustic. It's just gonna be me, no opening act or special guests. I want to stick it up by myself and I'm ready. As the days get closer I feel more ready and excited. Honestly, I think people are going to have a great time. If I were in the crowd and listening to all my songs, I'd be having a blast! *laughs*
LT: Will you be visiting other cities after this show?
CR: I will! We're going to wait a little bit after the California show to launch an entire tour. But yes, we're going to have a 2015-2016 tour. My next show is going to be in Reno, Nevada on the 28th of November.
LT: You've obviously got a full plate, what other upcoming projects do you have?
CR: I want to start working on my second album and second book. My first album and book are still available and doing really well! But that's my next focus, sit down with my writer and bring out the next book, I have so much to say. I think I want to be an author for the rest of my life *laughs*
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.