Earth takes 1st place at awards

By OLIVIA RUIZ / Vida En El Valle
(Published Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 08:50AM)

Nothing said 'I Love Earth!' more than the opening musical act of the 5th Annual Premios Juventud Awards last Thursday in Miami.

Dressed as superheroes, with capes and all, RBD hit the stage and asked the youth to take matters into their hands and help save planet Earth.

Everything from the green carpet, to the recycled dresses -- made from tires, magazines, cans, ties, plastic, and other materials -- the models and show host Mayrín Villanueva wore, to the tidbits of "going green" information made this award show environmentally friendly.

The other co-host was actor Eduardo Santamarina, whose outgoing personality outshone Villanueva throughout the night.

The three-hour televised show had plenty of surprises for the fans, including special performances never before seen like Olga Tañón teaming up with Tito 'El Bambino,' Los Tucanes de Tijuana with Akwid, or Enrique Iglesias with Aventura.

But it was Thalía who everyone was waiting to see, especially because the show marked her grand return to the stage after becoming a mom. Dressed in three very sexy outfits, she performed one of her newest songs from her album 'Lunada.' She was also surprised with the first ever Diva award.

Other highlights:

Mexican singer Pedro Fernández received a special recognition for his 30-year outstanding career. His musical performance combined some of his greatest romantic ranchera songs with his upbeat and danceable tunes.

Reggaetón duo Wisín y Yandel took home the most awards with a total of four while the kings of bachata Aventura and Ricky Martin won three each.

Although RBD had a total of 11 nominations, the highest of all, they only managed to take home two awards.

Pee Wee made his debut as a solo artist, after being kicked out of A.B. Quintanilla and Los Kumbia All Starz.

Univisión and JCPenney gave out three youth scholarships to deserving Latino students in the U.S.