As 2009 comes to a close, todos estamos pensando el lo que ha sucedido este año: Barack Obama becoming the first African-American President of the U.S., Michael Jackson's untimely death, Justice Sonia Sotomayor becoming la primera latina in the Supreme Court, swine flu, y mucho más.

Pero el fin del 2009 also marks el fin de la decada.  Can you believe los '00s are over?  In come the teens!  So to commemorate this occasion, cuentanos: who or what defines los '00s to you?

Teen Culture

Once upon a time in 2000, the airwaves were invaded by the likes of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, 'NSync and The Backstreet Boys.  While Britney's all grown up and stealing the spotlight in other ways these days, the idolization of teen stars carried on throughout la decada.

Los 00s are also responsible for American Idol with such new young stars arising like Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, David Archuleta and most recently Adam Lambert.  And other teen music phenoms like the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez y Demi Lovato, and let's not forget Rihanna and Chris Brown, no se quedan atrás.  And really, would the whole Twilight phenomenon really exist without teen fever for RPatz, Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart?  Who's your favorite teen icon from los 00s?

Latin Explosion!

Even more relevant para todos nosotros, was the "Latin Explosion" of los 00s.  Starting with the successful crossover careers of the likes of Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias y Shakira, los 00s brought Latinos to the forefront when it comes to la música popular americana.  Whether hearing Daddy Yankee in a soda commercial or Wisin y Yandel in a video game (and seeing both nominated for MTV Video Music Awards), there is no doubt that Latinos seriously broke through into mainstream pop culture during the 2000s.

With such collabos hitting the video and radio airwaves como Beyoncé y Shakira,  Wisin y Yandel con 50 Cent, Pitbull and Lloyd, Akon and Dulce María, y muchos más.  On the silver screen, actors like Salma Hayek, Benicio del Toro, Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Eva Mendez, John Leguizamo and even Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Alba made waves para los Latinos.  Similarly on la tele, entertainers like George Lopez, Mario Lopez, Eva Longoria Parker, Wilmer Valderrama, America Ferrera and Ana Ortiz made us all un poquito más orgullosos de ser Latinos!

Cuéntanos, what defines los 00s for you?  Stay tuned to MTV Tr3s in January to catch nuestros especiales on Lo Mejor De Los 00's, y mientras tanto...

We wish you all un feliz y prospero año nuevo!  Que disfruten!

Photos via Getty Images & Google Images

It's been an interesting week in the news since the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor was announced...

The Nuyorican nominee has not only struck a cord with Latinos, but the GOP and media alike. Who knew a Judge could stir up such frenzy! Hateful remarks calling her an 'intellectual lightweight' and a racist have spiraled up from the conservative side, but everybody should be singing to a different tune. Sotomayor's education (graduating top of her class both at Princeton and Yale) and experience speak for itself. Question is, why can't Republican gringos pronounce her name right?!

Watch how Jon Stewart pokes fun at the Sonia Sotomayor media craze right below. What are your thoughts?

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U.S. history has officially taken a prideful turn for all Latinos...

As of this morning, Barack Obama has extended his Supreme Court nomination to appeals court judge, Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina welcomed to grace the stand in the history of our nation. Although the confirmation is currently pending, we must highlight that the 54-year-old's biography is as impressive as her resume. Born to Puerto Rican parents in the Bronx, NY, Sotomayor was raised by her widowed mother and moved from a set of housing projects to the dorm rooms of Princeton University and later obtained her J.D. from Yale Law School.

Before making today's headlines, Sotomayor worked vigilantly towards expanding her credentials (to say the least). The Boricua has served as a federal judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals since 1998 and worked as a federal judge for the U. S. District Court Southern District of New York for six years. She also ran the gamut as the assistant district attorney for New York County in the 70 and 80s. Not to mention having the drive to work for the private practice law firm Pavia & Harcourt in NYC.

What does her resume say about her? Sotomayor has earned a reputation as a realistic judge who challenges corporate law head first. Embrace this moment mi gente! We leave you with her thoughts on Latinas running the game:

I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life.

Watch the video below for a complete look at her acceptance speech below!

Art imitates life or life imitates art...

We forgot which way it goes, but in any case it looks like politics is imitating pop culture in this presidency. In an effort to illustrate President Obama's first 100 days in office Newsweek has launched a satirical lil' web series called "The District." The show clearly mimics the format of MTV's "The City." All key elements for solid programming are in place:

1.) Catchy show title derived from show's location

2.) 1st person narration and intelligent vocab like "frenemies"

3.) Dramatic and glossy photo montage of cast paired with songs-of-the-moment soundtrack

Now all we have to do is wait and watch the drama unfold in the nation's capital!

Catch this week's webisode where Barack gets a rude awakening: the Republicans are just not that into him. The soundtrack features none other than Dominican diva Kat Deluna's single "Unstoppable." Watch it here.

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, sí? Think this facetious series will get better ratings than "The City"? [Newsweek]

Photo via Getty Images

With Barack Obama finally settled in at the White House...

Latinos are not wasting any time pressing for the issues that we want resolved. We helped vote him in and now we want acción. So, when calling in favors, which topic is at the top of our agenda? Immigration, of course! The Hispanic Caucus got together recently with top activists and politicians including the National Coucil of la Raza and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund to address top national issues -- immigration was at the top of the list. The Hispanic Caucus has now sent a letter to Obama asking for him to make good on his promises regarding immigration reform.

As part of that reform, it seems the DREAM Act is making a bigger comeback than Britney Spears this year. Thanks to a huge youth initiative via Myspace and Facebook, Latinos got the DREAM Act voted one of the "Top 10 Ideas for Change in America" on change.org. This pushes the Dream Act into the official White House agenda for voting.

La lucha continues! For more ideas on getting involved in immigration reform visit www.dreamactivist.org. [change.org]

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After a triumphant and memorable day, America was finally ready to celebrate...

And no one knows how to party quite like MTV. Live from the Hilton Washington, we partied with todo el mundo during the "Be the Change: Live from Inaugural Youth Ball." The night commenced with Kanye West performing a medley of his songs, including "Touch the Sky" and his recent #1 hit "Heartless." Never the one to shy away from the spotlight, West shared his feelings:

It feels so good to be standing here. My mama would be so proud to see her baby boy performing the #1 song in the country for our new African-American president.

Other performers included Fall Out Boy and Kid Rock. Not sure who looked more smashin', guest host Rosario Dawson or celeb Demi Moore. Other celebs in the house included Beastie Boy Adam Yauch, Ashton Kutcher, Usher, Santogold and on-screen superhero, Tobey Maguire.

But the real star of the night had to be the guest of honor himself, Barack Obama and his lovely wife, as they took to the dance floor. Michelle donned a beautiful white gown designed by up-and-coming designer, Jason Wu. Wu explained the dress was meant to convey a sign of hope. Read more right below the hood!

Read more...

The sea of spectators spanning from our nation's Capitol reflected a new era of hope that was felt across the world today. President Barack Obama's inaugural speech has officially rewritten history with an honest voice that will be heard for generations to come. The energetic pulse was undeniable, even if you couldn't make it to the streets of Washington, D.C. Whether you represented his vote in the polls or not, Barack Obama's universal message echoed a new-found sense of patriotism without leaving-out the difficult times ahead.

Want to get your full-dose of today's moment in history? Watch the President's inaugural oath right below and publish your own historical memories of today's events right here and be sure to catch the post-inaugural madness during “Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural” on MTV Tr3s today at 10pm. For ground coverage and live-blogging be sure to visit MTV News.

Photo via Getty Images

There is no doubt that Michelle Obama has the fashionista swagger that leaves everyone wondering what she will wear next.

We especially kept our eyes peeled on what she would rock on inauguration day! Our First Lady shined in a dazzling vintage-inspired yellow gown designed by Cuban-American designer, Isabel Toledo. Unlike most mainstream designers, Isabel is considered a newbie in the designer world. With only a couple of years in the fashion business she has already gained a reputation for recreating a modern avant garde look.

Redefining the meaning of traditional first lady attire, Mrs. Obama definitely picks her designers wisely and has worked with Isabel during Election season. Besides Toledo's designs, Michelle Obama has also picked evening wear designed by runway renegades, Narciso Rodriguez, Zero + Maria Cornejo, and Maria Pinto.

Fierce! What do you think of Michelle Obama's vestido selection? [Associated Press]

Photos via Getty Images

Today is the day mi gente! An estimated one million people traveled to Washington D.C. to witness Obama's historical oath into office, but who said you have to be in the District of Columbia to celebrate?

We have your front-row seat at Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th president of the United States tonight during “Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural” on MTV Tr3s at 10 pm. Out with the old and in with the new! Bush says his farewell to La Casa Blanca, (thankfully) making room for Obama and familia, including First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha.

The promise for change motivated millions of voters to hit the polls in November, but Obama has also inspired la música with estrellas like Wyclef, Young Jeezy, and Will.I.Am all producing new hits dedicated to Obama's achievement. Wondering what songs have inspired our 44th President? MTV News has the results. Be sure to check it under the hood!

Read more...

The Chica Dorada was glistening on-stage and on the red carpet at last night's Latino Inaugural Gala.

Paulina Rubio arrived ready to chat about politics and proudly exclaimed, "Latinos have finally been heard." The Latin Grammy-winner exclusively spoke to MTV Tr3s and Terra about her political passion for CHANGE. Besides showing her love for Obama, la diva revealed what she thinks should be the next political step for cambio in the White House.

The Mexicana also spoke about the next steps in her career (a.k.a. Plugging her new fragrance line "Oro" and her 9th upcoming album). We can't really knock her game, but check out the exclusive interview and see if her marketing skills work on you!

Be sure to catch “Be the Change: Live From the Inaugural” on MTV Tr3s Tuesday January 20th at 10pm EST and watch all of the entrevistas brought to you by MTV Tr3s and Terra right here.

Photo via Getty Images