Resolution 160737

..Title Recognizing, Congratulating, and Honoring Luis Figueroa on being named a 2016 Premios Juventud Winner. ..Body WHEREAS, Luis Figueroa, born in Philadelphia on September 18, 1989 to musically talented Puerto Rican parents, is a singer-songwriter, YouTube sensation with over 3.2 million views, and all-around entertainer; and WHEREAS, At the age of four, Luis began his artistic journey, performing in schools, churches, and at various events around the community, capturing the attention of the audience and leaving them in awe after every performance; and WHEREAS, Luis' musical career first sprouted when he performed at the International Latin Music Hall of Fame in New York alongside major Latin singers like Johnny Albino, Joe Cuba, and Graciela. Luis was later selected to perform on the internationally recognized evening show "Sabado Gigante" hosted by Don Francisco; and WHEREAS, In 2003, Luis sang on the widely-viewed television program, "Star Search" alongside contestant David Archuleta and made it to the finals. In July, 2005 he held the title of Teen Idol in the Philadelphia Lights of Liberty Show; and WHEREAS, After performing with salsa pioneer Johnny Rivera, an opportunity arose for Luis to sing on a salsa album titled "Transito", produced by Marc Anthony and Angel Fernandez, with famous salsa artists including Rey Sepulveda, Tito Allen, and Jonny Rivera. Figueroa performed "Esta Cobardia" on the album; and WHEREAS, In 2007 Luis was a Top 40 finalist on American Idol. Luis graduated from the Girard Academic Music Program and went on to further his musical career at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he was selected each year out of hundreds of students to perform in Berklee's Singers Showcase, the biggest vocal show at the college; and WHEREAS, This year Figueroa received a Premios Juventud award for his cover of "Flor Pálida", which he later performed at the award show alongside Marc Anthony; and WHEREAS, Luis Figueroa has recently been signed with Marc Anthony's entertainment company, Magnus Media, for an exclusive production deal. Luis has been a role model and inspiration for the Latino community throughout the City of Philadelphia and nationwide due to his tremendous accomplishments; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes, congratulates, and honors Luis Figueroa on being named a 2016 Premios Juventud Winner. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Luis Figueroa as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. ..End