MTV Networks launching channel aimed at Latinos

New York – The MTV Networks are launching MTV Tr3s, a new channel aimed at becoming the premier cultural outlet for young Latinos. The network starts operating Monday.

Tr3s, pronounced like the Spanish word for three, follows MTV, MTV2 and eight other MTV-related networks operating in the United States. It will be seen on some digital cable systems, on the DirecTV satellite system or on a variety of low-power broadcast stations.

The network will be music-heavy at its start, with a variety of programs featuring the music of artists like Shakira, Sean Paul, Jeremias and the Kumbia Kings.

“MiTRL,” a version of the MTV hit “Total Request Live,” will be the network’s signature music show and has already snared commitments from Ricky Martin and Alejandro Sanz to debut their latest releases, the network said.

Latino versions of two big MTV hits, “My Super Sweet Sixteen” and “Pimp My Ride” will be created, transformed into “Quiero Mis Quinces” and “Pimpeando.”

McCartney’s new classical work to premiere in November

London – Paul McCartney’s “Ecce Cor Meum (Behold My Heart),” a new classical work for chorus and orchestra, will premiere at Royal Albert Hall on Nov. 3.

The concert will feature soprano Kate Royal and the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Orchestra; London Voices; the boy singers of Magdalen College Choir, Oxford; and the boys of King’s College Choir, Cambridge, conducted by Gavin Greenaway – the same cast that appears on the studio recording, to be released Tuesday by EMI Classics.

Anthony Smith, president of Magdalen College from 1998-2005, asked the former Beatle to compose a work celebrating the opening of the college’s new concert hall.

The first version of “Ecce Cor Meum” was performed with the Magdalen College Choir at Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre in November 2001.

LeBlanc, wife finalize divorce after 3 years of marriage

Los Angeles – After a little more than three years of marriage, Matt LeBlanc has finalized his divorce.

The 39-year-old actor has been granted joint custody of his 2-year-old daughter, Marina, with wife Melissa LeBlanc, according to court papers filed Wednesday. Melissa LeBlanc has two children from a previous marriage.

The LeBlancs filed for divorce on April 6, citing irreconcilable differences. They will be officially single again on Oct. 6.

Under the terms of the divorce, LeBlanc will be financially responsible for his daughter’s education, nanny and other needs. He will also pay $15,000 a month in child support.

Calls to LeBlanc’s attorney and his publicist after business hours Thursday were not immediately returned.