In July 2011 , Rivera was nominated for two ALMA Awards , in the categories of Favorite Female Music Artist and Favorite TV Actress – Leading Role in a Comedy . Rivera received a great amount of critical praise for both her acting and her singing performances in the latter part of season two and the beginning of season three . As 2011 ended , she or her character were on many " Best Of " lists , including HitFix 's 25 Breakout Stars of 2011 , '' TV Guide '' Best Performances of 2011 , '' MTV '' Best TV Characters of 2011 , as well as others . In the second half of the series ' third season , she was given the opportunity to do a duet with Ricky Martin , and worked with Gloria Estefan , who was cast as Santana 's mother . As the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards approached , Rivera was listed by many critics and media outlets as deserving of a nomination ; '' The Hollywood Reporter '' included her in their " Emmy 2012 : Supporting Players " photo shoot , and Rivera was also honored by E! , HitFix , '' TV Guide '' , and others . She was also chosen by the TV Academy to take part in a promotional video for the upcoming awards ceremony
64th Primetime Emmy Awards
64th Primetime Emmy Awards
Naya Rivera