Category Archives: Entertainment

Eva Longoria to Guest Star on Disney+’s “The Proud Family” Revival “Louder and Prouder”

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Eva Longoria is preparing for a moment of Proud…

Disney+ has locked in a stacked cast of guest stars and new recurring talent for The Proud Family revival Louder and Prouder, including the 46-year-old Mexican American actress/producer, in commemoration of the original animated series’ 20th anniversary.

Eva Longoria

In addition to Longoria, best known for her starring role on Desperate Housewives, the guest-starring voice cast will feature A-listers from the worlds of music, film, TV and sports including Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Chance the Rapper, Normani, Leslie Odom Jr., Tiffany Haddish, Lena Waithe, Anthony Anderson, Gabrielle Union, Debbie Allen, James Pickens Jr., Courtney B. Vance, Jane Lynch, Marsai Martin, Jaden Smith, Glynn Turman, Lamorne Morris, Brenda Song, Tina Knowles, Holly Robinson Peete, Al Roker, Bretman Rock, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez and Dominique Dawes, among others.

The series is set to launch on Disney+ in 2022

New recurring stars announced include Asante Blackk as Penny’s boyfriend, Kareem; rapper Artist “A Boogie” Dubose as Maya’s gamer brother, Francis “KG” Leibowitz-Jenkins; Raquel Lee Bolleau, who will reprise her role as Nubia Gross; and Marcus T. Paulk, who reprises his role as Penny’s classmate, Myron.

Airing on Disney Channel between 2001 and 2005, The Proud Family followed the misadventures of teenager Penny Proud (Kyla Pratt) and her numerous eccentric family members.

Louder and Prouder is currently in production at Disney Television Animation and will pick up the story of its central character, as it catches up with her parents Oscar (Tommy Davidson) and Trudy (Paula Jai Parker), her twin siblings BeBe and CeCe, her grandmother Suga Mama (JoMarie Payton) and dog Puff, and members of her loyal crew including Dijonay Jones (Karen Malina White), LaCienega Boulevardez (Alisa Reyes) and Zoey Howzer (Soleil Moon Frye), among others.

Other original cast members reprising their roles, as previously announced, are Cedric the Entertainer, Carlos Mencia, Maria Canals-Barrera and Alvaro Gutierrez. Additional recurring cast members new to the world of The Proud Family include Keke Palmer, Billy Porter, Zachary Quinto, and EJ Johnson.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is executive produced by Bruce W. Smith and Ralph Farquhar, who served in the same capacity on the original series.

All seasons of The Proud Family are currently available for streaming on Disney+. Disney+ has release a 20th anniversary featurette, in which Louder and Prouder stars reflect on their draw to the original series.

Gina Brillon Among the 10 “America’s Got Talent” Finalists Vying for $1M Grand Prize

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Gina Brillon’s got Talent-ed plans…

America’s Got Talent’s 16th season will end this week with the 41-year-old Latina comedian among the finalists who could walk away with the $1M grand prize.

Gina Brillon

In addition to Brillon, the 10 finalists include aerialist Aidan Bryant, singers Brooke Simpson, Jimmie Herrod and Victory Brinker, magician Dustin Tavella, comedian Josh Blue, quick change artist Lea Kyle, Northwell Health Nurse Choir, and the World Taekwondo Demonstration Team.

The show’s top ten finalists will be joined by a swathe of celebrity guests on the show on Wednesday September 15 including Idina Menzel, Pentatonix, Bishop Briggs, George Lopez, Rico Rodriguez, Olympic Silver Medal gymnasts Jordan Chiles and MyKayla Skinner and AGT season nine winner and Las Vegas headliner Mat Franco/

In addition to the grand prize, the winner join America’s Got Talent Las Vegas Live at Luxor Hotel and Casino this fall.

It comes as the show, which was created by Simon Cowell and is produced by his Syco Entertainment and Fremantle, remains the most-watched summer program for the eighth consecutive year and the most-watched summer broadcast unscripted program for the 16th consecutive year.

NBC said that the show had reached more than 60M viewers across linear and digital platforms.

HBO Max Acquires North American Rights to Lorenza Izzo’s Latest Film “Women Is Losers”

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Lorenza Izzo is winning at Los(er)ing…

HBO Max has acquired the North American rights to Women Is Losers, the 1960s-set indie drama starring the 31-year-old Chilean actress and model.

Lorenza Izzo

Hailing from writer-director Lissette Feliciano, her debut feature, Women Is Losers has its world premiere at this year’s SXSW.

In addition to Izzo, the film also stars Chrissie Fit, Bryan Craig and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star Simu Liu. The streamer will now debut the film exclusively on the platform on October 18.

Set in 1960s San Francisco, the plot centers on a once-promising Catholic schoolgirl (Izzo) who sets out to rise above the oppression of poverty and invest in a future for herself that sets new precedents for the time. The filmn is inspired by real women and the Janis Joplin song of the same title. Steven Bauer, Liza Weil, Cranston Johnson, Alessandra Torresani, Shalim Ortiz and Lincoln Bonilla also star.

Feliciano and David Ortiz are producers.

“We set out to make a film that was as bold, funny, and honest as the women that inspired it,” said Feliciano, who also discussed the film at Deadline’s SXSW Studio earlier this year. “We could think of no better time in our nation’s history for this film to reach the women of America. This is one you’re going to want to watch with your family. We’ve found the perfect partner in HBO Max who are known for their provocative and entertaining content. This film is an inter-generational story and at its core is about always having hope no matter how big the obstacles. Lorenza Izzo, Chrissie Fit, Simu Liu, and Bryan Craig give their hearts in these performances. I can’t wait for you all to see them.”

Hulu Renews Selena Gomez’s “Only Murders in the Building” for Second Season

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Selena Gomez hasn’t left the Building just yet…

Hulu has renewed Only Murders in the Building, starring the 29-year-old Mexican American actress/singer, Steve Martin and Martin Short, for a second season.

Hulu Renews Selena Gomez's "Only Murders in the Building" for Second Season

That means Gomez and the gang will continue their podcast-inspired crime-solving ways.

The news comes after Hulu said the show was the most-watched Hulu Original comedy on premiere day and its most-watched comedy across all SVOD titles ever on the platform.

Only Murders in the Building follows three strangers (Martin, Short and Gomez) who share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one as they investigate the mysterious death of a neighbor in their New York City apartment building.

Amy Ryan and Aaron Dominguez also star. Nathan Lane will recur, and Tina Fey also features.

Co-created and written by Martin and John Hoffman based on an idea by Martin, the series is produced by 20th Century Fox Television and executive-produced by Martin, Short, Gomez, Hoffman, Jamie Babbitt, This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman and Jess Rosenthal.

“Only Murders in the Building reflects the kind of creative excellence that is the hallmark of Hulu Originals,” said Craig Erwich, president, ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals. “Steve, John and Dan have created a uniquely captivating and entertaining series. The audience’s response to the delightful blend of mystery, humor and emotion in the show has been overwhelming and we can’t wait to follow this unlikely trio on their next adventure.”

Added Karey Burke, president of 20th Television: “There has been something about this project that felt almost fated from the start; from Dan’s first lunch with Steve in which Steve happened to mention he had an idea for a series, to John jumping aboard to co-create it, to Steve’s agreeing to star but only if Marty joined him, to the inspired addition of Selena. The comedy this team delivered has been the obsession of every executive at this studio, and our friends at Hulu have treated it like the crown jewel that it is. And now, thanks to the incredible audience response, we are so happy to say there will be more murders in the building — which is great news for everyone, except perhaps the residents of the Arconia.”

Kehlani Releases Teaser For Upcoming Third Album “Blue Water Road”

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Kehlani is taking it to the Road…

The 26-year-old part-Mexican American Grammy-nominated singer is set to release her next album, Blue Water Road, this winter.

Kehlani

Kehlani took to Twitter to share the minute-long trailer soundtracked by dramatic orchestral music, which shows Kehlani “coming out of the rubble of It Was Good Until It Wasnt and into the light, on to the road,” as she described it. The singer, who has an injured leg in the video, hobbles down the titular road and befriends a dragonfly that succumbs to a larger, unknown power.

The R&B singer released her second studio album It Was Good Until It Wasn’t on May 8, 2020. The project reached No. 2 on both the Billboard 200 and Billboard‘s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.

One fan on Twitter noticed the continuity in the imagery from IWGUIW, which depicted on its cover art the “Toxic” singer escaping the chaos on one side of a brick wall only to find out the other side doesn’t promise an easier life, to Blue Water Road. “WAIT THIS MAKES SENSE!!! So your leg was hurt from the It was Good Until It Wasn’t Cover!” Twitter user @_serialov3r wrote.

The Grammy-nominated singer shared the theory with the bullseye emoji to commend the fan for nailing it.

Las Villa to Perform as Part of “The Rising Generation of Music” Showcase at Billboard Latin Music Week

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Las Villa are on the rise…

The Colombian sister duo is among a new wave of artists set to take the stage during the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Week, which returns to Miami from September 20 to 25 with a weeklong event that unites the top Latin hitmakers, influencers, and executives, and features live performances and conversations with superstars.

Las Villa

Las Villa, along with indie Dominican newcomer The Change and the innovative Venezuelan rapper Micro TDH, have all been confirmed to perform as part of “The Rising Generation of Music” showcase presented by Warner Music Latina.

Las Villa will also form part of the “Women on the Rise” panel to discuss their music careers.

Registrants and attendees will be able to enjoy the event during Latin Music Week, taking place at 6:00 pm ET on Tuesday, September 21, at the Faena Forum main stage.

Under the slogan “The Beat of Latin Music,” making its mark as the longest running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world, this year’s event will continue through the end of the week as Billboard launches its En Vivo concert series.

Latin Music Week coincides with the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will be broadcast live via Telemundo on September 23.

For more information, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

Farruko to Take Part in “Moving Our Music Pa’lante” Panel at Billboard Latin Music Week

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Farruko is movin’ pa’lante…

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican singer and songwriter will take part in the “Moving Our Music Pa’lante” panel discussion, which is set to take place during Billboard Latin Music Week 2021.

Farruko

The event will return to Miami with a weeklong (September 20-25) event that unites the top Latin hitmakers, influencers and industry leaders, and features live performances and conversations with superstars.

Presented by HBO Max and moderated by Billboard‘s Leila Cobo, the panel will explore how HBO Max creates and markets its slate of acquired Latin music films and documentaries, sharing their creative process and the strategies they use to deliver compelling content that resonates with fans across the U.S. and Latin America.

Panelists include Farruko; Edgar Martinez, svp entertainment, Loud and Live; Jessica Vargas, director of multicultural marketing, HBO Max/HBO; and Leslie Cohen, senior vp content acquisitions for WarnerMedia, HBO Max/HBO.

Other recently announced panels include “Mano a Mano” with Rauw Alejandro and Myke Towers, during which both chart-topping artists will discuss new projects, upcoming tours and the challenges and advantages for the new wave of reggaetón artists; “Making the Hit, Live” masterclass with Lunay and his longtime producers Chris Jedi and Gaby Music; and the “Coming Out Latin” panel with Raymix, Esteman, Erika Vidrio and Jhonny Caz of Grupo Firme for an insightful and heartfelt conversation on the challenges and rewards of coming out as a Latin music act.

Under the slogan “The Beat of Latin Music,” making its mark as the longest running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world, this year’s event will continue through the end of the week as Billboard launches its En Vivo concert series.

The 2021 Latin Music Week will take place from September 20 to 25 at the Faena Forum in Miami, and coincides with the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards broadcasting live via Telemundo on Sept. 23.

To register and for more information, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

Disney+ Renews Frankie A. Rodriguez’s “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” for a Third Season

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Frankie A. Rodriguez is preparing for an encore…

Disney+ has renewed the acclaimed original series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, starring the 22-year-old Mexican American actor/singer, for a third season.

Frankie Rodriguez

Created and executive-produced by Tim Federle, season three will follow the Wildcats as they leave the hallways of East High for the ultimate summer at sleepaway camp, complete with campfires, summer romances and curfew-less nights.

Production for the third season will relocate from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles and begin later this year.

“We are overjoyed to be heading to the great outdoors for season three, and grateful to our partners and friends at Disney+ for their continued support of our next-generation Wildcats,” said Federle.

Seasons one and two are set at East High School, the setting and filming location of the original movies. In season one, the series follows members of the drama club and their faculty advisors as they work their way to opening night of their school’s first-ever production of High School Musical: The Musical. 

Season two culminates in a performance of Beauty and the Beast.

The soundtracks for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series season one, season two, and High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special have drawn 1 billion, 438 million combined streams to date.

Seasons one and two of the GLAAD Media Award-winning series are currently available on Disney+.

In addition to Rodriguez, who plays Carlos Rodriguez, the series also stars Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, Matt Cornett and Sofia Wylie.

J Balvin Announces “Jose” Tour Dates

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J Balvin is hittin’ the road…

After releasing his fifth studio album Jose, the 36-year-old Colombian singer, songwriter, rapper has revealed the dates for his 2022 U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico tour.

J Balvin

Produced by Cárdenas Marketing Network (CMN), J Balvin’s 25-date Jose trek is set to kick off April 19 in San Antonio’s AT&T Center and wrap up June 4 at El Coliseo de Puerto Rico — with stops in Las Vegas, Miami and New York.

“I think he’s in the best moment of his life,” Henry Cárdenas, CEO of CMN, tells Billboard. “Between Balvin and CMN, we’re going to sell out.”

J Balvin has grossed more than $20 million and sold over 300,000 tickets, according to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore.

His new set — home to 24 tracks including the Grammy Award-nominated “Un Día (One Day)”  and “Qué Más Pues?” — follows Balvin’s 2020 Colores, which peaked No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart and at No. 15 on the Billboard 200.

The “Que Locura” singer has been busy this year releasing a handful of singles, jumping on star-studded remixes and slowly returning to live shows with sporadic performances at festivals such as Baja Beach Fest in Mexico and Neon Experience in Las Vegas, an event curated by the artist himself featuring artists such as Karol G, Nio Garcia and Jowell & Randy.

Most recently, Balvin logged his 31st No. 1 on Billboard‘s Latin Airplay chart thanks to the ’90s dance hit-interpolated, Skrillex-assisted “In Da Getto,” tying him with Enrique Iglesias for the most leaders in the chart’s history.

J Balvin is a nine-time finalist at the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards. He’s garnered four nods for “Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life),” the blockbuster track with Black Eyed Peas, and is also up for artist of the year.

Tickets will be available for presale September 13 at 12:00 pm local time and for general sale on September 17 through Ticketmaster, AXS, SeatGeek, Evenko.ca and Ticketerapr.com.

Jose 2022 tour dates:
April 19 — San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Center
April 20 — Austin, TX @ HEB Center
April 22 — Tucson, AZ @ Tucson Arena
April 23 — Las Vegas, NV @ Michelob Ultra Arena
April 24 — San Diego, CA @ Pechanga Arena
April 26 — Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena
April 28 — Portland, OR @ MODA Center
April 30 — San Jose, CA @ SAP Center
May 1 — Oakland, CA @ Oakland Arena
May 4 — El Paso, TX @ Don Haskins Center
May 5 — Laredo, TX @ Sames Auto Arena
May 6 — Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
May 7 — Hidalgo, TX @ Payne Arena
May 8 — Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
May 11 — Ft Myers, FL @ Hertz Arena
May 13 — Miami, FL @ FTX Arena
May 14 — Orlando, FL @ Amway Center
May 15 — Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena
May 18 — Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center
May 20 — Washington DC @ Capitol One Arena
May 21 — Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
May 22 — New York, NY @ Barclays Center
May 25 — Bridgeport, CT @ Webster Bank Arena
May 26 — Boston, MA @ TD Garden
May 27 — Montreal, Canada @ Bell Centre
May 28 — Toronto, Canada @ Scotia Bank Arena
June 4 — San Juan, PR @ Coliseo de Puerto Rico

Peacock Releases Trailer for Demi Lovato’s Docuseries “Unidentified With Demi Lovato”

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Demi Lovato is on a mission to find extraterrestrial life…

Following the 29-year-old half-Mexican American singer, songwriter and actor’s surreal Joshua Tree trip when they saw something strange in the sky, Lovato is embarking on an extra-journey journey to find out more.

Demi Lovato

“I had this crazy experience that happened to me in Joshua Tree,” the singer recalls in the official trailer for their new Peacock series Unidentified With Demi Lovato, which was released on Thursday (September 9). “It was this bright light, kind of moved in, like, these weird ways that a plane wouldn’t move. My goal is to find out what really happened.”

The self-proclaimed “UFO experiencer” will be joined by their best friend Matthew Scott Montgomery and sister Dallas Lovato, both of whom appeared in the four-part YouTube Originals docuseries Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil, which opened SXSW this year, to “investigate the unexplained and the unidentified,” Lovato said in the video. The gasp-worthy, shocking trailer even features an unidentified voice saying “hello” to the singer when prompted by experts.

Lovato’s new four-part limited unscripted series will begin streaming on Peacock on September 30.

 

Unidentified With Demi Lovato is executive produced by Lovato, their manager Scooter Braun, Scott Manson, Allison Kaye, JD Roth, Adam Greener, Sara Hansemann and Andrew Nick.

Lovato’s most recent album, Dancing With the Devil… The Art of Starting Over, was released via Island Records. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Top Album Sales chart.