Isabela Merced to Portray Lorena Bobbitt in Next Season of Hulu’s “Good American Family” Series

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Isabela Merced is set to portay an infamous Latina…

The 25-year-old half-Peruvian American actress will portray Lorena Bobbitt in the second installment of Hulu’s true-crime anthology Good American Family.

Isabela MercedMerced, who most recently starred in The Last of Us, will star opposite Patrick Schwarzenegger, who will portray John Bobbitt.

Not yet titled, the limited series is inspired by the ripped-from-the-headlines story of the infamous Virginia couple, who incited a media circus that treated trauma as entertainment, launched a thousand dirty jokes and ignited a gender war.

The story revolves around an infamous 1993 incident in which Lorena cut off her husband’s penis with a kitchen knife after an argument at home. She later chalked up the act to abuse during their marriage.

The Bobbitt-focused season comes from the same studio, 20th Television, and the same creative team as the first. Katie Robbins is creator, writer and exec produces alongside Ellen Pompeo, who starred in the first season revolving around the stranger-than-fiction adoption story of Ukrainian orphan Natalia Grace Barnett.

Good American Family debuted in March 2025 and has amassed more than 140 million hours streamed globally on Hulu and Disney+. Its finale was the biggest of 2025 across those platforms. Pompeo and Laura Holstein executive produce the series under their Calamity Jane banner, alongside Robbins, Andrew Stearn and Sarah Sutherland. We announced the anthology expansion in August.

Merced is perhaps best known for playing Dina in HBO’s The Last of Us and for her role as Hawkgirl in James Gunn’s Superman.

Additional credits include the John Green adaptation Turtles All the Way Down and Fede Álvarez’s Alien: Romulus.

Upcoming, she’ll be seen in The Last of Us Season 3 and the Superman follow-up Man of Tomorrow, as well as films Ibelin, Psyche and The House of the Dead.

11-2

Andy Garcia Among This Year’s Kennedy Center Honors Award Recipients

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Andy Garcia is receiving a prestigious national honor…

The 70-year-old Cuban-American actor, director, producer and musician is among the individuals set to be feted at this year’s Kennedy Center Honors.

Andy Garcia

Garcia, a Grammy-winner, is among a roster of honorees that includes Paul Anka, David Foster, David Mamet and Barbara Mandrell.

The honors celebrate the lifetime contributions of influential artists in music, dance, theater, opera, motion pictures and TV.

The quintet will be feted on December 7 during a gala ceremony event held for the first time at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. as the Kennedy Center is closed for potential renovations.

No word yet on who will host this year’s event. President Donald Trump hosted last year’s ceremony, which honored Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, Michael Crawford, Gloria Gaynor and KISS.

“We are recognizing amazing artists whose lifelong work has shaped American culture and inspired generations of audiences,” Trump said in a statement. “We are proud to honor this year’s class and to continue a tradition that has defined the Center for nearly 50 years.”

Garcia has been honored for his work as an actor and director in film and television and as a music producer. His performance in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather: Part III earned him Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actor. He later received an Emmy nomination and his second Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of legendary Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval in HBO’s For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story, which he also executive produced.

In 2026, Garcia premiered his film Diamond at the Cannes Film Festival to critical acclaim. He wrote, directed and stars in the film alongside Brendan Fraser, Vicky Krieps, Dustin Hoffman, Bill Murray, Danny Huston and Rosemarie DeWitt. He also wrote its original score with longtime collaborator Arturo Sandoval.

Garcia’s upcoming films include The Prince with J.K. Simmons and Giancarlo Esposito and Maseratiopposite Anthony Hopkins. He was most recently seen in Eenie Meanie and Pain Hustlers.

His other film credits include Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen, the Book Club films, Father of the Bride, which he also executive produced, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, The Mule, The Untouchables, Internal Affairs, Dead Again, Black Rain, When a Man Loves a Woman, Modigliani and City Island, which he also produced. He also earned acclaim for his performance opposite Jeff Bridges in Hal Ashby’s 8 Million Ways to Die.

On television, Garcia most recently appeared in Season 2 of Taylor Sheridan’s Landman. His other television credits include Modern Love, HBO’s “My Dinner with Hervé and Ballers.


Through his production company, CineSon Productions, Garcia made his directorial debut with the documentary concert film Cachao… Como Su Ritmo No Hay Dos. He also produced, directed, wrote the music for and starred in The Lost City. Under his CineSon label, Garcia has won Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards for producing and performing on albums by Israel “Cachao” López.

Garcia’s honors include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Crystal Globe from the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and lifetime achievement awards from the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors and the Imagen Foundation. This fall, he will receive the Stella della Mole Award at the Turin Film Festival, where Diamond will also screen.

Guitarricadelafuente Earns Hollywood Music in Media Awards Nod for “La Bola Negra” Original Song

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Guitarricadelafuente is hoping to ice out the competition.

The 2026 Hollywood Music in Media Awards nominees have been announced, with the 29-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter, guitarist and actor’s “La Nieve” earning a nod in the Song – Independent Film category.

Guitarricadelafuente, La Bola NegraGuitarricadelafuente’s original song appears in the critically acclaimed film La Bola Negra, in which he stars.

He wrote the song with Raül Refree and Lucas Duran.

Refree has earned a nod for the La Bola Negra score.

The 50-year-old Spanish music producer, musician, composer and writer earned the nod in the Score – Independent Film category.

Arturo Cardelús has earned a nod in the Score – Independent Film (Foreign Language) category for his work on Girl and Wolf.

The 44-year-old Spanish-American film and concert music composer’s previous scored include Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles and Dragonkeeper.

The Hollywood Music in Media Awards honor composers, songwriters, music supervisors, and artists for outstanding contributions to music in film, television, video games, and other visual media.

Winners will be feted during the 17th annual Hollywood Music in Media Awards ceremony on November 18 at the Avalon Hollywood.

Here are the nominees for the 17th annual Hollywood Music in Media Awards:

SONG – FEATURE FILM
“Draw You Out” from THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING, Written by Noah Kahan and Aaron Dessner. Performed by Noah Kahan.
“House Featuring John Cale” from WUTHERING HEIGHTS, Written by Charlotte Aitchison, John Cale, Finn Keane, and Nathan Klein. Performed by Charli XCX.
“Light Over the Hill” from REMINDERS OF HIM, Written by Noah Cyrus, Justin Franks, and PJ Harding. Performed by Noah Cyrus.
“One Right Here” from MASERATI: THE BROTHERS, Written by Diane Warren. Performed by Andrea Bocelli and Jennifer Hudson.
“When I’m Home” from THE ODYSSEY, Written by James Blake, Travis Scott, Ludwig Göransson, and Christopher Nolan. Performed by James Blake, Travis Scott, and Ludwig Göransson.
“Your God Is Sleeping” from BEHEMOTH!, Written by Lukas Frank. Performed by Loren Kramar, Pascal Stevenson, Lukas Frank, and Gregory Uhlmann.

SONG – INDEPENDENT FILM
“Brothers Keep Goin’ Anyway” from BROTHER VERSES BROTHER, Written and performed by Ethan Gold.
“Hollywood Man” from BILLY KNIGHT, Written and performed by Beck.
“How Could You Leave” from BLOOM, Written by Brandon Jarrett and Amber Frank. Performed by Amber Frank.
“La Nieve” from LA BOLA NEGRA, Written by Álvaro Lafuente, Raül Refree, and Lucas Duran. Performed by Guitarricadelafuente.
“On Video” from PRIMETIME, Written by Phoebe Bridgers, Jack Antonoff, and Christian Lee Hutson. Performed by Phoebe Bridgers.
“This City May Have Chewed Me Up (But It Hasn’t Spit Me Out)” from THE DEBUT, Written by Jesse Eisenberg. Performed by Julianne Moore.

SONG – DOCUMENTARY FILM
“Let Me Sell You a Dream” from MUSK, Written by David Byrne and Daniel Pemberton. Performed by David Byrne.
“Light Up” from KYLIE, Written by Kylie Minogue, Richard Stannard, Duck Blackwell, Luke Fitton, and Chris Martin. Performed by Kylie Minogue.
“Stay True” from NOTHING TO SEE HERE: WATTS, Written by Brandon “Stix” Salaam-Bailey, Marcus Hodge, Christopher Black, Johnny McKenzie, Rosemarie Peralta, and Daysha Morgan. Performed by Rosemarie featuring Jay Rock.
“What Lies With You” from LINDA PERRY: LET IT DIE HERE, Written and performed by Linda Perry.
“Younger You” from HANNAH MONTANA 20TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL, Written by Miley Cyrus, Michael Pollack, Stefan Johnson, Jordan K. Johnson, Gregory “Aldae” Hein, and Jon Bellion. Performed by Miley Cyrus.

SONG – ANIMATED FILM
“Bottle Up” from PAW PATROL: THE DINO MOVIE, Written by Ed Sheeran, Savan Kotecha, Johnny McDaid, and Ilya Salmanzadeh. Performed by The Backstreet Boys.
“BRB” from FORGOTTEN ISLAND, Written by Ryan Tedder and Gabriella Wilson. Performed by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano.
“I Knew It, I Knew You” from TOY STORY 5, Written by Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff. Performed by Taylor Swift.
“Someone to Hold” from STEPS, Written by Justin Tranter. Performed by JENNIE.
“The Better Part of Bravery” from WILDWOOD, Written by Colin Meloy. Performed by The Decemberists.

SONG – ONSCREEN PERFORMANCE (FILM)
Ethan Gold, “Brothers Keep Goin’ Anyway” from BROTHER VERSES BROTHER.
Jaafar Jackson, “Bad” from MICHAEL.
Julianne Moore, “This City May Have Chewed Me Up (But It Hasn’t Spit Me Out)” from THE DEBUT.
Linda Perry, “What Lies With You” from LINDA PERRY: LET IT DIE HERE.
Nick Jonas, “How To Write A Song Without You” from POWER BALLAD.

SCORE – ANIMATED FILM
Coyote Vs. Acme, Steven Price
Hexed, Kris Bowers
Ray Gunn, Michael Giacchino
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Brian Tyler
Toy Story 5, Randy Newman
The Violinist, Ricky Ho
Wildwood, Dario Marianelli

SCORE – FEATURE FILM
Artificial, Damon Albarn
Behemoth!, The Behemoth! Collective
Heart of the Beast, Jared Michael Fry
Tenzing, Rebekka Karijord
The Odyssey, Ludwig Göransson
Wild Horse Nine, Carter Burwell
Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, Son Lux

SCORE – SCI-FI/FANTASY FILM
Disclosure Day, John Williams
Dune: Part Three, Hans Zimmer
Hope, Michael Abels
Project Hail Mary, Daniel Pemberton
Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Michael Giacchino
The Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping, James Newton Howard
Whalefall, Joseph Trapanese

SCORE – HORROR/THRILLER FILM
Backrooms, Edo Van Breemen And Kane Parsons
Clayface, Volker Bertelmann
Obsession, Rock Burwell
Resident Evil, Hays Holladay
Scream 7, Marco Beltrami
Send Help, Danny Elfman

SCORE – INDEPENDENT FILM
Billy Knight, Lesley Barber
La Bola Negra, Raül Refree
Primetime, Ari Balouzian
The Drama, Daniel Pemberton
The Incomer, Tom Kingston
The Invite, Devonté Hynes
Wicker, Anna Meredith

SCORE – DOCUMENTARY
Avedon, David Fleming
Running Wild: Return To The River, Alex Heffes
The Cycle Of Love, Patrick Jonsson
The Eyes Of Ghana, Kris Bowers
The Truth And Tragedy Of Moriah Wilson, Marco Beltrami
You Can See Everything, Ari Balouzian

SCORE – INDEPENDENT FILM (FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
Ezma, Mina Samy
Fadia, Daniel Markovich
Girl And Wolf, Arturo Cardelús
Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty!, Nathan Halpern
Heads Up, Florian Simon Krefting
The Cauliflower Of Destiny, Magdalena Sowul

MUSIC-THEMED FILM, BIOPIC OR MUSICAL
Behemoth!, Tony Gilroy (Director)
Brother Verses Brother, Ari Gold (Director)
Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, Kimmy Gatewood (Director)
Michael, Antoine Fuqua (Director)
The Muppet Show, Alex Timbers (Director)

MUSIC DOCUMENTARY, SPECIAL PROGRAM
40 Watts From Nowhere, Sue Carpenter (Director)
Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, Sam Wrench (Director)
Linda Perry: Let It Die Here, Don Hardy (Director)
Man On The Run, Morgan Neville (Director)
Mark Isham: The Voice Within, Scientology Media Productions (Director)
Oasis: Don’t Look Back In Anger, Will Lovelace And Dylan Southern (Directors)
The Rise Of The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel, Ben Feldman (Director)

MUSIC SUPERVISION, FILM
40 Watts From Nowhere, Mara Kuge
Michael, John Warhurst
Mr. Irrelevant, Gabe Hilfer
The Devil Wears Prada 2, Julia Michels
Tony, Mandy Malmet
Wuthering Heights, Nicolette Di Dia

Manuel García-Rulfo to Receive Árbol de la Vida Award at GuadaLAjara Film Festival

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Manuel García-Rulfo is bracing for a tree-mendous honor…

The 45-year-old Mexican actor, best known for his starring role in the American television legal drama series The Lincoln Lawyer, will receive the GuadaLAjara Film Festival’s honorary Árbol de la Vida Award.

Manuel Garcia-RulfoGarcía-Rulfo will be handed the award at the festival’s Opening Night Gala on November 5 at the United Theater in Los Angeles.

Born in Guadalajara, García-Rulfo is best known for his breakout performances in The Magnificent Seven and Cake.

He later starred in A Man Called Otto, alongside Tom Hanks, Jurassic World Rebirth and Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyerseries.

His other credits include Bless Me, Ultima (2013), Murder on the Orient Express (2017), Widows (2018), 6 Underground (2019) and Pedro Páramo (2024).

The Árbol de la Vida Award is one of the GuadaLAjara Film Festival’s honorary awards. The award is set to pay tribute to outstanding individuals who have made a lasting impact in film, entertainment and culture. It is named after the traditional Mexican Tree of Life.

Previous recipients include Yalitza Aparicio, Xolo Maridueña and Nava Mau.

“The Árbol de la Vida Award celebrates artists whose vision and presence bridge cultures and generations,” Festival Director Ximena Urrutia said in a statement.

“Manuel García-Rulfo embodies that spirit completely. From Guadalajara to the global stage, he has brought extraordinary depth, authenticity, and humanity to every role. It is a true honor to recognize his remarkable body of work as we open GLAFF’s sixteenth anniversary.”

The GuadaLAjara Film Festival runs from November 5 to 7.

Omar Courtz Earns First No. 1 on Billboard Charts with “KOKO”

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Omar Courtz is celebrating a special career first.

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican singer and songwriter has earned his first Billboard No. 1, as “KOKO” lifts 2-1 on the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart dated October 3.

Omar CourtzReleased by Mr. 305/Rimas, the song also logs its 17th week in the top 10 on Hot Latin Songs (moving 5-6) —the longest run in the upper tier among his three top 10s on the chart.

“Having ‘KOKO’ reach No. 1 means so much to me,” Courtz tells Billboard. “It’s a song that captures so much of Puerto Rico—our vibe, how we live, and how we enjoy music. Knowing that something so uniquely ours has connected with so many people around the world is incredible. Thank you to everyone who made it their own from the very beginning.”

“KOKO” lands at the summit with 6.6 million audience impressions, up 18%, earned during the September 18-24 tracking week in the United States, according to Luminate.

The new champion takes the lead from Jay Wheeler, whose “De Lejitos” has spent four weeks atop. It dips 1-3, with a 6% decline in impressions, to 5.4 million.

“KOKO” is from Courtz’s album POR SI MAÑANA NO ESTOY, released in February, which opened at No. 3 on both Top Latin Albums and Top Latin Rhythm Albums charts in March.

It was preceded by the set’s “Si Estás Con Alguien,” also a top 10, peaking at No. 9 on Latin Rhythm Airplay in May.

Elsewhere, “KOKO” reached Nos. 75 and 58 on the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts in April.

Omar Courtz Earns First No. 1 on Billboard Charts with “KOKO”

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Omar Courtz is celebrating a special career first.

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican singer and songwriter has earned his first Billboard No. 1, as “KOKO” lifts 2-1 on the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart dated October 3.

Omar CourtzReleased by Mr. 305/Rimas, the song also logs its 17th week in the top 10 on Hot Latin Songs (moving 5-6) —the longest run in the upper tier among his three top 10s on the chart.

“Having ‘KOKO’ reach No. 1 means so much to me,” Courtz tells Billboard. “It’s a song that captures so much of Puerto Rico—our vibe, how we live, and how we enjoy music. Knowing that something so uniquely ours has connected with so many people around the world is incredible. Thank you to everyone who made it their own from the very beginning.”

“KOKO” lands at the summit with 6.6 million audience impressions, up 18%, earned during the September 18-24 tracking week in the United States, according to Luminate.

The new champion takes the lead from Jay Wheeler, whose “De Lejitos” has spent four weeks atop. It dips 1-3, with a 6% decline in impressions, to 5.4 million.

“KOKO” is from Courtz’s album POR SI MAÑANA NO ESTOY, released in February, which opened at No. 3 on both Top Latin Albums and Top Latin Rhythm Albums charts in March.

It was preceded by the set’s “Si Estás Con Alguien,” also a top 10, peaking at No. 9 on Latin Rhythm Airplay in May.

Elsewhere, “KOKO” reached Nos. 75 and 58 on the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts in April.

Jessica Sanchez to Be Inducted into Asian Hall of Fame

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Jessica Sanchez has entered a special hall…

The 31-year-old half-Mexican and half-Filipino American singer-songwriter and 2025 America’s Got Talent winner is among the 2026 inductees into the Asian Hall of Fame.

Jessica SanchezThe organization’s 22nd induction ceremony will be held in Los Angeles on Nov. 5.

Sanchez first rose to fame in 2012 when she finished as runner-up to Phillip Phillips on Season 11 of American Idol.

Thirteen years later, she came back to win America’s Got Talent.

Meanwhile, Robert Vargas, the Mexican-American and Native American artist from Los Angeles has been named as a goodwill ambassador this year.

He’s known for frequently incorporating his roots and indigenous representation into his large-scale murals,

Established in 2004, Asian Hall of Fame seeks to “strengthen interracial synergy by advancing mainstream recognition of Asian achievement and indigenous legacy,” according to a statement.

“During times of worldwide conflict, Asian Hall of Fame serves as a beacon of cross-cultural collaboration and interracial synergy,” Maki Hsieh, president & CEO of Asian Hall of Fame, said in a statement. “Class of 2026 Inductees and Goodwill Ambassadors are role models whose endearing legacies advance culture, commerce and community for generations to come.”

CBS LA anchor Suzie Suh will serve as master of ceremonies of the November 5 event. Ed Roth (Goodwill Ambassador 2022) is musical director. Prior honorees presenting incoming inductees include The Honorable Fiona Ma, William Wang and Soo Man LEE.

The preshow begins at 4:00 pm PT with red carpet arrivals, charity casino and pop-up boutique. The program starts at 6:00 pm with the UCLA Air Force ROTC Honor Guard and National Anthem. The finale features Miss Asian Hall of Fame Ambassadors and showcases heritage costumes from around the world.

Here’s a full list of honorees at the 2026 Asian Hall of Fame.

Class of 2026 Medalists
Hideo Nomo, Hall of Fame Sports Pioneer Inductee
Miky Lee, Centennial Medal of Lifetime Achievement
Sophie Chang, Humanitarian Service Medal of Honor
Lynn and Steve Valbuena, Rich Le Roy, Sabrina Castaneda, Heritage Excellence Medal

Inductees
Dave Lu, managing partner, Hyphen Capital
Dr. Charles Huang, founder & chairman, Pasaca Capital Inc.
Frank Buckley, Emmy-winning anchor, KTLA 5 Morning News, Los Angeles
Jessica Sanchez, 2025 winner, America’s Got Talent
Jerry and Charlene Lee, philanthropists
Kitty Lo, chair, MHG
Lisa Lu, cinema trailblazer
Maggie Tseng, founder & CEO, TAO
ROSÉ, K-pop icon (BLACKPINK)
Simran Baidwan, Emmy Award-winning executive producer
Din Tai Fung, Global Family Legacy Inductee
TSMC, Corporate Tech Inductee
Dennis Quaid, goodwill ambassador
Robert Vargas, goodwill ambassador
Sharon Kim, LAPD detective, Advocacy Prize

Auliʻi Cravalho to Star in Netflix’s College Hockey Romance Drama Series “Icebreaker”

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Auliʻi Cravalho has netted an icy new role.

The 25-year-old part-Puerto Rican actress and singer has joined the series regular cast of Netflix’s college hockey romance drama series Icebreaker.

Auliʻi CravalhoBased on Hannah Grace’s bestselling novel, the series will also star Gabriel Tierney, newcomer and professional athlete Peter Berry, Chaneil Kular, Devin Craig and Aidan Shaw.

They join previously announced leads Daisy Jelley and Connor Simos.

Per the logline, in Icebreaker, she is the transfer gunning for Olympic gold. He is the campus star chasing the NHL. But when an accident forces their teams to share one rink, Anastasia Allen (Jelley) and Nate Hawkins (Simos) collide—and discipline gives way to obsession, because the only thing more dangerous than wanting to win is wanting each other.

Tierney will play Aaron; Cravalho will portray Lola; Berry is Robbie; Kular will play JJ; Craig will portray Henry and Shaw is Russ.

The book, the first in a trilogy, Maple Hills, spent 70 weeks atop the New York Times bestseller list. Originally published in November 2022 with a wide release in 2023, the blockbuster novel has surpassed nearly 5 million copies sold worldwide. Total sales for the three-book series have surpassed 7.5 million copies globally.

Icebreaker is created and executive produced by Jade Halley Bartlett. Amanda Lasher serves as showrunner, writer and executive producer. Grace also executive produces along with Alex Cooper, Matt Kaplan and Mina Lefevre for Cooper’s Unwell Productions.

Xolo Maridueña to Make Broadway Debut in “Buena Vista Social Club” Musical

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Xolo Maridueña is headed to the Great White Way.

The 25-yearold Mexican, Cuban and Ecuadorian American actor, the star of Cobra Kai and Blue Beetle, will make his Broadway debut when he joins Buena Vista Social Club for seven weeks beginning on Tuesday, November 17.

Xolo MaridueñaMaridueña will assume the role of Juan De Marcos through Sunday, January 3, 2027, at Broadway’s Schoenfeld Theatre.

“I’m honored to be making my Broadway debut with the incredibly talented team at Buena Vista Social Club,” said Maridueña. “Broadway has always been a dream, but getting to make that dream come true while being part of such an important and beautiful story feels like hitting the lottery twice. Come ready to laugh, cry, and shake your booty!”

Since opening on Broadway in March 2025, Buena Vista Social Club has been among Broadway’s more popular musicals, earning five Tony Awards and a Grammy Award.

The musical tells the story of the legendary Cuban artists behind the Grammy Award-winning Buena Vista Social Club album and the music that introduced the sounds of Havana to audiences around the world.

The production recently announced that Gina Torres (Suits) will join the musical in the role of Omara Portuondo from Tuesday, October 13 through Sunday, November 29.

Major League Baseball veteran and recording artist José Iglesias, known to music fans as Candelita, joined on August 27 through November 15, and former New York Yankee Bernie Williams will be joining for six weeks only from October 22 through November 29.

Maridueña launched his career at the age of 10 in 2012 when he landed the role of Victor on NBC’s hit drama series Parenthood, and then played Miguel Diaz in Netflix’s Cobra Kai, which aired its final episode in 2025.

He recently starred alongside Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock in the film Practical Magic 2, and starred as the title character of DC Comics’ Blue Beetle (2023) and will return in next year’s sequel.

Ricardo Montaner Earns First No. on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with “Para Que Seas Feliz”

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Ricardo Montaner has new reason to be feliz…

The 69-year-old Venezuelan singer, who has placed eight career No. 1s across the Billboard charts over his long career, has earned his first champ on the overall Latin Airplay chart, as “Para Que Seas Feliz” jumps 3-1 on the list dated October 3.

Ricardo MontanerThe new milestone arrives nearly three decades after the singer debuted on the ranking in 1996, marking the longest wait for a first No. 1 in the history of the 32-year-old chart. (Montaner’s overall history on Billboard‘s charts dates back to the late 1980s.)

“My story with Billboard is fascinating,” Montaner tells Billboard. “Honestly, it gives me immense pleasure to know that we have crossed generations throughout this career. I say it with humility and great pride.”

“Para Que Seas Feliz” rises to No. 1 on Latin Airplay with a 39% surge in audience impressions, reaching 8.9 million in the United States during the September 18-24 tracking week, according to Luminate.

It edges past Romeo Santos and Prince Royce’s “Ay San Miguel,” which slips to No. 2 after one week at the summit.

The coronation marks Montaner’s 21st Latin Airplay entry, dating back to “Soy Tuyo” in 1996.

With nine top 10s on Latin Airplay—including his first, “Es Así,” in 1997—he finally claims the crown after going as high as No. 2 twice: with “El Poder de Tu Amor” in 1999 and “Yo Puedo Hacer” in 2002.

The 30-year wait to No. 1 marks the longest to summit Latin Airplay since the chart’s inception in 1994—surpassing Los Ángeles Azules’ 27-year journey from their 1997 debut to their first chart-topper in July 2024.

“My story with Billboard began in the late ’80s, when my music began playing in the United States with ‘Tan Enamorados’,” Montaner says of the song that earned him a first top 10 on the charts, reaching No. 9 on Hot Latin Songs in 1988. “Billboard was perhaps the only representation we Latinos had in the music industry. We came to conquer the United States and knock on doors, earning the support of all the programmers and DJs of the time.”

“Tan Enamorados” was the launchpad of a successful five-decade Billboard song career.

“We broke through and made a huge impact,” says the singer who placed four No. 1s on the multimetric Hot Latin Songs chart, including “Castillo Azul,” which topped the list for nine consecutive weeks in 1992.

“One of the joys was that, back then, we were able to promote as many as three or four singles from each album, which gave us greater staying power,” recalls Montaner, who has also earned four Latin Pop Airplay No. 1s and two leaders on Top Latin Pop Albums: Ricardo Montaner (1989) and Ida y Vuelta (2016). “Music wasn’t segmented the way it is now—with reggaetón on one side, ballads on another, and regional Mexican music elsewhere. Back then, all genres converged on a single chart, and that made me incredibly happy because we managed to place so many songs in the top spots.”

Montaner’s new reign extends across Latin radio. “Para Que Seas Feliz” adds a third week at No. 1 on Latin Pop Airplay, while it also rises to the top of the Regional Mexican Airplay, largely powered by its regional Mexican remix with Edén Muñoz. The achievement marks Montaner’s first leader on the chart—and first appearance on the tally.

“Fifteen minutes ago, I was speaking with Edgar Barrera, who co-wrote this song with Horacio Palencia and Nathan Galante, about what it means to me—not only to return to Latin Airplay, but also to conquer the No. 1 spot on the regional Mexican chart,” the singer shares. “Do you know what that means? It’s an extraordinary achievement because, alongside the ballad, the duet I recorded with Edén also made a very strong impact in the regional Mexican market, and I feel immensely proud.”