Ice Spice’s “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” Character Revealed

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Ice Spice is heading under the sea…

Nearly three years after releasing her “Bikini Bottom” single, the 25-year-old half-Dominican American singer is set to make her voice-acting debut in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants when the sequel hits theaters via Paramount Pictures on December 19.

Billboard obtained an exclusive first look at Ice Spice’s animated character in Bikini Bottom, which sports her signature orange hairstyle.

“Don’t make me call security,” she says in a Bronx accent.

As a longtime fan of the Nickelodeon series growing up, Ice Spice believes she willed to life the role in The SpongeBob Movie.

“I think I manifested this,” she said in the Derek Drymon-directed film featurette. “It was a challenge, but it was really fun, new and different. I never did anything like this.”

Ice Spice is set to star alongside Regina Hall, Sherry Cola, Arturo Castro and George Lopez in The SpongeBob Movie sequel.

The rapper also contributed an original song to the soundtrack, which arrived last week. Ice teamed up with right-hand producer RIOTUSA for the kid-friendly bop “Big Guy.”

“Being part of the SpongeBob soundtrack is such a full-circle moment for me,” she said in a statement. “It’s crazy to see my music in a movie that’s been part of so many people’s childhoods, including mine.”

Ice is staying busy on the movie side in 2025, as she made her acting debut in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest alongside Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky in August.

Tom Segura Completes Filming of Latest Netflix Special “Teacher” for December Release

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Tom Segura is preparing to play teacher….

The 46-year-old half-Peruvian and part-Spanish American comedian/actor recently wrapped a two-day shoot over the weekend for his latest special, Tom Segura: Teacher, with plans for an unusually quick turnaround.

The special is set to be released globally on Netflix on December 24.

No word yet on what Segura covers in the hour.

It marks his fifth original for the streamer, following Sledgehammer (2023), Ball Hog (2020), Disgraceful (2018) and Mostly Stories (2016) — though his relationship with Netflix began via a licensing deal for a sixth special, 2014’s Completely Normal.

Segura’s latest hails from YMH Studios. He executive-produced alongside Ryan P. Hall and Molly Mandel.

Netflix has played a major role in the career trajectory of Segura, who has spoken publicly on many occasions about getting into business with the streamer before he understood what a dominant platform it would become.

He released two albums prior to his first special with Netflix — 2010’s Thrilled and 2012’s White Girls with Cornrows — but it was after Completely Normal began circulating on Netflix that his career exploded.

Segura has stayed in business with Netflix ever since. The platform is also home to Bad Thoughts, the sketch series in which he brings some of his darkest and most twisted comedic fantasies to life.

It earned him his first Emmy nomination for his work on the show this year and will debut a second season in 2026.

Segura launched the project independently, self-financing a pilot before establishing it at Netflix as creator, writer, director and EP.

As discussed in a July episode of our podcast Comedy Means Business, Segura has recently gone all-in on filmmaking, between Bad Thoughts and El Tigre, the R-rated comedy marking his first feature starring vehicle.

Alongside his wife Christina Pazsitzky, Segura is behind production company YMH Studios and continues to appear on its podcasts, including Your Mom’s House and 2 Bears 1 Cave.

Xochitl Gomez Lands Recurring Role on CBS’ “Boston Blue”

Posted on November 9, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Xochitl Gomez is feelin’ Blue…

The 19-year-old Mexican American actress has been cast in CBS‘ freshman police procedural Boston Blue in a recurring role.

Gomez will join the Blue Bloods spinoff starring Donnie Wahlberg as Penny, a quick-witted, charming young woman with a mysterious past who crashes into Sean’s life, a role played by Mika Amonsen.

Gomez will make her debut in the drama on the episode airing Friday, November 21, at 10:00 pm ET/PT.

Gomez made her acting debut on Disney Channel’s Raven’s Home (2018) and broke out when she starred in the first season of the Netflix series The Baby-Sitters Club in 2020.

In 2022, she joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Latina superhero América Chávez in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

She also competed in ABC’s Dancing with the Stars Season 32, winning the Mirror Ball Trophy alongside dance partner Val Chmerkovskiy.

Boston Blue premiered in October of this year on CBS, expanding the Blue Bloods universe following its 14-season run.

The series follows Wahlberg reprising his role as NYPD Officer Danny Reagan as he takes a position with the Boston PD. Once in Boston, he is paired with Detective Lena Silver (Sonequa Martin-Green), the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family.

The series also stars Maggie Lawson as Sarah Silver, Marcus Scribner as Jonah Silver, Gloria Reuben as Mae Silver and Ernie Hudson as Reverend Peters.

Boston Blue is produced by CBS Studios in association with JBTV. Brandon Sonnier & Brandon Margolis showrun and executive produce. Jerry Bruckheimer, KristieAnne Reed and Wahlberg will also serve as executive producers.

Bad Bunny Tops Billboard’s Top Latin Albums of the 21st Century Chart with “YHLQMDLG”

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny has the top album of the century…

The 31-year-old Puerto Rican Grammy-winning superstar’s YHLQMDLG rules as the No. 1 Latin album on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums of the 21st Century chart.

The retrospective is based on performance on the Top Latin Albums chart from the start of 2000 through the end of 2024.

The collection, released via Rimas Entertainment, is the longest-running No. 1 in the survey’s 32-year history, with 70 weeks at the summit in 2021-22.

“Thank you all who believed and who continue to believe in me,” Bad Bunny told Billboard in 2020 upon the album’s chart arrival. Echoing the meaning of its title, he said, “I do what I want, and it’s based on feelings. I don’t think about it. I do it for you and for the faith you have in me.”

At the time, Benito’s groundbreaking album became the all-genre Billboard 200’s highest charting all-Spanish-language album and scored the biggest streaming week ever for a Latin album and the largest week for a Latin title since Billboard began tracking albums by equivalent album units in December 2014.

It’s one of four Bad Bunny albums in the Top 10.

Bad Bunny’s debut album, X 100PRE, comes in at No. 3.

The release marked a significant moment in reggaetón and Latin trap music. One of its standout tracks, “MIA,” featuring Drake and produced by DJ Luian, La Paciencia, Mambo Kingz and Tainy, not only ruled Hot Latin Songs for 16 weeks in 2018-19 but also hit No. 5 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.

Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti comes in at No. 6.

With his fourth solo studio album, Bad Bunny set a new record for the biggest streaming week ever for a Latin album — surpassing the debut of his own YHLQMDLG.

On Hot Latin Songs, all 23 of the LP’s tracks charted upon its debut. The latter half of the album embraces Latin alternative sounds, punctuated by guests Bomba Estéreo, Buscabulla and the Marías.

And coming in at No. 10… Bad Bunny’s El Último Tour del Mundo.

It made history as the first all-Spanish-language release to claim the No. 1 spot on the overall Billboard 200 since its inception in 1956. The concept album that sees Benito experimenting with alternative sounds arrived as a surprise drop on November 26, 2020, at 11 p.m. ET (marking the end of Thanksgiving Day in the United States). The set houses the enduring “Dakiti,” with Jhayco, a 27-week No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs.

Maxwell Among Artists Set to Appear at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 40th Annual Induction Ceremony

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Maxwell has a date with Fame…

The 52-year-old half-Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and record producer has been revealed as one of the artists set to appear at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 40th annual induction ceremony in November.

Maxwell forms part of an initial lineup of presenters and special guests that includes Doja Cat, Elton John, David Letterman and Olivia Rodrigo.

Taking place on November 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the induction ceremony will also feature presenters and performers Beck, Brandi Carlile, Flea, Iggy Pop, JID, Killer Mike, Missy Elliott, Questlove, Raye, Sleepy Brown, Taylor Momsen, Teddy Swims and Twenty One Pilots.

Additional special guests will be announced later.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees this year are Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden and The White Stripes in the Performer category, along with Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon for Musical Influence, Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins and Carol Kaye for Musical Excellence, and Lenny Waronker for the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

Disney+ will stream the induction ceremony live coast to coast on Saturday, November 8, at 5:00 pm PT/8:00 pm. ET, and will be available to stream following the ceremony.

ABC will also air a primetime special with performance highlights and standout moments on Thursday, January 1, available next day on Hulu.

Aubrey Plaza Writing, Executive Producing & Starring in the Animated Series “Kevin”

Posted on October 7, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Aubrey Plaza is getting animated…

The 41-year-old half-Puerto Rican Emmy-nominated actress will write, executive produce and star in Prime Video’s upcoming adult animated series Kevin.

Plaza will star opposite Joe Wengert. Jason Schwartzman, Whoopi Goldberg, John Waters, Aparna Nancherla, Gil Ozeri and Amy Sedaris in the animated comedy.

Per the logline, loosely inspired by a real life break-up and the cat who was caught in the middle, Kevin is a hilarious and heart-warming story about finding where you belong in the world. After the unexpected break-up of his human “owners,”

Kevin moves into a local pet rescue in Astoria, Queens where a chaotic band of misfit animals will help him to figure out what he really wants out of life.

Plaza is Dana, a confident and career-driven young woman, Dana makes the grown up decision to end things with her boyfriend… but is blindsided by Kevin’s choice to venture out and live on his own.

Kevin is created and executive produced by Plaza and Joe Wengert, the latter also serving as showrunner.

The series is produced by Titmouse, Evil Hag Productions and Amazon MGM Studios.

Carlos Vives to Perform Telemundo’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Anthem at Billboard Latin Music Awards Alongside Emilia, Wisin & Xavi

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Vives is preparing to get in the game earlier than planned…

The 64-year-old Colombian singer, songwriter and actor will join voices with Emilia, Wisin and Xavi to premiere Telemundo’s official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the upcoming Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will be presented live on Telemundo on Thursday, Oct. 23.

Titled “Somos Más,” the track’s lyrics will “deliver a powerful message of unity, pride and global connection through fútbol, inviting fans to wear their team colors, raise their voices and celebrate together,” according to a press release.

“Telemundo’s World Cup anthem is more than a song – it’s a celebration,” said Telemundo’s EVP of primetime unscripted & specials Francisco Suarez in a statement. “By bringing together these artists from four vibrant Latin American countries, we’re showcasing the richness and diversity of Latino culture while delivering a powerful message of unity, peace, and joy.”

Telemundo will broadcast all 104 matches of next year’s World Cup live – 92 of them on Telemundo and 12 on Universo. Every match will stream live on Peacock and the Telemundo App.

“This anthem is a tribute to the global spirit of fútbol and the communities we serve,” said Joaquin Duro, EVP of sports at Telemundo. “As the exclusive Spanish-language home of the World Cup, we are committed to delivering the most authentic and relevant coverage of this historic tournament. ‘Somos Más’ is one of many efforts that will elevate the fan experience and bring audiences even closer to the game.”

Vives, Emilia, Wisin and Xavi will also, for the first time, speak about the making of the song and the importance of the World Cup during a conversation at Billboard’s Latin Music Week on October 22.

Frankie Quiñones to Guest Star on NBC’s “St. Denis Medical”

Posted on October 4, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Frankie Quiñones is being admitted…

The Mexican American actor, comedian and creator of the viral exercise routines CHOLOFIT will guest star on the upcoming second season of NBC’s St. Denis Medical.

Quiñones will play Leslie, a security guard at St. Denis Medical who is very aware of the ins and outs of the hospital gossip.

The mockumentary series series stars Wendi McLendon-Covey, David Alan Grier, Allison Tolman, Josh Lawson, Kahyun Kim, Mekki Leeper and Kaliko Kauahi.

The logline for the second season states, “After receiving a large private donation, hospital administrator Joyce (McLendon-Covey) bites off more than she can chew while her employees navigate staff shortages, office conflicts, and their own personal lives.”

St. Denis Medical Season 2 premieres on November 3 with back-to-back episodes starting at 8:00 pm ET. It will stream the next day on Peacock.

The series was created by Eric Ledgin and Justin Spitzer.

Ledgin serves as showrunner and executive producer. Spitzer, Simon Heuer, Ruben Fleischer, Bridget Kyle and Vicky Luu also executive produce. Universal Television is the studio.

Pedro Pascal In Talks to Star in Todd Haynes’ Gay Romance “De Noche”

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Pedro Pascal is reportedly making plans for la noche…

The 50-year-old Chilean Emmy-nominated actor is circling Todd Haynes’ gay romance De Noche, which has been revived after being shut down about a year ago.

The plan is for this feature to get up and running in the New Year in Guadalajara, Mexico and a lot of that is being worked around the four-time Emmy nominated actor’s busy schedule from now into 2026, per Deadline sources.

It’s a great ray of sunshine for a production that was long considered kaput following Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix exit from the production after reportedly being a no-show on set for two weeks prior to its unplugging.

Vachon has said publicly that Phoenix brought the project to Killer Films, which has a long history making LGBTQ+ fare. It was never known exactly why Phoenix departed De Noche.

Vachon waved off gossip at last year’s San Sebastian Film Festival and said that it was a “tragedy” that the Haynes film fell apart.

Pascal would join Danny Ramirez, who was originally attached to the project.

They’ll play two men in love who leave Los Angeles for Mexico, with the feature set in the 1930s.

Vachon and Pamela Koffler’s Killer Films is producing.

Killer recently worked with Pascal on A24’s summer romantic comedy Materialists ($85M worldwide).

Vachon also has a long working relationship with Haynes, producing the Oscar nominated filmmaker’s canon including his 1991 directorial debut Poison, Safe (1995), Velvet Goldmine (1998), Far From Heaven (2002), I’m Not There (2007) and Carol (2015).

Haynes was nominated for original screenplay at the Oscars in 2003 for his Julianne Moore movie Far From Heaven.

Pascal is nominated at this year’s Emmys for HBO’s The Last of Us in the Best Actor Drama Series category. It’s his second Emmy nomination for the show in that category. He was also nominated for The Last of Us in Actor TV Drama at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards.

Eden Muñoz Earns Ninth No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with “Lejos Estamos Mejor”

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Make that five in a row for Eden Muñoz.

The 34-year-old Mexican singer, songwriter and producer of Regional Mexican music has notched his fifth consecutive No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart, and ninth overall, as “Lejos Estamos Mejor” rises 2-1 on the ranking dated August 30.

It marks Muñoz’s third straight No. 1 in 2025.

“A No. 1 on Billboard, along with this great song, is definitely a big career achievement,” Muñoz tells Billboard. “I’m happy because we can say that ‘Lejos Estamos Mejor’ has come to stay in the hearts of our people. Grateful to God, the team, and all those who connected with the song.”

“Lejos Estamos Mejor” is the title track and second song from Muñoz’s Lejos Estamos Mejor EP (released via Sony Music Latin), after “Mi Primer Día Sin Ti” crowned Regional Mexican Airplay for one week in May.

“Lejos Estamos Mejor” rises to No. 1 with 8.1 million audience impressions earned in the United States in the tracking week of August 15-21, according to Luminate.

For its coronation, the song surged 17% in impressions compared the prior week.

With his new success, Muñoz secures a place among the most successful soloists of the 2020s, matching El Fantasma with nine crowns each. Here is that list of standout solo singers with the most No. 1s on Regional Mexican Airplay this decade:

14, Alejandro Fernández
10, Christian Nodal
9, Carin León
9, Eden Munoz
9, El Fantasma

Elsewhere, Muñoz inches closer to the summit of the overall Latin Airplay chart, as the song rockets 7-2.

Along with his 2024 duet with Yuridia, “Mi Eterno Amor Secreto,” this marks his highest position to date.

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