“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” Featuring Oscar Isaac, Opens with $120.5 Million U.S. Box Office Haul

Posted on June 4, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Oscar Isaac is slinging his way to the top of the box office…

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, featuring the 44-year-old Cuban-Guatemalan actor as Miguel O’Hara aka Spider-Man 2099, earned a stellar $120.5 million in its domestic box office debut.

The film beat expectations to land the second-biggest opening weekend of the year, behind only The Super Mario Bros. Movie with $146 million, as well as the third-biggest opening weekend for any Spider-Man film.

Sony’s animated sequel is benefitting from great reviews and positive word-of-mouth, as well as goodwill from its predecessor, 2018’s Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Initial ticket sales were significantly higher than the first film, which introduced audiences to Miles Morales and the idea that “anyone can wear the mask” and opened to just $35.5 million. But it proved to have enduring appeal and stuck around in theaters for a while, ending its run with $190 million in North America and $384 million globally.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse earned another $88.1 million from 59 territories in its international box office debut, led by China with $17.3 million. That brings its worldwide total to $208.6 million to start.

“This is an exceptionally good opening for an animation follow-up sequel,” says David A. Gross, who runs the movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research. “Spider-Verse took a well-liked superhero, gave the storytelling an original visual style and voice and created a unique experience.”

Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson directed the PG-rated Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, which cost $100 million.

The story follows Miles and Gwen Stacy (a.k.a. Spider-Woman) as they attempt to save their fellow Spider People from the villain who goes by the name the Spot. Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld returned to voice Miles and Gwen, while the rest of the voice cast includes Brian Tyree Henry, Issa Rae, Jason Schwartzman, Daniel Kaluuya and Isaac. Lauren Velez voices the character of Rio Morales, Miles’ mom.

Audiences awarded the film an “A” CinemaScore while critics bestowed it with a 95% average on Rotten Tomatoes.

Bad Bunny Appears as a Lifeguard In His First-Ever Pepsi Commercial

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is officially on guard…

The 29-year-old Puerto Rican global superstar become a pool lifeguard in his first-ever Pepsi commercial, which was released today (June 1).

Directed by Dave Meyers and co-directed by Mia Barnes, with choreography from Sherrie Silver, the 90-second spot shows the Puerto Rican rapper overlooking a community pool where everyone is tired and drained from the summer heat. In an effort to get the vibes going, he discovers that his latest single “Where She Goes” easily turns up the party once a bottle of Pepsi is opened.

The summer-themed commercial is part of Pepsi’s latest “Press Play On Summer” campaign with Apple Music that offers new and qualified returning subscribers up to three months of free, unlimited listening on the music streaming platform. The campaign, available in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, also includes over 100,000 instant prizes and the opportunity to travel with the purchase of select limited-edition PepsiCo beverages.

“Pepsi has a rich heritage of creating iconic music video style commercials with some of the world’s biggest artists – from Britney Spears to Ray Charles, Madonna to Dr. Dre, Beyonce to Chloe Bailey and so many more,” said Todd Kaplan, CMO of Pepsi, in a statement. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Bad Bunny to the Pepsi family with his very own spot, bringing in all the summer vibes with his newest track ‘Where She Goes.’ This song is already the soundtrack of the summer, so it is a perfect way to kick off our Press Play on Summer program that gives fans up to three free months of Apple Music with every 20oz ice-cold Pepsi.”

Bad Bunny’s Jersey Club-inspired track debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200, becoming his third leader on the chart, after “Un x100to,” with Grupo Frontera, two weeks earlier in May, and “Dakiti,” with Jhay Cortez (now Jhayco), for three weeks in November-December 2020. He also becomes the first soloist with three Global 200 No. 1s; overall, he’s second only to BTS, with six. Justin Bieber, BLACKPINK, Drake, Olivia Rodrigo, and Taylor Swift each boast two.

Juanes Renews Recording Contract with Longtime Music Partner Universal Music Latino

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Juanes isn’t going anywhere…

The 50-year-old Colombian Grammy-winning superstar has renewed his recording contract with Universal Music Latino.

With this deal, Juanes extends a 23-year-old partnership with the label.

The news comes just days after the release of Vida Cotidiana, his first album with original music in four years.

“Throughout the years Universal Music Latino has become a second home and I am excited to continue working with such a respected label,” Juanes said in a press release. “I believe that my musical career will continue to thrive and grow within this new creative cycle. I am eager to see and share what the future holds.”

Jesús López, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Latin America & Iberian Peninsula, added that the label “will continue to support and grow with Juanes,” whose “talent and professionalism have made him one of the most sought out acts for so many decades.”

No additional details of the deal renewal were announced. As for publishing, Juanes remains with Warner Chappell Music.

Juanes made his solo debut in 2000 with the Gustavo Santaolalla-produced Fíjate Bien, and rose to fame soon after with hits like “A Dios Le Pido” from his sophomore album Un Día Normal, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, and “La Camisa Negra” from Mi Sangre (2004), which spent eight weeks at No. 1. “Me Enamora”, “Nada Valgo Sin Tu Amor” and “La Fotografía,” with Nelly Furtado, are some of his other chart-topping hits.

Among other achievements, Juanes has won three Grammy Awards and 24 Latin Grammys, and was named the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year of 2019 not only for his work as a musician, but also as an activist with his Fundación Mi Sangre.

In a recent interview with Billboard Español, the superstar spoke in depth about his most recent production, Vida Cotidiana, in which he reflects on his relationship with his wife and children and the problems that afflict his country. Juanes is currently preparing to announce his Vida Cotidiana Tour, with expected dates in Latin America, the U.S. and Europe.

Reservoir Media Acquires Rights to Enrique “Kiki” García’s Full Catalog

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique “Kiki” García’s catalog has a new home…

Indie music company Reservoir Media has acquired the rights to the full catalog of the Latino drummer and songwriter.

García, who was part of Miami Sound Machine, penned many of the group’s biggest hits in its heyday with Gloria Estefan as its lead singer, including the much synchronized “Conga.”

García also wrote Miami Sound Machine’s 1984 breakout “Dr. Beat” and co-wrote several tracks alongside Estefan, including “1-2-3,” “Give It Up,” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” for the group’s final album, Let it Loose.

But García is best known for “Conga,” which he famously penned on a flight from Utrecht, in the Netherlands, after playing a successful club show the night before.

“The performance stayed on my mind all night,” García recounted in the book Decoding Despacito: An Oral History of Latin Music. “The next day, as we got on the plane and I sat down, this song comes flying out of my mind. I start tapping on the seat table in front of me and I’m singing, “Come on, shake your body, baby, do the song. The rest was sketchy, but by the time we landed I had it all put together. I got up and sang my idea to Emilio and he loved it from the start.”

“Conga” would go on to became an international hit, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 on February 8, 1986.

After leaving Miami Sound Machine, García continued working with top Latin musicians like Chayanne and Julio Iglesias, while “Conga” and his other hits remain widely and constantly licensed.

“Kiki has contributed so much to the face of modern music as we know it. His collaborations with the Miami Sound Machine brought Latin music to mainstream audiences,” said Golnar Khosrowshahi, Reservoir’s founder & CEO, in a statement. “Embarking on this deal with Kiki marks a notable expansion of our rights in Latin American music and is an exciting opportunity to further diversify our catalog while maintaining our focus on acquiring the rights to evergreen hits.”

Camila Cabello Stars in Olipop’s First-Ever National Campaign

Posted on May 19, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a family (and friends) affair for Camila Cabello…

The 26-year-old Cuban & Mexican singer is joined by her family and friends in her new campaign with Olipop, the soft drink company’s first-ever national campaign.

“I wanted it to feel authentic and those are the people that really make me who I am,” the former Fifth Harmony member tells Billboard of the new ad, which follows the theme of “Real Love Makes Us.”

In the 30-second Daniel Mercadante-directed clip, the “Havana” singer is seen hanging out and laughing with her parents, sister and friends.

“Success is always measured by the big stuff, but we forget that it’s the little stuff that really makes us,” she is heard saying in the video, as she and her loved ones enjoy some Olipop soda at the dinner table.

The relaxed environment in the clip directly reflects some of Cabello’s favorite childhood memories, telling Billboard that her most beloved times with her family and friends are “those moments when we’re all in the kitchen and someone is cooking or making coffee, and we’re talking about nothing, but simply being around each other feels like we’re tending to something important.”

Olipop already sticks out in grocery stores due to its fun, colorful packaging, but the brand also aims to redefine soft drinks by developing a tonic that combines the classic soda taste with the benefits of plant-based fiber, prebiotics and other botanical ingredients to help balance out the body’s microbiome and promote overall well-being.

“Soda is a powerful force that has historically brought people together and fostered social cohesion, family bonding, and lifelong memories,” said Ben Goodwin, Olipop’s founder, formulator and CEO in a press statement. “But how can we still associate this nostalgic, friendly feeling most of us get with soda when we as a society have accepted the serious health consequences associated with it? Our new campaign goes back to why I created Olipop in the first place — to allow consumers to enjoy soda once again without any sacrifice on taste or health. We can hopefully inspire people to truly take the time to celebrate the real moments that make us who we are — with a soda in hand that’s actually good for you.”

And, yes, Cabello told us her favorite flavor. “It’s between Vintage Cola and Strawberry Vanilla,” she shares. “Vintage Cola is so good with tacos and pizza! Reminds me of childhood.”

Cardi B Appears in New Beats by Dre Commercial for Beats Studio Buds+

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

The Beat(s) is on for Cardi B…

The 30-year-old half-Dominican American Grammy-winning superstar stars in Beats by Dre’s latest commercial for its new earphones: the Beats Studio Buds+.

The earphones are currently available for pre-order for $169.99; they hit shelves May 18.

The release comes just a few months after Chlöe Bailey made her debut in a Beats commercial of her own.

In the new ad, Cardi is answering and making calls in a luxurious room and later while browsing a corner store for a beverage. She shows off the sleek capabilities of the earphones in true Cardi fashion — her hair features a vibrant purple streak, and she’s in with a floral robe and matching purple set all while sporting the compact yet multipurpose wireless earbuds as her as her Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Up” plays intermittently.

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J Balvin Signs Management Deal with Roc Nation

Posted on May 15, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin has new management…

The 38-year-old Colombian singer has officially joined Roc Nation as a management client, where he will be overseen directly by Jay Brown and Chris Knight.

Balvin was previously managed by Fabio Acosta and Scooter Braun’s SB Projects. He parted ways with the latter on June 30, 2022, after nearly three years together.

He continued working with Acosta and his company, Akela Family Music, through March. Acosta had managed or co-managed Balvin in some capacity for the past decade. Sources say the two parted on amicable terms.

Balvin, one of the biggest Latin stars in the world, has had a series of management shifts over the past five years. In 2019, he parted ways with manager Rebeca León, who had managed him since the onset of his career in the United States, and signed with Braun.

Throughout both deals, Acosta remained part of his management team and worked in partnership with SB Projects, helping bring in groundbreaking deals and partnerships. These included his celebrity menu collaboration with McDonald’s — a first for a Latin act.
7/14 – Tenerife, Spain – Ritmo del Mundo
7/15 – Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal – Meo Mares Vivas Festival
7/21 – Byron Bay, Australia – Splendour in the Grass
7/23 – Melbourne – Margaret Court
7/25 – Sydney – Hordern Pavillion

Bianca Del Rio Signs with Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

Posted on May 8, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Bianca Del Rio has new representation…

The 47-year-old Cuban & Honduran American drag queen, comedian, actor and former RuPaul’s Drag Race winner, whose real name is Roy Haylock, has signed with CAA for representation.

Named on New York Magazine’s list of “most powerful drag queens in America,” Del Rio is best known as the winner of Season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, when she was crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar.

As an actor, Del Rio starred in Matt Kugelman’s 2016 feature film Hurricane Bianca, and its sequel, 2018’s, Hurricane Bianca: From Russia With Hate. That same year, she published her first book, Blame It On Bianca Del Rio: The Expert on Nothing With An Opinion on Everything.

In 2019, she made her West End debut in the hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, where she played the role of Hugo/Loco Chanelle.

Del Rio made history during her 2019 “It’s a Jester Joke” tour, becoming the first drag queen to ever headline sold-out shows at both Wembley Arena in London and Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Last fall, she completed her fifth global stand-up comedy tour, Unsanitized, performing in 99 cities and 27 countries across five continents.

Chencho Corleone Signs Global Record Deal with Sony Music Latin

Posted on May 3, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Chencho Corleone is entering a new musical phase…

The 44-year-old Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and record producer has launched a “new musical phase” by signing a global record deal with Sony Music Latin, the company tells Billboard.

The agreement comes on the heels of Chencho’s upcoming debut album as a solo artist; he was previously one-half of the duo Plan B, who rose to fame in the early 2000s.

“I’m very happy with what we’ve been creating and what’s coming up,” said the Puerto Rican hitmaker in a statement. “I’m sure my fans will enjoy this new musical phase, adding another milestone in my career.”

Corleone is set to release the first single from the set, “Un Cigarrillo,” on Thursday (May 4) along with a music video directed by Jessy Terrero. “I had the opportunity to sit down with production and the team to create a visual concept that projects and marks the new solo path at the beginning,” Chencho added in his statement.

The deal comes amid a career spike for Corleone. Last year, he scored his first No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart thanks to “Me Porto Bonito” with Bad Bunny, which ruled the tally for 20 weeks. He also notched his first No. 1 on Billboard‘s Latin Airplay chart with his feature on Rauw Alejandro‘s “Desesperados.”

About the signing, Sony Music U.S. Latin president Alex Gallardo, added, “We’re extremely happy to welcome Chencho Corleone to the Sony Music family. Chencho has proved to be one of the leaders in his genre with his distinctive style and powerhouse collaborations, reaffirming his position worldwide. We are committed alongside his team to take his career to new levels and establish him as one of the biggest names in the music.”

Freddie Prinze Jr. Signs with A3 Artists Agency for Representation

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Freddie Prinze Jr. has new representation…

The 47-year-old part-Puerto Rican actor has signed with A3 Artists Agency for representation.

Prinze is best known for starring in such films as the Miramax rom-com She’s All That with Rachael Leigh Cook, Columbia Pictures’ slasher hit I Know What You Did Last Summer and sequel I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, which had him sharing the screen with Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Warner Bros’ Scooby-Doo films of the early 2000s.

Prinze most recently starred opposite Lucifer‘s Aimee Garcia in the Netflix holiday rom-com Christmas with You, which last year spent two weeks on Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for English-Language Films.

He’s also in recent years lent his voice to video games and family-friendly animated series like Disney XD’s Star Wars Rebels, which had him voicing Kanan Jarrus, one of the last surviving Jedi Knights.

His additional television credits include Peacock’s recent Punky Brewster revival and 24.

Prinze has also expanded of late into the podcast space, co-hosting Wrestling with Freddie on iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Network with Jeff Dye and That Was Pretty Scary, a film podcast co-hosted by Jon Lee Brody, which has the pair discussing their favorite iconic horror films.

Prinze and Hewitt entered talks to star in a new I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel for Sony earlier this year. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson is attached to direct from a script by Leah McKendrick, with producer Neal H. Moritz in talks to return, as well.

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