Category Archives: Spotlight

Taylor Ortega to Star in Prime Video‘s Paul Feig-Directed Action Comedy “Grand Death Lotto”

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Taylor Ortega is playing the lotto…

The Latina writer, comedian and actor has joined the cast of Prime Video‘s Paul Feig-helmed action comedy Grand Death Lotto.

Taylor OrtegaIn addition to Ortega, who starred in HBO’s Succession, other new cast additions include Michael Hitchcock, Becky Ann Baker, Sam Asghari, Leslie David Baker, Murray Hill and Adam Ray.

The actors join an ensemble led by John Cena, Awkwafina and Simu Liu, which also includes Ayden Mayeri, Seann William Scott, Dolly de Leon and Donald Elise Watkins.

Written by Rob Yescombe, the film currently in production is set in a very near future, in which a Grand Lottery has been established in economically challenged California. The only catch? You’ll need to kill the winner before sundown in order to legally claim their prize. New L.A. transplant Katie (Awkwafina) accidentally finds herself with the winning ticket and must join forces with amateur jackpot protector Noel (Cena) to make it to sundown in order to claim her multi-billion-dollar prize, all while dealing with Noel’s protection rival Louis Lewis (Liu), who also wants to get her to sundown in order to claim his rich protection commission.

Ortega is a series regular on Fox’s mockumentary series Welcome to Flatch, directed and executive produced by Feig, and has also been seen in Starz’s continuation of Party Down, as well as the HBO Max anthology Love Life and HBO’s Succession. She’ll next be seen leading the indie comedy Wine Club from directors Eric D. Cohen and Matthew Hirschhorn.

Rosalia & Rauw Alejandro Release Their Highly-Anticipated Joint Project “RR”

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It’s three for three for Rosalia and Rauw Alejandro…

The 30-year-old Spanish Grammy-winning singer and the 30-year-old Puerto Rican singer have released their highly-anticipated joint project RR, featuring three songs to celebrate their three years as a couple.

Rosalia & Rauw AlejandroRosalia and Alejandro’s project features the single “Beso,” “Vampiros” and “Promesa.” 

The EP — which marks the first that the couple recorded songs together — arrives after both artists had hinted at a potential collaboration.

In November, the Spanish superstar teased that they had been in the studio together without revealing much. “We’ll see, we’ll see,” she added.

Meanwhile, Alejandro also talked about collaborating with Rosalía during his panel at Billboard’s MusicCon back in May. “For sure we have a few stuff in the studio already,” he confirmed. “It’s a surprise. Those songs are [under] extra security. We’re planning to do the release, I’m not going to say when, but soon. We’re doing it for the love of the fans and she’s my girl and I did those songs with more love. No. 1 for sure.”

Previously, the couple had subtly collaborated on each other’s previous projects; Rosalía sang backing vocals on “Dile a Él” from the Puerto Rican artist’s first album, Afrodisiaco (2020) as well as “Corazón Despeinado” from Saturno (2022). He also co-wrote some lyrics in Rosalía’s “Chicken Teriyaki” from her Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning 2022 album, Motomami. She also lent her pen on “Caprichoso” from Alejandro’s EP Trap Cake, Vol. 2 (2022).

Alejandro kicked off his Saturno World Tour last month in the Dominican Republic, and will continue his trek in cities such as New York and Chicago. Most recently, Rosalía was recognized as Producer of the Year at the Billboard Women In Music awards. The Spanish idol, who had one of the most successful tours of 2022 with Motomami, will be performing at Coachella in April.

Detroit Tigers Sign Team Nicaragua’s Duque Hebbert Following Stellar Ninth Inning

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Despite logging a loss at the World Baseball Classic, Duque Hebbert is still a winner.

The 21-year-old Nicaraguan baseball player’s Team Nicaragua lost to the Dominican Republic during pool-play at the WBC on Monday, but he struck out MLB superstars Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez and Rafael Devers in the ninth inning of Nicaragua’s 6-1 loss and earned himself a contract with the Detroit Tigers in the process.

Duque HebbertOne of the Tigers’ scouts, Luis Molina, found the right-hander, who’s listed at 5-foot-9, as he was leaving LoanDepot Park, asked him a handful of questions and signed him to a minor league contract, said Nicaraguan Athletics Federation press officer Carlos Alfaro Leon.

An announcement was made on the bus in front of the whole team.

Hebbert, who also gave up a double to the hot-hitting Manny Machado in his lone inning of work, used mostly low 90s sinkers, mid-80s changeups and low-90s sliders to strike out the side. Team Nicaragua manager Sandor Guido called it “extraordinary.”

“He showed what he is made of,” Guido said through an interpreter. “When you have will, when you have heart, you can do very good things.”

Feid to Launch North American “Ferxxo Nitro Jam Underground” Tour

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Feid is heading underground…

The 30-year-old Colombian singer and songwriter has officially unveiled his 2023 Ferxxo Nitro Jam Underground tour.

FeidThe announcement comes fresh off his first headlining “U.S. Trip” and “Ferxxo Nitro Jam” in Latin America.

Produced by Live Nation, Ferxxo (pronounced Fercho) is set for a 29-city tour that kicks off April 20 at the WAMU Theater in Seattle and visits key cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York and Miami, before wrapping on June 17 at the Hard Rock Live in Orlando.

For the first time in his 13-year career, the Colombian artist and Billboard cover star — behind hits such as “Normal” and “Feliz Cumpleaños, Ferxxo” — will visit Canada, where he will perform in Toronto and Montreal. In the midst of the trek,

Feid is also set to headline the Sueños Music Festival in Chicago — also a first in his career.

Tickets for “Ferxxo Nitro Jam Underground” go on sale at 10:00 am local time on March 16 via LiveNation.com. All pre-sale will begin at 10:00 am local time on Wednesday, March 15.

April 20 — Seattle, WA @ WAMU Theater
April 21 — Portland, OR @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
April 23 — San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic
April 25 — San Jose, CA @ San Jose Civic
April 27 — Los Angeles, CA @ YouTube Theater
May 03 — San Diego, CA @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
May 04 — Sacramento, CA @ Hard Rock Live Sacramento
May 06 — Las Vegas, NV @ Chelsea Theatre at The Cosmopolitan
May 07 — Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theatre
May 10 — El Paso, TX @ El Paso County Coliseum
May 13 — Houston, TX @ Smart Financial Centre
May 14 — Hildago, TX @ Payne Arena
May 17 — Dallas, TX @ The Pavillion at Toyota Music Factory
May 20 — Oklahoma City, OK @ The Criterion
May 21 — Austin, TX @ TBC Bass Concert Hall
May 24 — Indianapolis, IN @ Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
May 26 — Toronto, ON @ Toronto History
May 27 — Chicago, IL @ Sueños Festival Grant Park
May 28 — Montreal, QC @ Festival Fuego Fuego
May 31 — Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway
June 02 — Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
June 03 — Washington, DC @ The Theater at MGM National Harbor
June 04 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Met
June 07 — New York, NY @ Hulu Theatre
June 09 — Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
June 10 — Atlanta, GA @ Coca Cola Roxy
June 14 — Charlotte, NC @ Belk Theater
June 16 — Miami, FL @ Miami-Dade Arena
June 17 — Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live

Rosalia & Rauw Alejandro to Release Three-Song Project Titled “RR”

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Rosalia is officially makin’ sweet music with Rauw Alejandro…

The 30-year-old Spanish Grammy-winning artist is joining voices with Puerto Rican boyfriend and singer Rauw Alejandro on a three-song project titled RR, to be released on March 24.

Rosalia & Rauw AlejandroThe announcement comes after Rosalia and Alejandro have been teasing a collaboration for many months now.

Out March 24, the EP is comprised of three tracks: “Beso,” “Vampiros” and “Promesa.”

It marks the first time that the couple recorded songs together.

The announcement on social media doesn’t give much away. The couple simply posted on both their accounts the artwork for it, which is two intertwined black Rs painted over a red canvas. They also shared the track list and wrote “24/marzo.”

In November, the Spanish star hinted at a potential collaboration with Alejandro during an interview with Billboard. “We’ve been in the studio together, as you know,” she teased without revealing much. “We’ll see, we’ll see.” Back in May, Alejandro also talked about collaborating with Rosalía during his panel at Billboard‘s MusicCon. “For sure we have a few stuff in the studio already,” he confirmed. “It’s a surprise. Those songs are [under] extra security. We’re planning to do the release, I’m not going to say when, but soon. We’re doing it for the love of the fans and she’s my girl and I did those songs with more love. No. 1 for sure.”

He also gushed about her producing skills in the studio. “She knows more about music than me. I’m just a guy from PR who parties and feels the vibe of songs. She’s an expert. That helps us in the studio, she adds her knowledge and I just put my craziness and feelings.”

RR will follow Rosalía’s Grammy-winning Motomami and Alejandro’s Saturno, which peaked at No. 2 on the Top Latin Albums chart.

Adriana Rios Releases Corrido-Ranchera Track Dedicated to Victims of Femicide

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Adriana Rios is searching for answers… 

This Women’s History Month, the Mexican newcomer has poured her heart out in her latest single “¿Dónde Están?”

Adriana RiosRios penned the corrido-ranchera fusion track in remembrance of the victims of femicide in Mexico and around the world.

Accompanied by a simple yet powerful music video, where she’s belting her strong, crisp vocals in front of newspapers with different suspects on the cover, Rios chants: “Where are you? They’re looking for you in the streets/ Where are you? They’re looking for you in hospitals/ Where are you? They’re looking for you in schools, in bars, and they can’t find you.”

On Instagram, Rios explained the reason behind her notable protest song: “Corridos of many things are written but this is a corrido of femicide. Many of you know why I wrote it […] May their names endure.”

Penélope Cruz In Talks to Star in Netflix’s Upcoming Nancy Meyers Film “Paris Paramount” (Working Title)

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Penélope Cruz could be starring in a comedy soon…

The 48-year-old Spanish Oscar-winning actress is in talks to star opposite Scarlett Johansson, Michael Fassbender and Owen Wilson in the big-budget Netflix comedy marking Nancy Meyers’ return to directing, Deadline can confirm.

Penelope CruzSources say actor deals have not yet closed, as budgeting is still being worked through. Netflix had no comment.

The film currently titled Paris Paramount, which tells the story of an above-the-line filmmaking duo who reunite (begrudgingly) on set after falling in and out of love with one another.

Meyers will direct from her own script and also serve as producer on the film, which sources tell us is at a budget exceeding $100M.

The project will mark her first as director since The Intern, a buddy comedy of sorts starring Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway, which was released by Warner Bros in 2015.

Most recently appearing in films including Emanuele Crialese’s L’immensità, Official Competition with Antonio Banderas, and Pedro Almodóvar’s Oscar-nominated Parallel Mothers, Cruz will next be seen starring opposite Adam Driver in Michael Mann’s Ferrari.

An Academy Award-nominated writer, director and producer best known for her work in the rom-com space, Meyers has also previously helmed features including It’s Complicated, The Holiday, Something’s Gotta Give, What Women Want and The Parent Trap.

Rosa Blasi to Reprise Role in Nickelodeon Studios’ Movie “The Thundermans Return”

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Rosa Blasi is thundering forward…

Nickelodeon Studios has ordered The Thundermans Return, starring the 50-year-old part-Puerto Rican actress.

Rosa Blasi, The ThundermansThe feature-length movie is based on the hit live-action superhero comedy, The Thundermans, with Blasi and the rest of the original series cast set to return.

The movie will follow the superpowered family as they begin a new era of superhero crimefighting. Production on The Thundermans Return will begin in Los Angeles in April, with premiere details to be announced at a later date.

“It’s been such a joy to return to Hiddenville with this iconic superhero family and original cast,” said Zack Olin and Shauna Phelan, Co-Heads of Nickelodeon & Awesomeness Live-Action. “This movie is made for the audiences who fell in love with the show’s original run on Nick and also for today’s generation discovering it on streaming.”

In addition to Blasi as “Barb,” original series cast members reprising their roles are Kira Kosarin as “Phoebe,” Jack Griffo as “Max,” Addison Riecke as “Nora,” Diego Velazquez as “Billy,” Maya Le Clark as “Chloe” and Chris Tallman as “Hank.”

In the movie, twins Phoebe and Max are enjoying their superhero lifestyle, but when one ‘save’ goes awry, the Thundermans are sent back to Hiddenville. While Hank and Barb enjoy their return, and Billy and Nora look forward to a normal high school life, Max and Phoebe are determined to regain their superhero status. The movie will feature the return of show favorites, new villains and familiar locations.

The Thundermans premiered on Nickelodeon in October 2013 and wrapped its four-season run in 2018, ranking as the number-one series across all TV among Kids 2-11 and Kids 6-11.

Created and executive produced by three-time Emmy Award-winner Jed Spingarn, the scripted half-hour series follows superhero twins with opposite personalities, Phoebe and Max Thunderman, as they navigate their way through school, friends and a family of extraordinary superheroes, all while keeping their true identities a secret.

The show has recently seen a resurgence following its 4Q21 launch on streaming, where it quickly became the top title across all SVOD for the quarter among Kids 6-11; and it continued to rank among the top titles with Kids 6-11 through 2022, according to Nickelodeon.

The Thundermans Return is written and executive produced by Jed Spingarn and directed by Trevor Kirschner. Kira Kosarin is executive producing. Jack Griffo is also an executive producer on the movie. Dan Cross & David Hoge also serve as executive producers.

Blasi’s most recent credits include Team Kaylie, Modern Family and Coop & Cami Ask the World.

Jenna Ortega Doesn’t Flinch During Appearance on Sean Evans’ “Hot Ones” Show

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Jenna Ortega isn’t afraid of a little spice…

The 20-year-old Puerto Rican and Mexican American actress appeared on Hot Ones, the series from host Sean Evans, who interviews celebrities as they eat progressively spicier chicken wings.

Jenna Ortega

While he’s shared wings with the likes of Lizzo, Kevin Bacon, the Wednesday star may just be the bravest celebrity he’s met thus far.

“I’m feeling pretty confident, honestly,” Ortega said at the start of the interview. “Typically I can handle my stuff, so I’m curious.”

And Ortega did manage to handle her stuff, taking on all ten wings without breaking a sweat. All while fielding questions from Evans about Wednesday, Scream VI, and when she knew she liked to “scare people” (“From a very early age.”)

But Ortega admits that one thing has gotten her down, and that was missing certified Bob Ross instructor David Arquette‘s painting class on the set of the fifth installment of Scream.

“David Arquette in, like, the first week sat us all down in this common room we had in the hotel where we played all the board games, and he taught us how to paint like Bob Ross,” Jack Quaid recalled from the Scream reboot set.

“I think I was actually working when people took that class,” Ortega said between bites of a level three hot wing. “There have been very few times when I’ve felt completely defeated. And that is one of them.”

Ortega, however, was not defeated by even the hottest hot sauce or by Evans attempting to win a staring contest with someone who doesn’t blink for a living.

Alexia Putellas Crowned FIFA’s The Best Women’s Player for Second Year in a Row

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Alexia Putellas is celebrating a second consecutive honor…

The 29-year-old Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Barcelona has been crowned FIFA‘s The Best Women’s Player for the second year in a row, seeing off competition from Beth Mead and Alex Morgan for the award.

Alexia PutellasPutellas claimed the prize at a ceremony in Paris on Monday, with Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi taking the men’s award.

The Barca midfielder becomes the first woman to win the accolade twice since it launched in 2016, with Carli Lloyd, Lieke Martens, Marta, Megan Rapinoe and Lucy Bronze all one-time winners.

She also became the first woman to win the Ballon d’Or Feminin twice in October 2022, finishing ahead of Mead and Sam Kerr.

The Best Women’s Coach award went to Sarina Wiegman, who led England to the title at the Women’s European Championship, and Mary Earps, who played in net for the Lionesses at the tournament, picked up Best Goalkeeper honors.

Putellas has not played since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her knee while on Spain duty in July. FIFA’s award only takes into account last season.

“The accolade recognizes the most outstanding performers in the women’s game from the period of Aug. 7 2021 to July 31 2022,” the organization said.

During that time, Putellas captained Barca to a third successive Primera Division title. The Catalan side made history by winning all 30 of their league games throughout the 2021-22 campaign.

She also led the Blaugrana to success in the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa de la Reina to complete a domestic treble, although they came up short in the Champions League. Putellas’ goal in the final — her 11th in the competition last season — was not enough to stop French side Lyon from beating Barcelona 3-1 in Turin.

There was hope that success with Spain would follow at the European Championship in England, but she was ruled out of the tournament after injuring her ACL in training just days before La Roja‘s first game.

She has not played since, but Barca recently published a video of her doing some work with a ball on the training pitch, hinting that she could return to action before the end of the season.

Arsenal forward Mead, who starred as England won the Euros and is also sidelined with an ACL injury. She joined San Diego Wave‘s Morgan on the final shortlist and finished behind Putellas.

Mead won the Golden Boot and player of the tournament at Euro 2022 last summer, while Morgan was the National Women’s Soccer League‘s leading scorer with 15 goals in just 17 appearances.

Morgan also scored the winner as the United States beat Canada in the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship final — a competition in which she finished as joint-top scorer and player of the tournament — as she became the 13th USWNT player to pass 200 caps.