Category Archives: Spotlight

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.

Manny Machado Finalizing 11-Year, $350 Million Contract Extension with San Diego Padres

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Manny Machado is thisclose to a major (league) deal…

The 30-year-old Dominican American professional baseball player and star third baseman and the San Diego Padres are finalizing an 11-year, $350 million contract extension, according to ESPN.

Manny MachadoMachado said earlier this week he intended to opt out of the final five years (and $150 million) of his current contract with the Padres following the season after preliminary negotiations on an extension broke down.

While Machado had set a February 16 deadline to reach a new deal, conversations continued between Machado’s agent, Dan Lozano of MVP Sports, and Padres general manager A.J. Preller. The deal is expected to be official soon.

The franchise cornerstone of an ascendant franchise, Machado is coming off arguably the best season of his career, hitting .298/.366/.531 with 32 home runs and 102 RBIs. He finished second in National League MVP voting and led the Padres to the National League Championship Series, where they were ousted by the Philadelphia Phillies.

Machado’s arrival in San Diego in 2019 on a 10-year, $300 million deal signaled a new era for the Padres, who have yet to win a World Series in their 54-year history.

Shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. joined the Padres as a rookie during Machado’s first season in San Diego, and while the team struggled to a 70-92 finish, it thrived in the COVID 19-shortened 2020 season, got a significant boost with the acquisition of star outfielder Juan Soto last year and continued to spend this winter with the signing of shortstop Xander Bogaerts to an 11-year, $280 million contract.

The deal is the fourth-largest guarantee in the game’s history, behind those for Aaron Judge, Mike Trout and Mookie Betts.

Taiga Brava to Compete on Season Two of Paramount+’s “Queen of the Universe”

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Taiga Brava is hitting the global stage with a mission…

Queen of the Universe returns for a second season on Paramount+, with the Mexican drag performer set to compete for the coveted crown on the drag queen singing competition.

Taiga BravaTaiga Brava, who hails from Cancun, Mexico, is ready to make both her homeland and family proud of her vocal skills and jaw-dropping drag looks. With her effervescent personality and unshakeable confidence, she’s confident she’s got what it takes to bring the crown home to Mexico.

But she isn’t the only Latina drag performer set to compete…

Chloe V, who hails from Rio de Janeiro, is hoping to be the second Brazilian drag performer to win the competition after Grag Queen claimed the inaugural title.

With a powerhouse voice and gag-worthy looks that could turn a drag queen green with envy, Chloe V is confident nobody in the competition can knock her down and steal that crown.

Chloe VGraham Norton will serve as this season’s host.

The show is set to premiere on the streamer starting March 31 in the U.S. and Canada with the U.K., Latin America, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Australia seeing it on April 1.

Queen of the UniverseThe reality competition sees drag queens from around the world go head-to-head vying for a cash prize of $250,000. Former Spice Girls star Mel B joins the panel of judges that includes RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, Vanessa Williams and drag queen Trixie Mattel.

Here more on the drag queens of Queen of the Universe Season 2:

AURA ETERNAL (Palermo, Italy)
Having previously appeared on the second season of “Drag Race Italia” where she made it to the top three, Aura Eternal has already demonstrated sickening skills in her homeland. But now Aura’s ready to show the rest of the world she’s got vocal chops that equal her stunning looks and is ready to become the next singing drag queen global sensation!

CHLOE V (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
With Brazil having won last season’s QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE, Chloe V knows she’s got big stilettos to fill. But with a powerhouse voice and gag-worthy looks that could turn a drag queen green with envy, she’s confident nobody in the competition can knock her down and steal that crown!

JAZELL ROYALE (Orlando, Fla., U.S.)
Jazell Royale is more than just a gorgeous face and an award-winning pageant queen, and the time is now for her star to shine. She may be known in the USA for her many titles and viral videos, but she hopes that the QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE stage will allow her to be remembered for her biggest asset – her voice!

LOVE MASISI (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Having lived in several different countries throughout their adventurous life, Love Masisi is now proud to call the Netherlands home. After a previous appearance on “Drag Race Holland” season 2, they’re ready to showcase their passion for music and spread a message of hope and love all over the world.

MAXIE (Manila, Philippines)
Maxie may already be known in the Philippines as a top-tier performer and LGBTQ advocate, but now she’s ready to be known as a universal singing sensation! Although she’s appeared on TV several times beginning when she was just a kid, she’s never left her home country. Now she’s ready to step onto the QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE stage for a shot at her dream.

MILITIA SCUNT (San Francisco, Calif., U.S.)
Known in California for her edgy drag looks and her soulful singing voice, Militia Scunt is ready to conquer the universe and become the next singing drag queen superstar. A triple threat with singing, dancing, and style skills, she’s confident she’s got the goods to smack down the competition and bring the crown to the USA – period!

MISS SISTRATA (Tel Aviv, Israel)
Miss Sistrata, reporting for beauty! This former soldier is ready to walk onto the QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE stage like the true diva that she is. And with vocal abilities and looks that leave audiences gagged and begging for more, she’s ready to make her mark on the competition.

TAIGA BRAVA (Cancún, México)
Taiga Brava arrives to the main stage from the sunny shores of Cancun, ready to make both her homeland and family proud of her vocal skills and jaw-dropping drag looks. With her effervescent personality and unshakeable confidence, she’s confident she’s got what it takes to bring the crown home to Mexico.

TREVOR ASHLEY (Sydney, Australia)
Trevor Ashley is a seasoned theater queen who’s been part of the Australian drag community for over 20 years. Despite her many career successes (including winning the Aussie equivalent of the Tony Award) this is her first televised singing competition – and the diva from Down Under is ready to deliver!

VIOLA (Coventry, England, U.K.)
At only 19, Viola may be the youngest contender in the competition but don’t be deceived – she’s a talented musician who’s been working towards this opportunity her entire life. Having joined the drag community only a few years ago, this rising star is ready to show the universe just how bright she can shine.

Global drag icon and multi-Emmy Award winner RuPaul serves as an executive producer on the series, alongside MTV Entertainment Studios and World of Wonder, the producers of the Emmy Award-winning franchise RuPaul’s Drag Race.

María Becerra Releases New Single “Desafiando el destino”

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María Becerra is expressing love to the parentals…

The 22-year-old Argentine singer has released the new single “Desafiando el destino,” a bonus track to her previously released album La Nena de Argentina.

María Becerra,Becerra displays a softer and more powerful side in the poignant track, which is described as a love letter to her parents.

The track begins with a slow, bluesy piano intro that gives way to Becerra’s vocals, tinged with melancholy as she sings to a video of old home movies that’s hard not get teary-eyed about.

Backup gospel-choir touches, tastefully placed over the sparse arrangement, lend even more pathos to this very beautiful track.

Luis Guzmán Launching Own Production Company ‘Mascot Camp Productions’

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Luis Guzmán is expanding his resume…

The 66-year-old Puerto Rican actor is launching his own production company, Mascot Camp Productions.

Luis GuzmanMascot Camp has already formed a partnership with Rescue Dog Productions, Matthew Dwyer and Michael Hollingsworth, to finance the first two years of productions, consisting of plans to make six feature films and four television series.

The company plans to get the ball rolling with the release of two feature films: Enough, a feature film about a trans man and his family; and 6 Rounds, which tells the story of how a gun and the six bullets inside it changed a town forever.

Guzmán, John LaBrucherie, Dwyer and Hollingsworth will all be executive producers.

“I’m excited to take this journey with an amazing group of talented individuals,” said Guzmán. “Born out of friendship and family this team is ready to create visual stories that will uplift and inspire. Our partnership with Rescue Dog Productions gives us the opportunity to tell the stories we want to tell in the way it should be told.”

Guzmán and LaBrucherie aim to establish a production company that will create uplifting stories that impact not only the industry but larger communities and cultures. The team includes his co-founder, Manny Padilla, Christopher Cope of Orbital Studios and Raleigh Studios, Michele LaBrucherie, Cemi Guzmán, founder of Dark Rabbit Productions, and Hector Kron.

“The aggressive production plan in place is meant to immediately impact the current viewing environment. Ten original stories that matter. This rollout is designed to maintain our presence on the air year round. Our strength is in our numbers and our diversity. Through inclusion and outreach we have already began the development beyond this two year plan. The mascots are coming and we are here to stay,“ John LaBrucherie said.

Guzmán has had a prolific career for the past few decades, making him one of the most recognizable character actors of modern times.

In addition to his appearance in the hit Netflix series Wednesday, he has logged credits in countless TV series like Code Black, Hightown, Shameless and Perpetual Grace, LTD.

He has also starred in films like Boogie Nights, Traffic, Punch-Drunk Love and Carlito’s Way.

Bad Bunny Hosts “Bonita Tradición” Gift Drive in Puerto Rico

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It’s a special post-Christmas moment for Bad Bunny.

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican superstar ended the year by giving back to his beloved Puerto Rico.

Bad BunnyBad Bunny helped spread holiday joy on the island on Tuesday, December 27 with the “Bonita Tradición” gift drive, which was held at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Good Bunny Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Billboard‘s Top Artist of 2022, handed out 20,000 gifts (sports equipment, instruments, paint materials and more) to the children who attended the drive.

The event also includes stations serving traditional food and drinks, as well as live music and an opportunity to get a picture with Los Reyes Magos and Bad Bunny himself.

“We want to close the year in the best way, bringing a bit of joy, hope, and love to the children with an event that reflects the best of this time with a very special emphasis on the traditions of our island,” José “Che Juan” Torres, director of the Good Bunny Foundation, previously said in a press statement.

Recently, Bad Bunny — who was Spotify’s most streamed artist globally for a third consecutive year — released his new track, “Gato de Noche,” in collaboration with Ñengo Flow.

“This is to close the year,” he said on TikTok just hours before blessing fans with the surprise song on December 22.

“With the real beast,” Bad Bunny said of Ñengo when he revealed the collaboration on his Instagram Stories.

The pair has many collaborative efforts, including “Que Malo” and “Safaera” (also featuring Jowell & Randy), with the latter peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart dated April 11, 2020.

Both tracks come from Bunny’s YHLQMDLG album.