Becky G to Serve as Guest Judge on Season 16 of MTV’s “RuPaul‘s Drag Race”

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Life’s a drag for Becky G…

The new season of RuPaul‘s Drag Race has set up an all-star lineup to guest judge Season 16, including the 26-year-old Mexican American bilingual singer/actress.

Making her debut on the reality television competition program that aims to discover America’s next drag superstar, Becky G appears among a list of guest judges that includes Charlize Theron and Sarah Michelle Gellar.

MTV will premiere the new season on Friday, January 5 at 8:00 pm ET.

Other guest judges that will appear during the season include Adam Shankman, Icona Pop (Caroline Hjelt + Aino Jawo), Isaac Mizrahi, Jamal Sims, Joel Kim Booster, Kaia Gerber, Kelsea Ballerini, Kyra Sedgwick, Law Roach, Mayan Lopez and Ronan Farrow.

RuPaul’s Drag Race features mainstay judges Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews and Ts Madison for the 16th season. Fourteen queens will compete for the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” and a cash prize of $200k.

The previously announced cast of queens include Amanda Tori Meating (Los Angeles, CA), Dawn (Brooklyn, NY), Geneva Karr (Brownsville, TX), Hershii LiqCour-Jeté (Los Angeles, CA), Megami (Brooklyn, NY), Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige (Miami, FL), Mirage (Las Vegas, NV), Morphine Love Dion (Miami, FL), Nymphia Wind (Taiwan/NY), Plane Jane (Boston, MA), Plasma (New York, NY), Q (Kansas City, MO), Sapphira Cristál (Philadelphia, PA), and Xunami Muse (New York, NY).

RuPaul’s Drag Race and the after-show RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked are produced by World of Wonder Productions with Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, Steven Corfe, Mandy Salangsang, Michele Mills and RuPaul Charles serving as executive producers.

Sheynnis Palacios Makes History as Nicaragua’s First-Ever Miss Universe

Posted on November 20, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Sheynnis Palacios has made history at this year’s Miss Universe pageant.

The 23-year-old Nicaraguan model and beauty pageant titleholder was crowned the 2023 Miss Universe at the culmination of the annual beauty pageant, which took place over the weekend in El Salvador’s capital, San Salvador.

Anntonia Porsild of Thailand placed as first runner-up.

Palacios’ win marks the first-ever time a Nicaraguan woman has won Miss Universe. She had previously represented Nicaragua in the 2017 Teen Miss Universe pageant, placing in the top 10, and in the 2021 Miss World pageant.

Prior to becoming Miss Universe, Palacios was working as a model, television presenter, and journalist in Nicaragua, and presented a show called Entiende tu mente, which discussed topics related to mental health.

The winners of 84 countries’ national pageants had competed at this year’s Miss Universe, judged by a panel including model Halima Aden, Queer Eye star Carson Kressley, TikTok influencer Avani Gregg and two former Miss Universe winners, Janelle Commissiong of Trinidad & Tobago (Miss Universe 1977) and Iris Mittenaere of France (Miss Universe 2016).

Twenty semifinalists were announced at the beginning of Saturday night’s proceedings following the results of the preliminary competition (and a global fan vote). After the swimsuit round, the field was narrowed to 10 — seeing the elimination of the first “curvy” contestant to make the pageant’s semifinals, Miss Nepal, as well as the first contestant to choose a burkini as their swimsuit, Miss Pakistan. The evening gown round cut the number of contestants in half again.

Miss Colombia Camila Avella and Miss Puerto Rico Karla Guilfú, rounded out the top five, while another member of the top 10, Spain’s Athenea Pérez, was crowned the pageant’s Miss Congeniality.

Palacios succeeds the 2022 Miss Universe, R’Bonney Gabriel of the USA.

Harvey Guillén to Serve as a Guest Judge on MTV’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race”

Posted on December 19, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Life’s a drag (race) for Harvey Guillén…

The 32-year-old Mexican American actor will appear on Season 15 of MTV’s RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Guillen will join the judging panel during one of the episodes this season in the quest to find “America’s Next Drag Superstar.”

Mainstage judges Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley and Ross Mathews will be back on the panel. Ts Madison has been upped to a rotating member of the judges’ panel as they decide who will lip-sync for their life or “sashay away.”

Ariana Grande is set to be the guest judge for the two-episode season premiere. The Grammy Award-winning star will see the queens bringing their gifts to a talent show where she will be the judge.

In addition to Grande and Guillen, this season’s guest judges also include music, television, comedy and film icons Ali Wong, Amandla Stenberg, Hayley Kiyoko, Julia Garner, Janelle Monáe, Maren Morris, Megan Stalter and Orville Peck.

The 16 queens will compete for the title and a cash prize of $200,000 – the highest in the herstory of the main franchise.

Previously announced queens include Amethyst (West Hartford, CT), Anetra (Las Vegas, NV), Aura Mayari (Nashville, TN), Irene Dubois (Seattle, WA), Jax (Queens, NY), Loosey LaDuca (Ansonia, CT), Luxx Noir London (East Orange, NJ), Malaysia Babydoll Foxx (Miami, FL), Marcia Marcia Marcia (New York, NY), Mistress Isabelle Brooks (Houston, TX), Princess Poppy (San Francisco, CA), Robin Fierce (Hartford, CT), Salina EsTitties (Los Angeles, CA), Sasha Colby (Los Angeles, CA), Sugar (Los Angeles, CA), and Spice (Los Angeles, CA).

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 premieres on MTV on Friday, January 6 at 8:00 pm ET with a commercial-free premiere episode and a limited-commercial part two.

Fat Joe to Return as Guest Host on “The Wendy Williams Show” in March

Posted on March 1, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Fat Joe is marching forward to help a friend…

The Wendy Williams Show has lined up its guest hosts for the month of March, including the 51-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban rapper.

The month kicks off with comedian Kym Whitley and actor Finesse Mitchell hosting from Monday, March 7 through Friday, March 11.

Frequent guest hosts Fat Joe and Remy Ma will take the helm beginning Monday, March 14 through Friday, March 18.

Main guest host Sherri Shepherd, who was recently announced to succeed Williams with her own syndicated talk show Sherri, will return to the purple chair beginning Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25.

Closing out the month will be TV personality Carson Kressley and actress Vivica A. Fox in their debut as guest hosts from Monday, March 28 through Friday, April 1.

Shepherd, along with Michael Rapaport have been the lead guest hosts of the show with Williams out, but Rapaport is no longer on the schedule.

The Wendy Williams Show is slated to continue through the end of this season with rotating guest hosts, including Shepherd, as Williams has been sidelined with health issues for the entire season.

Krysta Rodriguez to Star in VH1’s Holiday Movie “The Bitch Who Stole Christmas”

Posted on October 31, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Krysta Rodriguez is readyin’ for a Bitchin’ holiday season…

The 37-year-old Latina actress/singer and Broadway star will star in VH1’s new holiday movie The Bitch Who Stole Christmas.

Launching on December 2, the film is described as “the draggiest Christmas movie ever made.”

It follows a workaholic big-city fashion journalist is sent to a Christmas-obsessed small town to dig up a story when she finds herself in the middle of cut-throat housewives, a high-stakes “Winter Ball” competition, and a sinister plot that could destroy Christmas.

Written by Connor Wright and Christina Friel and directed by Don Scardino, it stars RuPaul, Rodriguez, Andy Ridings, Michelle Visage, Ginger Minj, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Peppermint, Jan Sport, Jaymes Mansfield, Latrice Royale, Gottmik, Morgan McMichaels, Porkchop, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews, Chad Michaels, Heidi N Closet, Kelly Mantle, Kimora Blac, Laganja Estranja, Manila Luzon, Mayhem Miller, Pandora Boxx, Raven, Rock M. Sakura, Kylie Sonique Love, Kim Petras, Charo and Anna Maria Horsford.

Produced by World of Wonder and MTV Entertainment Studios, it is exec produced by Randy Barbato, Fenton Bailey, Tom Campbell, Don Scardino, Nina L. Diaz, Meghan Hooper, Josh Van Houdt, Samantha Schles, Marcia Lansdown and Janee Dabney.

Valentina to Make Guest Appearance on Season 13 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”

Posted on January 4, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Valentina is headed back to the Race…

The 29-year-old Mexican American drag performer, actor, television personality and singer will make a guest appearance on Season 13 of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Valentina, who finished in 7th place on Season 9 of the acclaimed reality series and 7th place on the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, and fellow Miss Congeniality winners from past seasons Nina West and Heidi N Closet will appear in future episodes.

Cynthia Erivo, Nicole Byer, Loni Love, TS Madison and Jamal Sims are slated to join the RuPaul’s Drag Race judges panel this season alongside mainstays Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews and, Mama Ru (RuPaul Charles).

In addition, RuPaul’s Drag Race superfans Anne Hathaway and Scarlett Johansson will surprise queens later this season with interactive video master classes.

The 13 queens vying for the ultimate title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” this season include Denali (Chicago), Elliott with 2 Ts (Las Vegas), Gottmik (Los Angeles), Joey Jay (Phoenix), Kahmora Hall (Chicago), Kandy Muse (New York), LaLa Ri (Atlanta), Olivia Lux (New York), Rosé (New York), Symone (Los Angeles), Tamisha Iman (Atlanta), Tina Burner (New York), and Utica Queen (Minneapolis).

Juan Pablo Di Pace to Take Part in Project Angel Food’s COVID-19 Emergency Telethon, ‘Lead With Love’

Posted on June 23, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Juan Pablo Di Pace is ready to take your call… all for a great cause.

Project Angel Food will be holding a special telethon this Saturday, June 27, with the 40-year-old Argentinian actor/singer and Fuller House scene-stealer set to man the phones.

The Lead With Love: Project Angel Food Emergency Telethon will air from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm PT on KTLA 5in Los Angeles and stream live on the channel’s website and on the Project Angel Food page.

The goal is to raise $500,000 to support Project Angel Food’s COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, set up for increased needs due to the coronavirus. In the past two months, the organization has gone from serving 1,600 people a day, to serving 2,000 people a day.

Along with a mix of in-studio and virtual appearances, the telethon will include a live phone bank where callers can talk to celebrity guests, including Di Pace, Jonathan Adams, Joely Fisher, Rachel Lindsay, Peter Porte, Charlie Carver, Lawrence Zarian, Sasha Roiz and Lauren Tom.

Scheduled performers include Annie Lennox, Kristin Chenoweth and Kelly Clarkson, with Eric McCormack, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Jessica Holmes hosting.

Other performers include Cee Lo Green, Deborah Cox and Billy Idol, and the event will include appearances by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Elton John, Jamie Lee Curtis, Sharon Stone, Marie Osmond, Zachary Levi, Pauley Perrette, Marianne Williamson, John Goodman, Valerie Bertinelli, Marlee Matlin, Olivia Newton-John, Kelly Osbourne, Margaret Cho, Charo, Danny Trejo, Matt Bomer,Cheryl Tiegs, Tyler Henry, Carson Kressley,Eileen Davidson, Chrissy Metz, Sandra Lee, Lisa Rinna, Harry Hamlin, Jimmy Smits, Victoria Principal, Yvette Nicole Brown, Loni Love, Chaz Dean, Sasha Alexander, Ron Cey and Josh Flagg.

The event is being presented by City National Bank, and executive producer is Brad Bessey. Lisa Foxx will serve as announcer and auctioneer Gabriel Butu will be the money man.

Founded in 1989 during the AIDS crisis, Project Angel Food medically tailored meals to people with life-threatening illnesses, including those who are at high risk for COVID-19.

“This event will blend the best nostalgic elements from the Jerry Lewis Telethon with the modern virtual fundraisers of today,” Project Angel Food executive director Richard Ayoub said in a statement.

Click here for more information on the event and learn how to donate.

Alba to Serve as a Guest Judge on Logo TV’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race”

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Life’s a drag for Jessica Alba…

The 33-year-old half-Mexican American actress will serve as a celebrity guest judge on the seventh season of Logo TV’s hit reality television competition series RuPaul’s Drag Race.

RuPaul plays the roles of host, mentor, and source of inspiration for the series, which details RuPaul’s search for “America’s next drag superstar.”

Alba has previously served as a guest judge on Cupcake Wars and Project Runway.

In addition to Alba, this season’s celebrity guest judges include Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, John Waters, Kathy Griffin, Olivia Newton-John, Alyssa Milano, Kat Dennings, Jordin Sparks, Mel B, Tamar Braxton, Rebecca Romijn, Santino Rice, Isaac Mizrahi, Michael Urie, Rachael Harris, Lucian Piane and Merle Ginsberg.

RuPaul’s Drag Race is also adding two new permanent judges to the mix. Carson Kressley (Queer Eye For The Straight Guy) and Ross Mathews (Chelsea Lately) will join returning judge Michelle Visage as they decide who will stay, lip-synch for their life or “Sashay Away.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race is slated to premiere at 9:00 pm ET on March 2 on Logo TV.

Rodriguez and His “Queer Eye” Cast Mates Returning to Bravo

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Jai Rodriguez is heading back to Bravo…

The 34-year-old half-Puerto Rican actor/musician and “culture vulture” will be reuniting with his Queer Eye for the Straight Guy cast mates to celebrate the hit reality series’ big anniversary.

Queer Eye for the Straight Guy was a surprise hit when it premiered back in July 2003, adding the “make-better” to the pop culture conversation and sending Bravo on its reality television track.

Now the cable channel is celebrating the five-season series with Queer Eye Reunion: 10 Years Later, an Andy Cohen-hosted gathering of the “Fab Five”: Rodriguez, Ted Allen, Kyan Douglas, Thom Filicia and Carson Kressley.

Along with discussing the Emmy-winning show — whose title was shortened to Queer Eye after Season 3 — the men will highlight behind-the-scenes secrets and discuss how their lives have changed in the past decade.

The reunion special will air in October.

Bryan Claims Final Spot on Dancing with the Stars All-Star Edition

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Sabrina Bryan lives to (ballroom) dance another day…

The 27-year-old half-Mexican actress and former The Cheetah Girls star won the viewers’ choice vote to become the thirteenth contestant on Dancing with the Stars.

“I am so excited. I’m getting teary eyed just right now,” Bryan said on Good Morning America when the results of the vote were announced. “It was a fight…we all three really wanted it. I’m the lucky one with some amazing, incredible fans that have really stuck behind me.”

Bryan, who competed in the fifth season of ABC’s hit reality celebrity dancing competition, earned the most fan votes online to beat out fashion commentator Carson Kressley (Season 13) and fellow Disney Channel alum Kyle Massey (Season 11). All three had been campaigning to win the thirteenth spot.

Bryan will be paired with professional dancer Louis Van Amstel.

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