Carter to Receive Lifetime Achievement Honors at This Year’s Gracie Awards

Posted on May 10, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Lynda Carter has a special reason to be Gracie-ous…

The 64-year-old part-Mexican and part-Spanish American actress, best known for her portrayal of the original Wonder Woman, will be presented with a lifetime achievement award at the 41st annual Gracie Awards Gala.

The Gracie Awards recognize programming created by, for and about women in all media.

Carter starred as the titular female superhero in Wonder Woman, an adventure-drama series that aired on ABC and later CBS from 1975-1979.

In the 2000s she guest starred on television shows including Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, Smallville and Two and a Half Men.

Carter also appeared in the 2005 movie reboot of Dukes of Hazzard alongside Johnny Knoxville and Jessica Simpson, and she later lent her voice to video games like The Elder Scrolls series and Fallout 4.

Aside from acting, Carter devoted herself to singing, beauty pageants and charity work.

“Lynda is the definition of a trailblazer as she has paved the way for women in media, carrying a national television show as Wonder Woman, and producing and starring in five highly rated network television specials,” Kristen Welch, the senior VP of global content operations at Discovery Communications, said in a statement. “Her success on screen, on the music charts and on stage showcase her talent and drive to break down barriers.”

Carter, along with this year’s other national honorees, will be recognized in a May 24 ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire. Local, public and student Gracie Award winners will be honored at the Gracies Luncheon on June 21 at Cipriani in New York City.

Pitbull Developing Two Reality Shows with The Weinstein Company

Posted on October 28, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Pitbull is about to get real with The Weinstein Company.

The 33-year-old Cuban American rap superstar has been tapped by The Weinstein Company to be the catalyst for two reality television series.

The first is called Pitbull: The Lyfe. It will focus on the “Timber” singer’s world tour, recording sessions, and his life behind the scenes.

The second series is The REAL Change Project, in which Pitbull teams with public figures like Michelle Obama, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, Kobe Bryant and others as they look back at obstacles they overcame in their formative years and the mentors who helped them succeed.

That series will include live performances with the aim of raising money for school teachers and educators around the globe.

itbull joins a long list of music stars who’ve lived their lives onscreen, including Ozzy Osbourne, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, Snoop Dogg, Bret Michaels, T.I., and Russell Simmons.

Pitbull has seen his songs reach No. 1 in 15 countries, and his signature tunes are I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho), the Kesha duet Timber and Give Me Everything, the latter with Neyo.

Pitbull, currently on a North American arena tour with Enrique Iglesias, has geared his career toward global appeal. That includes performing the World Cup anthem We Are One (Ole Ola) with Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte, and expanding his brand with lines of vodka, clothing and fragrances. He’ll also host the American Music Awards for the second time and through his Honey I’m Home banner, he’ll host a New Year’s Eve special on Fox.

“Our television division at TWC has made an incredible name for itself in creating fresh and entertaining unscripted programming. Partnering with Pitbull, one of the biggest names in music today, on The REAL Change Project and The Lyfe is a phenomenal opportunity that we’re all very excited to get started on,” said TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein.

Aguirre Earns Praise for Makeup-Less Barbie Image

Posted on July 10, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Eddi Aguirre has Barbie seeing red… Red, blotchy skin, that is!

The Mexican graphic designer has created a mock up of a makeup-less Barbie to prove “nobody is perfect.”

Aguirre created a sketch of what Barbie would look like without her signature makeup as part of a special feature for a magazine. In the sketch, Aguirre depicts a Barbie with freckles, bags over and under her eyes, frizzy hair, shiny skin and braces.

The designer uploaded the project to his online portfolio with the following description:

“An image used in a special makeup feature for the new magazine shows Barbie before and after makeup (nobody is perfect).”

Over the past couple of years there has been a growing initiative to showcase natural beauty.

In 2010 Marie Claire magazine had a spread with a makeup-less Jessica Simpson and last week, Mariah Carey joined the many celebrities who have tweeted makeup-free photos of themselves.

The image of Barbie’s au naturel look has been dubbed refreshing as it reminds people the doll is an unrealistic role model for young girls.

Lochte to Star in His Own E! Reality Television Show

Posted on January 7, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Ryan Lochte isn’t getting an E! True Hollywood Story… No, he’s getting a real Hollywood story on E!

The 28-year-old Olympic swimming star, who won five medals at the 2012 London Games, will star in his own reality show on E!.

The network has ordered six episodes of What Would Ryan Lochte Do, which will take viewers “inside the unpredictable and offbeat life of the 2012 London Olympic Games’ breakout star.” The show will follow Lochte as he searches for the “right gal” and continues his training regimen.

During E!’s TV critics press tour panel in Pasadena, a sneak preview of the show was screened for reporters. Lochte came off a little dense, like a male version of Jessica Simpson.

“I don’t even know what is a douchebag,” said the swimmer, who’s been called America’s Sexiest Douchebag. “I don’t even know what it means.”

“How many people fall in love with the smartest guy in the class? They fall for the fastest swimmer,” E! President Suzanne Kolb told EW.

The show represents a slight a departure from E!’s traditional television fare; the network typically features shows starring females. Although, Lochte – who was featured in People’s Sexiest Man Alive issue – has no shortage of female appeal.

“He is an incredibly endearing personality who is sexy, entertaining and fun,” Kolb noted in a statement. “Watching this show, I believe people will fall into three categories: they want to be him, sleep with him or mother him.”

E! promises the show, which debuts in April, will feature plenty of “Lochteisms,” such as his “Jeah” catchphrase and this quote: “I always pee in a pool. Doesn’t everyone?”

Richie’s “Fashion Star” Returning to NBC in March…

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Nicole Richie will have a standing date with the peacock network on Fridays beginning in March…

NBC has scheduled the second season of its reality competition series Fashion Star, featuring the 31-year-old part-Mexican reality-TV-star as a celebrity mentor, for a March 8 premiere and a run in the network’s Friday 8:00 pm ET time period.

The premiere of Fashion Star will lead into the spring return of Grimm at 9:00 pm ET after the show’s two-month hiatus.

NBC had previously left the Friday 8:00 pm slot open in its recent midseason announcements despite speculation that Fashion Star would fill the hour.

Fashion Star‘s first season ran on Tuesday nights. The retail chains who’ve partnered with the show this season are returning giants Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as Express, who will be replacing H&M.

Along with Richie, Jessica Simpson and John Varvatos are returning as celebrity mentors, while fashion columnist and television personality Louise Roe will be replacing creator/executive producer Elle Macpherson as host.

Richie’s “Fashion Star” Returning to NBC

Posted on May 12, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

It looks like Nicole Richie has the magic touch, especially when it comes to reality shows…

The 30-year-old part-Mexican reality-TV-star-turned-style-icon—who rose to fame after starring in Fox’s reality series The Simple Life—will be returning to NBC for a second cycle of Fashion Star.

The network has renewed the freshman reality after its midseason run generated modest but steady ratings.

The series follows designers competing for a chance to sell their garments in three retailers—Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, H&M—with each vendor having a presence at the buyers’ table. Each episodes’ winning designs are available online and in retailers immediately following their air date.

Richie, Jessica Simpson and John Varvatos serve as mentors and judges, with Elle Macpherson playing both host and executive producers.

Fashion Star premiered in March to 4.55 million total viewers and a 1.6 rating among adults 18-49. It grew to a 1.8 in its second week, though subsequent airings have found it averaging closer to a 1.5.

Romo: First-Time Father

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

There’s a new(born) Cowboy in Dallas…

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and his wife Candice Crawford welcomed their first child on Monday, according to People.

“Hawkins Crawford Romo is now a part of the Dallas Cowboys family,” a Cowboys spokesperson said in a statement. “All is well with mom.”

Hawkins weighed in at 8 pounds, 8 ounces.

The 31-year-old Mexican American football star and Crawford—the 25-year-old younger sister of Gossip Girl’s Chace Crawford married last May after dating for nearly a year and a half.

Romo was previously linked to Jessica Simpson and Carrie Underwood.

Richie to Launch Collection for QVC This Week…

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

In less than a week, Nicole Richie will expand her fashion empire and make her QVC debut…

The 30-year-old part-Mexican reality-TV-star-turned-style-icon will be hitting the airwaves on the home shopping network to promote her latest fashion venture, Nicole Richie Collection by QVC.

On February 24, Richie—who will serve as a mentor on NBC’s Fashion Star reality competition series with Jessica Simpson—will make her QVC debut at 9:00 pm ET to showcase her collection of clothes and handbags.

The live show will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel L.A. in Beverly Hills. Then, in August she’ll return for another hour-long special on the network.

The Nicole Richie Collection by QVC will include items inspired by her own signature boho-chic style, including maxi dresses and blouses. The price point for the pieces runs from $75 to $257.

This is Richie’s third fashion line. Richie launched her accessories line House of Harlow 1950 in 2008 and her womenswear line Winter Kate in 2010.

Meanwhile, Richie’s Fashion Star series will premiere in March on NBC.

Richie’s “Fashion Star” to Shine Bright in Asia…

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Nicole Richie’s latest project could help make her an even bigger name in Asia…

The 30-year-old part-Mexican television-personality-turned-fashion-designer will serve as a mentor on the fashion competition series Fashion Star, which will premiere across 20 countries in Asia on DIVA Universal following its bow on NBC in mid-March.

“The Fashion Star format is one-of-a-kind in reality fashion entertainment and an exciting addition to DIVA Universal’s strong line-up of new shows this year,” said David Gunson , Universal Networks International’s VP Channels, South East Asia. “Fashion Star will greatly appeal to DIVA Universal’s female audience with its fresh format and high entertainment values.”

Along with Richie, the Elle Macpherson-hosted series will feature Jessica Simpson and John Varvatos as mentors to 14 unknown designers, each competing to win the show’s prize: $6 million worth of orders for clothing lines in H&M, Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Each episode of Fashion Star will feature a runway show complete with musical performances, dancers and models shot in front of a live studio audience. The contestants will be faced with a weekly challenge. Immediately following the episode, the winning designs will be available on the Web and in U.S. stores.

“Fashion Star brings together top undiscovered designers, celebrity mentors and influential retailers in an exciting, new television format that the world has never seen before,” said John Pollak, Electus International’s President. “With this new series, audiences will finally have the opportunity, not only to watch, but to actively participate in building the world’s next major fashion brand.”

The 10-episode unscripted series will premiere on NBC on March 13th.

Iglesias’ Texas Thanksgiving Plans Revealed…

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Iglesias will be spending the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday in the Lone Star State…

The 36-year-old Spanish heart-throb will perform at this year’s Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game to kick off the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign.

The “I Like It” singer announced his upcoming performance during a recent tour stop at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

“This is a great opportunity – to spend Thanksgiving in Dallas where music, football and helping others truly comes together,” says Iglesias. “The Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army have a great partnership—throw in some great music and I know we can get viewers dancing and encourage donors to give generously.”

The campaign has raised $1.4 billion—including a record $142 million last year—since the partnership with the Cowboys began 15 years ago. This will be the 120th anniversary of the organization’s iconic Red Kettle Campaign.

The halftime extravaganza has become almost as big of a tradition as the holiday game itself. Previous performers include Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Destiny’s Child, Jessica Simpson and Reba McEntire.

“We are more than excited to have superstar artist Enrique Iglesias kickoff the Red Kettle Campaign,” says Charlotte Jones Anderson, Dallas Cowboys’ executive vice president of brand management and Chairperson of The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board. “We know he will put on a halftime performance that will commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Cowboys partnership with The Salvation Army in style.”

To commemorate his participation in this year’s halftime show, America’s Team leaders presented Iglesias with a Cowboys #67 jersey in honor of the 67 No. 1 spots he’s held on the Billboard charts.

As part of the kickoff, fans of Iglesias and the Cowboys can be entered to win a trip for two to the Thanksgiving Day game by signing up to host an Online Red Kettle. In addition, supporters can make a $10 donation to the Red Kettle Campaign by texting the word “GIVE” to 80888.

The Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game against the Miami Dolphins will take place on November 24 at 4:15 pm ET at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. The game will be broadcast live on CBS.

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