Ochoa to Star in the CW’s Military Drama/Conspiracy Thriller Pilot “Valor”

It’s a special show of Valor for Christina Ochoa.

The 32-year-old Spanish actress will star opposite Matt Barr in Valor, the CW’s serialized military drama/conspiracy thriller pilot written by writer-musician Kyle Jarrow and directed by Michael Robin.

Christina Ochoa

In Valor, the boundaries between military discipline and human desire are tested on a U.S. Army base that houses an elite unit of helicopter pilots trained to perform clandestine international and domestic missions.

The project centers on chopper pilots Nora (Ochoa) and Gallo (Barr) who, after a botched mission in Somalia leaves a pair of American servicemen in enemy hands, train for a rescue operation and only they share a very large secret from the initial operation — a secret that must never come to the attention of the Army.

Ochoa’s Nora is an intense and driven junior Army pilot who is a member of the Night Raiders special ops unit. Partnered with the more experienced Gallo, together they fly choppers in and out of the hottest hot spots in the world.

Ochoa plays Renn Randall on TNT’s Animal Kingdom and also stars in Syfy’s new grindhouse cinema-inspired drama series Blood Drive, which premieres this summer.

Alonso to Star in ABC’s Drama Pilot “Las Reinas”

Daniella Alonso is taking the throne…

The 38-year-old Puerto Rican and Peruvian American actress has landed the lead role in ABC’s drama pilot Las Reinas.

Daniella Alonso

(Animal Kingdom) has been cast as the lead in Las Reinas, ABC’s drama pilot from feature writer Dean Georgaris, ABC Studios and the Mark Gordon Co.

Las Reinas centers on Detective Sonya De La Reina (Alonso) who is forced to confront her past when a case compels her to reconnect with her estranged family – the most powerful criminal outfit in Miami. Thrust back into the world she thought she had left behind, Sonya must walk the murky line between the law and her family, and question her true destiny as a De La Reina. Sonia Braga co-stars.

From feature writer Dean Georgaris, who penned the script, the pilot will be directed by Liz Friedlander,

Alonso, who starred on the NBC drama series Revolution, is coming off a season-long stint as a series regular on TNT’s dramas Animal Kingdom. She also recently recurred on The Night Shift and Being Mary Jane.

Jaramillo to Star in FX’s “Sons of Anarchy” Spinoff Pilot “Mayans MC”

It’s a ride or die moment for Antonio Jaramillo.

The Latino actor will co-star opposite JD Pardo in Mayans MC, the Sons of Anarchy spinoff pilot for FX from Kurt Sutter.

Antonio Jaramillo

Set in the aftermath of Jax Teller’s death at the end of SOA’s seven-season run in 2014, Mayans MC will focus on the struggles of Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes (Pardo), a prospect in the Mayan MC charter on the California/Mexico border. EZ is the gifted son of a proud Latino family, whose American dream was snuffed out by cartel violence. Now, his need for vengeance drives him toward a life he never intended and can never escape.

Jaramillo will play Michael “Riz” Ariza, Vice President of the Mayans MC Santo Padre and former leader of a local Mexican MC that was patched over by the Mayans. He uses his even-tempered charm to mask his mistrust and lingering resentment.

In addition to Pardo, Jaramillo joins previously cast Edward James Olmos, John Ortiz and Clayton Cardenas.

Mayans MC was co-created by Sutter and Elgin James. Sutter is set to executive produce and direct the pilot; James is co-executive producer for Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions.

Jaramillo recurred as Jennifer Lopez’s ex on the first season of NBC’s Shades of Blue and also recurred on TNT’s Dallas reboot. In features, he co-starred opposite Demián Bichir in Oliver Stone’s Savages.

Meraz to Star in WGN America’s Drama Pilot “Scalped”

Alex Meraz has some reservations about his new role…

The 32-year-old Mexican actor, dancer and martial artist has been cast as one of the leads in WGN America’s drama pilot Scalped.

Alex Meraz

The project, featuring a predominantly Native American cast, was written by Doug Jung based on the DC graphic novel series written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by R.M. Guéra.

A modern-day crime story set in the world of a Native American reservation, Scalped explores power, loyalty and spirituality in a community led by the ambitious Chief Lincoln Red Crow as he reckons with Dashiell Bad Horse (Meraz), who has returned home after years away from the reservation. The Native American casting will be a first for a television series in recent history.

Meraz’s Dashiell was exiled from the Rez by his mother at age 13 and returns home after 15 years as a criminal with a mysterious agenda. His return sets him on a violent path of self-discovery about his place on the Rez and on a collision course with both his estranged mother and Red Crow.

The former Twilight star, of the Purepecha (Tarasco) First Nation of Michoacan, Mexico, most recently was seen in Warner Bros.’ Suicide Squad for director David Ayer. He reunited with Ayer and Suicide Squad star Will Smith for the upcoming Netflix original film Bright and also has a heavily recurring role on TNT’s Animal Kingdom. Other upcoming projects include the feature films Last Man Stands and Tranzloco.

Pitbull to Perform as Part of TNT’s “Road Show” During NBA All-Star Weekend

Pitbull is ready for a star-filled night…

TNT will bring its “Road Show” to the NBA All-Star weekend, featuring a performance from the 36-year-old Cuban American rap superstar to get the party started.

Pitbull

The network has announced that the 70,000 square-foot hub is coming to New Orleans and will be located near Smoothie King Center, where the All-Star game will be played on Sunday, February 19.

The wildly popular Inside The NBA studio show with Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal will broadcast live from there.

Pitbull will put on a free show after the All-Star Saturday night competitions, including the slam dunk contest, take place.

There will also be interactive experiences for the fans, basketball clinics and merchandise for sale. The “Road Show” will be setup on Thursday, February 16 and run through the weekend.

TNT Renews Botto’s “Good Behavior” for a Second Season

Juan Diego Botto is preparing for another year of good behavior.

TNT has renewed Good Behavior, starring the 41-year-old Argentine-Spanish actor, for a second season.

Juan Diego Botto

Based on the Letty Dobesh books by Blake Crouch, the drama stars Michelle Dockery as Letty, a thief and con artist fresh out of prison trying to stay afloat and reunite with her young son.

Crouch executive produces with Chad Hodge, who serves as showrunner, Marty Adelstein (Prison Break) and Becky Clements (Last Man Standing) of ITV‘s Tomorrow Studios.

“Fueled by unsinkable characters on a dangerous search for belonging, love and family, Good Behavior is addictive television,” said TNT executive vice president of original programming Sarah Aubrey. “Millions of viewers have fallen hard for this sexy, complicated couple, and in season two, Letty and Javier will give us plenty more to obsess about.”

Coming in just below other TNT original dramas, at least in traditional measurements, Good Behavior typically earns around 1.5 million viewers once live-plus-3 lifts are factored in. However, as it has with its other young dramas, TNT made sure to tout multiplatform viewing for Good Behavior in its pickup announcement Saturday. According to the cabler, Good Behavior has reached an average of 4.4 million viewers per episode across TNT’s digital and mobile platforms.

It’s Botto’s first starring role in American television.

Nicky Jam Receives Four iHeartRadio Music Award Nominations

Nicky Jam is getting some much deserved radio recognition…

The 35-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American singer-songwriter received four iHeartRadio Music Award nominations, including one in a non-Latin category.

Nicky Jam

Nicky Jam, the most-nominated Latino artist, is up for Latin Artist of the Year, where he’ll face off against Enrique Iglesias, J Balvin, Prince Royce and Yandel.

The Latin Grammy winner also received two nominations in the Latin Song of the Year category for his recent collaborations: Mana’s remake of “De Pies A Cabeza” and Reik’s “Ya Me Enteré.”

But Nicky Jam’s biggest nod comes in the Best Music Video category for his popular “Hasta El Amanecer” clip. He’s up against the likes of Justin Timberlake, The Chainsmokers, Beyonce, Coldplay, ZAYN, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna.

Meanwhile, Selena Gomez is the most-nominated Latina artist with two nods. She’s up for Female Artist of the Year and Best Fan Army for her avid followers, the Selenators.

Fifth Harmony, featuring Latina singers Ally Brooke Hernandez, Lauren Jauregui and Camila Cabello, who recently left the group, earned three nods.

Bruno Mars was revealed as the event’s first announced performer. The part-Puerto Rican singer is also is nominated in the socially voted covers category for his rendition of Adele‘s “All I Ask.”

Other Latino nominees include Demi Lovato, Gerardo Ortiz, Sofia Reyes and CNCO.

The awards are intended to celebrate the music heard across iHeartMedia radio stations over the past year.

Voting for the fan army award began Tuesday through iHeartRadio’s social media accounts and its app, with all other categories now open, and runs through February 24, with the fan army award extending to the night of the event on March 5. Fans can vote by visiting iHeartRadio.com/awards.

The 2017 iHeartRadio Music Awards will air live from the Forum in Inglewood, California on March 5 at 8:00 pm EST on TBS, TNT and truTV.

Here’s the full list of nominees:

Song of the Year:

  • “Can’t Stop The Feeling” – Justin Timberlake
  • “Cheap Thrills” – Sia featuring Sean Paul
  • “Closer” – The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey
  • “One Dance” – Drake featuring Wizkid and Kyla
  • “Stressed Out” – twenty one pilots

Female Artist of the Year: 

  • Adele
  • Ariana Grande
  • Rihanna
  • Selena Gomez
  • Sia

Male Artist of the Year:  

  • Drake
  • Justin Bieber
  • Luke Bryan
  • Shawn Mendes
  • The Weeknd

Best Duo/Group of the Year: 

  • Coldplay
  • DNCE
  • Florida Georgia Line
  • The Chainsmokers
  • twenty one pilots

Alternative Rock Song of the Year:

  • “Bored to Death” – blink-182
  • “Dark Necessities” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • “Heathens” – twenty one pilots
  • “Ride” – twenty one pilots
  • “Trouble” – Cage The Elephant

 Alternative Rock Artist of the Year:

  • blink-182
  • Cage The Elephant
  • Coldplay
  • The Strumbellas
  • twenty one pilots

Rock Song of the Year:

  • “Bang Bang” – Green Day
  • “Dark Necessities” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • “Take Me Down” – The Pretty Reckless
  • “The Devil’s Bleeding Crown” – Volbeat
  • “The Sound Of Silence” – Disturbed

Rock Artist of the Year:

  • Disturbed
  • Five Finger Death Punch
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • Shinedown
  • Volbeat

Country Song of the Year:

  • “Church Bells” – Carrie Underwood
  • “Snapback” – Old Dominion
  • “Somewhere On A Beach” – Dierks Bentley
  • “T-Shirt” – Thomas Rhett
  • “You Should Be Here” – Cole Swindell

Country Artist of the Year:

  • Carrie Underwood
  • Jason Aldean
  • Keith Urban
  • Luke Bryan
  • Thomas Rhett

Dance Song of the Year:

  • “Closer” – The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey
  • “Cold Water” – Major Lazer featuring Justin Bieber and MØ
  • “Don’t Let Me Down” – The Chainsmokers featuring Daya
  • “I Took A Pill In Ibiza” – Mike Posner
  • “Let Me Love You” – DJ Snake featuring Justin Bieber

 Dance Artist of the Year: 

  • Calvin Harris
  • DJ Snake
  • Flume
  • Major Lazer
  • The Chainsmokers

 Hip-Hop Song of the Year: 

  • “All The Way Up” – Fat Joe and Remy Ma featuring French Montana and Infared
  • “Controlla” – Drake
  • “For Free” – DJ Khaled featuring Drake
  • “One Dance” – Drake featuring Wizkid and Kyla
  • “Panda” – Desiigner

Hip-Hop Artist of the Year:

  • Desiigner
  • DJ Khaled
  • Drake
  • Future
  • J. Cole

R&B Song of the Year:

  • “Exchange” – Bryson Tiller
  • “Needed Me” – Rihanna
  • “No Limit” – Usher featuring Young Thug
  • “Sorry” – Beyoncé
  • “Work” – Rihanna featuring Drake

 R&B Artist of the Year: 

  • Beyoncé
  • Bryson Tiller
  • Rihanna
  • The Weeknd
  • Usher

 Latin Song of the Year: 

  • “Ay Mi Dios” – IAmChino featuring Pitbull, Yandel and El Chacal
  • “De Pies A Cabeza” – Mana featuring Nicky Jam
  • “Duele El Corazon” – Enrique Iglesias featuring Wisin
  • “La Carretera” – Prince Royce
  • “Ya Me Enteré” – Reik featuring Nicky Jam

 Latin Artist of the Year: 

  • Enrique Iglesias
  • J Balvin
  • Nicky Jam
  • Prince Royce
  • Yandel

 Regional Mexican Song of the Year:

  • “Amor Del Bueno” – Calibre 50
  • “Cicatrices” – Regulo Caro
  • “Me Está Gustando” – Banda Los Recoditos
  • “¿Por Qué Terminamos?” – Gerardo Ortiz
  • “Solo Con Verte” – Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga

 Regional Mexican Artist of the Year: 

  • Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga
  • Banda Los Recoditos
  • Calibre 50
  • Gerardo Ortiz
  • Remmy Valenzuela

Best New Rock/Alternative Rock Artist: (New Category)

  • Foals
  • Kaleo
  • Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
  • Red Sun Rising
  • The Strumbellas 

Best New Country Artist: (New Category)

  • Chris Lane
  • Chris Stapleton
  • Granger Smith
  • Kelsea Ballerini
  • Maren Morris

Best New Hip-Hop Artist: (New Category)

  • Chance The Rapper
  • Desiigner
  • D.R.A.M.
  • Kent Jones
  • Kevin Gates

Best New Latin Artist: (New Category)

  • Carlos Rivera
  • Christian Daniel
  • CNCO
  • IAmChino
  • Sofia Reyes

Best New R&B Artist: (New Category)

  • Belly
  • Bryson Tiller
  • Dreezy
  • Kayla Brianna
  • Ro James

Best New Regional Mexican Artist: (New Category)

  • Adriel Favela
  • Banda Los Sebastianes
  • Cheyo Carrillo
  • Joss Favela
  • La Séptima Banda

Best New Pop Artist: (New Category)

  • Alessia Cara
  • Daya
  • Lukas Graham
  • The Chainsmokers
  • ZAYN

 Producer of the Year: (New Category)

  • Benny Blanco
  • Greg Kurstin
  • Max Martin
  • Mike Elizondo
  • The Chainsmokers 

Best Lyrics: *Socially Voted Category

  • “7 Years” – Lukas Graham
  • “Came Here to Forget” – Blake Shelton
  • “Cheap Thrills” – Sia featuring Sean Paul
  • “Closer” – The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey
  • “Heathens” – twenty one pilots
  • “Love Yourself” – Justin Bieber
  • “Scars To Your Beautiful” – Alessia Cara
  • “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” – Adele
  • “Too Good” – Drake featuring Rihanna
  • “You Should Be Here” – Cole Swindell

 Best Collaboration: *Socially Voted Category

  • “Cheap Thrills” – Sia featuring Sean Paul
  • “Closer” – The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey
  • “Don’t Let Me Down” – The Chainsmokers featuring Daya
  • “This Is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna
  • “Work” – Rihanna featuring Drake

Best Cover Song: *Socially Voted Category

  • “All I Ask” – Bruno Mars
  • “Ex’s and Oh’s” – Fifth Harmony
  • “Fast Car” – Justin Bieber
  • “Hands to Myself” – DNCE
  • “Here” – Shawn Mendes
  • “How Will I Know” – Ariana Grande
  • “Love on the Brain” – Kelly Clarkson
  • “Purple Rain” – Jennifer Hudson and the cast of The Color Purple
  • “Sound of Silence” – Disturbed
  • “Too Good” – Zara Larsson

Best Song from a Movie: *Socially Voted Category

  • “Can’t Stop the Feeling” – Justin Timberlake (Trolls)
  • “Falling for You” – Ellie Goulding (Bridget Jones’s Baby)
  • “Girls Talk Boys” – 5 Seconds of Summer (Ghostbusters)
  • “Heathens” – twenty one pilots (Suicide Squad)
  • “Just Like Fire” – P!nk (Alice Through the Looking Glass)

Best Music Video: (New Category) *Socially Voted Category

  • “Can’t Stop the Feeling” – Justin Timberlake
  • “Don’t Let Me Down” – The Chainsmokers featuring Daya
  • “Formation” – Beyoncé
  • “Hasta El Amanecer” – Nicky Jam
  • “Heathens” – twenty one pilots
  • “Hymn for the Weekend” – Coldplay
  • “I Took A Pill In Ibiza” – Mike Posner
  • “Pillowtalk” – ZAYN
  • “Side to Side” – Ariana Grande featuring Nicki Minaj
  • “This Is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna
  • “Work” – Rihanna featuring Drake
  • “Work From Home” – Fifth Harmony featuring Ty Dolla $ign

Best Underground Alternative Band: (New Category) *Socially Voted Category

  • Hey Violet
  • Pierce the Veil
  • PVRIS
  • Sleeping With Sirens
  • Tonight Alive

Social Star Award: (New Category) *Socially Voted Category

  • Alex Aiono from YouTube
  • Baby Ariel from Musical.ly
  • Emma McGann from YouNow
  • Hailey Knox from YouNow
  • Jack and Jack from Snapchat
  • Jacob Satorius from Musical.ly
  • Marcus Perez from Facebook
  • Steph Clavin from Instagram
  • Todrick Hall from YouTube
  • Xyego from Smule

Best Fan Army presented by Taco Bell: *Socially Voted Category

  • 5 Seconds of Summer – 5SOSFam
  • Ariana Grande – Arianators
  • Beyoncé – Beyhive
  • Britney Spears – Britney Army
  • Demi Lovato – Lovatics
  • Fifth Harmony – Harmonizers
  • Justin Bieber – Beliebers
  • Katy Perry – KatyCats
  • Lady Gaga – Little Monsters
  • Rihanna – Rihanna Navy
  • Selena Gomez – Selenators
  • Shawn Mendes – Mendes Army
  • twenty one pilots – #twentyonepilots

Murciano to Star in Netflix’s Fantasy Cop Thriller “Bright”

The future’s so bright for Enrique Murciano

The 43-year-old Cuban American actor has joined the cast of Netflix’s ambitious film Bright, directed by David Ayer.

Enrique Murciano

Will Smith, Joel Egerton and Noomi Rapace star along with Edgar Ramirez, Lucy Fry and Ike Barinholtz.

It’s a fantasy cop thriller set in a world where human and mythical creatures co-exist. Murciano plays Poison, the leader of a gang.

Production is underway on the Max Landis-scripted film.

Murciano was recently cast in Sony PicturesRock That Body, the R-rated female-driven comedy, which stars Scarlett Johansson.

That film, helmed by Lucia Aniello from a script she co-wrote with Paul W. Downs, hits theaters June 23.

On the television side, Murciano recently booked a lead role in TNT’s modern-day Civil War series Civil. Also, he’s had recurring roles on such shows as Starz’s Power and Netflix’s Bloodline.

Murciano to Star in Sony Pictures’ Comedy “Rock That Body”

Enrique Murciano has a new Body of work…

The 43-year-old Latino actor has joined the cast of Sony PicturesRock That Body, the R-rated comedy about a bachelorette party in Miami that goes wrong and ends with a male stripper dead.

Enrique Murciano

Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, Jillian Bell, Ilana Glazer and Zoe Kravitz star with Demi Moore, Ty Burrell, Dean Winters and Colton Haynes.

The film has a June 23 release date with Lucia Aniello direcing a script she co-wrote with Paul W. Downs.

Murciano starred on Netflix’s Bloodline series. He currently has roles on Starz’s Power and SundanceTV’s Hap and Leonard, also has New Line’s Will Smith starrer Collateral Beauty coming out this year and just finished shooting the TNT pilot Civil.

TNT Gives Alonso’s “Animal Kingdom” Early Second Season Renewal

Daniella Alonso’s kingdom isn’t going anywhere…

TNT has renewed Animal Kingdom, starring the 37-year-old Puerto Rican and Peruvian-American actress, for a second season.

Daniella Alonso

The series, which is produced by John Wells Productions in association with Warner Horizon Television, received an early 10-episode renewal for premiere in 2017.

Animal Kingdom is inspired by the feature film of the same name written and directed by David Michôd.

Animal Kingdom has signaled the new tone for TNT dramas and is moving the network in the direction we hoped it would,” said Sarah Aubrey, executive vice president of original programming for TNT. “I’m confident that our strategy of working with high-caliber talent and then getting out of their way will continue to pay off.”

In addition to Alonso, Animal Kingdom, which airs at 9:00 pm ET on Tuesdays, also stars Emmy and Tony winner Ellen Barkin, Scott Speedman, Shawn Hatosy, Ben Robson, Jake Weary, Finn Cole and Molly Gordon.