J Balvin Returns to Longtime Agency William Morris Endeavor

Posted on September 5, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin is back with a familiar team…

The 37-year-old Colombian singer, known as the Prince of Reggaeton, has returned to his longtime agency William Morris Endeavor (WME).

The move follows a short stint with United Talent Agency (UTA) that started in May. No reason was given for his departure from or return to WME.

Balvin left WME for UTA in May after postponing his 25-date José tour. The move was surprising considering Balvin’s long and storied history with the agency. WME began booking Balvin when he still an emerging artist, and the agency played an integral role in his global touring and branding, securing early placements for him in major festivals.

UTA never formally announced its deal with Balvin, but the agency has been growing its Latin roster and currently represents several high-profile Latin stars. Bad Bunny, Balvin’s Universal Music labelmate Karol G and Brazilian powerhouse Anitta are all currently on UTA’s roster.

Balvin has grossed more than $20 million and sold over 300,000 tickets, according to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore. All six of the Colombian star’s full-length studio albums — including the collaborative Oasis album with Bad Bunny — have reached the top 10 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart, with four of them hitting No. 1. He’s charted 93 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, including 35 top 10s and nine No. 1s. In every year from 2014 through 2021, he’s finished as one of the year’s top 10 artists on Billboard’s annual year-end Top Latin Artists chart.

Other WME Latin acts include Nicky Jam, Juanes, Ozuna and Shakira.

Balvin continues to be managed by longtime manager Fabio Acosta along with Scooter Braun’s SB Projects.

Enrique Martínez Celaya Signs with United Talent Agency (UTA)

Posted on April 12, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Martínez Celaya is ready to expand his footprint globally…

The 57-year-old Cuban-born painter, sculptor, author and former scientist has signed with United Talent Agency (UTA) in all areas.

The agency will work with Martínez Celaya across several mediums, including film, fashion, architecture, and the publication of his first fiction novel with plans to adapt the novel for film.

The signing follows a recent marathon of critically acclaimed solo exhibitions around the world, including an exhibition at UTA Artist Space’s Beverly Hills location in February 2022. This was Martínez Celaya’s first project with UTA.

Up next, the artist will give a public lecture at the UTA Theater about his work and upcoming projects.

“Since my teens, I have been working across disciplines and cultures, and I am very excited to partner with UTA at this stage in my career to develop innovative, memorable projects in film, writing, fashion, architecture, and anything else that is inspiring and visionary. I am grateful to everyone who has believed in me over the years, and I look forward to what’s ahead,” said Martínez Celaya in a statement.

“Enrique is one of those once-in-a-generation talents who, once you realize what they are capable of, all you want to do is give them the space to grow. Already a brilliant mind in the world of physics and writing, he has proven himself an artist of immense scope and ability with his ambitious run of solo exhibitions this year. It only makes sense that UTA encourage and nurture his unique abilities, and I am elated to be helping usher in an age of deserved recognition for him,” said Arthur Lewis, UTA Partner & Fine Arts Creative Director.

Martínez Celaya’s work is held in over 50 museum collections, and he has received numerous international awards.

His first short film, The Master, was a feature of the 2011 edition of Art Basel in Miami Beach and was acquired by the State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia.

Luis Gerardo Méndez Signs with United Talent Agency (UTA)

Posted on March 24, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Luis Gerardo Méndez has new representation…

United Talent Agency (UTA) has signed the 40-year-old Mexican actor and producer, one of Mexico’s biggest stars, for representation in all areas.

Méndez is an actor, writer and producer best known for exec producing and starring in Netflix’s first Spanish-language original comedy series, Club de Cuervos.

He most recently appeared in the third season of Netflix’s Narcos: Mexico, as well as in Los Enviados for Paramount+, where he’s currently under a first-look producing deal for Spanish-language projects.

Méndez will next be seen in a starring role in the Netflix limited series, Belascoaran, and in Netflix’s Me Time, with Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg, which is slated to premiere later this year.

He will soon begin filming the Peacock limited series, The Resort, which was written and will be directed by Andy Siara.

The actor made his entrance into the U.S. feature marketplace opposite Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston in the Netflix original film Murder Mystery, which was the streamer’s most-watched original feature at the time of its release.

He was also previously seen in Sony’s Charlie’s Angels opposite Kristen Stewart, and executive produced and starred in Half Brothers for Universal and Focus Features, with that project marking his first English-speaking starring role.

In Mexico, he has starred in several successful features, including Cantinflas and Nosotros Los Nobles, the latter of which is the second most successful film of all time at the Mexican box office.

In addition to his television and feature roles, the actor has also appeared in the Mexico City stage play Privacidad, which he produced alongside Diego Luna, and starred in several international campaigns for global companies such as Verizon, Pepsi and Toyota.

Keyla Monterroso Mejia Signs with United Talent Agency (UTA)

Posted on January 20, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Keyla Monterroso Mejia has new representation.

The Guatemalan and Mexican American actress and Curb Your Enthusiasm star has signed with United Talent Agency (UTA).

Monterroso Mejia rose to acclaim as Maria Sofia Estrada, a short-order cook turned actress, on the 11th season of the Larry David comedy.

Although Maria Sofia’s acting skills leave much to be desired, it’s her dance moves and hilarious banter with Cheryl Hines (and tussle with Ted Danson) that solidifies Monterroso Mejia’s status as an up-and-comer to watch.

She previously starred in the Disney+ short Growing Fangs and the HBO Max short The 90 Day Plan.

Up next, Monterroso Mejia will star as a series regular in Netflix’s On My Block spin-off, Freeridge.

Feid to Serve as Opening Act on Karol G’s Bichota Tour

Posted on September 27, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Feid is hittin’ the road with his Colombian compatriot…

The 29-year-old Colombian singer and songwriter will serve as the opening act for Karol G, as she hits the road for her first-ever U.S. headlining Bichota Tour, named after her unapologetic and empowering single.

“I was looking for an artist that I listen to a lot and that the exposure of my tour can also be a plus in their career,” Karol, who’s making the rounds with her single “Sejodioto,” tells Billboard in a statement. “Besides, I love the fact that he’s from my country and my city, Medellin! I want to show the world where we come from. I’m very grateful for Feid and his team for joining this wonderful experience that will start soon.”

Feid, a Latin Grammy-nominated artist, is currently making the rounds with his fourth studio album Inter Shibuya – La Mafia. He’s known for penning hits for J Balvin and collaborating with countless artists, including Maluma and Sech.

“For a lot of people, I’m still a new artist and I want to find my space in reggaeton,” he previously told Billboard. “I don’t try to be like any other artist. I feel that I have a certain flow that characterizes my music.”

Now, Feid will take his unique flow and edgy reggaeton on the monthlong Bichota tour, kicking off on October 20 in Denver’s Mission Ballroom with pit stops in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Miami before wrapping up on November 27 in San Juan’s Coliseo de Puerto Rico.

“For me, it is going to be a huge door that is going to open. Ever since I began making music, for me, it is a dream to be able to tour in the USA and that Karol has given me the opportunity to accompany her by opening the shows is super important,” Feid tells Billboard. “I am very grateful to her and her entire team for the great opportunity they are giving me. We are preparing a very special show for this occasion and we are already dreaming of our own tour.”

Bichota Tour — where Karol will perform hits off of her most recent album, KG0516 – is produced by AEG Presents, and booked by UTA.

Manolo Cardona Signs with United Talent Agency (UTA)

Posted on June 21, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Manolo Cardona has new representation…

The 44-year-old Colombian actor, the star of Netflix’s acclaimed series Who Killed Sara?, has signed with United Talent Agency (UTA).

The Hollywood agency will represent Cardona in all areas, including his on screen roles and his Mexican production company 11-11.

Cardona plays lead Alex Guzmán in the Mexican mystery thriller, known locally as ¿Quién mató a Sara?, which recently aired its second season and is expected to return for a third season.

In the series, which is one of the streamer’s most successful non-English language dramas, Cardona plays Guzmán, who after spending 18 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, is hellbent on finding out who killed his sister Sara and getting revenge on the Lazcano family who wronged him.

He’s also set to star in Apple TV+ drama series Now and Then opposite Marina de Tavira.

Previously, he starred in Netflix’s Narcos, Mexican drama Maria Magdalena and Colombian series 2091.

Cardona owns, with his brother, Mexican television and film production company 11-11 and UTA will help amplify the company’s presence in the U.S. market.

Karol G Embarking on First-Ever U.S. Headlining Tour This Fall

Posted on June 14, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Karol G is heading north of the border…

The 30-year-old Colombian singer is preparing to embark on her first-ever U.S. headlining tour this fall, saying they are the “most exciting shows” of her entire career.

Called “Bichota Tour,” after her unapologetic and empowering single, Karol G kicks off her month-long tour on October 20 in Denver’s Mission Ballroom. She’ll make pit stops in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Miami before wrapping up on November 27 in San Juan’s Coliseo de Puerto Rico.

“It’s a dream for me to be able to return to the stage after everything stopped in 2020,” the Colombian superstar expressed in a statement. “I was very excited to know that I’ll be able to share my music again live with all my fans. Having the opportunity to be face to face with them is the best news I have received this year. After seeing how my fans received my new album, I am looking forward to being on stage performing and singing along with them. My fans are going to experience the most exciting shows of my entire career. Thank you to the Smirnoff family for joining me on this tour.”

“Bichota Tour” — where Karol G will perform hits off of her most recent album, KG0516 — is presented by Smirnoff, produced by AEG Presents, and booked by UTA.

Tickets will go on sale at 10 am local time on Friday, June 18, via karolgmusic.com. VIP Packages, offering exclusive seats, meet & greet, photo opportunity, autographed memorabilia, and merchandise, to name a few, will be available for each show.

Here are the full tour dates:

October 27 — Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom
October 29 — El Paso, TX @ El Paso County Coliseum
October 30 — Mesa, AZ @ Mesa Amphitheatre
October 31 — San Diego, CA @ San Diego Civic Theatre
November 1 — San Jose, CA @ San Jose Civic
November 3 — Sacramento, CA @ Memorial Auditorium
November 4 — Los Angeles, CA @ Microsoft Theater
November 6 — Las Vegas, NV @ The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
November 9 — Hidalgo, TX @ Payne Arena
November 10 — Sugar Land, TX @ Smart Financial Center at Sugar Land
November 11 — Grand Prairie, TX @ Texas Trust CU Theater at Grand Prairie
November 13 — Rosemont, IL @ Rosemont Theatre
November 15 — Boston, MA @ Boch Center Wang Theatre
November 17 — Philadelphia, PA @ Franklin Music Hall
November 18 — New York, NY @ United Palace
November 20 — Washington, DC @ DAR Constitution Hall
November 22 — Charlotte, NC @ Ovens Auditorium
November 23 — Atlanta, GA @ The Eastern
November 24 — Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live
November 26 — Miami, FL @ FTX Arena
November 27 — San Juan, PR @ Coliseo de Puerto Rico

Mariah Carey Leaves Roc Nation for Management Representation with Range Media Partners

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Mariah Carey is expanding her range…

The 52-year-old half-Venezuelan Grammy-winning singer/songwriter has departed Roc Nation and partnered with Range Media Partners for management.

Carey will work with Melissa Ruderman, her former rep at Roc Nation who joined Range Media in January.

Carey’s move to Range Media follows a report in U.K. tabloid The Sun that the singer and Roc Nation founder Jay-Z fell out following an “explosive meeting.”

Carey, who signed with Roc Nation in November 2017, subsequently set out to quell the rumor by tweeting, “The only ‘explosive’ situation I’d ever ‘get into’ with Hov is a creative tangent, such as our #1 song ‘Heartbreaker.’”

Ruderman and Carey’s relationship goes back over 15 years, when Ruderman worked for manager Benny Medina and handled day-to-day management for Carey during the release cycle for her 2005 album The Emancipation of Mimi.

During her five-year stint at Roc Nation, Ruderman helped execute several major deals for Carey, including two consecutive residencies at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, a TV deal with Apple and a publishing contract that led to the publication of the New York Times-bestselling memoir The Meaning of Mariah Carey.

Carey has had a long list of managers over the years. Before signing with Roc Nation, she was with Stella Bulochnikov and, before that, Kevin Liles, with whom she signed in 2014 following the dissolution of her management relationship with longtime collaborator Jermaine Dupri. At various points earlier in her career, Carey was managed by ex-husband Tommy Mottola, Randy Jackson and Red Light Management.

Range Media Partners was launched in Sept. 2020 by former Entertainment One chief strategy officer Peter Micelli and a coalition of former CAA, WME and UTA agents.

United Talent Agency (UTA) Signs Jessica Alba

Posted on February 18, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Jessica Alba has new representation…

United Talent Agency (UTA) has signed the 39-year-old half-Mexican American actress, entrepreneur, and best-selling author.

Alba has made more than 25 feature films, earning a combined box office total of over $800 million. After breaking out in James Cameron’s Fox series Dark Angel, she went on to star in Fox/Marvel’s Fantastic Four.

Her features also include Valentine’s Day, Robert Rodriguez’s Machete and Machete Kills, Little Fockers, The Love Guru, Into the Blue, Spy Kids 4-D as well as Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.

Recently, Alba has starred and executive produced the action drama L.A.’s Finest. Up next, she will host and produce a docuseries, Parents Without Borders, for Disney+ and she will star in and executive produce the Netflix action thriller Trigger Warning.

In 2011, Alba founded The Honest Company, a mission-driven company dedicated to inspiring everyone to love living consciously through its clean, sustainable, effective and thoughtfully designed baby, personal care, household and beauty products. The Honest Company is committed to ensuring all families have access to basic necessities and the latest health information for safe growth and development—a commitment reflected in its ongoing partnership with nonprofit organizations like Baby2Baby. Since its inception, The Honest Company has donated over 25 million products and over 18,500 employee participation hours through its Honest to Goodness program.

Alba’s first book The Honest Life is a bestselling how-to handbook based on her mission to create a natural, authentic, and non-toxic life for her family.

Among her awards, she has received the March of Dimes Grace Kelly Award, the Entertainment Media Association’s Green Parent Award, and the Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Center Champion for Children Award.

Eva Noblezada Signs with United Talent Agency (UTA)

Posted on October 10, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Eva Noblezada has new representation…

United Talent Agency (UTA) has signed the 24-year-old half-Mexican American actress and Broadway star in all areas.

Noblezada can be seen starring in Sony’s musical drama, Yellow Rose, marking her feature film debut. The project was theatrically released worldwide onFriday. She plays the titular role of ‘Rose,’ a Filipino teen from a small Texas town who, while facing the threat of deportation, continues to fight for her dream as a country music star.

On Broadway, she made her debut as the title role in the revival of Miss Saigon, which earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical.

She also starred in Hadestown, which made her one of just a handful of actors to receive Tony nominations for their first two Broadway roles.

She received a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album for her work on the show.

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