Christina Aguilera to Perform at This Sunday’s Ultimate Super Bowl LV After Party

Posted on February 1, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Christina Aguilera is ready to bowl you over…

The 40-year-old half-Ecuadorian American Grammy-winning singer will take part in the ultimate Super Bowl LV after party.

Aguilera joins a roster of performers that includes Alicia Keys, Brandi Carlile, Brittany Howard, Luke Bryan and more.

The Verizon Big Concert for Small Business will start a multi-year commitment to provide 1 million small businesses with resources they need to succeed by 2030. Verizon will also donate $10 million to the non-profit organization Local Initiatives Support Corp (LISC), which has been financially supporting businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fans can make a one-time donation of $10 to LISC by texting SMALLBIZ to 20222 as part of Verizon’s text-to-give campaign.

Additional performers include H.E.R. and Jazmine Sullivan, who will respectively sing “America the Beautiful” and the National Anthem (alongside Eric Church) during the CBS Kick-Off Show at 6:00 pm ET, as well as Miley Cyrus, who’s set to kick off the TikTok Tailgate pre-show at 2:30 p.m. ET on TikTok and CBS.

The Weeknd is the headline performer of the 2021 Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show. He recently unveiled an 18-song collection of his greatest hits called The Highlights before his highly anticipated performance, which fans can purchase here this Friday (February 5).

The Verizon Big Concert for Small Business will stream immediately after Super Bowl LV on Sunday, February 7 at 11:00 pm ET on Yahoo and Fios as well as Verizon’s Twitter, Twitch, YouTube and TikTok accounts.

Camila Cabello to Launch New Album “Romance” with Pop-Up Shop in LA

Posted on December 6, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Camila Cabello is bringing a little Romance to Los Angeles…

The 22-year-old Cuban & Mexican singer will celebrate the release of her highly-anticipated sophomore album, Romance, by hosting a pop-up shop in Los Angeles on December 6 and 7.

The Versailles-themed store, at 427 N. Fairfax Avenue, will allow Camilizers to delve into a multi-sensory world of romance, where they’ll listen to the brand new album, learn the meaning behind the songs and have access to exclusive merch.

Cabello will also be at the event herself, engaging in a livestreamed Q&A moderated by Billboard News personality Chelsea Briggs. Fans can begin tweeting their questions now by using the hashtag #VerizonUp, and a few will be selected for the conversation. Cabello’s partnership with Verizonkicked off earlier this fall with a private concert for members of Verizon’s rewards program Verizon Up.

Later that night on December 6, Cabello will take the stage at KISS FM‘s Jingle Ball, where there will be an interactive installation inspired by her new album for Jingle Ball ticketholders.

Cabello’s album will be released on Friday, December 6.

Verizon Renews Nick Gomez’s Horror-Comedy “Snatchers” for Two More Seasons

Posted on February 6, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Nick Gomez has snatched another two years of work…

Verizon has ordered seasons 2 and 3 of the hit teen horror-comedy Snatchers, starring the Latino actor.

Hailing from Warner Bros. Digital Studios’ Stage 13 brand for go90, the series, which premiered in June, will go into production for Season 2 in New Mexico and starts principal photography this week.

Created, written and executive produced by Stephen Cedars, Benji Kleiman and Scott Yacyshyn, Snatchers centers on Sara (Mary Nepi), a status-obsessed high school student who, in order to preserve her social standing, loses her virginity and surprisingly wakes up extremely pregnant — by an alien.

Season 2 picks up with Sara and Hayley (Gabrielle Elyse) in over their heads against the evolving alien threat. With Sara’s mom, Kate (JJ Nolan), in the clutches of the creatures, the girls have to enlist help from Skyler (Austin Fryberger), the alien baby-daddy himself.

Gomez, who portrays Oscar Ruiz, is part of the returning cast that includes Ashley Argota as Kiana.

Kleiman and Cedars direct.

Gomez’s previous credits include appearances on The Walking Dead, General Hospital, Longmire, Major Crimes, Drop Dead Diva and Nashville.

Sheila E. to Perform at Apollo Theater’s 2017 Spring Gala Fundraising Event

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Sheila E. is ready for a special show(time) at the Apollo…

The 59-year-old Mexican-American percussionist and singer will perform at the Apollo Theater’s 2017 Spring Gala on June 12.

Sheila E., best known for her career-defining song, “The Glamorous Life,” joins a lineup that includes CeeLo Green, Charlie Wilson and Wé McDonald of NBC’s The Voice.

Actor/comedian Cedric the Entertainer will host the 12th annual benefit, which is the legendary theater’s largest fundraising event.

In addition to the aforementioned musical performances, the Spring Gala will present two special awards. Peabody Award-winning director/producer Stan Lathan will receive the Trailblazer Award in recognition of his performing arts achievements, including television’s The Bernie Mac Show, Def Comedy Jam, Sanford & Son and, most recently, Dave Chappelle’s comedy special Deep in the Heart of Texas. This year’s Corporate Award will be given to Verizon on behalf of the company’s achievements in diversity, community leadership and innovation.

In a statement announcing the 2017 gala, Apollo Theater president/CEO Jonelle Procope said, “Since its inception, the Apollo Theater has been home to legendary and up-and-coming artists, serving as an ever-changing driving force in popular music and culture not only in Harlem [New York] but across the world.”

The 2016 Spring Gala raised $1.7 million. All gala proceeds support the non-profit organization’s year-round performing arts, education and community programming.

For tickets and additional information click here.

Lopez to Produce YouTube Channel About His Life for Awesomeness TV’s Awestruck Digital Network

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Mario Lopez is ready to leave you Awestruck…

The 42-year-old television host and actor is headed to YouTube after agreeing to a deal with Awesomeness TV’s Awestruck digital network.

Lopez, the co-host of Extra, will be tasked with creating programming about his family, his faith, his fitness and diet.

The channel will feature his wife Courtney Lopez and their children, Gia and Dominic, according to Variety.

“I’m so excited to launch my personal YouTube channel with Awestruck,” Lopez said in a statement. “Their focus on family and fun made them the perfect partner. And the fact that I get to include my family makes it that much better.”

Awestruck is a digital entertainment and lifestyle network aimed at millennial moms. It’s original short-form programming is distributed via YouTube, Facebook and Verizon’s go90 app.

Lopez will be joining the likes of Zoe Saldaña, Molly Sims, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi and Jennifer “Jwoww” Farley, who are other celebrities who have deals with the network.

“Mario is a perfect addition to the Awestruck community,” said Awestruck chief Sarah Penna in a statement. “Not only did moms like myself grow up watching him on TV, but he’s a great example of the multi-tasking parent of today.”

Dolce & Gabbana Outfitting Mars for His Upcoming World Tour

Posted on June 21, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Bruno Mars will be rockin’ some serious style during his upcoming world tour.

Italian designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana will outfit the 27-year-old part-Puerto Rican crooner for his Moonshine Jungle world tour.

Kicking off with a sold out show in Washington D.C. on June 22 and wrapping up in Auckland, New Zealand next March, Mars will tour the globe in a series of exclusively-designed black tuxedos and white button downs by the high-end Italian label better known as Dolce & Gabbana. Midway through each performance, concertgoers will see the Grammy-winning singer in a bright red suit and ocelot-printed shirt.

“Bruno’s style and music are so eclectic that oftentimes we have taken inspiration directly from his work to create looks that were at the same time in line with his very personal taste, as well as with the DNA of Dolce & Gabbana,” the designers said in an official statement. “With time, we have managed to establish with him a relationship of absolute faith in each other and mutual trust, that allows us to create and work together in an atmosphere of complete harmony.”

This isn’t the first time the duo — who have dressed everyone from Kate Moss to Amy Adams on the red carpet — have costumed a major music show.

In 1993 they outfitted Madonna‘s Girlie Show tour, a role they reprised for her 2000 Music tour — the same year they provided Mary J. Blige‘s stadium show costumes

Kylie Minogue‘s Fever tour followed suit in 2002, and Beyonce and Missy Elliott wore glittery wares by the label while performing in Verizon‘s Ladies First concert series in 2004.

Lopez to Launch Viva Movil, a Chain of Wireless Retail Stores

Posted on May 25, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Jennifer Lopez is expanding her empire to include telecommunications…

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican singer/actress, who recently released the music video for her latest collaboration with Pitbull “Live It Up,” has announced the upcoming launch of a chain of cellphone stores that will be an authorized reseller of Verizon products.

Lopez is the majority owner of Viva Movil, a project she began working on 18 months ago after Verizon reached out to her as part of its bid to target the Hispanic community, whose purchasing power is expected to grow to $1.5 trillion by 2015.

“It was an idea that excited me,” Lopez told Efe in an interview at an event in Las Vegas to announce plans to launch the wireless reseller.

Lopez said customers would be able to buy telephones, tablets and accessories via the getviva.com portal, directly on Facebook or at any of the 15 Viva Movil stores to be opened in New York, Los Angeles and Miami.

The “On The Floor” singer said the stores would cater to Hispanic customers, with a focus on the family.

“Latinos like to go shopping with the family and at our store there will be a kids play area. All the staff that work there will have to speak English and Spanish,” Lopez, who was involved in designing the stores and Viva Movil brand accessories such as smartphone cases, told Efe.

The first store will be opened at an undisclosed busy intersection in Manhattan on June 15.

Daddy Yankee Launches His Own Signature Tequila Line

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Next time you step up to the bar, you might just be tempted to say, “I’ll have what Daddy Yankee’s having.”

The 35-year-old Puerto Rican reggaetonero recently launched his own signature brand of tequila, El Cartel.

It’s the latest entrepreneurial endeavor for Daddy Yankee, who already has a line of luxury watches, high end headphones, a deal with Verizon and a partnership with exercise company Zumba.

“Without a doubt it will be the biggest deal of all and the numbers should be huge. Our aim is to establish El Cartel as not just another tequila but part of the club and party lifestyle,” Daddy Yankee recently told Billboard.com in an interview. “There are several songs where I mention the brand name and a lot of these party songs go hand in hand with the concept of Cartel Tequila.”

Daddy Yankee’s ultra premium tequila is made with estate grown agave tequilana, commonly referred to as blue agave, and was developed with help from agaveros in Jalisco, México. El Cartel is crafted using only the finest hand selected hearts of 100% Weber Blue Agave that have matured for at least nine years. The pinas are slow cooked in brick ovens and then distilled in the age-old traditions.

“There hasn’t been a new luxury Tequila since Patrón,” says former venture capitalist Mark Scialdone, who developed the line with Daddy Yankee. “Nothing else has that status and image.”

El Cartel Tequila claims to have created the first drink with gold and silver edible flakes that float in your glass, rather than sinking to the bottom.

Daddy Yankee and El Cartel Tequila have published details on Twitter about a special meet and greet event in South Beach next month to promote the line.

Rapace the Focus of Attention in Latest “Prometheus” Trailer

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Noomi Rapace rose to acclaim in the original Girl with a Dragon Tattoo movies; and she successfully crossed over into English-language films with Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows… And if the latest clip for Prometheus is any indication, she will be riveting audiences in her next blockbuster.

20th Century Fox and Verizon unleashed a brand new clip called “Quiet Eye,” which focuses on the 32-year-old half-Spanish actress’ character Dr. Elizabeth Shaw. It shows her sending a message to Guy Pearce‘s Peter Weyland of Weyland Industries.

As Shaw is imploring Weyland to help finance her research in uncovering humanity’s origins, the fictional company from the Alien series monitors her call. It can also be seen how the company’s software is analyzing the scientist’s face as she delivers her heartfelt plea.

Prior to the release of Rapace’s viral video, two other viral videos have been put out earlier as part of the movie’s ad campaign. One features the introduction of Michael Fassbender‘s David 8 android, while the other one shows Peter Weyland promoting a world change through his company during a TED Conference in 2023.

Directed by Ridley Scott, Prometheus follows a team of explorers as they discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth that leads them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they find out that they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

In addition to Rapace, Pearce and Fassbender, this sci-fi thriller stars Charlize Theron, Idris Elba and Logan Marshall-Green among the cast ensemble.

Prometheus is slated to open in theaters on June 8.

Fighting Domestic Violence with Photos…

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

A picture may be worth a thousand words… But it could also help end domestic violence in the Hispanic community.

Starting today through October 31, HopeLine from Verizon will donate $1, up to $50,000, for every image submitted to Verizon’s first digital hashtag art piece to Casa de Esperanza, a national organization working to end domestic violence in the Latino community.

Verizon’s Digital Hashtag Art Piece (as of 9/22)

“Hashtag art is a wonderful means to represent the strength and diversity of the Latino community,” said Amy Sanchez, chief executive of external relations for Casa de Esperanza. ”As the leading Latino domestic violence organization in the country, Casa de Esperanza applauds the generosity and tireless efforts of Verizon to support Latino communities and end domestic violence.”

The artwork for this digital mosaic was created by Betsy Casañas. She’s an artist, community activist and educator who has designed more than 35 mosaics throughout the U.S., Ireland, Cuba, Mexico, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. Through her impassioned work, she empowers people in underserved areas to transform their communities while exploring socially relevant themes like abuse, abandonment, love and family.

Betsy Casañas' "Bomba y Piena" Mural in Philadelphia

“We are proud to partner with this strong Latina artist who is using her art to transform and inspire the community,” said Elva Lima, executive director of community relations and multicultural communications at Verizon Wireless. ”This Hispanic Heritage Month art mosaic is a way for Verizon to celebrate the strength and multifaceted cultures within the Latino community.”

Taking part in this history-making hashtag art mosaic is easy. Simply visit the hashtag art website and add photos and messages by clicking on “Add Me” and logging into your Facebook or Twitter accounts. Within minutes, you’ll be able to click “Find Me” to locate your picture, as well as invite your friends and family to participate.

At the end of the project, a replica of the online artwork will be created and presented to the organization.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

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