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By Ikam Acosta

'Once Upon A Time' star Lana Parrilla promises fans will soon see a softer side to the Evil Queen. An upcoming episode will focus on a young Regina before she became jaded and bitter to the world.

Parrilla said,

"I look totally different- fresh-faced, doe-eyed, young, fun, excited about life, in love, and then it just gets really dark. It's way before she becomes the Evil Queen."

This sounds like a major game-changer this season. Whatever will we do once we start to identify with the character on this show we most love to hate?

Co-star Ginnifer Goodwin, who plays Snow White on the show, mentioned that fans will "sympathize with the Evil Queen in ways they're not expecting."

My money was on some forbidden love or tragic death that affects Regina, but after Goodwin's comment, who knows.

Robert Carlyle, who plays Rumpelstiltskin, hinted at a changing relationship between his Storybrook character, Mr. Gold, and Mayor Regina, after more information about the curse is revealed in future episodes.

What misfortune do you think made Regina into an Evil Queen?

Tags Blogger: Ikam Acosta, Ginnifer Goodwin, Lana Parrilla, Robert Carlyle, Television

By Michael Lopez

In between The Voice, American Idol, The X Factor, and America’s Got Talent, is the country really in need of another reality competition show? The CW network seems to think so and they're bringing Gloria Estefan on board for a new series called The Star Next Door.

Estefan will be (you guessed it) a mentor on Star, helping to discover talent from small town America. She'll be joined by country singer John Rich for the show, which will travel to the contestant's actual homes for performances.

Though it seems like a tired premise, Star does have some big producers backing it up. Queen Latifah has lent her name to the project, as has Biggest Loser mastermind Dave Broome. Interestingly, Broome also partnered with Gloria's hubby Emilio for the Spanish weight loss show Dale Con Ganas, which has scored huge rating for Univision.

But will Star be able to bring in viewers with so many other singing shows in the mix? Estefan may be its only saving grace, as she's proven herself to be fantastic in the reality TV format.

We’ll be able to judge for ourselves when The Star Next Door premieres later this summer.

Are you planning on watching The Star Next Door? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, CW, Dale Con Ganas, Dave Broome, Emilio Estefan, Gloria Estefan, John Rich, Queen Latifah, Reality shows, Television, The Star Next Door

By Michael Lopez

It seems the mega studios aren't quite as loose with their pocketbooks these days. Big names like Warner Bros. are dumping high-priced stars for unknown casts and 20th Century Fox is looking to drastically slash its TV budget, as evidenced by the cancellation of Terra Nova.

Terra Nova definitely had a lot of ambition behind it. Produced by Steven Spielberg, the prime time drama featured CGI dinosaurs and vast exotic locales. And though it premiered strong in the ratings, Nova couldn't keep up the momentum.

Believe it or not, the average Nova episode cost about $4 million to produce (which is higher than a lot of independent films). Though several Fox executives were fans of the series, the bottom line just didn't add up.

As for now, the project isn't entirely extinct. CNN is reporting that Nova’s producers are trying to shop the show to another network in the hopes that the dinosaurs will live on.

Were you a fan of Terra Nova? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Fox, RIP, Steven Spielberg, Television, Terra Nova

By Ikam Acosta

Reality television celebrity Tila Tequila almost died after a prescription drug overdose following a life threatening brain aneurism.

The 'Shot of Love' star was hospitalized for a week after her overdose, just after she suffered the brain aneurism. A source close to the star said it was the aneurism that made Tila take the prescription drugs. She was acting irrationally and wasn't, in fact, suicidal.

The insider added,

"It was terrifying for Tila and death was knocking at her door. Tila threw up all over her bed after overdosing and felt like she was dying. She was screaming for help, and in desperation, broke her bedroom window and attempted to jump out. Finally a friend came over after getting a strange text from her and found her convulsing on the bed."

Tila was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance after the episode. According to the source, Tila's aneurism made her act irrationally, and that is why "she took two bottles of the heavy prescription drugs due to the pain."

It is possible she might have been left with permanent brain damage as a result of the incident. The source said,

"It's sad to think she may have some permanent brain damage. She still can't fully speak properly."

Do you think Tila's overdose was an accident?

Tags Blogger: Ikam Acosta, Reality shows, Television, Tila Tequila

By Michael Lopez

Brazilian tap dancer Leonardo Sandoval is in a very unique position. Not only has he gained stardom from appearing on the Spanish version of ¡Q’Viva!, he got to wow American audiences too, with the Fox premiere of the show this past Saturday. Speaking to us exclusively about the experience, Leo seemed humbled and very excited about the weeks to come.

"I'm so excited about ¡Q’Viva!”" he excitedly told us. "Everyone is doing such an incredible job on the show. There's so much talent involved."

Sandoval happens to be one of the competitors attracting the most buzz. Just 23-years-old, Leo has become a Sao Paulo sensation, capturing the attention of Brazilian natives and U.S. scouts. Interestingly, he told us that before ¡Q’Viva!, he was plucked up by an American from Debbie Allen's Dance Academy.

"I've been dancing since I was six years old and really never stopped," he explained. "When I was 18, I was dancing in Brazil when an American dancer saw me and gave me an opportunity. I got spend a summer in Los Angeles at Debbie's Academy, learning ballet, modern, African, and of course tap."

From there, Sandoval returned to his home country and built up a reputation as a street performer and a teacher. Word about his talents grew and this past summer, he had the chance to send a video recording to the ¡Q’Viva! producers.

"I was continuing with my tap dancing, when another producer spotted me and told me about ¡Q’Viva!," he added. "I heard it was a show Jennifer Lopez was producing and made sure to send my tape in as soon as possible!"

Lo and behold, Leo made the cut. And anyone watching this week's premiere knows he had a certain surprise visitor break him the news.

"I was so amazed to see JLo in Brazil!" he said. "I knew a producer was coming, but had no idea it was her. You can see my reaction on the show. I was amazed!"

Sandoval got a first class ticket to Los Angeles and a shot at competing for ¡Q’Viva!’s top prize. And though he couldn't reveal any spoilers, Leo did confirm that there will be a very exciting season ahead.

"There is so much talent on this show," he said. "All of these Latinos are doing so many different things. They definitely inspired me and I hope I inspired them."

You can see for yourself with new ¡Q’Viva! episodes currently in rotation on both the English and Spanish networks.

Have you been keeping up with ¡Q’Viva!? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags ¡Q’Viva!, ¡Q’Viva! The Chosen, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Exclusive Entrevistas, Jennifer Lopez, Leonardo Sandoval, Reality shows, Television, Tr3s Exclusives

By Michael Lopez

We have to admit, we're very excited about pilot season this year. Tr3s faves like Roselyn Sanchez and Ana Ortiz have already landed themselves on potential hit shows and now Jay Hernandez may be the next to join the flock. News just broke that he'll be working on a new series for mega-producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

Hernandez is actually coming off of a very hot movie career. He scored big at the box office with hits like Hostel and Friday Night Lights. And just recently he proved himself to be a big screen badass with a hard-as-nails role in Takers.

And of course when Bruckheimer comes calling, how can you say no? The blockbuster producer cast Jay as the lead in Trooper, a procedural action drama set in New York.

Hernandez will be acting alongside Mira Sorvino in the pilot, which is being directed by Fright Night’s Craig Gillespie. It all sounds very exciting to us, and a smart career move for Jay. Perhaps if he plays his cards right, he can land a part in Jerry's next Pirates movie.

Are you looking forward to Trooper? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Craig Gillespie, Jay Hernandez, Jerry Bruckheimer, Mira Sorvino, Television, Trooper

By Michael Lopez

There is no denying that Adam Sandler's Jack and Jill was a critical dud. Now nominated for 11 Razzie Awards, the cross-dressing comedy may earn the distinction of being the "Worst Movie" of 2011. But co-star Eugenio Derbez strongly disagrees, telling fans that he found it funny and lighthearted.

"I do not know why the critics have been so harsh, it worked very well in the Latino market," he recently said. "I saw it in a theater in the U.S. and people laughed a lot seeing Al Pacino goof around. I really enjoyed it."

Unfortunately, the American critics have panned quite a lot of Eugenio's recent work. His current sitcom ¡Rob! has been called "pedestrian" and "maddeningly bad" by a number of TV journalists.

But when all is said and done, it's the viewing audience who matters most. And so far, Derbez' projects have performed very well. ¡Rob! is a huge hit for CBS and despite the bad reviews, Jack and Jill went on to earn $142 million at the box office.

Do you think Jack and Jill was the Worst Movie of 2011? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags ¡Rob!, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Eugenio Derbez, Golden Raspberry Awards, Jack and Jill, Movies & CineMás, Razzies, Television

By Michael Lopez

2012 is shaping up to be a powerful year for Hispanics. La cultura is being felt in the print media, on the web, and especially in the upcoming presidential election. The Latino celebrity presence is at an all-time high too, as illustrated by the star-studded honoree list at this year's NHMC Impact Awards. We had the opportunity to attend event and get some input from a host of Latino stars.

"I feel very proud to be a Latina in this day and age," Michelle Rodriguez told us. "I think around the world, people are more open to being human and including more cultures into their own."

Michelle happened to be one of the Impact Awards' honorees that night, recognized for her positive roles in TV and film. While we had her on the red carpet, we had to ask if her famous Letty character from the Fast & Furious franchise would be returning for the upcoming sequel.

"It depends on what they pay me," she jokingly said. "If they pay what I'm worth, then I'll be back!"

Other up-and-coming Hispanic celebs made their way to the event too. Though you may not know it, Parks and Recreation star Aubrey Plaza is a proud Latina and she also received an NHMC honor for her work.

"I'm actually half Puerto Rican," she told us when describing her ethnic roots. "And I'll let you know that Puerto Rican is my dominant half."

Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas certainly made his Hispanic presence known. He told us how he is often mistaken for Asian, a far cry from his Mexican roots. Taboo (whose birth name is Jaime Luis Gomez) explained how he's made it his mission to spread tolerance through his music.

"I want to let people know that racism is not a good thing," he told us. "My grandmother experienced so much racism in her life. That's why I felt like I needed to stand up. I recorded a song called 'One Heart One Beat' that opposes things like SB 1070 and stereotypes against Latinos."

A Better Life director Chris Weitz shared those sentiments. Part Mexican himself, he told us that he made Life to address issues like intolerance and immigration. Chris seemed very proud about the recent Oscar recognition his film received and hopes it will help bring the message to an expanded audience.

"I feel like A Better Life has gotten a lot more attention since Demián's Oscar nomination," he said. "And I'm really grateful to the Academy for that. I don't think they've realized how much they’ve done for Hispanics this year. It shows that we can be recognized on a grander scale."

The Impact Awards were living proof of that. Stars like Claudia Bassols, Benjamin Bratt, and Cesar Millan also lent their support to the evening and the positive work that the NHMC is doing to expose Latino issues in 2012.

Which Latino stars do you admire most? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags A better life, Aubrey Plaza, benjamin bratt, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Cesar Millan, Chris Weitz, Claudia Bassols, Cultura, Exclusive Entrevistas, Hot Stuff, Impact Awards, Michelle Rodriguez, Movies & CineMás, National Hispanic Media Coalition, NHMC, Taboo, Television, Tr3s Exclusives

By Michael Lopez

Now here's a show we're genuinely excited about. Not only is Devious Maids being written by Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry, it's got Roselyn Sanchez, Judy Reyes, Dania Ramirez, and Ana Ortiz in the cast!

Keep in mind, at this stage in the game Maids is only a pilot. But with that much talent behind it, we're pretty certain it will get picked up for the ABC schedule in the fall.

The Maids plot centers around four Beverly Hills housekeepers and their ambitions for a better life. Of course with Cherry at the helm, you can bet there will be backstabbing, infidelities, and scandals running rampant in the neighborhood.

But hey, that's what good TV is all about right? Housewives built eight solid seasons on that kind of drama and hopefully (with a killer cast like this) Devious Maids will do the same.

Are you excited about Devious Maids? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Ana Ortiz, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Dania Ramirez, Desperate Housewives, Devious Maids, Judy Reyes, Marc Cherry, Roselyn Sanchez, Television

By Michael Lopez

There is no doubt that Jessica Sanchez has got some impressive pipes. The 16-year-old part Latina wowed the judges this week on American Idol, securing her slot in this season's Top 13.

On Wednesday night, Jessica channeled a bit of Idol alum Jennifer Hudson, belting out "Love You I Do" from Dreamgirls. Both Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez were floored by the performance and offered up a ton of praise.

"You're beyond your years," Lopez stated.

Steven followed it up with,

"They are going to have to pay you next time!"

By Thursday, it was clear Sanchez was secured to move on. And another Tr3s fave, Jeremy Rosado, happened to make the cut too. Over 33 million viewers voted this week, pushing Jeremy, Jessica, and 11 other contestants to the next round. Let's hope they can keep up the good work!

Who's your favorite competitor this year on Idol? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags American Idol, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Hot Stuff, Jennifer Lopez, Jeremy Rosado, Jessica Sanchez, Steven Tyler, Television