Lizzo signs Amazon Studios deal
CELEBRITIES
Are you ready for Lizzo, TV star?
The Grammy-winning superstar, who was named Time magazine’s entertainer of the year for 2019, has signed a first-look television deal with Amazon Studios.
Her projects will be tied to Amazon Prime Video.
The “Truth Hurts” hit-maker has demonstrated her magnetic personality in such nonmusical endeavors as being a judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” hosting MTV’s “Wonderland” series and voicing a character in the animated movie “Ugly Dolls.”
“Lizzo is one of the most exciting, creative, joyful artists in the industry, and it is such a pleasure to announce this new deal with her,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios. “She has such a unique perspective and we’re so excited to hear her ideas for new content.”
In her statement, Lizzo thanked Salke “for making this dream come true. I can’t wait to get started and share my vision with the world.”
Palmer to host virtual VMAs: Actress, recording artist and television star Keke Palmer is officially hosting the 2020 Video Music Awards later this month.
MTV announced Thursday the performer will emcee this year’s virtual ceremony, which will feature performances from BTS, Doja Cat and J Balvin.
“We’re thrilled to have the multitalented Keke Palmer as this year’s VMAs host,” said Bruce Gillmer of ViacomCBS Media Networks in a statement. “Keke is an energetic force and a quadruple threat with unmatched comedic wit who will make this year’s show truly unforgettable.”
MTV also released a nostalgic promo video in which Palmer reprised her beloved Nickelodeon character from “True Jackson, VP” and recorded a fresh, VMA-inspired version of the tween sitcom’s theme song.
The 2020 VMAs will air Aug. 30 on MTV.
‘Friends’ reunion special delayed again at HBO Max: The cast of “Friends” will be there for you ... eventually.
According to an individual with knowledge of the situation, HBO Max’s planned unscripted reunion special featuring the main cast of the hit sitcom has been delayed once again due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Filming dates are still to be determined.
The special was originally supposed to film in March with a live audience.
WarnerMedia Entertainment and Direct-toConsumer chairman Bob
Greenblatt then said in May that the company was hopeful the special would shoot by the end of the summer.
The “Friends” reunion has been in the works for months but was officially announced in February.
Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer are all set to return for the reunion, which is set to film on the original “Friends” soundstage, Stage 24, on the Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank.
Aug. 8 birthdays: Actor Nita Talbot is 90. Actor Dustin Hoffman is 83.
Actor Larry Wilcox is 73. Actor Donny Most is 67. News anchor Deborah Norville is 62. Guitarist The Edge is 59. Rapper Kool Moe Dee is 58. Singer J.C. Chasez is 44. Singer Drew Lachey is 44. Actor Countess Vaughn is 42. Singer Shawn Mendes is 22.