Bell Media unveiled their 2013 Fall/Midseason Lineup at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts today, bringing-in a number of familiar faces to ring-in the occasion.  Among the Stars in Toronto today were Eric Dane, Snooki, Shawn Ashmore, Meghan Ory, Katie Cassidy, Shemar Moore, A.J. Cook, Tate Donovan, Bethenny Frankel and several more.

Despite persistent rain, Fans still lined the Red Carpet to catch a glimpse of the Talent and many were more than accommodating despite less-than-ideal conditions, although Snooki left several Fans disappointed by rushing-in, bypassing  interviews.

See some of the names and faces from earlier today and the Shows announced:

Once Upon a Time: Now in its third season, the Fantasy-Drama Series shot in Vancouver, returns Sunday nights on CTV this Fall at 7:00 PM and present today was Ruby herself, Meghan Ory.

Hostages: Although only on short-order, this Drama Series starring Toni Collette, Dylan McDermott and Tate Donovan (pictured below) airs this Fall on CTV Mondays at 10:00 PM.

Arrow: Already proving a Hit, this Action-Adventure Series starring Toronto’s Stephen Amell returns a second Season this Fall on Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM on CTV. Katie Cassidy who stars as Laurel Lance, appeared today on behalf of the Series.

Bethenny: Daughter of Horse Racing Great Bobby Frankel and every bit a Business Magnate in her own right, Bethenny Frankel, gets her own Talk Show this Fall which airs daily at 2:00 PM on CTV.

The Following: Returning for a second season in 2014, the Psychological-Thriller Series starring Kevin Bacon was represented by Stars Valorie Curry and Toronto’s own Shawn Ashmore.

The Amazing Race Canada: After an extensive Talent Search, the Reality Series is set to debut this Fall on Sundays at 8:00 PM on CTV with Gold Medal-winning Olympian Jon Montgomery hosting.

Believe: J.J. Abrams produces this Fantasy Series about a gifted young Girl who has an unlikely pairing with a Prisoner and together they must fight off the evil elements that hunt her powers. CTV airs Sunday nights at 9:00 PM this Fall. Delroy Lindo who stars as Winter in the Series, appeared today.

The Goldbergs: One of this Season’s biggest potential Hits is the Family Comedy, The Goldbergs, which centers on a protective Matriarch, her Husband and three Children.  Sean Giambrone  (below) was among the Kids from the Cast who came to town.

Criminal Minds: The wildly-popular Crime Series returns again this Fall on Wednesday nights at 9:00 PM on CTV and appearing today were Shemar Moore (who comes for a second consecutive year) and Toronto’s own A.J. Cook.

Snooki & JWoww: The MTV Reality Series gets renewed for a third season and Snooki herself came to ring-in the occasion.

Based upon the Mexican TV Series Ellas son la Alegría del Hogar, Canadian Desperate Housewives Fans will revel in delight knowing that Creator Marc Cherry’s Devious Maids at long last has found a home on Lifetime Canada. Several were left shocked and disappointed after news broke the original Pilot had not been picked-up by ABC despite being ordered early 2012 by the Network.

The Series centers around four Latina Maids who work in Beverly Hills for some of the most powerful and wealthy Families. Certainly not short on juiciness, many will savour the scandal. There’s murder, love, affairs, secrets and betrayal galore. Meet Marisol (Ana Ortiz of Ugly Betty), Rosie (Dania Ramirez of ), Carmen (Roselyn Sánchez) and Zoila (Judy Reyes), who in the Desperate Housewives universe respectively would kinda/sorta be your Susan, Lynette, Gabrielle and Bree. Add to that mix the return of Soap Opera Royalty Susan Lucci as the commanding, self-absorbed and youth-obsessed Heiress Genevieve, Zoila‘s Boss.

Arriving in Toronto to unveil the brand new Series at today’s 2013 Shaw Media Upfronts, Stars Ortiz and Lucci greet me in their Hotel Suite, the former elegant in emerald green, the latter stunning in sapphire blue. I could not help but be in awe of  how amazing Lucci (a Grandmother of four) looks, long-heralded as Queen of the Soaps with a record-breaking 21 Daytime Emmy Nominations in the iconic role of Erica Kane on All My Children. Ortiz whom we all loved as Elder Sister Hilda Suarez in Ugly Betty, is as vivacious as expected in person, eloquent really.

We talk first about Casting and how they came to be involved in what potentially could be a Breakout Hit and both point to the Man who started it all – Cherry. Oritz tells me about her observant and cool Character who harbours a deep, dark secret. “Marc had approached me and after some meetings and asked me which Maid I gravitated toward most. I didn’t even hesitate it was always Marisol”, she recalls. “We read together and after that I was like ‘Where do I sign?’”.

Lucci meanwhile tells me it was Fan Feedback which helped connect her and Cherry. “There had been a lot online suggesting I was going to go on Desperate Housewives and it wasn’t coming from me nor Mark – it was largely Fan-driven”, says Lucci. “He told me that Show was actually finished being written and that he had a new one called Devious Maids that was being written. I got a call to audition and he didn’t tell me how was going to pronounce my name. I didn’t know whether it was “Jen-ah-veev” or “Jon-vee-yev”.  It was the under-the-bed scene we did and I loved it, I was at home in New York then. It was hysterical when I read it and I loved it.”.  That scene she is describing certainly is  funny indeed, as we are introduced to her Character clasping a bottle of pills, suicidal after being dumped by her much younger Fling.

Cherry certainly has created some dynamic Characters once again here in Devious Maids and his talented Ensemble would agree. Ortiz is not shy about paying her respects declaring, “Thank you Marc Cherry for writing these really wonderful, complex Women that we really are in real life, and doing it so succinctly with so many Women and so many different Characters.”. “Because we’re creating these characters, we’re doing it all together. Marc will talk to us for an hour if we have any questions.”. Chiming-in, Lucci adds “He’s such a vision and it’s coming from a good place. After he sees rehearsal he’ll give you a little note to tweak it a certain way and it’s always right on the money. It’s very much an Ensemble.”.

What makes Devious Maids unique is its over-the-top Novela (“in the best sense of the word” as Lucci puts it) vibe and its humorous look at Class Relations. “What’s so wonderful about the Show is that you see these incredible Beverly Hills mansions and glamour through the Maids’ eyes”, says Ortiz. “There’s definitely the aspect of class difference, but Marc has made it about the Characters and their relationships with one another. I guess the comment is that as far apart as we are, we are all still very similar and we all have so much more in common than we realize.”.

Ortiz and and Lucci both admit that they too have needed help too in order for them to be able to fulfill their own dreams as Mothers and Actresses. On finding balance, Ortiz states “Women have been doing this centuries not just on TV, it’s just what we do. The fact that you had those Women helping you, who enabled you to be a Working Mom. I have a Daughter and it’s so important she sees me working because that’s when I’m most happy – doing what I love, fulfilling my dreams and passions”. “It’s more than just about Women cleaning your house or helping you with your Children. There’s such a special relationship there and Marc really has been able to finesse that and bring it to life.”.

Lucci reveals that she also has benefited from help and admits, “I know that I could never have done what I did without the incredibly warm and smart help of Frieda, who has been with me for 30 years. There’s only one other person who got a page in my Book and that’s Frieda!”, she laughs.

Enjoy the Audio from our Chat below:

Our Snap:

Devious Maids premieres Sunday, June 23, 2013 on Lifetime Canada. Click here for more.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Shaw Media is set to unveil their 2013 Fall and Mid-Season Lineup today at their annual Upfronts and in Toronto today are a few familiar and exciting Television Personalities!  On Global Television‘s The Morning Show not only was it unveiled that popular News Anchor Leslie Roberts would be hosting the National Edition of the increasingly-popular morning staple, but here in-town today are the likes of Blair Underwood, Daniel Dae-Kim, Ana Ortiz and Soap Legend Susan Lucci!

Ironside – The Drama Series stars Blair Underwood (Sex and the City, LAX) as Robert T. Ironside, a Police Detective relegated to a wheelchair after a shooting.  He still continues to forge ahead with a brand-new handpicked Team. It airs this Fall and also can be seen in the U.S. on NBC.

Check-out the complete Lineup here.

The Clinton Foundation Millennium Network held its inaugural Toronto Event this evening at The Berkeley Church and ringing-in the occasion was Honorary Ambassador Rachel McAdams and Special Musical Guest Tegan and Sara.  President Bill Clinton‘s Foundation since 2007 has encouraged the next generation to address global challenges like improving Global Health, strengthening Economies and promoting healthier Childhoods.

Speaking before  a sold-out Crowd, Clinton arrived at a hidden entrance at the Venue with a multi-SUV Barricade speaking for approximately 30 minutes tonight.  Tickets ranged from $150-$2500, the upper range allowing Fans of his an ultra-rare Photo Op with him.  McAdams went on stage at approximately 8:00 PM to speak briefly and Canadian Alternative Rock/Pop Sensations Tegan and Sara entertained the audience with a quick Set shortly after Clinton spoke.

With several members of the Secret Service present to ensure his safety, a fit and tanned-looking Clinton exited the Venue, throwing a quick wave to Fans and exchanging niceties with some of the Event’s Organizers.  McAdams also was super-kind to come out quickly to greet Fans after being spotted chatting with Clinton by the Exit.

See a Clip of Clinton greeting Fans below:

See our Snap with McAdams below, our second time meeting the talented Actress!

See a Clip of McAdams greeting Fans below:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

City announced its eagerly-awaited new 2013 Fall and Mid-Season Lineup earlier today this morning on Breakfast Television and although the Starpower may not have been as stellar as previous Upfronts, the Station did introduce some promising welcome additions and the welcome return of some Favourites!

Unveiled earlier today were:

Package Deal – a Vancouver-filmed Sitcom about three dysfunctionally-close Brothers and the Woman who comes between them. The Series stars Randal Edwards, Julia Voth, Jay Malone and Harland Williams. The Series airs Mondays this Fall at 8:30 PM EST. Learn more here.  The Principal Cast of the Series came to introduce the Series earlier today and pictured below are Voth (L), Malone (Top R), Williams (Bottom R).

“Shakin’ it like we at a Strip Club.”.

Finally!  Some new Miley!  I’m one of the few Fans who actually like Miley Cyrus more for her Music than her Acting and I’m thrilled her new Track We Can’t Stop doesn’t disappoint.  A sparse mid-tempo Jam with Alternative R&B-leanings and produced by Mike Will Made It, Cyrus certainly is growing artistically and sounds more confident than ever before here, especially lyrically.  There is something remotely Rihanna-esque about the Track, don’t you think?

Listen to the Track below:

Canadian Megastar Avril Lavigne is back in town to promote her brand new Single, Here’s To Never Growing Up.  Lavigne beat her Fans to the punch, getting to her first appearance of the day before 7:00 AM. After a quick touch-up by her Make-up Artist upon existing her Suburban, she donned her famous Aviators looking Military-chic, to pose for some Photos.  Although quiet, she actually is really, really nice and after trying for the past 10 years, finally I got my Snap with her and even Billy was a part of the fun!

On the itinerary this morning were to back-to-back Interviews at KISS 92.5‘s The Roz & Mocha Show and 98.1 CHFI.   Catching wind of her appearance just in time, Fans arrived catching the Singer/Songwriter/Fashion Designer and Actress who not only has sold over 30 million Albums, but also 50 million Singles in her eleven-year Career.

Lavigne arrived this weekend from Los Angeles with soon-to-be Husband Chad Kroeger, Frontman of Nickelback and today she was sporting proudly her 14-carat Diamong Ring while doing Press.  Later today she will make a highly-publicized visit to MuchMusic‘s New.Music.Live, inviting Fans  on Twitter  to come down to see her at 6:00 PM, when she is expected to greet Fans by the window.

Here’s to Never Growing Up (co-written with Kroeger) continues to climb the charts and already is at number 17 on the Canadian Hot 100, while in the U.S. the Track is at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The Singer’s still-untitled fifth Studio Disc is due this September via Sony Music Canada and a second Single already has been slated, titled Rock and Roll. It is said that Lavigne was courting a famous Female Vocalist to collaborate on the Track.

Just last month, Lavigne was voted one of Canada’s 50 Most Beautiful People as per Hello! Canada. More on that here.

Lavigne also was just announced to perform at the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards on Sunday, June 16, 2013 here in Toronto!

See Lavigne with Fans earlier outside KISS 92.5 Studios:

See our Snap below:

Not that it was a contest, especially with its eye-popping $98.5 million opening last weekend, but Fast and Furious 6 for a second week regins supreme at the Box Office in North America, earning $34.5 million from 3,686 theatres for Universal Pictures.

Never to be outdone, Now You See Me, the Magic-themed Action-Thriller exceeds expectations, earning a smart $28.1 million from 2,925 theatres, landing it in second spot for Summit Entertainment/Lionsgate Films/eOne Films.  Made for $75 million, the Film stars Mark Ruffalo, Jesse Eisenberg, Mélanie Laurent, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine. Although Critics weren’t wowed, tallying-in at 45% on the Tomatometer, Audiences responded with a resounding “yes” and an A- CinemaScore.

Will Smith and his Son Jaden team together on Sci-Fi/Adventure, After Earth, debuting in third with $27 million from 3,401 theatres.  This proves a bit troublesome for Sony Pictures which invested $130 million in production costs on the Film.  Critics panned it, giving it a 12% rating at Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences thought likewise, although they were far more forgiving with a B CinemaScore.

In the fourth spot this weekend we have a rare two-way tie between Epic, the latest Animated Feature from 20th Century Fox, which in its second week brings-in with $16.4 million alongside Star Trek Into Darkness.  To date, the latter has grossed $181 in North America for Paramount Pictures. The Hangover Part III slips to fifth spot this weekend, earning $15.9 million and a two-week cumulative domestic total of $87.4 million.

Rounding-out the Top Ten this weekend is Mud from Roadside Attractions/eOne Films, earning $1.2 million from only 580 theatres in its sixth week. To date, the Drama starring Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon, has grossed $16.9 million.  It has earned some super reviews – an almost unheard of 99% on the Tomatometer.

With a lack of Marquee Features to film in Toronto this Summer, David Cronenberg‘s long-gestating project, Maps to the Stars is confirmed to film in Toronto between Monday, July 8 through Monday, August 12, 2013.  Co-produced by Entertainment One and Prospero Pictures, the Film as of last week had inked multiple distribution deals in Cannes and is said to be on the verge of closing even more deals in several other markets soon including Mexico, Hong Kong,  India and Brazil.

The dark Drama based upon the Novel Dead Stars by Bruce Wagner, who also helms the Script, is said to be a scathing attack on Hollywood Celebrity Culture and the pursuit of Fame.  Its most recognizable face, Robert Pattinson stars as Jerome and as announced prior, Julianne Moore and John Cusack star also as Havana and Sanford respectively. Moore was in the City just last Summer filming the Carrie Remake and we look forward to seeing her around again!

Recent additions to the Cast include Mia Wasikowska, Olivia Williams and Newcomer Evan Bird in the shocking role of a drug-addicted Child Actor.  Toronto’s own Sarah Gadon, who has starred in Cronenberg‘s last two Films A Dangerous Method and Cosmopolis (opposite Pattinson), reunites with him a third time here.

More to come…

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

OMG. This is insanely cute. Sophia Grace, whom we’ve come to love through her and her Cousin Rosie‘s fame on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, finally has released her debut Single after several performances on that Daytime Staple.  I normally roll my eyes when I hear about a Child trying to break into Showbiz, but legit, this Girl really is talented.  A Natural.

“Nicki is my Princess, Ellen is my Queen”, proclaims the adorable Sophia. Talk about Friends in high places. What.  She’s just eight-years-old. EIGHT!

Girls Just Gotta Have Fun actually has a pretty edgy Beat and solid Production; them Lyrics are actually pretty solid.  And Sophia‘s vocals sound amazing!   This is just awesome.

Watch the Video below:

Download Girls Just Gotta Have Fun on iTunes here.

(Photo/video credit: SGE Records)