A Rising Star
At just 17 years old, Central Florida’s own Logan Allen already has quite an impressive acting résumé. From television to the big screen, Allen has worked alongside some of the industry’s best. Yet, with the support of his loving family, he remains humble and level-headed. The up-and-coming actor currently stars on the hit Netflix show Sweet Magnolias and will soon appear... Read More
The Taste of Success
When asked if he embraces being labeled as a “celebrity chef,” Robert Irvine is very diplomatic in his response, saying that while it’s not exactly how he chooses to introduce himself, he also doesn’t reject the term. But, while he may be one of Food Network’s most familiar faces, he’s quick to point out there’s plenty of other ways to describe himself. “The way... Read More
His Best Shot
After an incredibly successful debut album, Mercury Lane, singer Jimmie Allen’s career continues to soar. His first single, “Best Shot,” landed in the top spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Shortly thereafter, his second single, “Make Me Want To,” was equally as successful, making Allen the first Black artist to launch a country career with two consecutive... Read More
Animated Conversation
Yeardley Smith knew early on that her distinctive voice—some might say “high pitched”—could stand in her way as an actor of stage and screen. Although she got this reminder all too often throughout her formative years, she stayed her course. “Who cares what the naysayers think,” says Smith, the French-born, Emmy-winning actor best known as the voice of Lisa Simpson from... Read More
Culinary Collaboration
Last year, a trio of culinary friends joined forces on Foodtastic, a food art competition television program, hosted by Emmy Award-winning actress Keke Palmer, in which skilled chefs and pastry artists create incredible, larger-than-life sculptures made entirely of various ingredients. Together, culinary artist Victor Dagatan, pastry sous chef Joanna Kaskiw and lead pastry chef... Read More
Year in Review 2021
“I’ve been very blessed to play some of the most iconic venues in the world and be on those stages. But the gratitude I have for Orlando for the quality of training and what I was able to do here, I couldn’t be prouder to be from the city.” Michael James Scott, Broadway star and Orlando native “I’ve had times where I’ve sat on a beach or gone horse riding... Read More
Triumphant Return
Adele is one of the most successful female artists in history, and the universal acclaim behind 30, her new album and first in six years, reinforces beyond a doubt the fact that in a changing, fragile and often artificial music industry, raw talent will always find a path to the top. From relationships to confidence, through philanthropy and inclusion, the star’s honesty in terms... Read More
A Familiar Voice
For nearly three decades, renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli has captivated audiences with his soothing yet powerful voice. Throughout his illustrious career, Bocelli has earned six Grammy Award nominations as well as six Latin Grammy Award nods and has sold over 90 million records worldwide. A man of deep compassion, he founded the Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF) in 2011, with... Read More
Peak Performers
These seven impressive high school athletes are ready for the spotlight this winter. Plus, take a look at Dariq Whitehead, Montverde Academy boys basketball A senior guard, Whitehead was a key piece of a team that went 24-1 and was crowned the GEICO national champion last year. One of the top recruits in the country because of his elite play on both ends of the floor, the New Jersey... Read More
A Masterpiece in the Making
This past February, the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) announced Aaron De Groft, Ph.D., as its new director and CEO. An expert in the field, De Groft previously served as the deputy director and chief curator of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. More recently, he was the director and CEO of the Muscarelle Museum of Art at his alma mater, the College of William & Mary,... Read More
Leading Lady
Photo by Chris Pizzello/AP/Shutterstock (6353184e) When Lady Gaga last graced the big screen in 2018, in the aptly titled A Star is Born, the entertainer known more for her music career at the time proved that she was a force in the film world, as well. Nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actress, she ended up with an Oscar in the category of Best Original Song for the hit “Shallow,”... Read More
Back on Top
Ben Affleck looks tired. And a little fed up. Usually in a relaxed manner, he’s tense when we meet. And slightly anxious. Today, his gatekeepers are ardently keen to keep idle chat to a minimum, yet his slightly somber expression disguises someone actually emerging from the darkness with considerable optimism. After a bitterly difficult stretch in his personal life, he has... Read More
Designer Dreams
After being crowned HGTV’s first “Design Star” in 2006, David Bromstad quickly found a home on the network. Over the past 15 years, the vivacious designer and artist has gone on to have an incredibly successful career in television. As host of Color Splash, Beach Flip and the immensely popular My Lottery Dream Home, Bromstad has become a household name, largely in part to... Read More
GETTING PERSONAL
XL 106.7’s Johnny Magic on being one of the most beloved radio DJs in Orlando, surviving a devastating house fire, and how the coronavirus affected his life. My first radio job was for an overnight college radio station. I was petrified that first night! All I wanted to do was get off the air and never, ever do it again. The thing I love most about my job... Read More
The Queen of Latin Cuisine
Over the years, world-renowned chef Lorena Garcia has worn many hats. Born in Venezuela, she first started her career in law. It was not long, though, before her true passion for cooking took over and propelled her into becoming one of today’s most recognized and celebrated chefs. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University,... Read More
True to Life
Photo by Casey Curry/Invision/AP/Shutterstock When Kate Winslet first considered playing a detective in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, she knew the role would pose more than a few potential stumbling blocks. To start, she would need to learn how to speak “Delco,” a peculiar accent native to the suburban Philadelphia county. She would also have to go makeup free, walk with a... Read More
Prime Performer
From life on Broadway to her iconic performance as the voice of Elsa in Frozen, Idina Menzel has always looked for the next challenge in her career and the multi-talented performer has checked off plenty of boxes along the way. After bursting onto the scene as Maureen in the original cast of Rent, Menzel has gone on to give several memorable stage performances, including a star... Read More
The Man of the Hour
Blake Shelton talks new music, The Voice, getting engaged during the pandemic and why the party never stops at his new Orlando restaurant. The pandemic may have brought the world around Blake Shelton to a screeching halt, but the country superstar and television personality has still found plenty of ways to occupy his time over the course of the past year. This month, he’s returning... Read More
Seizing the Moment
After the spring season was cut short last year due to the pandemic, these standout student-athletes from Central Florida are making the most of their opportunities in 2021. When the coronavirus pandemic first struck last year, one of the first casualties was the scholastic spring sports season. Instead of chasing championships or personal milestones, student-athletes were faced... Read More
Whole Hearted
Leslie Odom Jr. has learned many lessons along the way to starring in Hamilton, One Night in Miami and other heights he could never have imagined. The pandemic has had a major impact on so many industries, and the entertainment business certainly has seen its share of challenges. Yet, one could make the case that the past year has been quite good to Leslie Odom Jr., the multi-talented... Read More
Fully Focused
A star actress, successful entrepreneur and doting mother of three, Kate Hudson isn’t letting the world pass her by. Photo by Action Press In her various guises as movie star, retail entrepreneur and wellness advocate, Kate Hudson leads a very active life. She’s the kind of woman whose indomitable spirit is both empowering and engaging. Drawing on the life lessons handed... Read More
