Entertainment

‘American Ninja Warrior’ to Film at Daytona International Speedway

Published

8 years ago

March 27, 2017

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – “American Ninja Warrior,” the popular Emmy nominated sports competition show that airs nationally on NBC, is coming to Daytona International Speedway.

“The World Center of Racing” will serve as a filming location on April 7-8 for season nine of American Ninja Warrior, the action-packed series that follows competitors as they tackle a series of challenging obstacle courses in both city qualifying and city finals rounds across the country. Those that successfully complete the finals course in their designated region move on to the national finals round in Las Vegas, where they face a stunning four-stage course modeled after the famed Mt. Midoriyama course in Japan. The winner will take home a grand prize of $1 million.

Guests can view the television tapings, which will begin each night at approximately 8:30 p.m., just outside Daytona International Speedway in between the Axalta and Chevrolet Injectors. There will be two different sessions for each night of taping. To sign up for free tickets to attend the event, guests can visit http://on-camera-audiences.com/shows/American_Ninja_Warrior.

“I can’t think of a better place for our ninja warriors to compete than on the biggest stage in the world for motorsports: Daytona International Speedway,” said Kent Weed, executive producer of “American Ninja Warrior.” “The high-energy atmosphere of Daytona will surely bring out the best in our competitors as they tackle one of our toughest courses yet.”

“We’re excited to serve as a host location for the filming of American Ninja Warrior and add another new event to an already busy schedule,” Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile said. “We’re thrilled to welcome the competitors to the world’s only motorsports stadium and provide an electric atmosphere as individuals attempt to navigate these challenging obstacles. To succeed, they are going to need strength, speed and perseverance, very similar to what we see on the high banks of the Speedway.”

American Ninja Warrior returns for its ninth season this year premiering on Monday June 12 at 8 pm. The Daytona Beach qualifying episode will air on June 26 and the city finals will air on August 7. Matt Iseman returns as host, along with Akbar Gbajabiamila and co-host Kristine Leahy. The series is executive-produced by A. Smith & Co. Productions’ founders Arthur Smith and Kent Weed (“Hell’s Kitchen,” “Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge” and “The Dunk King”), along with Brian Richardson and Anthony Storm.

Source: Daytona International Speedway & NBC Entertainment

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Entertainment

Global Impact of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’

Published

5 days ago

March 20, 2025

Willie David

MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) – FloridaNationalNews.com (FNN) reviewed 30 Facebook reels showcasing Kendrick Lamar’s track ‘Not Like Us,’ revealing its significant global impact. The song has captivated audiences worldwide across various platforms and continues to gain momentum.

Reels credit: Facebook and Content Creators

Social Media Trending

The track has become a viral sensation, consistently trending on major social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter). Users have actively engaged with the track, creating content like dance challenges, reaction videos, and lyrical breakdowns that have amplified its reach.

Viral Videos and Reels

‘Not Like Us’ has inspired numerous viral videos and reels, with content creators worldwide adopting the song’s energetic beat and memorable lyrics. Influencers and fans have incorporated the track into creative storytelling, dance trends, and impactful visual content.

Impressive Viewership

The track has attracted over 133.5 million viewers across video streaming platforms, demonstrating its widespread popularity and influence.

Reels credit: Facebook and Content Creators

Cultural Impact

The song’s powerful message and captivating rhythm have resonated with diverse audiences globally, influencing music trends, fashion, and pop culture discussions.

Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ continues to leave a lasting mark, showcasing his ability to shape global music conversations and inspire creative expression worldwide.

Entertainment

5-Time Grammy-Winning Singer Roberta Flack Dies At 88

Published

4 weeks ago

February 25, 2025

Willie David

NORTH CAROLINA (FNN) – Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer and pianist known for her intimate vocal style and timeless hits such as “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” died Monday at the age of 88, her publicist confirmed.

Flack’s career took off in the early 1970s, and she became one of the era’s most influential recording artists. Though she rose to fame in her early 30s, it was Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film “Play Misty for Me” that propelled her into the spotlight. Eastwood featured “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” during a memorable and intimate love scene between him and actress Donna Mills, turning the song into a chart-topping hit.

Her soulful and soothing voice, combined with her skills as a pianist, earned Flack widespread acclaim. She went on to win numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards, and left an indelible mark on the music industry. “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” released in 1973, became another signature track, winning the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and solidifying her status as a music legend.

Flack’s influence extended far beyond the 1970s. Her music continued to resonate with audiences, and her legacy lived on through generations of artists who drew inspiration from her style and storytelling through song.

Details regarding memorial services have not yet been announced.

___________________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNational News.com

Entertainment

Matt Gaetz Blasts ‘Reacher’ Star Alan Ritchson After ‘Motherf—-r’ Comment: Claims Actor Is ‘Chasing Hollywood Attention’

Published

1 month ago

February 22, 2025

FNN NEWS

Actor Alan Ritchson, star of Reacher at Daytona 500. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III

DAYTONA, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz fired back at Reacher star Alan Ritchson on Thursday after Ritchson referred to him as “that motherf—-r” in a recent GQ interview.

Ritchson, promoting the new season of his Amazon Prime show, described Gaetz as an “adversary” from their childhood. However, Gaetz took to X (formerly Twitter) to offer a different perspective.

“Hollywood apparently changes people!” Gaetz wrote. “We were not ‘adversaries’ as I won debate championships, and Alan did more acting stuff. As I recall, his older brother Eric won more often than Alan did.”

Gaetz also painted a friendlier picture of their past, mentioning Ritchson’s mother, Vicke, who worked as a computer lab monitor. “She loved me,” he said.

The former congressman even shared a personal anecdote: “At her invitation, I went to his dad’s retirement party from the Air Force. It was at a karaoke bar called ‘Lewbos’ in Niceville, where his dad sang ‘Sitting on the Dock of the Bay.’”

The heated exchange between Gaetz and Ritchson adds an unexpected twist to the actor’s press tour, highlighting the stark contrast in their recollections of the past.