Celebrity
Erin Andrews, J.J. Watt to Host 2016 CMT Music Awards
Published
10 years agoon
NASHVILLE, Tenn., (FNN NEWS) – Sportscaster/TV personality Erin Andrews and football superstar J.J. Watt will host the 2016 CMT Music Awards. Concurrent with Wednesday’s (May 25) host announcement, it was also revealed that Cam and pop superstars Fifth Harmony have been added to the list of performers at the show airing live June 8 at 8 p.m. from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Cam, who is nominated for three CMT Music awards and is tied for the most nominations, will join Fifth Harmony for a never-before-heard mash-up of the group’s current Billboard No.1 pop song, “Work From Home,” and Cam’s “Mayday.”
The first round of presenters is also confirmed, including actors Vince Vaughn and Rob Riggle, NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, country artists Charles Kelley, Cole Swindell, Dan + Shay and Kellie Pickler, as well as actors Joey Lauren Adams and Madison Iseman from the new upcoming CMT series Still the King, premiering June 12.
Best known for his defense on the field with the Houston Texans and for her role as a Fox Sports broadcaster and host of Dancing With the Stars, Watt and Andrews are no strangers to intense competitions. This marks Watt’s first time as host, while Andrews returns for a second consecutive year.
Watt was drafted by the Houston Texans with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft and became the most dominant player in the NFL in his first five years, tying an NFL record with three NFL defensive player of the year awards in 2012, 2014 and 2015. Through his Justin J. Watt Foundation, he provided more than $2 million in funding to after-school athletic programs and organizations with insufficient funding. This summer, he will have a role in the movie Bad Moms and will be launching his first-ever collaboration with Reebok to feature his own product line.
A co-host for ABC’s hit show, Dancing With the Stars, Andrews also currently reports as a features host and sideline correspondent for Fox NFL Sunday as a member of Fox Sports “A-Team.” Additionally, she lends her talents reporting for the MLB All Star Game as well as the World Series.
“I’m thrilled to come back to Nashville to co-host the CMT Music Awards,” Andrews said. “I had so much fun last year, and I can’t wait to see what antics J.J. and I will get into together. Plus, there’s nothing better than seeing my favorite country artists get recognized for their great work.”
“Having presented at the CMT Awards last year, I got a first-hand look at the energy and excitement of the event and I am very excited to be involved in a much larger capacity this year as co-host,” Watt added. “There are two things that I know about the people of Nashville: They love country music and they know how to throw a party. When you put those two things together, it makes for one heck of a night. I can’t wait to host the awards with Erin and be part of such a great night, honoring the biggest stars in country music.”
Last week, CMT revealed the first round of performers that include show-stoppers like Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan and Thomas Rhett.
Fans can vote now via CMT.com determine the winners for video of the year. Voting will continue until June 6 at 12:01 a.m. On June 1, CMT will announce a brand new surprise awards category.
Tickets to the 2016 CMT Music Awards are currently on sale via Ticketmaster.
Follow @CMT on Twitter and Instagram, use hashtag #CMTawards and like the CMT Music Awards on Facebook.
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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Ananda Lewis, the charismatic MTV VJ and talk show host, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 52, after a courageous battle with stage 4 breast cancer. Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, confirmed the news, sharing that Ananda passed away peacefully in her Los Angeles home.
Born on March 21, 1973, in San Diego, California, Lewis rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a VJ on MTV, hosting shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. Her engaging personality and insightful interviews made her a beloved figure among viewers, and she earned accolades such as an NAACP Image Award for her work on BET’s Teen Summit.
Beyond her television career, Lewis was a passionate advocate for social issues. She launched The Ananda Lewis Show in 2001, addressing topics like domestic violence and breast cancer, aiming to provide a platform for meaningful conversations. Her commitment to authenticity and social impact resonated with many, and she continued to use her platform to inspire and educate.
In 2020, Lewis publicly disclosed her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer and later revealed that it had progressed to stage 4. Despite medical advice recommending a double mastectomy, she chose alternative treatments, later expressing some regret about that decision. Throughout her illness, Lewis remained vocal about cancer awareness, encouraging women to prioritize their health and live authentically.
Ananda Lewis leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to her values. Her influence extended beyond the entertainment industry, inspiring countless individuals to embrace authenticity and advocate for positive change.
Her passing marks the loss of a significant figure in entertainment who also became a voice for health advocacy. Her legacy includes a strong commitment to authenticity and social impact, and her estimated financial worth was around $8 million.
Ananda Lewis’s impact on television and her dedication to social causes have left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of many.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most memorable actors, has passed away at the age of 65. Known for his dynamic range and unmistakable voice, Kilmer captivated audiences with his standout performances in a career that spanned over four decades.
A Career Full of Iconic Roles
Kilmer’s breakout role came in the 1980s with Top Gun (1986), where he portrayed the cocky and charming fighter pilot, Iceman. The film catapulted him into stardom alongside Tom Cruise, and it remains one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history. Kilmer’s portrayal of Iceman left an indelible mark on pop culture, with his line “I am dangerous” becoming an enduring catchphrase.
Beyond Top Gun, Kilmer’s career featured a diverse range of roles, from playing the suave rock star in The Doors (1991) to the legendary Batman in Batman Forever (1995). He brought depth to each of his characters, making them memorable even in smaller roles, such as his comedic turn in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). His performances were often praised for their intensity, wit, and ability to disappear into his roles.
A Life Beyond the Screen
Kilmer’s life was marked by both triumph and personal struggles. Despite his fame, he was known for his private nature and his journey battling throat cancer. In recent years, Kilmer’s health struggles became widely known, as he had to undergo a series of surgeries that left him with a diminished ability to speak. However, he continued to embrace his craft and the fans who loved him, most recently appearing in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a sequel to the film that first made him a star.
The documentary Val (2021) offered fans a rare, candid look into his life, showcasing not only his successes but also his personal battles and the deep affection he had for his craft. Through this film, Kilmer shared never-before-seen footage from his personal archive, allowing fans to see the man behind the roles.
A Legacy That Will Live On
Kilmer’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless performances that will continue to resonate with generations of fans. From the depths of his dramatic portrayals to the highs of his action-packed roles, Val Kilmer’s impact on cinema is undeniable. His unforgettable presence and voice, once a hallmark of his performances, will be greatly missed by fans and colleagues alike.
Val Kilmer is survived by his children and countless fans who cherished him throughout his illustrious career. His contributions to film will continue to inspire new audiences for years to come, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the ability of one man to shape the very fabric of cinema.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Celebrity
LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge
Published
1 year agoon
January 28, 2025By
Mike Brodsky
ORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – Some big names in sports, entertainment, and music can be found with golf clubs in hand at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, this weekend. About 50 celebrities will compete for a $500,000 purse, while LPGA Tour players try to grab their share of $2 million in prize money.
Today, LPGA pros Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Bailey Tardy took on celebrities Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer legend, Michael Peña, award-winning actor, and Kira Dixon, Reporter and Miss America 2015 in the annual “Break The Glass” challenge. The LPGA pros shutout the celebs 3-0. You can watch the action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYsQKbyiAi/?igsh=YzZlNG9rNXhvbnRy. (And be sure to follow Florida National News on Instagram and Facebook.)
Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, after adding an Olympic gold medal and membership in the LPGA Hall of Fame to her resume since last year’s tournament. Actors Don Cheadle and Larry The Cable Guy, NBA stars Blake Griffin and Ray Allen, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are just some of the celebs hitting the links Thursday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/2. Tickets and more information are available online at http://www.HGVLPGA.com.
