‘Masked Singer UK’ Maker Argonon Signs U.S. COO

Matt Donnelly Senior Film Writer Bestselling author and screenwriter Caroline Kepnes has signed with CAA, Variety can report exclusively. Kepnes is the writer-creator behind the four-book “You” series, following the exploits of magnetic serial killer Joe Goldberg. Her novels are the source material for the Netflix scripted juggernaut “You,” adapted by Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble. The series reinvigorated the career of Penn Badgley in the lead role of Goldberg, and has proven a massive performer on the streaming platform. A fifth and final season of the series was just greenlit. Kepnes, a native of Cape Cod, will next release “For You and Only You” on April 25 from Random House. It joins previous titles “You Love Me,” “Hidden Bodies,” and the flagship “You.” She is also the author of the novel “Providence,” a supernatural love story. Her works have been translated into numerous languages and continue to build a rapt audience around the world.

The Just Stop Oil protester who stormed the World Snooker Championships glued his hand to a painting at the Manchester Art Gallery last year in another demonstration.

For those beady eyed chart fans keeping an eye on the Official Chart First Look - which gives an exclusive glance at how the Official Singles Chart is shaping up at midweek mark - there might have been a bit of surprise yesterday. 

EXCLUSIVE: Canada’s Crave has swooped for the U.S., UK and Australian versions of The Traitors while the smash Dutch format is set to made in six more territories, bringing the overall total to 20.

Simon Cowell has pressed the golden buzzer for his favourite act on just the second episode of the new series of Britain's Got Talent. Simon, who's famous for being difficult to please, was blown away by Malakli's opera performance and smashed the golden buzzer for him – taking him straight through to the live shows.The young singer received a standing ovation by both the judges and the crowd as Simon went on to label his singing as "golden" before smashing the buzzer. BGT viewers echoed similar sentiments online.

Britain’s Got Talent’s pregnant singer Amy Lou Smith gave birth to a “perfect” baby girl yesterday afternoon just hours before her audition aired on ITV.

Girls’ night out! Kim Kardashian hit the town with daughter North West, niece Penelope Disick and their pals, who all were captivated by Katy Perry’s Las Vegas residency.

A singer with the band Black Lace is swapping pushing pineapples for a role on the Coronation Street cobbles. Vikki Reynolds, who joined the party band in 2017, would now love a permanent part after working on the world's longest-running soap.

The Greatest Showman,” starring Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams and Zendaya.“I was more comfortable singing behind the scenes,” Allred told the crowd, her hands trembling. “But I feel kind of like the song was meant for me and I’m kind of ready to put a face to the song, so I’m here to do that.”She began the song — which actress Rebecca Ferguson had “performed” in the movie —very softly, gaining confidence and strength as her voice dramatically rose an octave leading to the chorus.

Tim McGraw, the country music star whose acting career has hit a new gear lately with roles in Yellowstone and prequel 1883, is launching his own media company with backing from Skydance Media.

Musician and “1883” star Tim McGraw has formed his own production company: Down Home Media in Nashville, Tennessee.McGraw has teamed with his management company EM.Co, and social content studio Shareability. Shareability’s founder, Tim Staples, is Down Home’s co-founder and CEO, while EM.Co’s Brian Kaplan, also a co-founder, will serve as Chief Strategy Officer.

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic Country star Tim McGraw announced Thursday that he is entering into a partnership with Shareability, a social content studio that specializes in “viral moments,” to start Down Home, a new Nashville-based media, entertainment and marketing company. According to the announcement, Down Home will be “dedicated to connecting McGraw’s country music audience with Hollywood and brands by producing film, TV and digital media that focuses on relatable stories that capture the essence and spirit of everyday Americans.” No titles or specific projects were announced as part of the unveiling, but the new company is said to have two scripted series in development with Skydance Media, with the intention of following up with feature film and animation projects. In a statement, Joel Bergvall, Down Home’s head of film and television, said, “People want stories that move them, and that starts with characters they can relate to. We’re focused on underdogs, unlikely heroes, and people striving for their sense of family, community, and belonging.”

Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter is being sued for alleged sexual battery and assault, which he has denied. The singer, 43, used his “role, status, and power as a well-known singer” to groom, manipulate, and sexually exploit pop star Melissa Schuman, it has been claimed. Melissa, 38, who was part of US girl band Dream, filed the claim against Nick on Tuesday 11 April in Los Angeles.

recent poll from ABC News that indicated more than half of Americans believe Trump knowingly committed an illegal act, after he was charged with 34 counts of felony business record falsification last week.Meanwhile, 20% believe Trump did not do anything wrong, but Kimmel pretty well dismissed those people out of hand.“These are the same people who think JFK’s coming back from the dead to win ‘The Masked Singer,'” Kimmel mocked. The late night host was more interested in the 11% of people in the poll who said they believe Trump did something wrong, but not intentionally.

Mexico's National Association of Performers. The organization said in a statement Sunday translated to English from Spanish, 'The National Association of Performers communicates the death of member Julián Figueroa. 'The statement continued: 'Actor and singer, has launched various albums like Julián Figueroa y su banda.

Paul Cattermole, a member of pop group S Club 7, has died. He was 46. "It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son and brother Paul Cattermole," his family said in a statement to The Associated Press Friday.  According to the family, Cattermole was found in his home in Dorset, southwest England, Thursday, where he was pronounced dead.

This is the moment a popular singer from Oldham silences the room as he makes the call to prayer at the House of Commons during a Ramadan event. Naseeb Abbas performed the Azan at an iftar event held at the 'iconic' building in what he described as a ‘goosebumps moment’.

Naman Ramachandran Argonon Group, the parent company behind “The Masked Singer U.K.,” has appointed former Jupiter Entertainment executive VP Steve McGovern as COO of its U.S. business with a remit across Leopard USA, Rose Rock Entertainment and future U.S. operations including acquisitions. Argonon, a global production group headquartered in the U.K. and U.S., owns Scottish indie production company Bandicoot, which makes the U.K. version of “The Masked Singer” as well as “The Masked Dancer.” As part of the group’s strategic shift to the West Coast and upscaled focus on streamers, networks and platforms, McGovern’s role will be based in Los Angeles. Shirley Escott, currently Leopard USA’s COO, relocates to London to pursue other projects after five years in the post. McGovern will report into Argonon CEO James Burstall and Laura Bessell, Argonon’s global COO.

— and Niall Horan's team had more than a few surprises up their sleeves!The rookie coach's first pairing of the night was Jerome Godwin III and Talia Smith, who took the stage with a soulful rendition of Sam Smith's «Like I Can.» The coaches praised Jerome for stepping up to the moment while marveling at Talia's range throughout the complex track.Niall agonized over his decision, but ultimately decided to name Jerome the winner of the battle, who will be moving on to the season 23 Knockout Rounds — which kick off next week.Talia was nothing but gracious in defeat, and even shared some happy news of her own before she went home.«This whole journey started with a sad story and now I'm standing here and my life has changed, so I'm just grateful,» she told the coaches and the crowd. «Thank you for the opportunity, I'm just happy to be here.»Rubbing her belly, she added, «I want my future baby to look onstage and be like, 'That was my mommy!'»The news dropped Kelly Clarkson's jaw. «Did she just say baby?» she asked Niall, who immediately got up to hug his former team member.

Angelique Jackson CAA has signed filmmaker Megan Park for representation. Park’s feature directorial debut, “The Fallout,” premiered at SXSW in 2021 and took home the festival’s grand jury prize and audience award, as well as the first-ever Brightcove Illumination Award for writing the screenplay. The film was released on HBO Max in Jan. 2022 and stars Jenna Ortega and Maddie Ziegler, following the teenagers as they attempt to rebuild their lives after a school tragedy. Park was named one of Variety’s “10 Directors to Watch” for 2022 and also won the Toronto International Film Festival’s Rising Star Award and an Emerging Directors Award from the Cannes Film Festival.