2004 |
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By:
Laura Petrecca
Source: New York Post - September 26, 2004
TW Correspondent: Luisa
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Martha
Stewart better watch her back. As Kmart embraces all
things young and cool, the 63-year-old domestic guru
could become a Blue-Light Special. Kmart is quietly re-crafting
its image to that of a smaller, more focused retailer
that can better serve trendy urban and minority customers.
That's a far cry from Stewart's white-bread ladies-who-lunch
Westport. Kmart's plastic surgery includes partnership
pacts with hot Latina singer Thalia Sodi, the youthful
stars of The WB! Network and the glammed up hosts of E!
News Live. The WB! actors, known for their edgy style,
donned Kmart wares for a back-to-school marketing blitz.
Kmart starlets like "Reba"'s JoAnna Garcia
popped by the Astor Place store. Well-coiffed and
racially mixed, E! News talent such as Alisha Davis will
wear Kmart garb on air through the fall, as well as
appear in a national ad campaign. Thalia, a sexy songbird and wife of music impresario Tommy Mottola, is also a centerpiece of the company's plans to reach new consumers. The Mexican singer appeals to the Hispanic and metropolitan markets that are increasingly important in Kmart's customer base. She's still a tiny player when compared to Stewart's selling power, but Thalia's products have begun to encroach on the domestic diva's housewares turf. The Thalia Sodi Collection not only includes apparel and perfume, it reaches to the home goods isle. In the first 39 weeks after its 2003 introduction, Thalia's collection brought in $17 million in sales, according to Kmart documents. This year, the Thalia merchandise is on track to bring in about $100 million in revenue. That's a fraction of Stewart's estimated $1.5 billion in sales from established consumers who are loyal to her rugs, sheets and towels. But Thalia's products are just beginning to spread across Kmart's stores. "We initially tested the line in about 300 stores," a Kmart spokesman said. "It's been so successful we're expanding it to all our stores." Meanwhile, the domestic diva's staying power remains uncertain as she heads to prison to begin a five-month sentence for lying to investigators about selling ImClone stock. |
Source:
Businesswire / Stock Watch - September 23, 2004
TW Correspondent: Luisa
Hispanic viewers enjoyed their very own celebrity-filled, rhythm-packed party this Thursday night when the Univision Network presented the first ever "Premios Juventud" ("Youth Awards") ceremony, which aired live from Miami at 9pm ET/PT (8pm Central/Mountain). The first awards show on Spanish language television in which young Hispanics honor their favorite Latin stars, "Premios Juventud 2004" gave awards in 22 innovative categories. Among the night's biggest winners were Mexican superstar Thalia, with three statuettes ("Party Starter," "Dream Chic," and "My Idol Is"), and Puerto Rican heartthrob Chayanne, who also won three awards ("He's Got Style," "He's So Hot," and "Best Moves"). Other takers included Jennifer Lopez (""She's Totally Red Carpet" and "Paparazzi's Favorite Target"), popular Banda group Liberacion ("Catchiest Tune" and "Best Re-Mix"), famous baseball shortstop Alex Rodriguez ("Hottest Male Athlete"), and Colombian pop idol Juanes ("Dynamic Duet" for his recent duo with Nelly Furtado). Pop music sensation Paulina Rubio took home one of the night's most important awards, "All Over the Dial," which recognizes the hottest recording artist of the moment.
All of the night's winners were chosen by enthusiastic fans voting on Univision.com, the exclusive home of Premios Juventud online. Fans logged onto Univision.com to follow the action and get the inside scoop. Univision.com post coverage will include winner profiles, behind-the-scenes photos, celebrity gossip, and an up close look at who ruled the red carpet.
Source:
hersheyslatino.com - September 23, 2004
TW Correspondent: Tonchi
Hersheys recently launched its Hersheys Latino website. The website showcases the La Dulceria Thalia line of products which was inspired by Thalia and her Latin roots. It was developed specifically for the US Hispanic Market based on the popularity of chile-flavored hard candy, particularly lollipops, and high consumption of layered/filled bars with complex ingredients.
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Source:
hersheyslatino.com - September 23, 2004
TW Correspondent: Thaliareina
One Grand Prize winner will receive a 4-day, 3-night trip for a “Meet and Greet” session with Thalía and two-hundred First Prize winners will receive a HERSHEY’S t-shirt!
| Official Rules 1. No purchase necessary. Sweepstakes begins on September 3, 2004 and ends on January 31, 2005. To enter the sweepstakes, type or handprint your name, address, city, state, zip code and age on the mail-in entry form or a plain 3" x 5" card or paper and mail in an envelope with sufficient postage to: Hershey's Share Kisses with Thalia Sweepstakes, P.O. Box 7576, East Rutherford, NJ 07073-7576. All entries must be postmarked by January 31, 2005 and received by February 8, 2005 Enter as often as you wish, but each entry must be mailed separately. No facsimile, mechanically reproduced, illegible or incomplete entries will be accepted. |
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2. Eligibility: Sweepstakes participation is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia ("D.C."). Employees of Hershey Foods Corporation ("Sponsor"), its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, printers and judges, each of their respective parent companies, and members of the immediate families or households of any of the above are not eligible to participate. Void outside the 50 United States and D.C. and wherever prohibited by law. Subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Sponsor is not responsible for mutilated, illegible, incomplete, late, misdirected, postage-due, lost, or stolen entries. By entering this sweepstakes, entrants agree to be bound by these rules and consent to the use of their name and/or likeness (without additional compensation) for publicity purposes carried out by Sponsor to the extent allowed by applicable law. All materials submitted become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned.
3. Judging: Potential winners will be selected at random from among all valid entries received by an independent judging organization whose decisions are final on all matters relating to this sweepstakes. THE DRAWING WILL BE HELD ON OR ABOUT FEBRUARY 15, 2005. Prizes will be awarded as soon as winners' compliance with these rules is verified. In the event that a winner is less than 21 years of age, the winner's parent or legal guardian will be awarded and must accept the prize in the minor's behalf, travel with the minor and must sign all required documentation or the prize will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate qualified winner. The odds of winning a prize will depend on the number of valid entries received. Limit one prize per family. Approximately 500,000 entry forms will be made available. If for any reason a prize cannot be awarded after initial drawing, a supplemental drawing will be held to award the prize. All prizes will be awarded.
4. Prizes: There will be a total of 201 winners chosen, one (1) winner who will receive the Grand Prize and two-hundred (200) winners who will receive the First Prize, as described below. There are two (2) different levels of prizes to be awarded, including the Grand Prize and First Prize. The Grand Prize consists of a 4-day, 3-night trip to a location to be determined by the Sponsor and Thalia for a "Meet and Greet" session with Thalia. Trip is for a party of four and if traveling with a minor, under the age of 18, must include one parent or legal guardian in party. Prize includes round-trip coach airfare for four (4) people from major airport nearest winner's residence to location determined by Sponsor and Thalia, double occupancy hotel accommodations and $500.00 spending money. All Grand Prize elements subject to availability based on scheduling. Hershey Foods Corporation reserves the right to make alternate and comparable arrangements. Retail value is approximately $5,000.00. Expenses not listed herein are Grand Prize winner's responsibility. Potential winners will be notified via overnight courier. Trip must take place before June 30, 2005. First Prize winners will receive a Hershey's t-shirt by mail with an ARV each of $15 (total ARV $3000.00). By entering sweepstakes, potential winners (and travel guests) agree that Sponsor, its officers, directors, subsidiaries or affiliates and their agencies and employees shall not be held liable for any injuries, losses or damages resulting from prize acceptance. Potential winners and travel guests will be required to complete and return Affidavit of Eligibility and Publicity, Liability and Travel Releases within 14 days of receiving notification as a condition of receiving the prize. If travel guest is a minor, a parent or legal guardian must sign the Affidavit of Eligibility and Publicity, Liability and Travel Release on the travel guest's behalf. No substitution or cash equivalent of prize is permitted except at Sponsor's sole discretion in the event of prize unavailability. Taxes and gratuities are prize winners responsibility.
5. Waiver: By entering this promotion, participant waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental and consequential damages, attorneys' fees or any damages other than actual out-of-pocket costs incurred to enter.
6. For the name of the prize winners, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to Hershey's Kisses with Thalia Winners List/2, P.O. Box 7456, East Rutherford, NJ 07073-7456 by February 15, 2005.
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Thalia partners with jeweller Jacob & Co.Source:
IDEX Online - September 20, 2004 Thalia's is no longer a diamond in the rough. Years of celebrity has polished her finish and produced the equivalent of a perfect, living celebrity diamond.. So it is only fitting that she becomes the celebrity endorser for the jewelry line Jacob & Co., a company that sells half of it's products under a male line. Renowned as celebrity jeweller (Julio Iglesias and Britney Spears to name a few who sport their expensive watches) , Jacob & Co. views the collaboration with DD Manufacturing and Thalia as part of a business strategy that will drive it's growth through greater vertical integration. Jacob & Co placed a major marketing effort in motion. Together with DDM it is developing a new diamond cut, expected to launch next year, after opening a 2000 sq ft new flagship store on New York’s 57th Street, opposite the Four Seasons Hotel this coming November. |
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Mexican singing star brings song of success to MHSSource:
The Patriot News - August 23, 2004 Latin pop star Thalia, who worked her way to stardom from humble beginnings, will sponsor a scholarship for Milton Hershey School seniors who also have overcome hardships. The Mexican actress, singer and composer announced the annual Thalia Sodi Achievement Scholarship "to encourage you to work hard to achieve your dreams and position yourself for success" yesterday at the school's Community Day. The event, which began with chapel services and continued with a picnic, games, petting zoo and talent show, launched the 2004-05 school year. Thalia recently agreed to promote Hershey Kisses, Bars, Jolly Ranchers and other confections with such Latinesque flavors as chili and tamarind. "I love chocolate," Thalia told about 2,000 people outside Founders Hall. "I am addicted to it." Wearing a modest black pants suit, 5-inch heels and a big smile, the pop singer said she was impressed with Milton Hershey School and the late Milton Hershey. "Mr. Hershey worked hard for many years to achieve his dreams and position himself for success," she said. "He never stopped believing that he could do more. He believed in himself and his dreams and remained focused." Thalia said she relates to that because she was born in a Mexico City neighborhood "similar to the Bronx" and rose to success. "I'm not satisfied with achieving my potential just in a few areas," she told the students. "I always make an effort to challenge myself with new endeavors. I'm currently expanding my horizons as a clothing designer, businesswoman and music producer." |
Thalia advised the students to follow their dreams as Hershey did. "Work hard to better yourself," she said. "Challenge yourself with everything you do throughout your life." She said her scholarship will be given annually to a goal-oriented Milton Hershey senior who exemplifies a positive spirit through strong character. She sang a few lines from "I Want You" and answered questions about whether it was difficult to learn English ("yes"), whether she wants to star in another soap opera ("I'm more interested in being in a movie") and how it feels to be a pop star ("great, but it's a lot of work.") Thalia credited her mother with giving her the strength to launch her career, her family for their support and Oprah Winfrey for inspiring her to help the community. She giggled when a student gave her a 5-pound Hershey bar, then playfully pretended to nibble the end. After her speech, Thalia, 32, called inspiring youth and helping people "food for my soul." Asked her future plans, she smiled. "I'm doing my 11th and 12th albums," she said. "Someday, I want to be the first Latino singer on the moon. I'll enchant the Martians with my songs and feed them Hershey chocolate."
Massiel Estevez, a Milton Hershey senior, said she was thrilled to meet her heroine, whom she watched in soap operas. "She went from rags to riches, both in her life and on television," said Estevez, 16. "She inspires me and is my role model. There's no borders and no closed doors thanks to her. I love her." Sophomore Alex Valentine said Thalia's message boosted her confidence. "If she can succeed, anyone can. I want to be a doctor. This year, I'll do all I can to get higher grades," she said.
Thalia, originally from Mexico City, began singing when she was 9 with the musical group Din-Din. In 1984, she played a chorus girl in the musical "Grease" in Mexico. For several years, she played the role of the eternal innocent damsel in such Mexican soap operas as "Marimar," "Mara la del barrio" and "Mara Mercedes." She also began singing and over the past decade released the albums "Love," "En Extasis," "Armor a la Mexicana," "Arrasando" and "Thalia." Last year, she launched the Thalia Sodi Collection of clothing, perfume and jewelry at Kmart. This year, she began publishing Thalia magazine. Thalia is married to record mogul Tommy Mottola, singer Mariah Carey's former husband.
Source: Estylo.com
- August 10, 2004
By: Daniel Chitwood
Photos: Steve Shaw ./ Scott Gries / Evan Agostini / Carlos
Alvarez
TW Correspondent: Tonchi
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You
simply aren’t quite famous enough if people have to
use your last name. Just ask Thalía. Following in the
footsteps of Oprah and Cristina, she has quietly created
her own eponymous empire. But Rome wasn’t built in a
day, and Thalía’s empire didn’t materialize
out of thin air. She appeared in her first commercial at
the tender age of two and began performing onstage only a
few years later. She went on to capture the heart of
music’s most powerful man, ex-Sony CEO Tommy
Mottola, and recently Argentina caught the wave of her
telenovela success. For teenage Latinas around the world,
Thalía’s pop queen status rivals that of Madonna.
And now she’s ready to take America by storm. Mention the world-class brand Hershey’s and two words come to mind: sweet and success. In the latest addition to her empire, it seems only fitting that Latin sweetheart Thalía recently signed a multi-year partnership with the chocolate giant. She already has a line of clothing and accessories at KMart, along with her first English album. There’s also a new magazine bearing her name that hit the stands in April. And while most of us were lazily planning our summer vacations a few short months ago, Thalía was too busy to daydream. Her U.S. summer tour is appropriately named High Voltage, the perfect affirmation of an unwillingness to do anything in slow motion. While rumors circulate about her husband’s influence on her career, Thalía blithely dismisses them. As she explained during an appearance on the El Gordo y La Flaca program, “I have my own money in the bank, I can travel where I want, I can get ahead by myself, and I believe that could make some men uneasy. But nobody supports me.” |
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marriage to Mottola in December 2000 seemed to many the
culmination of a Cinderella story. Mexico’s
eternally innocent damsel finally meets her Prince
Charming, and the scene ends with the two love-struck
protagonists standing at the altar. But, as both Thalía
and Tommy know, their love story was only beginning.
Theirs is definitely a symbiotic working relationship,
and it only helps that they are madly in love. They were
introduced by mutual friend Emilio Estefan, who stood up
as best man in their extravagant NYC nuptials. He told
Estylo in 2002, “These are two of my best friends,
and I’m so happy for her. She is an incredible woman.”
Although Mottola served as the muscle behind several of
his wife’s business deals, she has been the executor
of her own success. Much of Thalía’s inspiration
comes from her mother, who was left to take care of five
young girls when her husband died. “I’m a very
strong woman,” Thalía told ABC News. “When my
father died when I was five years old, my mother said to
us, ‘Girls, you're in a man’s world, so you
have to fight against the current. You have to be strong,
you have to pursue your dreams, go get your dreams, but
you have to always be who you are.’ And that’s
me.” There is a high price to fame, and Thalía’s career has been no exception, as she dodges rumors of diva antics and accusations that she married for money. It’s always easy to point fingers and fabricate reasons for another’s success. Some might say that Thalía got to where she is only because of a self-professed stage mother and a power-wielding music exec husband. But no one arrives at the top without perseverance — and more. In Thalía’s case, throw in magnetic charm, high energy and a positive attitude to complete the package. There are many sides to Thalía, and she seems to like it that way. “The public can choose how they want to see me,” she said in a 2001 Time feature article. “Some like the image of a tender girl, the poor girl of the soap operas. Others see me [as] more aggressive, strong, the way I am sometimes onstage. I let my fans decide.” And choose they will. Mexican housewives idolize Thalía as the star of their favorite telenovelas. Teenage Latinas sing along to her decade-long musical oeuvre. Her sultry magazine covers put her at the top of the list for men of all nationalities. And now world-class corporations are taking notice of her savvy business sense and universal allure. Her brand appeal relies heavily on Hispanic loyalty. Thalía told El Norte, “I owe everything I am to my Latin culture; it is a great pride for me.” |
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As the
2010 census draws ever closer, companies are paying more
attention to the Latin population. Thomas K. Hernquist,
Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of
Hershey Foods Corporation, says: “With over 40
million Hispanics influencing all areas of American
culture, from food to music to fashion, and purchasing
power of $630 billion, the U.S. Hispanic market
represents a tremendous growth opportunity for Hershey
Foods. We are truly excited about Thalía and Hershey
joining together as we work to build brand awareness and
a preference for Hershey’s brands with this fast-growing,
dynamic population.” The partnership involves
sponsorship of Thalía’s U.S. tour and a co-branded
Thalía line of products specifically targeted at the
Hispanic community. Dulce de leche-filled kisses, anyone? References to royalty, fairytales and soap operas have swirled around Thalía for years. Consider the basic outline of her biography. With prodding from her single mother, young Thalía makes it as a teen pop idol, then goes on to worldwide success as the star of a trilogy of mid-90s telenovelas. At 22 her first fiancé dies of hepatitis, leaving her to believe she will never love again. Then, at the height of her musical success, her sisters are kidnapped by a crime gang (and later returned unharmed). At 30, she marries a music mogul and rides off into the sunset. It’s easy to be simultaneously fascinated, heartbroken and awestruck by Thalía’s life story. Speaking of the bad times in her life, she recently told the Miami Herald, “I turn them into something positive and into light and an opportunity to grow.” It is this indomitable spirit, mixed with a little bit of luck, that will lead her down the same path of success as trailblazers like Oprah Winfrey and Cristina Saralegui. As Oprah once put it, “Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.” USA, meet Thalía. |
Source: New
York Post / PRNews - August 5, 2004
TW Correspondent: Luisa
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According
to reports from the New York Post and PR News, Tommy
Mottola is headed to Broadway as a partner to Miramax
Films in order to produce The Wall, a musical based on
Pink Floyd's seminal album of the same name. As one of
the most highly regarded and influential executives in
the worldwide entertainment business, Mr. Mottola is
founder of The Mottola Company, a multi-faceted
management and production firm. He also serves as
President of Casablanca Records, a label he started in
2003 with partner Universal Music Group, the world's
largest music company. Formerly, he served as Chairman
and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment for 15 years. Along
the way, he developed and nurtured many of contemporary
music's top icons then any single individual in the
industry such as, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Bruce
Springsteen, Billy Joel, Gloria Estefan and Aerosmith, to
Destiny's Child, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Nas, the
Dixie Chicks, Shakira and Marc Anthony, among many others. Already, Mottola's Casablanca Records will produce the soundtracks to Miramax films "Shall We Dance," which will star Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere, and "Pride and Prejudice." After leaving his post as head of Sony Music last year, Mottola has built an eclectic collection of businesses, including Casablanca and a management company called The Mottola Company. He's also been playing a key role in guiding the career of his wife, the Latin singer Thalia. Under his company's watchful eye, Thalia has branched out into a successful clothing line with Kmart and into the lucrative sweets market with Hershey's. |
Source:
Business Wire - August 2, 2004
TW Correspondent: Luisa
The biggest names in Latin show business, fashion, and sports will be honored on the first annual "Premios Juventud" (Youth Awards). The electrifying 2-hour entertainment special will be broadcast from Miami, the party capital of the world. It will air live on the Univision Network (NYSE:UVN) on Thursday, September 23 from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT (8-10 p.m. Central/Mountain).
Recognizing popularity and overall appreciation in five distinct areas - Film, Music, Sports, Fashion and Pop Culture - the "Premios Juventud" nominees were selected based on a nationwide poll conducted among a representative sample of Spanish-language television's younger viewing audience. From August 2-22, Hispanic America will then cast their votes online and determine the final outcome.
Far from your typical award show, "Premios Juventud" will give awards in 22 unconventional categories in tune with today's Hispanic youth. It's one young party no one will want to miss. Marc Anthony and Thalia lead with 13 nominations each; Anthony competes in categories such as "CD to Die For" and "He's Got Style" and Thalia in "She's Totally Red Carpet" and "My Idol Is," among others. Jennifer Lopez follows with 12 nods in categories such as "Show Stealing Actress" and "Dream Chick." Other multiple nominees include Luis Miguel with 11 nominations and Paulina Rubio and Ricky Martin with 9 each. In what promises to be the most talked about category, "Hottest Romance" of a real-life couple, the contenders include Luis Miguel and Myrka Dellanos, Niurka Marcos and Bobby Larios and Thalia and Tommy Mottola.
Thalia is nominated in the following categories:
1. Actriz
que se roba la pantalla (She Steals the Show)
2. La pareja mas pareja (Dynamic Duet)
3. Que rico se mueve! (Best Moves)
4. Voz del momento (All Over the Dial)
5. La mas pegajosa (Catchiest Tune)
6. Me muero sin ese CD (CD to Die For)
7. Cancion rompehielo (Party Starter)
8. Quiero vestir como ella (She's Totally Red Carpet)
9. Chica que me quita el sueno (Dream Chick)
10. Mi idolo es (My Idol Is)
11. Torridos romances (Hottest Romance) (TW Note: along with
husband Tommy Mottola)
12. En la mira de los paparazzi (Paparazzi's Favorite Target)
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