The 88th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade, the largest Christmas event in America, announces its Grand Marshal and the 2019 talent lineup for its landmark anniversary celebration, which will take place on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California, on Sunday, December 1, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. PT. The host of Access Hollywood, Mario Lopez, and the Lopez family, are this year’s Grand Marshals. They will join an eclectic array of musical performances featured during the parade and national telecast, including Jesse & Joy, Dionne Warwick, Brandon Jenner, Sheléa, The Band Of Merrymakers, Rock of Ages, Shawn Wayans presents The Boo Crew, Phil Vassar, David Archuleta, Ace Young & Diana DeGarmo, James Maslow, Ashen Moon with Mikalah Gordon and Brandon Rogers. The parade will also feature a special tribute for Toys for Tots and a magic performance by Mai Wynn and Farrell Dillon of The CW hit series,“Masters of Illusion.”
The 88th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade will be hosted by Erik Estrada, Laura McKenzie, Dean Cain and Montel Williams, with special co-host Elizabeth Stanton.
The 88th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade will premiere as a two-hour special on The CW Network on Friday, December 13 at 8:00 p.m. ET / PT. The parade, featuring Marine Toys for Tots program, which is essential in providing gifts to less fortunate children everywhere, will also air on the Hallmark Channel and on American Forces Network, to more than one million American servicemen and women worldwide.
The event will be presented and produced by Associated Television International, in association with The City of Los Angeles.
A true Hollywood yearly tradition, the parade attracts more than one million in attendance each year, with larger than life inflatable character balloons, award winning bands, colorful equestrians, ornate floats, popular characters/novelties, celebrity filled cars and, of course, Santa Claus making the much heralded trek down the over three mile parade route.
About Mario Lopez: Mario Lopez has the overwhelming desire to always keep active. The two-time Emmy-winning television host has joined “Access Hollywood” and has signed an over-all development deal with NBC/Universal. He also the host the nationwide iHeartMedia radio shows, “On with Mario Lopez” and “iHeartRadio Countdown with Mario Lopez.” Lopez co-created the upcoming Netflix series “The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia.” The Latinx family comedy centers on a 15-year-old robotics engineer and rocket scientist and her family. He not only has a proclivity for the entertainment industry, Lopez is also an avid sports fan. He has taken his love of sports, specifically boxing, to the next level as a host of the iHeartRadio podcast “The 3 Knockdown Rule.”. In September 2014, Mario released his first autobiography, “Just Between Us.” In his memoir, he shares his successes and disappointments, never before-told stories and family values. Mario became a New York Times best-selling author with his healthy eating guide, “Extra Lean.” In May 2011, he released the follow-up to “Extra Lean,” entitled “Extra Lean Family.” This new book featured recipes and tips beneficial to the entire family. Additionally, Mario penned “Mario Lopez’s Knockout Fitness,” a best-selling fitness book that offers readers a look into his impressive workout regime. Additionally, he co-authored “Mud Tacos,” a vibrant children’s book with his sister Marissa; and “Mario & Baby Gia,” a children’s book he wrote for his daughter Gia. “Mario & Baby Gia” is currently being developed into an animated series.
No stranger to rigorous routines, Lopez danced his way to the finals in the third season of ABC’s hit show “Dancing with the Stars.” Shortly after, in the summer of 2009, he successfully completed his first run on Broadway, starring in the long-running hit musical “A Chorus Line” as the beloved character Zach.
Mario was named the Alumni Ambassador of Fitness by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), joining the ranks of some 25 other prominent alumni, including Denzel Washington and former President Bill Clinton in the organization’s BE GREAT campaign. Via the campaign, he helps bring to light the major issues affecting today’s young people, including the importance of graduating from high school and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the key role community-based organizations like BGCA play in the positive development of children.
Even with all his other ventures, Lopez is still in love with acting. He has recently appeared on the NBC hit drama “This is Us” and the CW series “Jane the Virgin.” Lopez has also appeared on “Brooklyn 99,” “The Roockie,” and a recurring voice on “Elena of Avalor” with his daughter Gia. He played ‘Dr. Mike Hamoui’ on eight episodes of F/X network’s popular show “Nip/Tuck,” Lopez’s run on the series bringing an instant and well-deserved cult following. Lopez previously starred in the highest-rated program in ABC Family history, “Holiday in Handcuffs” and also starred opposite Mark Consuelos in the made-for-TV movie, “Husband for Hire,” the most-watched program ever on the Oxygen Network.
Mario currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife Courtney, their daughter Gia, their son Dominic and they just welcomed their new baby son, Santino Rafael Lopez.
About the performers:
DIONNE WARWICK @DionneWarwick
Soul icon Dionne Warwick ranks among the 41 biggest hit makers of the entire rock era, based on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles Charts. The six-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer, actress, and television host Dionne Warwick released a Christmas album this fall featuring stunning duet performances with legends across all genres of pop music called “Dionne Warwick & The Voices of Christmas,” released by BMG on October 18, 2019 in both CD and digital formats.
JESSE & JOY @jesseyjoy
Jesse & Joy is a Mexican pop duo formed in 2005 by brother and sister Jesse and Joy, in Mexico City. The duo has toured internationally and has been recognized with a Grammy Award for Best Latin Album and six Latin Grammy Awards. In mid-2016, Jesse & Joy gained mainstream attention with the release of their first dual-language album, Jesse & Joy, which contained English versions of songs from their past four studio releases and biggest hits. The duo is currently promoting their newest single “Tanto” with Luis Fonsi. The song has surpassed more than 39M visits on YouTube and has more than 6M streams on Spotify.
BRANDON JENNER @BrandonJenner
Since the release of his acclaimed 2016 debut “Burning Ground” – whose title track has been streamed over 19 million times on Spotify – Jenner has established himself as a globally renowned artist of depth and vision. His new solo EP “Plan on Feelings” shares a more intimate, vulnerable and personable side, as he goes deep on five tracks of modern soul. His acoustic, atmospheric track “All I Need Is You” off his 2018 EP “Face The World,” has
generated over 700,000 streams, and his music has become a staple on SiriusXM Radio’s Coffee House.
SHELÉA @SheleaMusic
With a voice that stirs the soul and hands that glide effortlessly over the keys, Quincy Jones protégé Sheléa represents a return to true artistry that has garnered attention and adoration from legends throughout the music industry. Blending traditional pop, jazz, R&B and soul, Sheléa brings a contemporary edge to classics and a classic touch to contemporary pop standards. She will be releasing a holiday EP this Christmas, with lead single, “Don’t Wanna Wait Till Christmas” out November 21.
BAND OF MERRYMAKERS @BandOfMerrymakers
Band of Merrymakers is a rotating-cast holiday supergroup that was created by hit songwriters Sam Hollander and Kevin Griffin in 2014. The group was established with the philanthropic goal of raising awareness and donations for non-profit organizations and charities. The group’s Top 10 iTunes holiday charting debut album, WELCOME TO OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY, features guest appearances from Christina Perri, Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray), Natasha Bedingfield, Michael Fitzpatrick (Fitz & The Tantrums), Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum, and more.
ACE YOUNG @AceYoung
Before multiple #1 hits as a songwriter, Ace Young wowed millions on “American Idol” and “Half & Half.” His Grammy-nominated song “It’s Not Over” led to songwriting acclaims. He’s starred on Broadway, including roles in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “AIDA” and “Rock Of Ages.” Ace is currently writing, producing and recording his upcoming album.
DIANA DEGARMO @DianaDYoung
Known for her powerhouse vocals on American Idol, roles on Broadway, successful tours, a recurring role on “The Young & The Restless” and more, Diana DeGarmo is finally debuting music with her authentic big band country style on her new album, GEMINI.
JAMES MASLOW @JamesMaslow
James Maslow is an American singer, actor and songwriter best known for the Nickelodeon series “Big Time Rush.” Maslow is now pursuing music as a solo artist. In addition, he competed on Season 18 of ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars,” appeared on the first season of CBS’ “Celebrity Big Brother” and currently hosts “The Big Stage with Elizabeth Stanton.”
ASHEN MOON @Ashenmoon
When they first began writing their debut record, “Tide Is Changing,” AshenMoon bassist Garry Beers and singer Toby Rand unraveled their personal songwriting and began collaborating on a “passion project” in Beers’ garage studio in the San Fernando Valley. Guitarist/writer Jimmy Khoury, pianist and songwriter Kenny Dickenson (KT Tunstall), drummer Jason Ganberg (Dorothy) and guitarist Sebastian Gregory (The Veronica’s) joined them to create the recipe and sound of AshenMoon. Produced by Beers (co-produced by Rand), their album is influenced by the electronic grooves of Beers’ work with INXS, hooky riffs inspired by Khoury’s work with Beth Hart, while Rand traverses his range emotionally with tales of heartbreak, love and redemption; something uniquely his own. Mixed by Grammy award winner David Reitzas and mastered by Howie Weinberg (Jeff Buckley), the AshenMoon record is majestically anthemic, whilst remaining intimate.
MIKALAH GORDON @mikalahgordon
Mikalah Gordon debuted as the youngest top 12 contestant on season 4 of “American Idol,” where audiences fell in love with her powerful voice and unique stage presence. Her run on Idol did open a lot of doors, including TV roles and a recording deal with Interscope Records. When she isn’t in the recording studio or auditioning for TV roles, Mikalah is co-hosting The Morning Beat on CHANNEL Q in Los Angeles.
BRANDON ROGERS @brandonrogers
LA-native Brandon Rogers is no stranger to the spotlight. After touring with Christina Aguilera, Usher and Justin Timberlake, Rogers auditioned for season 6 of “American Idol” as he wanted to pursue music as a solo artist. He just released his new R&B, modern pop single, “Apathy,” which he also wrote and produced. The track showcases Rogers impressive vocal range, prowess, and undeniable mark as an artists.
MAI WYNN
“Masters of Illusion” International sensation Mai Wynn creates her own style of mesmerizing magic on this year’s Hollywood Christmas Parade.
FARRELL DILLON @FarrellDillonComedyMagic
Farrell is known for his regular appearances on 5 seasons of the CW Network’s hit series “Masters of Illusion” and can be seen on his 6th season. He has been nominated for Stage Magician of the year by the Magic Castle in Hollywood. He has toured extensively with the Masters of Illusion live show. Farrell has recently performed as a featured magician in the Masters of Illusion residencies at Bally’s Las Vegas and Harrah’s Lake Tahoe.
JESSE & JOY @jesseyjoy
Jesse & Joy is a Mexican pop duo formed in 2005 by brother and sister Jesse and Joy, in Mexico City. The duo has toured internationally and has been recognized with a Grammy Award for Best Latin Album and six Latin Grammy Awards. In mid-2016, Jesse & Joy gained mainstream attention with the release of their first dual-language album, Jesse & Joy, which contained English versions of songs from their past four studio releases and biggest hits. The duo is currently promoting their newest single “Tanto” with Luis Fonsi. The song has surpassed more than 39M visits on YouTube and has more than 6M streams on Spotify.
PHIL VASSAR @philvassar
Phil Vassar’s reign of signature songs include 10 No. 1 singles and 26 Top 40 hits, including “Carlene,” “Just Another Day in Paradise,” “Six-Pack Summer,” “When I Love You,” and many more. Vassar was racking up hits on the radio long before he even began his own recording career that has seen the release of nine albums, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year trophies, ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist and sold-out shows across the country. 2019-2020 marks 20 years of hits for Vassar and to celebrate he is hitting the road playing fan-favorite tunes across the country on his “Hitsteria Tour.” Phil also hosts a wine-infused series of conversations and music with hit artists, song-writers, athletes, and entertainers entitled “Songs from the Cellar.”
DAVID ARCHULETA @davidarchie
David Archuleta was only 16 when, in 2008, more than 30 million television viewers fell in love with his angelic voice and their 44 million votes made him runner up in Season 7 of American Idol. Soon after, his first single, “Crush”, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, selling 166,000 downloads that first week in the U.S. and subsequently more than 1.92 million digital copies. His self-titled album, “David Archuleta” went gold. David has a massive social media following and has toured all over the U.S., Canada, Asia, even performing in the Middle East for the U.S. troops. David released his 8th studio album, Winter In The Air, fall 2018 and is working on a brand new pop album for 2020.
SHAWN WAYANS PRESENTS THE BOO CREW @Theboocrewofficial
The Boo Crew is a group of good natured kids, whose mission is to spread love all around the world. The group puts on a series of specials, books, music, and live stage show all created, written and directed by the Wayans. The Boo Crew follows the journey of nine warm hearted, diverse kids who grow up in Boo York City and experience the trials and tribulations of life together. Through humor and music, The Boo Crew explores positive themes to instill good moral compass in today’s children. The show features A-list voice cast, including the Wayans.
For information on how to purchase Grandstand Seats to the parade, please visit www.thehollywoodchristmasparade.org