TELEMUNDO Presents Special Programming In Anticipation Of Drama Series CELIA

In anticipation of the premiere of the eagerly awaited series "Celia," Telemundo presents three specials dedicated to the "Queen of Salsa." The special programming begins this Saturday, October 10 at 8pm/7c with "Celia Cruz Azcar," the 2003 concert in honor of the famous singer, followed at 10pm/9c by a look back at her personal and professional life on "Nuestros dolos: Celia Cruz." On Tuesday, October 13, the network will air "Celia por Siempre" at 7pm/6c, leading up to the premiere of "Celia" (8pm/7c), the drama series that narrates the life and musical legacy of a woman who launched her career in the middle of the Cuban revolution, at a time when female singers didn't have a place on stage. Telemundo will also pay homage to the iconic Cuban singer with a musical tribute at the first-ever "Latin American Music Awards," live from the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, this Thursday, October 8 at 9pm/8c.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/Spanish/7646451-telemundo-novela-celia/

Hosted by "Un Nuevo Da" co-host Rashel Daz, "Celia Cruz Azcar" (October 10, 8pm/7c), is a special two-hour broadcast of a concert held in honor of Celia in 2003. It will feature original performances, rehearsal footage and an interview with Celia and her husband, Pedro Knight. Some of the artists who participated in the event Vctor Manuelle, Olga Tan and others will look back on that magical evening and the unforgettable moments they spent with the legendary Cuban singer.

"Nuestros dolos: Celia Cruz" (October 10, 10pm/9c) will recap the personal and professional life of the incomparable Celia Cruz, from childhood and her debut on Cuban radio through her memorable funeral, touching on her love story with Pedro Knight and the success she earned along the way. The one-hour documentary features THE VOICE of Celia herself, as well as interviews with some of the people who knew her best, including good friends, schoolmates, agents, godchildren, composers and producers. Produced in association with the Celia Cruz Knight Estate with the support of the Celia Cruz Legacy Project, the program contains never-before-seen video and images from Celia Cruz's private collection.

"Celia por Siempre"(October 13, 7pm/6c),recounts intimate moments in Celia's life offstage as told by some of her closest friends, among them Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Oscar de Len and Willy Chirino. This up-close look shows us a Celia beyond the glamorous wigs and stage makeup, focusing on her role as woman, Cuban, wife, aunt and friend.

Featuring a stellar cast including Jeimy Osorio and Modesto Lacn as the young Celia Cruz and Pedro Knight, with the introduction of Ayme Nuviola and Willie Denton playing the couple in their later years, "Celia" is a production of FOX Telecolombia and RCN licensed to TELEMUNDO. The series was directed by Victor Mallarino and Liliana Bocanegra, with Nelson Martnez as executive producer and a screenplay based on a script by Andrs Salgado and Paul Rodrguez.

Viewers can follow the series on Facebook.com/CeliaTLMD and @CeliaTLMD on Twitter. For more information, please visit nbcumv.com and follow the Public Relations Department on Twitter @TLMDPR.

TELEMUNDO, a division of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, is a world-class media company, leading the industry in the production and distribution of high-quality Spanish-language content across its multiplatform portfolio to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. TELEMUNDO's multiple platforms include the Telemundo Network, a Spanish-language television network featuring original productions, theatrical motion pictures, news and first-class sports events, reaching 94% of U.S. Hispanic viewers in 210 markets through its 17 owned stations, which includes a full power station in Puerto Rico that reaches 99% of all TV households in that DMA, and broadcast and MVPD affiliates; Telemundo Digital Media, which distributes TELEMUNDO's original content across digital and emerging platforms including mobile devices and www.telemundo.com; and Telemundo Internacional, the international distribution arm which has positioned Telemundo as the second largest provider of Spanish-language content worldwide by syndicating content to more than 120 countries in over 40 languages.

SOURCE TELEMUNDO