“Cristina” brought back by UNIVISION for “Despierta America”

In a clever news and entertainment coup, UNIVISION executives and producers gave their staple morning show, “Despierta America,” an unexpected audience hook yesterday by bringing back “Cristina” with a lot of hoopla.   Cristina Saralegui was interviewed by the show hosts and journalist Maria Antonieta Collins taking advantage of the fact that the personality was celebrating her 76th birthday.

What made the guest a sensation was not only her megastar status and her M.C.  pioneer background, but also the fact that a lot of the social media mill rumors had recently centered on her health and wellbeing.   The long segment of the show was a celebrity star-studded moment.  Cristina was visited by former show members and executives and was greeted from different places of the world by the likes of Don Francisco, and actor Cesar Evora while the show ran highlight moments of the “Cristina Show”.   Accompanied by her husband-producer Marcos Avila, who remained off camera, Saralegui spoke of her peaceful “retirement” and how much she loves being home with her son, daughter and grandchildren.  Asked if she would come back, she said NO but hinted that appearances were not out of the question.  Among the celebrities that showed up for the birthday cake was international producer Emilio Estefan, who, along with Cristina, asked the teleaudience not to listen to rumors or fake information.   “I am healthy and still kicking,” said Cristina.  “What is not healthy is the kind of rumors that are destructive!”