Raúl González Joins Telemundo, Will Have Own Show

Raúl González opted not to renew his contract with Univision after he failed to reach an agreement to continue hosting the morning show "Despierta América." The Venezuelan presenter's last day was on Thursday, February 27 after hosting the morning show for 12 years. LatinTimes can confirm González will be back on television, but this time on Telemundo. He will be hosting his own show, with details on the format to follow. Raúl hinted on the news this morning on his Twitter account, "Family! The day has come! Counting down the hours and minutes! Everyone on the lookout that I will share the news here. Blessings! Light, Peace and Well Beign!" Reasons for his departure from the Univision breakfast show were sketchy at the time and it seemed he was forced out of the network than willfully leaving as he said on his last show.

Raúl González has been tapped by Telemundo to host his own variety show for the upcoming season as well as co-host the upcoming Billboard Latin Music Awards on April 24. "I am delighted to be joining the team at Telemundo and for the trust they have shown in me," said Gonzalez. "I am a firm believer in following your dreams and for me hosting a prime time series has always been one of my major goals. We share a passion for quality television and will bring our audience the programming they want and deserve. I look forward to working with everyone at Telemundo and NBCUniversal for years to come." Jesus Torres Viera, Executive Vice President of Programming for Telemundo Network said, "We are thrilled to have one of the top TV personalities in Spanish language television join Telemundo’s exclusive talent roster. Raul’s extensive experience in television and theater combined with his dynamic personality and unique ability to connect with the audience will be a great addition to our team."

On his last day on the Univision breakfast show, during the last segment, Alan Tacher mentioned that Alberto Ciurana, President of Programming & Content at Univision, tweeted a message confirming Raúl's exit. "Thank you for 12 years my dear Raúl González. We respect your decision of resigning from 'Despierta América.' You will be in our hearts," Tacher read. The whole cast was right by the Venezuelan presenter to show their support as he confirmed the news and said farewell. WATCH his farewell speech on 'Despierta América' here!

"Effectively my friends, today is my last day at Univision, the house that has been my home for the last 12 years," Raúl González told viewers. "I am leaving because I want to take a break, I am leaving with the illusion of doing new things. You know that human beings complete cycles and the same way I arrived 13 years ago to 'Despierta América' and I fulfilled the dream of working here, as a human being I want to find new horizons." Raul's co-hosts like Karla Martinez, Johnny Lozada, Satcha Pretto and Alan Tacher found out that he had not reach an agreement with the network a day prior, leaving them with a couple hours to digest the news prior to this morning's official announcement.

"I want to make it clear that from my heart I leave the loveliest and happiest family that I've had had in my career. I want to thank everyone, if I name all of them I will not have time," he continued. "I want to thank Karla, Ana, Ximena, Johnny, Alan, Satcha, thanks for being my partners in crime, because I've always said that the success is not just one person, it is this team that has helped me grow professionally. I want to thank the production, the crew because you are the best, you are a winning team. I also want to thank from my soul, you, at home, thank you for having me in your home from the happiest home in Hispanic television, for letting me say 'Good morning por la mañana'. I want you to know that I will always love you."