After various rumors and speculations it seem like Alicia Machado is now the front-runner to play Jenni Rivera.
In an interview with Univision.com Machado stated that she had been talking to Rosie Rivera and there were lots of meeting with the family. She stated that she could not confirm anything but hoped she would get the role because it would be a stepping stone for her acting career.
The Miss Former Miss Universe also added that the family would let her know in a few months. Machado also spoke about Rivera and stated that she had met the "Diva de La Banda" and respected her greatly and admired her for her work. She added that Rivera was a unique and strong individual and would be honored to play her in the upcoming film.
Machado is currently working on a new Colombian series entitled "La Madame" in which she will play the lead role. She was last seen in "Mira Quien Baila" and her last telenovela was "Una Familia Con Suerte."
Ever since January, rumors about the biopic have surfaced in the media. Aside from Machado, Angelica Vale and Jennifer Lopez have been rumored for the role. Vale later denied the rumors and said she was never approached by the family.
Additionally, the movie was also speculated to be produced by Jennifer Lopez. The Singer/Actress stated that she believed that Rivera's life should be given a Hollywood treatment like Selena. Rivera's sister Rosie also confirmed that she had met with Lopez about the project and stated that Nuyorican productions would produce and finance. However, Lopez later denied any involvement.
At the moment, the Rivera family plans on releasing Jenni's English album which was recorded but never released. A concert movie is also scheduled for release in July and the third season of Rivera's reality TV show "I Love Jenni," will premiere on April 14 on Mun2. The series will show footage of Rivera shot a month before her fatal death.