International music artist, Ricky Martin, has been named executive producer and the first judge to be revealed for Univision Network’s music-based reality entertainment competition La Banda, set to premiere in September 2015. Martin, together with the entire La Banda team, will focus on finding the ultimate Latino boyband through a talent search. The show was developed by Univision Communications Inc. (UCI), Simon Cowell’s SYCO Entertainment and Haim Saban’s Saban Brands and co-produced with FremantleMedia Latin America.
“I am very excited to be a part of this innovative program, together with Simon Cowell,” said Martin. “Our community needs musical projects in order to cultivate its talents; which is why I feel it’s the perfect moment for a show like La Banda. There is so much talent to be discovered, and I’m sure we’ll find the next musical phenomenon with the help of not only the judges but also the fans.”
“We are on a search for a world class band, and we needed a world class judge. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce Ricky Martin as our first judge on La Banda,” said Cowell. “I know Ricky and he is as excited and passionate as me about the show, and I know he’s going to do an amazing job.”
With a new take on the singing competition show format, La Banda will search the U.S. and Latin America to put together the ultimate Latino boyband. Representing all Hispanic cultures, contestants will compete for their place in La Banda and for a coveted recording contract with Sony Music Latin, label home to Latin music artists, along with executive producer Simon Cowell’s SYCO Music, the recording label for boyband, One Direction.
“We are thrilled to have a world-renowned, award-winning and platinum-selling artist join our team,” said Alberto Ciurana, president, Programming and Content, Univision Communications, Inc. “Ricky’s vast talents as a singer, actor and producer will greatly enhance our phenomenal production already underway.”
La Banda, hosted by Univision Network personality Alejandra Espinoza, will premiere in September 2015. The show producers include: Kelly Belldegrun, executive producer for SYCO Entertainment; Nigel Hall, executive producer for SYCO Entertainment; Gert Verpeet, executive producer for FremantleMedia Latin America; Treicy Benavides, executive producer for FremantleMedia Latin America; and Cisco Suarez, executive producer for Univision Communications.
Auditions start on March 7 in Los Angeles, CA. To submit information, interested participants can enter LaBandaoficial.com and upload pictures, videos or music files. By registering online, selected contestants will receive a “golden ticket,” which will allow them to participate in a private audition with the production team. The online casting will be followed by casting events across the United States and Puerto Rico in the spring of 2015. The talent search is open to boys 14 and older residing in the United States and Puerto Rico. The winning band will be managed by Martin.
