Ricky Martin to Exec Produce Boy Band Competition La Banda

MIAMI: Ricky Martin has signed up to executive produce Univision Network’s upcoming music competition La Banda, where he’ll also act as a judge.

Set to premiere in September, the reality entertainment show will focus on finding a U.S. Latino boy band. The program was developed by Univision Communications (UCI) in conjunction with Simon Cowell’s SYCO Entertainment and Haim Saban’s Saban Brands, with FremantleMedia Latin America co-producing. Martin will also manage the winning group.

“I am very excited to be a part of this innovative program, together with Simon Cowell,” Martin said. “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, and that’s why I’m thrilled to announce Ricky Martin as our first judge on La Banda,” Cowell added. “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.”

“We are thrilled to have a world-renowned, award-winning and platinum-selling artist join our team,” commented Alberto Ciurana, the president of programming and content at UCI. “Ricky’s vast talents as a singer, actor and producer will greatly enhance our phenomenal production already underway.”