Ricky Martin is headed to the judges’ table for an all-new singing competition show, “La Banda.”
The “Livin’ La Vida Loca” singer will audition young talent from the across United States and Latin America to assemble a new Latino boy band, consisting of males over 14 years of age. In fact, Ricky got his start at age 12 in the boy band Menudo!
He will be joined by Simon Cowell as an executive producer, but no judges other than Ricky have been announced at this point.
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“I am very excited to be a part of this innovative program, together with Simon Cowell,” the singer said in a press release Thursday. “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.”
Simon Cowell – who is responsible for creating One Direction on Britain’s version of “The X Factor” – welcomed Ricky aboard.
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“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,'” Simon said in the release. “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.”
To submit an audition and to find out about casting events in a city near you, go to LaBandaoficial.com. Singing hopefuls will compete for a spot in “La Banda,” a recording contract with Sony Music Latin and Simon Cowell’s SYCO Music.
“La Banda,” hosted by Alejandra Espinoza, will premiere in September 2015 on Univision.
Ricky’s latest album, “A Quien Quiera Escuchar,” is available now.
— Paige Feigenbaum
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