Simon Cowell's production company SYCO Entertainment is backing Latin artist Ricky Martin in his search around the world for the next big boyband.

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Univision Network has announced Martin will serve as executive producer and judge of La Banda, a new reality show that will find and develop a talented Latino boyband, which is slated to premiere in September 2015.

"I am very excited to be a part of this innovative program, together with Simon Cowell," Martin said in a statement. "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."

In addition to SYCO, La Banda is being produced by Univision Communications Inc. and Saban Brands. FremantleMedia Latin America is co-producing the series.

"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."

La Banda will search the United States and Latin America for talented boys for the Latino group. Representing all Hispanic cultures, the contestants will compete for a spot in the band as well as a recording contract with Sony Music Latin and Cowell's SYCO Music label, which represents the famous group One Direction.

La Banda will be hosted by Alejandra Espinoza, and boys age 14 and older interested in auditioning can register online at LaBandaOficial.com.

"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 winning band will be managed by Ricky Martin," according to Univision Network.

Other executive producers for La Banda include Kelly Belldegrun, Nigel Hall, Gert Verpeet, Treicy Benavides, and Cisco Suarez.

Audition cities and dates for La Banda are as follows:



- Los Angeles, CA

March 7

Millennium Biltmore Hotel

506 South Grand Avenue


- San Juan, Puerto Rico

March 14

Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel and Casino

200 Convention Boulevard


- Houston, TX

March 21

The Westin Oaks Houston at the Galleria

5011 Westheimer at Post Oak


- New York, NY

March 28

TKP New York Conference Center

109 West 39th Street


- Chicago, IL

April 4

Courtyard Marriot Chicago Downtown River North

30 East Hubbard


- Miami, FL

April 11

Hilton Downtown Miami

1601 Biscayne Blvd.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.