Univision’s ‘La Banda’ adds Laura Pausini and Alejandro Sanz as judges

MIAMI – Multiple Latin Grammy and Grammy winners Laura Pausini and Alejandro Sanz join fellow global music star Ricky Martin as judges for Univision’s highly anticipated music-based reality competition “La Banda,” set to premiere in September.

“I can’t wait to start; I’m looking forward to it! ‘La Banda’ will be truly special because this project mixes solo artists who not only have to be powerful on their own but who will then explode when they join together as a group. But as judges we have to get this right and I know it will be incredibly important to balance all aspects of each their talents,” Pausini said.

“I think ‘La Banda’ is extremely special because it’s the first show of its kind. I am truly delighted to be a part of this new chapter in Latin music and share my passion for music and my experiences with a new generation of musicians. I am positive this is going to be a very rewarding experience,” Sanz said.

With a new take on the singing competition show format, “La Banda” will search the U.S. and Puerto Rico to form the ultimate Latino super group. 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 the most prolific Latin music artists, along with executive producer Simon Cowell’s SYCO Music, the recording label for the world’s biggest selling boyband, One Direction.

“I’m absolutely delighted Laura will be joining La Banda on the judging panel. She’s a huge international star and I believe she has both the experience and the passion to judge the talent and help the fans vote for the next Latino super group on La Banda,” Cowell added.

“Alejandro is a total superstar and I know that together with Ricky and Laura, La Banda has the winning combination of judges. Good Luck- Your mission to find the next Latino Supergroup begins now!,” said Simon Cowell.

The show, which will focus on finding the ultimate Latino boy band, is expected to be one of the largest talent searches in U.S. Hispanic TV history.  “La Banda” will be hosted by popular Univision Network personality Alejandra Espinoza. 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.

READ MORE: Alejandro Sanz Joins Univision Network’s “La Banda” as a Judge