Univision Networks’ ‘La Banda’ Episode One Highlights [VIDEO]

The highly anticipated season premiere of Univision Network’s La Banda brings fans all of the energy and excitement from Miami Beach as the search and creation of La Banda begins. Audiences are introduced to the show’s beautiful host Alejandra Espinoza who welcomes them to the show’s South Beach locale. From the producer behind One Direction and Fifth Harmony, Simon Cowell, a new musical phenomenon is about to emerge. And for the first time, fans are in charge.

Thousands of contestants pre-auditioned in six cities: Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Miami, New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico for the opportunity to audition in front of the judges. Those who made it through those auditions were brought to South Beach. From there, they must face the toughest critics first- the fans. Contestants have one opportunity to impress the fans who will vote YES or NO based on style, charisma and personality. If the contestant garners 75% of more of the fans’ votes, they will face yet another challenge: singing in front of the three judges, three music superstars. Ricky Martin, also executive producer of the show and Latin GRAMMY® & Grammy award-winning artists Alejandro Sanz and Laura Pausini.

Those who make it through the fans and the judges, will continue in the competition where in the end, 5 boys will go on to become La Banda and become the next big Latino super group.

In this first episode of La Banda, the first thing we see is that the girls really are in control. But don’t be fooled- they are voting on style, personality and charm and not just on looks.

MEET THE CONTESTANTS

Yamil Hernández [Watch performance on YouTube]
Age: 20
Place of Residence: Trujillo, Puerto Rico
Audition: Puerto Rico
Nationality: American
Parents’ Origin: Puerto Rico
Yamil is dance and this is his first time singing, prompting Alejandro Sanz to quip “If Juanes hears us, he’ll kill us.”
Judges Vote: NO

Ryan Vizcaíno [Watch performance on YouTube]
Age: 16
Place of residence: San Antonio, Texas
Audition City: Houston, Texas
Nationality : American
Parents’ Origin: México
Ryan has always dreamed of performing and being famous. He sings, dances and writes his own music. For him, fans are everything and he lives to make them happy. Laura reminds him that he needs to remain humble.
Judges Vote: YES

Henry Rosario [Watch performance on YouTube]
Age: 22
Place of residence: Manhattan, New York
Audition City: New York
Nationality : Dominican
Parents’ Origin: Dominican Republic
Henry is a professional dancer who believes that every good band has to have a member who gives it flavor.
Judges Vote: NO

Joel Pimentel [Watch performance on YouTube]
Age: 16
Place of residence: Hesperia, California
Audition City: Los Ángeles, California
Nationality: American
Parents’ Origin: México
His love of music was passed on through his grandfather, who passed away earlier this year. In his audition, he sings the song “100 lambs” in his honor. There is a tense moment as Ricky votes NO.
Judges Vote: YES

Fernando Silva [Watch performance on YouTube]
Age: 16
Place of residence: Puerto Rico
Audition City: Puerto Rico
Nationality: American
Parents’ Origin: Puerto Rico
Fernando is a gymnast and a winner of a worldwide Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, prompting his to show off his cheerleading skills on stage to impress the fans.
Judges Vote: NO

Zabdiel de Jesús [Watch performance on YouTube]
Age: 17
Place of residence: Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Audition City: Puerto Rico
Nationality: American
Parents’ Origin: Puerto Rico
Music has been a steady part of Zabdiel’s life and was passed on through his family. He plays the piano, mandolin and drums. His dream is to sing in front of a large audience but he is a nervous wreck. During a teary emotional moment, Ricky comes to his rescue.
Judges Vote: YES

Kevin González [Watch performance on YouTube]
Age: 19
Place of residence: Gilbert, Arizona
Audition City: Los Ángeles
Nationality: American
Parents’ Origin: México/El Salvador
Kevin sang in his school’s choir and likes to have his own unique style. The best thing that could happen to him is to be a part of La Banda. During his audition, his dream of singing with Judge Laura Pausini is fulfilled.
Judges Vote: YES

Iosvanny Medina [Watch performance on YouTube]
Age: 18
Place of residence: Chicago
Audition City: Chicago
Nationality: American
Parents’ Origin: México
Iosvanny has been singing since he was 11 years old and also designs his own clothing. He dreams of having his own line in the future. Although the judges save him, he ultimately does not pass.
Judges Vote: NO

Luis Gamarra [Watch performance on YouTube]
Age: 22
Place of residence: Boston, Massachusetts
Audition City: Chicago
Nationality: Bolivian
Parents’ Origin: Bolivia
Luis won a visa lottery to come to the United States a few years ago and his dream is to become an internationally recognized musician. He is currently a student at the Berklee College of Music thanks to a scholarship he won. Luis started his own non-profit organization to help Bolivian students study music. The judges give him a resounding YES.
Judges Vote: YES

Jaime Cruz [Watch performance on YouTube]
Age: 14
Place of residence: Puerto Rico
Audition City: Puerto Rico
Nationality: American
Parents’ Origin: Puerto Rico
Jaime was the victim of bullying in his school and although one of the youngest contestants, he knows he has the talent to compete in this competition. He credits his bullies with giving him the courage to participate in the competition. For his audition, Jaime woos the judges with a rendition of Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend.”
Judges Vote: YES

Richard & Yashua Camacho [Watch performance on YouTube]
Age: 18 & 16
Place of residence: Manchester, New York
Audition City: New York
Nationality: American
Parents’ Origin: Dominican Republic
The two brothers have been performing together since they were very young and decide to audition together. Yashua pens most of the songs the brothers perform and both dance. Music has always been a big part of their family.
Judges Vote: Yes

Jason Medina [Watch performance on YouTube]
Age: 18
Place of residence: Los Ángeles, California
Audition City: Los Ángeles, California
Nationality: American
Parents’ Origin: México
Jason grew up in a tough environment in and out of drugs and gangs. Thanks to his mother and his religion, Jason was able to leave his addiction behind and devote himself to music. He wants to inspire others going through similar situations with his story. Although the girls vote no, Ricky steps in and saves him. After hearing him song, Ricky reacts by saying, “your audition is one we will watch again and again on YouTube.”
Judges Vote: Yes