Ricky Martin to judge Spanish music competition show

Los Angeles: Singer Ricky Martin has joined Simon Cowell's new Spanish language music competition show, 'La Banda', as a judge and executive producer.

Martin is the first judge to be announced on the show which will premiere in September, said The Hollywood Reporter.

The show will seek out talented Latino male singers and put them together in bands. The winner will be a recording contract with Sony Music Latin. Boys 14 and older living in the US and Puerto Rico can enter.

"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," said Martin, 43.

"Ricky's vast talents as a singer, actor and producer will greatly enhance our phenomenal production already underway," said Alberto Ciurana, president, programming and content, Univision Communications.