Laura Pausini to join Ricky Martin on La Banda

Italian pop star Laura Pausini has signed on to join Ricky Martin as a judge on new TV talent show La Banda.

The multiple Latin Grammy and Grammy Award winner will be part of the search for the ultimate Latino supergroup when the new show debuts later this year (15).

Developed by Univision Communications Inc, Simon Cowell's SYCO Entertainment and Haim Saban's Saban Brands, La Banda is expected to become one of Latin America's biggest TV hits, and Pausini can't wait to get started.

She says, "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."

Cowell adds, "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 supergroup on La Banda."