The man who introduced Latin pop and salsa rhythms to the non-Hispanic world with 1998 FIFA World Cup anthem “The Cup of Life” is set to give life — or death — to musicians hoping to be crowned the next big Banda.

Ricky Martin, perhaps the original “boy band” star of the Latin world thanks to his meteoric rise to stardom as a member of 1980s teen act Menudo, has been named executive producer and the first judge of Univision’s long-awaited answer to The X Factor, American Idol and The Voice.

Martin will be joined by other yet-to-be revealed judges on the reality competition series, which was teased during Univision’s 2015 upfront presentation some 10 months ago but won’t air until September, the network said. Mexican beauty-pageant winner and Univision presenter Alejandra Espinoza will host.

La Banda is being developed through a multifaceted partnership between Univision and Simon Cowell’s SYCO Entertainment, Haim Saban’s Saban Brands, and FremantleMedia Latin America, which is co-producing the series.

“I am very excited to be a part of this innovative program, together with Simon Cowell,” Martin said. “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 prepared comments, Cowell added: “We are on a search for a world-class band, and we needed a world class judge. I know Ricky, and he is as excited and passionate about the show as I am. I know he’s going to do an amazing job.”

Yet women are being shut out of La Banda, no matter how talented they may be.

Despite a six-city series of auditions that started March 7 in Los Angeles and included stops in San Juan, P.R.; Houston; New York; Chicago; and Miami, the goal of La Banda is to bring a Menudo-like experience to a generation born some 25 years after that act’s commercial peak. “The ultimate Latino boy band” ultimately selected by La Banda judges will score a recording contract with Sony Music Latin and Cowell’s SYCO Music — the recording label for boy band of the moment, One Direction.

In addition to the six-city casting tour, boys aged 14 and older residing in the U.S. and Puerto Rico who wished to participate on La Banda could enter at LaBandaoficial.com and upload pictures, videos or sound files of their musical talents and onstage moves.

Select online registrants, much like a character in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, snagged a “golden ticket” inviting them to participate in a private audition with the Banda production team.

Martin will manage the winning band.

Rap artist Pitbull (pictured), performing with up-and-coming act Gente de Zona, will open night’s Premio Lo Nuestro a laMúsica Latina — the Latin world’s version of the American Music Awards.

Univision, which will broadcast the show live from the American Airlines Arena in Miami, set the final bill for the Feb. 19 awards show last week. Later in the show, legendary Mexican pop-rock band Maná is set to premiere a new song — “Mi Verdad” — with Colombian superstar Shakira.

Also in the line-up are Colombian pop-rocker Juanes, performing his new single “Juntos”; tropical music legend Juan Luis Guerra, performing his current single “Tus Besos”; Mexican pop balladeers Camila; and up-and-coming Latin pop singer J Balvin.

Reggae star Sean Paul, bachata king Romeo Santos, pop singer Ricky Martin, crooner Marco Antonio Solís, and super-popular reggaetón singer Wisin, nominated for the first time as a soloist, are also scheduled to make appearances.

The biggest star of the night is Italian songstress Laura Pausini, who will be honored for her 20-plus-year career with the Premio a la Trayectoria Musical. Meanwhile, veteran pop singer Ricardo Arjona will be presented with the prestigious Premio a la Excelencia award, which honors artists for their impressive careers and contributions to Latin music.

“Without a doubt, this is one of the most impressive lineups of top artists ever in the history of Premio Lo Nuestro,” said Univision Communications president of programming and content Alberto Ciurana.  “Our viewers are in for another unforgettable evening of the best in Latin music and star-studded entertainment.”

Premio Lo Nuestro will be hosted by network personality Galilea Montijo and veteran actor Cristián de la Fuente. Singer and actress Maite Perroni will join the Univision team as a red carpet and social media host during the ceremony.

All Premio lo Nuestro winners are determined by fans through votes cast on PremioLoNuestro.com.  The show’s dedicated website provides a comprehensive online experience for fans, providing a variety of digital offerings.