The Univision Network announced today the upcoming launch of its
highly-anticipated music competition, “¡Viva el Sueño!”
(Live the Dream!). The first-of-its-kind reality competition will
pit 14 professional artists who have not yet had their big break
and give viewers the chance to select Latin music’s next big
superstar. Hailing from the U.S., Latin America and Spain, these
performers have all had a taste of the limelight. Some have gained
fame in their countries of origin, others have had the opportunity
to perform side by side with some of the industry’s biggest stars,
but they all still struggle in relative anonymity. “¡Viva el
Sueño!” premieres Sunday, August 30th at 8pm ET/PT (7pm Central) on
the Univision Network.
“¡Viva el Sueño!” will provide viewers with the intensity, drama
and excitement of reality television as these artists face fierce
competition, grueling rehearsals, and the emotional stress of
preparing for a live show week after week. Each will showcase their
unique talent in stellar musical productions, performing some of
Latin music’s greatest hits. They will give their all in the hopes
of winning $200,000 in cash and prizes but, most importantly, for
the one chance to achieve their dream of stardom.
The program will be hosted by Hollywood actor and Latin American
star Cristián de la Fuente. He will be joined by the
beautiful and talented model/actress Carolina Guerra, who
will provide all the details and reactions from backstage after
each artist’s performance. In addition, three renowned Latin radio
personalities from across the U.S. will make up the expert panel of
judges who will be on hand to evaluate the contestants’
performances and help viewers decide who has the star-quality to
make it through the competition. They are: Houston’s multifaceted
radio host Raúl Brindis from Univision Radio’s Estéreo
Latino 102.9 FM; Los Angeles’ favorite Regional Mexican DJ
Stephanie Himonidis “La Chiquibaby” from Univision’s La
Nueva 101.9 FM; and Miami’s high-profile and irreverent radio
personality Enrique Santos from Univision’s La Kalle 98.3
FM.
The 14 contestants are:
Ana Isabelle (Puerto Rico) - Her first music album, “Por
El Amor,” on which Luis Fonsi was one of the producers, has been
very successful in Puerto Rico, allowing her to perform on stage
with such stars as Ednita Nazario, R.K.M. y Ken-Y and Daddy
Yankee.
Bárbara (Chile) - A multifaceted singer/songwriter, she
debuted her album “Bárbara” in 2007, which includes collaborations
with Luis Fonsi, Mario Domm, Claudia Brant and Sin Bandera.
Cristina (United States) - Winning TeleFutura’s music
competition “Objetivo Fama” in 2008 opened the door to a career in
the entertainment world for this talented Mexican singer. After
succeeding as an amateur performer, she is now betting on her luck
as a professional.
Diego Dibos (Peru) - The former lead singer of the
award-winning Peruvian group “TK,” Diego’s music has crossed
borders and his concerts have taken him all over Latin America.
Donatella (Mexico) - A versatile singer, actor, host,
model and dancer, she got her start in television after winning a
scholarship to the Center for Exclusive Studies for Television
(Centro de Estudios Exclusivos para Televisión) in Mexico. She made
her debut in musical theater appearing in the musical “Carmen” in
2004.
Fedro (Mexico) - Backup singer for stars such as
Alejandra Guzmán and Ninel Conde, Fedro currently tours with pop
star Gloria Trevi. In 2007, he released his first album “Besos
Excesos” in Mexico.
Fela (Mexico) - A talented singer, Fela has been a backup
singer and vocal arranger for the musical productions of many Latin
music stars, including Emmanuel, Lupita D’alessio, Lucero, Pepe
Aguilar and Ana Bárbara, among others. Most recently she was the
lead backup singer for Mexican crooner Alejandro Fernández.
Ojeda (United States) - A dancer, model and songwriter,
Ojeda has worked with stars of the likes of Paulina Rubio, Maribel
Guardia and Lorena Herrera, among others. In 2003, this Mexican
singer launched his career and recorded the grupero album, “Si Tú
No Estás,” which allowed him to open concerts for such famous
artists as Ana Bárbara.
Paco de María (Mexico) - After several years of knocking
on doors, Paco de María was able to record his first album just as
he always dreamed: accompanied by a 45-piece orchestra. In
“Enamórate,” he lends his uniquely fresh personal style to the
timeless rhythms of big band.
Sergio Antonio (United States) - With no formal training
in music, Sergio Antonio is a self-taught Mexican guitarist and
songwriter. His talent has impressed many, including Regional
Mexican music idol Joan Sebastian who personally helped Sergio
polish his act as a singer and songwriter.
Yarka Miller (Spain) - After years of collaborating as a
producer, songwriter and guitarist with Spain’s Belén Arjona, today
Yarka owns his own music label and music publishing company, “Kiddo
Project,” in Madrid.
Yessica (Mexico) - A versatile artist who loves to sing
different music genres, Yessica began her career singing at
contests and family events in her native Mexico. After six years in
the music business, she joined “Grupo La Onda,” a renowned music
group with which she recorded three albums.
Zone D’Tambora (Puerto Rico) - Created by merengue star
Elvis Crespo, Zone D’Tambora’s members Emilio Acevedo, Gabriel
Vera, Josué Bosque and Pedro Valentín are all very talented
performers and musicians. They have toured with Crespo across the
U.S. as well as Central and South America, accompanying him on his
song “La Foto Se Me Borró.”
Zuly (Mexico) - After recording her first solo album,
Zuly was invited to go on a nine-month tour with Joan Sebastian,
performing different duets with the famous singer/songwriter.
Univision.com features in-depth contestant profiles and will
have video interviews, behind-the-scenes footage of every episode,
as well as an exclusive blog updated directly from the show. Fans
can post comments and chat with their favorite contestants.
Univision’s mobile portal will also feature exclusive coverage with
the latest news and photos throughout the season.
For biographies and pictures of each of the contestants, hosts,
and the panel of judges, please visit:
ftp.univision.net
Username: vivaelsueno09
Password: univision
Univision Communications Inc. is the premier Spanish-language
media company in the United States. Its operations include
Univision Network, the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast
television network in the U.S. reaching 95% of U.S. Hispanic
Households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language
broadcast television network, which was launched in 2002 and now
reaches 85% of U.S. Hispanic Households; Galavisión, the country’s
leading Spanish-language cable network; Univision Television Group,
which owns and operates 64 television stations in major U.S.
Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, the leading
Spanish-language radio group which owns and/or operates 68 radio
stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and 5 stations
in Puerto Rico; and Univision Interactive Media, which includes
http://www.univision.com, the premier Spanish-language Internet
destination in the U.S., and Univision Móvil, the industry’s most
comprehensive Spanish-language suite of mobile offerings. Univision
Communications also has a 50% interest in TuTv, a joint venture
formed to broadcast Televisa’s pay television channels in the U.S.
Univision Communications has television network operations in Miami
and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities
throughout the United States.
For more information, please visit www.univision.net