Ricky Martin has revealed he has been brought in by Simon Cowell to help manufacture the next big Latino boy band.

The Livin’ La Vida Loca singer will judge and executive produce on La Banda, being made by Simon’s production company Syco Entertainment, according to People.

Ricky said: “The phone rings, and Simon Cowell calls and he says, ‘Ricky, I would like to meet with you.’ We started throwing ideas and I was fascinated by this concept. I was fascinated by this show. I said, ‘Of course I want to be a part of this! Thank you for inviting me.’”

Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin (John Shearer/Invision/Press Association Images)

La Banda is a search for the best Spanish-speaking male singers from the US, Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Puerto Rico, who will compete to be part of a group of five that will be managed by Ricky.

He went on: “It’s an amazing platform that I wish I had when I was starting in my career.”

Ricky Martin
Ricky will manage the new boy band (Chris Pizzello/AP/Press Association Images)

But Ricky confirmed he wouldn’t be taking judging tips from Simon for the show: “Simon is a brutally honest judge, which is very important. I’m a little bit more nurturing.”

The other judges are yet to be announced, but auditions will begin in Los Angeles on March 7.