HYBE Latin America Launches ‘Santos Bravos’ to Find Next Latin Pop Star

In a strategic step to broaden its reach in Latin music, HYBE Latin America has revealed Santos Bravos, its first-ever multi-platform series focused on creating the “next Latin pop sensation” — according to the press release first shared exclusively with Billboard. The show’s global premiere is set for Thursday (Aug. 14) on YouTube, followed by its debut on Spotify the next day, and on ViX and EXA TV across Latin America and the U.S. on Saturday (Aug. 16).

Part docuseries, part talent competition, Santos Bravos will chart the formation of an all-new Latin boy band, chronicling the challenges and triumphs of 16 contestants hailing from Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, and beyond. Guided by HYBE founder Bang Si-Hyuk’s artist-development philosophy, the participants — ages 15 to 25 — will compete for coveted spots in the group, with the series promising an “intense, emotional, and inspiring journey,” according to the release.

The contestants were selected from more than 400 auditions, and the show will feature mentorship from an all-star creative team that includes Kenny Ortega (High School Musical), producer Johnny Goldstein (Shakira, Daddy Yankee), and vocal coach RAab Stevenson (Justin Timberlake, SZA). Additional key roles include Jaime Escallón (The X Factor, Survivor) as showrunner, Lucas Jaramillo (Pase a la Fama, Survivor) as producer, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Alejandro Bernal as director, and Jessica Kwon, HYBE Latin America’s head of training and development.

Beyond the episodes, Santos Bravos will integrate fan-driven elements, such as live performances, interactive voting, and social media engagement on platforms including TikTok, Threads, and Weverse. HYBE also teased a fan experience in Mexico City, allowing superfans to connect with contestants in person.

Fans can follow the live @Santos_Bravos performances on the YouTube starting Aug. 22.