The global music scene is about to get a major new player. HYBE, the powerhouse entertainment company behind K-pop sensations like BTS, is turning its attention to the Latin American market with a new reality competition series, “Santos Bravos.” This show will follow the journey of 16 talented young men as they compete for just five coveted spots in a new Latin boy group of the same name.
Set to premiere in August, “Santos Bravos” will immerse the contestants in an intensive “creative boot camp” in Mexico. Here, their musical, performance, and emotional capabilities will be pushed to the limit under the guidance of a star-studded team of mentors. The legendary Kenny Ortega, known for his work on Disney’s “High School Musical,” will serve as the head creative director, shaping the artistic vision of the group. He’ll be joined by producer Johnny Goldstein, who has worked with the likes of Shakira and BTS’s J-Hope, and vocal coach RAab Stevenson, who has trained superstars like Justin Timberlake and Rihanna.
The 16 finalists, hailing from across the Spanish-speaking world, represent a diverse and vibrant pool of talent. Let’s meet the contestants who will be battling it out for a chance at global stardom:
The Contestants:
From Mexico:
- Kenneth Lavill (15): The youngest of the hopefuls, bringing youthful energy to the competition.
- Jonah García (23): One of several Mexican contenders aiming to make his mark.
- Leonardo Lotina (23): Another promising talent from the vibrant Mexican music scene.
- Pablo Carns (24): The oldest of the Mexican contestants, bringing his experience to the forefront.
- Diego López (23, also USA): With dual nationality, he represents a blend of cultural influences.
From Venezuela:
- Luigi Cerrada (19, also Mexico): This contestant brings a mix of Mexican and Venezuelan heritage.
- Heider Moreno (23): A strong contender representing the talent of Venezuela.
- Jesuale (16, also USA): Another dual-nationality contestant, bridging the US and Venezuelan cultures.
From Brazil:
- Kauê (18): A young hopeful from the samba nation.
- Lucas Burgatti (23): This Brazilian actor is a known face, adding a touch of celebrity to the lineup.
From Other Corners of the Latin World:
- Iannis Biblos (21, Argentina): Representing the passion and artistry of Argentina.
- Priano (24, Colombia): Bringing the rhythms of Colombia to the competition.
- Alejandro Aramburú (21, Peru): A rising star from the historic land of Peru.
- Alex Mandon Rey (20, Spain): This former member of the global pop group Now United already has a taste of the international stage.
From the USA with Latin Roots:
- Patricio Rodríguez (18, also Mexico): Another contestant with Mexican-American roots.
- Drew Venegas (25, also Mexico): The oldest contestant in the competition, he brings a wealth of life experience.
With the rigorous K-pop training system as its foundation, “Santos Bravos” promises to be a transformative experience for these 16 young artists. Fans can anticipate a “digital-first experience” with long-form episodes offering an intimate look at their journey, likely available on the Weverse superfan platform. As these hopefuls sweat, strive, and sing their hearts out, the world will be watching to see which five will ultimately become the “Santos Bravos.”
