Terra Networks and Azteca America Continue Search for the Next Shakira or Ricky Martin with La Academia USA
Coral Gables, FL (Nov. 21, 2005)
Terra Networks and Azteca America Continue Search for the Next Shakira or Ricky Martin with La Academia USA
Terra Networks has teamed up with Azteca America to launch the
official Internet site for La Academia USA, an interactive reality T.V. show where viewers determine the
fates of 18 aspiring artists. The show’s format is similar to popular talent search shows with professional
industry critiques; however, the outcome will be determined solely by the countless online and phone-in
votes. Although the program recently concluded its fourth season in Mexico, this is La Academia’s first
edition based in the United States.
Open casting calls were held in Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, New York and Miami. Nine men and nine
women were selected from more than 5,000 applicants to live for three months in total seclusion with contact
only from La Academia’s instructors, staff and show producers. The participants receive intensive daily
vocal, choreography and dramatic presentation classes from several of Latin America’s top music producers,
artists, and other instructors. Participants put their learning to the test in weekly concerts that showcase their
talent. Alan Tacher, who served as host of the La Academia shows in Mexico, will also host La Academia
USA.
“Audience feedback and participation are nothing new to Terra.com’s interactive users. Due to the growth in
Latin entertainment and our popular entertainment channel, we anticipate a boom in audience participation
for the first La Academia USA,” stated Fernando Rodriguez, CEO for Terra Networks. “The program and
website will resonate with music enthusiasts and the ever-growing reality show fans,” he added.
The website, http://www.terra.com/laacademiausa, includes the bios and information on the participants as
well as an extensive photo gallery and video downloads of the previous four La Academia shows. Individual
blogs will allow the online audience an opportunity to critique the participants and support their favorites.
From now until the end of the series, weekly eliminations will be held until a grand prize winner is selected.
Fans can vote online for their favorite candidate once per day. Anyone who votes at Terra.com will be
entered into a sweepstakes to win a trip to attend one of the weekly concerts held in Mexico City.
“La Academia is a phenomenon on both sides of the border, attracting more than 1 million viewers in the
United States for the final two concerts during our past season. We’re expecting even greater results with a
specific emphasis on U.S. Hispanic talent through La Academia USA,” states Jorge Jáidar, Chief Operating
Officer of Azteca America. “We believe that through this partnership with Terra.com we will multiply
enthusiasm for La Academia USA.”
La Academia USA began airing live on Azteca America with 31 semifinalists. From these semifinalists, the
competition was narrowed down to the 18 finalists who will vie for the opportunity to be the first U.S. grand
prize winner. The winner will receive a gift package to include, among other items, a recording contract and
a new vehicle. Second and third place winners will also receive gift packages in addition to the extensive
training and career guidance and opportunities to appear in Azteca America programs and much more.
In addition to the weekly concerts, two one-hour programs, Detrás de La Academia USA and Camino a La
Fama, air every weekday on Azteca America. Both programs feature the real-life dynamics and behind-thescenes
activities of the participants— from the gossip and drama, to the tears and sweat, providing fans with
the inside scoop and allowing the audience to get to know their favorites in more personal way. La Academia
USA will allow fans to be the judge and jury – how’s that for online interaction?
About Terra Networks S.A.
Terra Networks is a global Internet group with a presence in the U.S. and Latin America. The group operates some of
the most popular Web sites in the United States, Spain and Latin America, and is the largest access provider in Spain
and Latin America.
Terra.com is the U.S. Hispanic arm of the Terra Networks group providing portal and value-added services to Spanish
speaking users in the U.S. Terra is a leader in the U.S. Hispanic online market according to Nielsen/NetRatings data
with more U.S. Hispanic unique users than other US Hispanic portal.
About Azteca America
Azteca America is the fastest-growing Hispanic network in the United States. The network is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of TV Azteca S.A. de C.V., one of the two largest producers of Spanish language television content in the
world. Azteca America currently has presence in 39 Hispanic markets, including: Los Angeles, New York, Miami,
Houston, Chicago, Dallas, San Antonio, San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, Phoenix, Brownsville-McAllen,
Albuquerque, San Diego, Fresno-Visalia, Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Denver, Orlando, Austin, Tampa, Corpus
Christi, Tucson, Las Vegas, Colorado Springs, Monterey-Salinas, Hartford, Salt Lake City, Bakersfield, West Palm
Beach-Ft. Pierce, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Omaha, Yakima, Naples-Ft. Myers, Wichita, Reno, Boise, Victoria,
Oklahoma City, Charleston and Chattanooga.
For more information, visit: www.aztecamerica.com
