Spanish Beauty Competition In Search Of Next Breakout Star

 MIAMI  – Univision has announced it will kick off nationwide auditions for the fifth installment of its highly successful reality competition “Nuestra Belleza Latina” (Our Latin Beauty). Starting on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 until Saturday, February 19, 2011, the reigning “Nuestra Belleza Latina,” Ana Patricia González and Nuestra Belleza Latina’s show host Giselle Blondet will visit various cities across the country inviting young women to audition for a chance to be crowned the next “Nuestra Belleza Latina.” Auditions will begin in Chicago, Illinois at V Live Chicago-2047.

Now, in its fifth season, “Nuestra Belleza Latina” promises to be bigger than ever. Combining the excitement of reality television with the glamour and splendor of a beauty contest, “Nuestra Belleza Latina” features some of the most charismatic, intelligent and captivating Hispanic women in the U.S. and Puerto Rico as they face off in a thrilling competition in which it takes more than looks alone to succeed. Once auditions are complete, the selected group of women will vie for the title of “Nuestra Belleza Latina 2011,” and for the first time ever viewers will help decide who will be the lucky twelve finalists to move into the Miami mansion and compete for the opportunity of a lifetime: a contract as Univision’s newest on-air personality and a quarter of a million dollars in cash and prizes.

Since the launch of the program in 2000, “Nuestra Belleza Latina” has helped launch the careers of four talented women who today are household names in Hispanic America because of their success on Univision. Today, Alejandra Espinosa is a popular model for “Sábado Gigante” (Giant Saturday), Melissa Marty is a Galavisión talent and has appeared in several specials and network campaigns, and Greidys Gill is moving forward with her career as an actress starring in Univision’s hit novela “Eva Luna.” Throughout her reigning year, Ana Patricia González has appeared or guest hosted on Univision’s most popular programs including “El Gordo y La Flaca” (The Scoop and the Skinny), “Despierta América” (Wake Up America), “Primer Impacto” (First Impact), “¡Mira Quién Baila!” (Look Who’s Dancing!), “Sábado Gigante” (Giant Saturday), “Sal y Pimienta” (Salt and Pepper) and the “Premios Juventud” youth awards, among others. She also toured the country making personal appearances, was a judge for the Miss Venezuela Beauty Pageant and reported for the Latin GRAMMY® Awards.

“Being ‘Nuestra Belleza Latina 2010’ was a dream come true,” said González. “Working in television, making new friends that have become family, visiting wonderful places, have all made this a life changing experience. “This has been an amazing journey which I believe will be the spring board for many more great things to come. I sincerely encourage all young Hispanic women to take a chance and try out for this unique competition.”

Univision personality Giselle Blondet will host the show for a fifth season and serve as mentor to the participants as they encounter a series of challenges in front of a live audience every week that will test their determination and character. Contestants will live together in a beautiful Miami mansion and work with professionals to perfect their runway walk, sharpen their dancing and presentation skills, create their unique make-up and fashion style, and undergo a rigorous fitness regimen. Throughout the competition, viewers will get an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the trials, tribulations, and often emotionally-charged interactions between the contestants.

Osmel Sousa, one of the world’s top beauty queen coaches, Lupita Jones, Mexico’s former Miss Universe, and telenovela heartthrob, currently starring in Univision’s hit novela “Eva Luna,” Julian Gil once again will make up the panel of judges who, along with viewer participation, will determine the finalists. In the grand finale, the contestant with the most votes from viewers will be crowned “Nuestra Belleza Latina 2011.”

Auditions will be held in six cities throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico as follows (Dates subject to change):

*All auditions will be held from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon (local time)*

January 5, 2011 - Chicago, IL
V Live Chicago-2047 (N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647)

January 15, 2011 – San Antonio, TX
Convention, Sports and Entertainment Facilities (200 E. Market, San Antonio, TX 78205)

January 20, 2011 - Cabazón, CA
Morongo Casino (49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazón, CA 92230)

January 29, 2011 – San Juan, Puerto Rico
Sheraton Convention Center Hotel (200 Convention Blvd, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00907)

February 5, 2011 – New York, NY
The New Yorker Hotel (481 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10001)

February 19, 2011 - Miami, FL
Greenwich Studios (12100 N.E. 16th Avenue, North Miami, FL 33161)

Participants must be females between 18–27 years old by January 1, 2011, fluent in Spanish and, if chosen as a finalist, must be available to reside in Miami during the length of their participation in the program.