Twenty-Five Years After Launching His Career on Operación Triunfo, the Spanish Music Icon Makes History by Joining the First-Ever U.S. Edition to Help Guide a New Generation of Talent
MIAMI, FL – June 4, 2026 — Telemundo announced that international music star David Bisbal will join Operación Triunfo Estados Unidos as a judge for the music competition premiering in July. Twenty-five years after captivating audiences in the inaugural edition of the groundbreaking TV phenomenon in his native Spain, Bisbal returns to the Operación Triunfo universe as a member of the judging panel, where he will help guide, mentor, and inspire a new generation of talent.
“Returning to the Operación Triunfo world after so many years holds a very special meaning for me because it was where my career began and my life changed forever,” said Bisbal. “It is an honor for me to be part of this moment, and I am excited for the opportunity to support, motivate, and witness the musical growth of this new generation of talented artists with big dreams.”
David Bisbal is one of the most internationally recognized artists in Latin music. The singer, songwriter, and multi-award-winning performer rose to fame after participating in the first edition of Operación Triunfo in Spain, a platform that kicked-off a highly successful career marked by millions of records sold worldwide. Over more than two decades, the Almería-born artist has captivated audiences with hits such as “Ave María,” “Bulería,” and “Dígale,” cementing his status as one of the most influential voices in Spanish-language music. During the most recent edition of Telemundo’s Billboard Mujeres Latinas en la Música, Bisbal debuted his new single, “Vivir así es morir de amor,” a tribute to Camilo Sesto and the song he performed during his Operación Triunfo audition in 2001. He also announced a U.S. tour that will include performances in Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Orlando, and Miami.
Operación Triunfo Estados Unidos is a music competition that will introduce a new generation of singers from diverse backgrounds and musical styles following auditions held across the United States and Puerto Rico. Hosted by Natalia Téllez, the format will feature a group of contestants living together in a state-of-the-art academy, where they will receive intensive training and prepare for live gala performances. Each week, they will face the challenge of advancing in the competition while the judges and audience decide who continues in pursuit of launching their music career. The winner will be crowned during the grand finale and receive a major prize to help propel their artistic career.
Telemundo will soon announce additional members of the judging panel, as well as the academy director, instructors, and the contestants who will be part of Operación Triunfo Estados Unidos.
Audiences can join the conversation on Instagram,TikTok, and X via @OperacionTriunfoUSA and @TelemundoRealities, using #OperacionTriunfoUSA.
About NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises:
NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises leads the media industry in the production and distribution of Spanish-language content for U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. The company serves U.S. Hispanics through its national broadcast network, the cable network Universo, and digital platforms including the Telemundo app, a suite of FAST channels, and streaming services, such as Peacock, among others. The Telemundo Network offers Spanish-language entertainment, news, and sports content reaching 96% of U.S. Hispanic TV households in 210 markets through 30 owned stations and 94 affiliate stations. Telemundo also owns an independent station serving Puerto Rico. Anchored on Telemundo Studios, the network is the #1 producer of scripted Spanish-language content in the U.S., and the only network to produce original content specifically for US Hispanic audiences. Offering over 600 hours of reality TV shows a year, and top-rated live specials such as the Billboard Latin Music Awards and Miss Universe, Telemundo is considered the undisputed Home of Live TV in Hispanic media. The network is also the exclusive Spanish-language home of the world’s two most popular sporting events, the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises is a division of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
Press contact:
Gerardo Oyola
Director, Alternative Programming Publicity
