Objetivo Fama (sometimes abbreviated as OF, Spanish for Target: Fame) is a Puerto Rican singing talent contest that aired for over six years on WLII, the Univision outlet in Puerto Rico; and on Telefutura in the mainland United States. It is produced by Ender Vega and Soraya Sánchez ES Television.
The program was loosely inspired by the late Puerto Rican singing talent contest and variety show, Voces en Función, and the Spanish reality show, Operación Triunfo. Twenty or so contestants are "bunkered" in a studio/house where they will live together for several months while participating in a weekly show where one of them is eliminated, en route to find a "young star". The winner of the show gets a record deal from Univision Music Group. The show aired for six years, starting in 2004, and finishing in 2009.
Contestants were evaluated by a panel of judges, and viewers had the opportunity to vote on who they wanted to stay or leave the competition. Also, during the week they were assisted by singing and dancing teachers, stylists, costume designers, personal trainers, etc. in the studio/house to help them shape and improve their talent and image. The show was often said to be the Spanish version of American Idol, although technically speaking, the official Spanish version of that show is Latin American Idol.
History
The show ran for six season, from 2004 to 2009.
Judges and hosts
Judges
Roberto Sueiro (2004–2009) is a Puerto Rican artist and entertainment attorney. As a teenager, he sang with several rock bands and wrote songs while studying in the University of Florida. He finished law studies at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. He continued studies in intellectual property and music rights at New York University where he received a master's degree in law, in 1992. He then released four albums under the pseudonym of Byron. He reached the Billboard lists and won several awards. He also delved into producing and was one of the conceptual creators of Son By Four. He is currently practicing law in the field of entertainment and intellectual property, where he has represented several renowned artists. He was the only judge featured during all seasons of Objetivo Fama. Hilda Ramos (2004-2007, 2009) is a Puerto Rican soprano that has become one of the most sought opera singers in the world since her debut in 1989 with the Puerto Rican Symphonic Orchestra. In 1993, she won the first prize at the Metropolitan Opera Auditions in Puerto Rico and was one of the finalists of the regional auditions in New Orleans. She has performed around the world in places like Israel, Rome, Geneva, and the United States among others. She has performed at numerous world-known operas to much acclaim. In 2002, she debuted in New York City, invited by Regina Resnik. In 2004 and 2005 she collaborated as a teacher in Objetivo Fama, and in 2006 debuted as one of the judges. She remained as part of the judge panel until 2008, where she declined to dedicate time to her singing career. Ramos returned in 2009, to be judge of the last edition of OF. Fernando Allende (2006–2008) is a Mexican singer, actor, producer and director. He has acted in several soap operas in Spain, Mexico, and Latin America. Allende has traveled the world and lived in London for several years. In 2001 he moved to Puerto Rico where Allende has retaken his career as an actor and director. Allende also studied law at the Universidad La Salle in Mexico. He performs regularly as a mariachi and continues producing local films. In 2006 he was selected not only as one of the three judges but also as the President of the Jury. Lissy Estrella (2005) is a Puerto Rican singer. She served as a judge only for the second season. Jimena (2008) is a Mexican singer. She is serving as a judge on the fifth season. Abraham Velásquez (2009) is a Puerto Rican Christian inspirational singer. He served as a judge in substitution of Fernando Allende who resigned to work as a TV producer and film director. Guest judges are sometimes brought in. Some of the most common are singer/host Charytín, and some radio hosts from Univision Radio.
Hosts
The first season of Objetivo Fama was hosted by Nicaraguan singer Luis Enrique, while the second one was co-hosted by Mexican actor/singer Víctor Noriega and Puerto Rican model/host Yizette Cifredo.
For the third season, Mexican singer Yuri was chosen as host, and she quickly became a favorite of the audience. She remained with the show until the end of the fourth season, when she was fired. She was replaced by entertainer Charytín Goyco during the season finale. Goyco had already served as guest host and judge during several episodes of the show.