Normal kids 'doing what they love'

Before there was "American Idol," there was "Making the Band" - a reality show aimed at lengthy castings for new and specific ensemble musical acts.

Although it debuted on network television in 2000, the show quickly jumped to cable music giant MTV for several more seasons.

In 2007, after serving a stint as a judge on "Making the Band," famed music manager Johnny Wright, who managed Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync among others, launched a new MTV reality show spinning-off from more than one original, including, "Making Menudo," a spin-off from "Making the Band" - reviving the legendary all-Latino boy band Menudo founded in 1977 but active well into the 90s.

With a ever-changing roster, the original group introduced a number of performers who went on to thrive in the United States and abroad, including Ricky Martin, probably the most famous former member of the original Menudo.

Following extensive castings in numerous locations, the show began with 15 finalists competing weekly for the coveted five slots that would become the new Menudo.

Ultimately, the show culminated in 10 episodes chronicling hours of vocal lessons and dance practices with one finalist sent home each week until the new Menudo was unveiled, a process that sometimes left the contestants exposed.  

 "You have to go through ups and downs in front of video cameras," said José Bordonada, one of the contestants who eventually became a member of Menudo. "It was kinda weird."

 "No one was safe in the show. Anyone could be gone the next day. We always had that fear that you could be kicked out at any moment," said Chris Olivero, another contestant who won a spot in the end.

For Olivero, Bordonada, Chris Moy, Emmanuel Vèlez and Monti Montañez, the five members of the new Menudo, making Menudo continues to be difficult to grasp nearly a year later, despite everything they have been able to accomplish.

Since the end of the show, the group has recorded more than 70 tracks currently under consideration for the 12 to 15 that will fill their debut album set to be released Sept. 30.

 "We still don't believe it," Olivero said.

 "Its crazy," said Moy. "The first time we heard our song on the radio it was unexpectedly. When we just hear it randomly, we start screaming and stuff. It still hasn't hit us. We're normal kids just doing what we love."