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Hit songwriter Savan Kotecha has partnered with Universal Music India, Republic Records and Represent to launch an initiative aimed at discovering and developing India’s first globally impactful pop boy band. The nationwide talent hunt seeks to redefine India’s pop landscape by creating a group that reflects the country’s diversity, while also “igniting an unprecedented wave of fandom and paving the way for the Indian Teen Pop economy,” according to the announcement.
Kotecha, a Grammy, Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated native of Texas, has played a pivotal role in shaping modern pop music over the last 15-plus years. His extensive catalog includes hits for Ariana Grande, One Direction, The Weeknd and Maroon 5. With a career that took off in Sweden alongside mentor Max Martin, Kotecha has contributed to chart-topping songs like Grande’s “Problem,” 1D’s “What Makes You Beautiful,” The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face” and Maroon 5’s “One More Night.” He also served as executive music producer for Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.
Kotecha believes that India has long looked outside its borders for pop and teen idols, and this initiative aims to change that. “Boy bands have shaped generations around the world—now, it’s India’s turn,” he said. “We want to create a group that represents India’s dreams and sparks an unprecedented wave of fandom.”
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Universal Music Group India & South Asia managing director Sanujeet Bhujabal emphasized the project’s significance. “Our i-Pop strategy has focused on cultivating a Gen Z and Gen Alpha-driven sound in India. Partnering with Savan, we’re taking this vision global by launching India’s first true pop boy band. This will be the biggest talent hunt India has ever seen, and we are committed to building a long-term teen pop economy.”
Aayushman Sinha, founder of Represent, echoed this sentiment: “We’re stepping into a new era of talent development, something India has never seen before. More importantly, this project is about fostering sustainable careers for young artists and establishing pop music as a dominant cultural force.”
To shape the eventual band’s identity, the project has also partnered with Jugaad Motion Pictures.
Aspiring musicians can audition by following @greatestindianboyband on Instagram and submitting their entries on the contest’s website. To apply, candidates need to upload a video showcasing their talent and answering a few select questions. After a month-long selection process, shortlisted contestants will advance to the next round, with the final five then participating in what’s described as a “training bootcamp” ahead of their official debut.
Nick Terranova has been appointed senior vp of brand partnerships at Dick Clark Productions (DCP). Based in New York, Terranova will be responsible for developing brand alliances across all media platforms for the production company’s many award shows (Golden Globes, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards) and other programming, such as Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.
Terranova brings more than 15 years of experience in media, advertising, and partnerships to the role. Prior to joining DCP, Terranova held senior leadership roles at Fox and Warner Bros.
As svp, ad sales & brand partnerships at Fox, Terranova oversaw the national sales team and led the transition of TMZ’s advertising business following its acquisition from WarnerMedia, contributing to double-digit revenue growth across digital, social, and branded content platforms.
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Prior to Fox, Terranova held key sales leadership roles during his 12-year tenure at Warner Bros., managing numerous advertising portfolios for premium entertainment properties such as Rotten Tomatoes, Flixster, TMZ, Ellen DeGeneres, Extra, and DC Comics—brands that together formed Warner Bros. Digital Media. His work spanned direct and programmatic sales, branded content, and on-air product integrations.
Terranova began his career in media at OMD as a national TV buyer before moving to ad sales at Turner and CBS Interactive. Most recently, he served as svp of sales at Anoki, an AI-driven CTV startup.
The 60th ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, is set for May 8, live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The American Music Awards will return following a two-and-a-half-year hiatus over Memorial Day weekend. The show, live from Las Vegas, will include a tribute to America’s veterans.
DCP is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a Penske Media Corporation (PMC) subsidiary and joint venture between PMC and Eldridge. PMC is the parent company of Billboard.