After 13 years of co-hosting Univision‘s morning show “Despierta America,” Raul Gonzalez will join Telemundo to develop and host a variety series slated for next season.

Gonzalez and Univision parted ways on the Feb. 27 installment of “Despierta America.”

In addition to the variety series, the Venezuela-born Gonzalez will contribute to multiple series and specials for Telemundo, the first of which being his upcoming gig as the host of the Billboard Latin Music Awards on April 24.

“We are thrilled to have one of the top TV personalities in Spanish language television join Telemundo’s exclusive talent roster,” said Jesus Torres Viera, exec VP of programming for Telemundo Network. “Raul’s extensive experience in television and theater combined with his dynamic personality and unique ability to connect with the audience will be a great addition to our team.”

After getting his start in children’s theater and hosting a kids’ TV show in his early twenties, Gonzalez moved from his native Caracas to Miami in 1994 and joined the “Despierta” team in 2001. He has also co-hosted Univision’s “Sabado Gigante” several times.

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“I am a firm believer in following your dreams and for me hosting a primetime series has always been one of my major goals,” Gonzalez said. “We share a passion for quality television and will bring our audience the programming they want and deserve.”

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