Sophia Laforteza is one strong contender in The Debut: Dream Academy—and she is all set for its finale!
The show is down to its last mission leading up to the survival show's live finals. From 20 finalists during its pilot episode, 10 finalists are left to prove their talent before their much-awaited debut. Among the finalists who will be competing in their live finals, Sophia bagged the first spot with 45,184 fan votes.
Before the last mission, the 20-year-old trainee had been ranking in the top spots since the show's first mission. During the third mission, contestants were divided into three teams. They were assigned three different songs to perform: Buttons by Pussycat Dolls, Confident by Demi Lovato, and Wannabe by Spice Girls.
Sophia's team performed Buttons; however, she had to sit out most of their practice as she fell sick. Nevertheless, Sophia stood strong throughout the mission and was praised for her determination and leadership.
Perhaps you're also curious about The Debut: Dream Academy. Below, we're giving you everything you need to know about the currently trending survival show.
What is The Debut: Dream Academy?
The Debut: Dream Academy is a product of HYBE Labels' Chairman Bang Si Hyuk's desire to create a multinational group. We all know that the K-pop powerhouse is continuously honing some of the biggest K-pop groups out there like BTS, SEVENTEEN, and TXT. He wanted to create the group based on how they originally formed K-pop groups, with the help of Interscope Geffen A&M Records CEO John Janick.
Last November 2021, HYBE and Geffen Records conducted the HYBE x Geffen Global Girl Group Audition. (Quick trivia about Geffen Records: Olivia Rodrigo is under this record label!)
What are the mechanics of The Debut: Dream Academy?
Over a year before its release, 20 young women from different countries underwent rigorous "K-pop training." These ladies were selected from more than 120,000 aspiring idols from all around the world.
Participants were subject to completing various missions that would highlight their idol skills from dancing to singing. Aside from the talent mentors on the show, fans play a crucial role in the competition. Finalists are also selected using fan voting via WeVerse and TikTok.
Throughout the show's three missions, half of the contestants were eliminated, while the other half are now one step away from their global stardom.
Get to know The Debut: Dream Academy's 20 Finalists:
1. Adéla from Slovakia, 19
2. Brooklyn from USA, 17
3. Celeste from Argentina, 19
4. Daniela from USA, 19
5. Emily from USA, 17
6. Ezrela from Australia, 20
7. Hinari from Japan, 14
8. Iliya from Belarus, 21
9. Karlee from USA, 19
10. Lara from USA, 17
11. Lexie from Sweden, 19
12. Manon from Switzerland, 21
13. Marquise from Thailand, 17
14. Megan from USA, 17
15. Mei from Japan, 17
16. Nayoung from South Korea, 21
17. Samara from Brazil, 17
18. Sophia from Philippines, 20
19. Ua from Japan, 15
20. Yoonchae from South Korea, 15
Who made it to the Live Finale?
On November 6, 2023, HYBE LABELS revealed the 10 finalists advancing to the live finals. They are Sophia (Philippines), Lara (USA), Nayoung (South Korea), Ezrela (Australia), Daniela, (USA), Celeste (Argentina), Emily (USA), Samara (Brazil), Manon (Switzerland), and Marquise (Thailand).
This diverse group of young women will be showcasing their talent in their live finals episode, which will air on Friday, November 17. You can watch their Live Finale via HYBE's YouTube channel.
Watch the show's Mission 3 Result Announcement here:
