Tag: The Debut Dream Academy

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Katseye Teases Spicy Moves in Latest ‘Debut’ MV Teaser

KATSEYE, the exciting new girl group from the collaborative efforts of HYBE Labels and Geffen Records, is poised to make waves with their upcoming debut single, “Debut”. The group’s second MV teaser, unveiled on June 27 KST, offers a glimpse into their dynamic choreography set to the infectious beats of “Debut”. Showcasing bold and energetic dance moves, the teaser promises a captivating introduction to KATSEYE’s musical style and performance prowess.

For those who missed it, the first MV teaser premiered earlier in the week, providing a sneak peek into what fans can expect from this highly anticipated debut.

Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating KATSEYE’s official debut with “Debut” scheduled for June 28 at midnight EST / 1 PM KST. As they prepare to enter the global pop music scene, KATSEYE represents a culmination of talent and determination, as showcased in their journey from the reality show “The Debut: Dream Academy”.

“The Debut: Dream Academy”, which aired from September 1 to November 17, 2023, attracted an impressive 120,000 applicants vying for a spot in the group. The rigorous selection process highlighted the exceptional skills and charisma of KATSEYE’s six members: Manon Bannerman, Sophia Laforteza, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeong.

Anticipation is building as KATSEYE prepares for their debut EP release slated for August 2024. Leading up to this milestone, fans can delve deeper into the group’s journey through the documentary series “Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE”, set to premiere on Netflix during the summer of 2024. This series promises an intimate look at the group’s training, aspirations, and the collaborative efforts that have shaped their path to becoming global pop stars.

Stay tuned as KATSEYE embarks on their journey to stardom, bringing their unique blend of talent, charisma, and dedication to audiences worldwide with “Debut”.

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Look: HYBE’s ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ Reveals Lineup for KATSEYE

'The Debut: Dream Academy' reveals first group photo of KATSEYE. Credit: Twitter/Dream Academy

A new global girl group is about to take the music industry by storm! Music giants HYBE and Geffen Records revealed the final six members of the highly-anticipated girl group KATSEYE during the conclusion of the talent reality show The Debut: Dream Academy. 

On Friday, November 17, the two-hour live finale held in Los Angeles, introduced the final six members: Daniela, Lara, and Megan from the United States; Yoonchae from South Korea; Sophia from the Philippines; and Manon from Switzerland. Collectively, the group will be known as KATSEYE.

In a press release, HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk expressed pride in their “unprecedented collaboration” with Geffen Records. “We are very proud of the results and of all the contestants who joined us in this project. We wish KATSEYE much success as we are sure they will inspire fans across the globe,” he added. 

Meet the KATSEYE members

For the finale, the Top 10 were divided into three groups, where they’re tasked to perform an exclusive song. Then, the final members were selected through a combination of early votes, real-time votes during the live finale, and evaluator’s scores. 

First to be revealed part of the lineup is 20-year-old Sophia Laforteza from the Philippines. Since she was three years old, she’s been singing and called it her “first love.” 

Next to be called  is Indian-American delegate from the United States, Lara Raj. According to Netflix, the 18-year-old contestant has previously appeared in a campaign for Michelle Obama’s Global Girls Alliance campaign. 

Then, Yoonchae Jeung, a 15-year-old candidate from South Korea, was announced to be part of the lineup. She’s followed by 17-year-old Megan Skiendell from the United States. 

Rounding up the group are Daniela Avanzini, a 19-year-old from the United States, and Manon Bannerman, a 21-year-old from Switzerland, who were called to be the fifth and sixth members of KATSEYE. 

 Given their diverse experiences and cultural backgrounds, each member is expected to bring a unique set of skills and perspectives to KATSEYE. 

What’s next after ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ 

In September, South Korean entertainment company HYBE and American record label Geffen Records, launched The Debut: Dream Academy to search for their next global girl group.  Only 20 girls from different countries were selected over 120,000 applications to participate in the show. 

Over a course of 12 weeks, the participants took on several missions where they were narrowed down to 10 finalists.  The three songs from the finale, namely “Dirty Water,” “Girls Don’t Like,” and “All the Same,” can now be enjoyed on YouTube.

 

Now, KATSEYE is set to commence work on their upcoming debut album, which is scheduled for release in 2024. 

Apart from their debut track, a Netflix documentary series about the group’s journey is also slated for 2024. Said docuseries will be directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Nadia Hallgren, and is jointly produced by HYBE, Interscope Films, and Boardwalk Pictures.

Featured image: ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ reveals first group photo of KATSEYE. Credit: Twitter/Dream Academy

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Lexie Withdraws From HYBE’s ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’

Lexie in a behind-the-scene photo for 'The Debut: Dream Academy.' Credit: Dream Academy's Instagram

With how talent reality shows have taken the entertainment industry by storm, it’s no surprise that The Debut: Dream Academy is gaining buzz worldwide. However, it left viewers surprised as one of the contestants, Lexie, announced her withdrawal from the show. 

In a Weverse post on Friday, October 21,  HYBE x Geffen Records confirmed Lexie’s departure from the show. “Lexie believes that while this process has been immensely beneficial on her journey of self-discovery, pursuing a place in the final girl group no longer aligns with her professional aspirations,” the statement read.

Lexie on her journey in ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ 

In a touching behind-the-scenes video shared by HYBE Labels, Lexie opened up about the main reason for her departure. According to the 19-year-old contestant from Sweden, she realized that “this path is not just meant for [her].” 

Despite the decision to part ways with the competition, Lexie remained grateful for the life-changing opportunity she had been granted. Moreover, she spoke candidly about her growth throughout The Debut: Dream Academy.  “All the people I’ve met and all the things I’ve learned. I’ve just grown so much. Obviously, it’s a hard decision, but I’m honestly truly happy and at peace with it. And I’m really excited to see what the future has in store for me,” she said. 

Additionally, she also had nothing but sweet words to her fellow contestants, saying that they’re her “sisters” and “family.” “Without you guys, I wouldn’t have made it this far. You guys are just like my rock. And how you guys from day one took care of me, I was really scared. But you guys just welcomed me with my open arms,” she said.  

With Lexie’s exit, the competition now proceeds with 13 remaining contestants. The remaining 13 will embark on the third mission, slated to kick off on October 25. After the third and final mission concludes, only 10 girls will have the chance to perform at the show’s live finale, which is scheduled for November 17.

HYBE x Geffen Records’ global girl group

Created by South Korean entertainment giant HYBE and American record label Geffen Records, the reality series aims to discover and cultivate the next global girl group. Only 20 talented contestants from different corners of the world were chosen in a pool of 120,000 applicants. 

According to earlier reports, the group that will be formed through The Debut: Dream Academy will debut with an English song. In addition to their debut track, the girl group’s journey will be immortalized in a Netflix documentary series scheduled for release in 2024. 

As HYBE is known to be home to K-pop powerhouse acts BTS, SEVENTEEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and more, fans have set high expectations for the upcoming girl group.

Featured image: Lexie in a behind-the-scene photo for ‘The Debut: Dream Academy.’ Credit: Dream Academy’s Instagram

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HYBE’s ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ Eliminates 4 More Contestants

'The Debut: Dream Academy' announces results for its Mission 2. Credit: Twitter/Dream Academy HQ

The competition is indeed getting tougher! As The Debut: Dream Academy eliminates four more contestants after its second mission. Now, only the remaining 14 aspirants will advance to the third and last mission.

For the Mission 2 of the survival show, the 18 contestants were divided into four teams and they were tasked to perform a song by the K-Pop girl group LE SSERAFIM. Two groups sang and danced to “ANTIFRAGILE,” while the other two groups performed “FEARLESS.”

Interestingly, the participants even had a surprise visit from the LE SSERAFIM members themselves in the middle of their rehearsals. Moreover, HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk also talked to the contestants briefly. 

After casting the global votes, the final rankings for the said mission was unveiled. There, it was announced that Brooklyn and Karlee from the USA, Mei from Japan, and Iliya from Belarus have been axed from the series.

Following the eliminations, the remaining 14 contestants are left to continue their dreams of being an idol. Once the third and last mission ends, only 10 girls will perform at the show’s live finale which will be held on November 17. 

More about ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’

Created by South Korean entertainment company HYBE and American record label Geffen Records, The Debut: Dream Academy aims to create the next global girl group. The audition program combed through 120,000 applications and selected 20 girls from different countries to participate in the show.

In its pilot episode aired last September 1, it was announced that the 20 participants will undergo three survival missions before clinching a spot in the live finale. There, the official group name and the final debuting lineup will be revealed.

According to the executives of HYBE and Geffen Records, the first song for the girl group will be in English to showcase their global prowess.

 

Apart from their debut track, a Netflix documentary series about the group’s journey is also slated for 2024. Said docuseries will be directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Nadia Hallgren, and is jointly produced by HYBE, Interscope Films, and Boardwalk Pictures.

As HYBE is known to be home to K-pop powerhouse acts BTS, SEVENTEEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and more, fans have set high expectations for the upcoming girl group.

With the live finale just around the corner, fans can continue rooting for their favorites by casting votes in the fandom platform Weverse.

Featured image: ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ announces results for its Mission 2. Credit: Twitter/Dream Academy HQ

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Watch: LE SSERAFIM Bonds With ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ Contestants

'The Dream: Debut Academy' contestants pose with LE SSERAFIM and Bang Si Hyuk. Credit: YouTube/HYBE Labels

While it’s only been a year since LE SSERAFIM’s debut, the quintet already proved that they are ready to be seniors of the next HYBE girl group formed through the reality series The  Debut: Dream Academy.

On Monday, October 2, the survival competition unveiled its latest episode, featuring the surprise visit of LE SSERAFIM.

At the start of the video, Chaewon, Yunjin, Sakura, Kazuha, and Eunchae appeared as undercover staff while the trainees filmed Tiktok content. After a few minutes, the trainees could not hide their astonishment upon seeing the idols reveal their faces. The girls were also surprised that Yunjin knew all of their names.

For the episode’s mission, the trainees were tasked to cover two of the girl group’s songs. Composed of four to five trainees each, two groups performed “ANTIFRAGILE” in front of the original singers. 

“Thank you for working on it so hard. I could feel the powerful energy,” Chaewon remarked. “Everyone’s facial expression was great. It was amazing,” the leader added.

Next, two more groups showcased their “FEARLESS” performances. “I could clearly see what moves you were showing,” Eunchae commented. Kazuha added that the contestants were able to show their charms, too.

LE SSERAFIM’s warm advice for the dreamers

After the performances, LE SSERAFIM and the trainees sat down for a little chit chat.

First, trainee Sophia voiced out her worries about maintaining friendship with the other trainees, despite knowing that not all of them are making it to the final debut lineup. Yunjin then advised them to do their best individually and still continue rooting for each other. “I think goodbyes are unfortunately inevitable but I think that is a part of growing,” she said.

On the other hand, one contestant asked how Kazuha is able to look good while dancing on stage. Kazuha then answered, “I think the most important thing is to enjoy the stage.” Additionally, the singer also advised them to expand their horizons by experiencing different genres of dance instead of focusing on just one.

Another contestant mentioned that she was experiencing a language barrier and wondered how the Japanese members Sakura and Kazuha overcame it. In response, Sakura said that language is not a big problem if the members have a connection with each other.

Bang PD visits ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ too

Just while the girls were having a serious conversation, the trainees were caught off guard with another surprise visit from the HYBE Chairman himself, Bang Si Hyuk.

Bang PD first asked about the trainees’ trip to South Korea. Then, the trainees said that they enjoyed the Korean food and that they wished to visit Lotte World, which the producer generously granted.

Later on, trainee Karlee asked the producer about the most important thing to remember for aspiring artists. To which Bang PD provided a heartwarming answer.

“Before you become an artist, you should know what you really want to be,” he said. “From my perspective, you should love music itself, performing on stage, and making the fans happy.”

Ending on a good note, the trainees took a group photo with the LE SERRAFIM members and Bang PD. 

Featured image: ‘The Dream: Debut Academy’ contestants pose with LE SSERAFIM and Bang Si Hyuk. Credit: YouTube/HYBE Labels

 

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Watch: HYBE Unveils the 1st Mission for ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ Participants

A team from 'The Debut: Dream Academy' poses for their first mission. Credit: Twitter/The Debut: Dream Academy

The competition has begun! The Debut: Dream Academy, the survival show between HYBE Labels and Universal Music Group subsidiary Geffen Records, finally kicks off with its first mission.

The 20 participants were split into four groups: two vocal teams and two dance teams that have five members each. For their first mission, the participants were supposed to showcase their singing and dancing skills. 

On Thursday, September 7, the team’s video performances for their “MISSION 1: SHOWCASE” were released on HYBE Labels’ official Youtube channel. 

 

‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ mission 1

First, the Vocal Team A featured contestants Karlee, Lexie, Iliya, Brooklyn, and Manon. The five delivered a mashup performance of Billie Eilish’s “Happier than Ever”, and Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own.” On social media, the five members were praised for filling the song with emotions using their unique tones.

 

On the other hand, Vocal Team B composed of Sophia, Samara, Nayoung, Lala, and Celeste, showed their soulful harmony with a special arrangement of Paramore’s “Still Into You”. 

 

Then, Adela, Daniela, Hinari, Megan, and Ua made up the Dance Team A. They flaunted their intense moves and swag with their cover of “Pink Venom” by the world renowned girl group BLACKPINK.

 

Meanwhile, Dance Team B is composed of Emily, Ezrella, Maki, Mei, and Yoonchae. They also exhibited their stage presence with their performance of “OMG” by the monster rookies NewJeans. 

 

Aside from the team performance videos, individual focus cam videos for all the contestants were also released.

Who’ll move forward?

Fans can cast their votes by visiting the “The Debut: Dream Academy” community in the  fandom platform Weverse. Additionally, viewers can also like the contestants’ individual focus cam videos on HYBE LABELS+ Youtube channel.

After the first mission, only 18 contestants will be continuing their journey in the show as two participants will be eliminated. The top six ranked contestants, meanwhile, will be safe to proceed to Mission 2.

The results of Mission 1 will be announced on September 15. Earlier, HYBE LABELS has announced that the girls are set to compete in a total of three missions, which will also serve as elimination rounds, before the final lineup is revealed at the show’s live finale on November 17.

 

With HYBE and Geffen’s joint venture to look for the next global girl group, the 20 contestants were selected from more than 120,000 submissions all around the world.

Moreover, these candidates come from South Korea, Japan, United States, Australia, Brazil, Philippines, Argentina, Belarus, Sweden, and Slovakia. 

Featured image: A team from ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ poses for their first mission. Credit: Twitter/The Debut: Dream Academy

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Meet the 20 Contestants in Hybe X Geffen Records’ ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’

HYBE Labels and Geffen Records announce the participants for 'The Debut: Dream Academy.' Credit: Twitter/Dream Academy

K-pop entertainment company HYBE Labels partnered with Universal Music Group subsidiary Geffen Records to create a global girl group through The Debut: Dream Academy show. 

On Tuesday, August 29, the agency revealed the 20 candidates from all over the world who will be competing in the upcoming reality program. 

 

What we know about ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’

These 20 candidates were chosen from over 120,000 applicants from 13 cities across the globe. Also, these young women are aged between 14 to 21. 

Moreover, these candidates come from South Korea, Japan, United States, Australia, Brazil, Philippines, Argentina, Belarus, Sweden, and Slovakia. 

 

HYBE has also been releasing individual photos and profiles of the participants. As well as feature films showing the whole group. 

 

The audition program will air on Youtube and the Japanese streaming platform Abema starting on September 1. Over the course of 12-weeks, these 20 participants will undergo a series of survival missions.

Interestingly, fans can also help determine which of the candidates will make it to the US-based international group through online voting. 

 

The finale will air live on November 17, wherein they will announce the final lineup and the girl group’s name. 

Aside from the audition program, a Netflix docuseries chronicling the creation of this upcoming global girl group will also be in the works. It will be helmed by award-winning filmmaker Nadia Hallgren. And it is expected to be released sometime in 2024. 

HYBE goes global 

The entertainment company behind K-pop superstar BTS teamed up with the US label back in November 2021. 

“I have wanted to form an international group based on K-pop methodology for a while,” HYBE Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk told the press. 

For his part, Geffen A&M Records CEO John Janick also shared that they’re looking forward to this venture.  “Each candidate is incredibly talented, dedicated, and driven, making this an exciting moment for music fans around the world,” he added. 

Aside from The Debut: Dream Academy, one of the subsidiaries of HYBE Label is also holding a survival program for a girl group. Titled R U Next, the winning participants from the program will debut under BELIFT LAB. 

Moreover, several HYBE Label subsidiaries are holding global online auditions. 

BIGHIT Music’s audition program is only open to male applicants born between 2005 and 2013. It will close on September 22. Meanwhile, auditions for KOZ Entertainment will run until November 18. Only individuals born after 2006 can apply. 

Next is the most recently announced audition for PLEDIS Entertainment. Only individuals born after 2005 can audition, and it will run only until September 17.

Featured image: HYBE Labels and Geffen Records announce the participants for ‘The Debut: Dream Academy.’ Credit: Twitter/Dream Academy

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