La Academia

La Academia (The Academy) is a Mexican reality musical talent television series shown on TV Azteca, that premiered in June 2002 and is currently in its thirteenth installment. Although the show itself is not affiliated with the Endemol franchise, which includes the "Star Academy" shows, it does share the competition format of many of the variants of the global franchise.
Over the first seasons, the show was a reliable dominator of its time-slot, which was shown by its triumph over Televisa's Operación Triunfo Mexico, in several countries including Chile, Peru and Venezuela. The rival show was only produced for one season, and was in fact the official Endemol entry in Mexico. The last seasons of La Academia had declining ratings, being aired against the Mexican version of The Voice, produced by Televisa, and it eventually ceased production in 2012. However, in 2018, Azteca rebooted the franchise and it aired a new generation of La Academia which received positive reviews from critics and saw an impressive increase in total viewership.
The show has been franchised to other countries: Azerbaijan (Akademiya), Malaysia (Akademi Fantasia), Indonesia (Akademi Fantasi Indosiar), United States (La Academia USA), Paraguay (La Academia Paraguay), Singapore (Sunsilk Academy Fantasia), Thailand (True Academy Fantasia), Central America (La Academia Centroamérica) and Greece (House of Fame).
Each year, 14–49 people are selected to live together in a house isolated from the rest of the world, spending their days taking classes in singing, dancing, acting, and related fields, each preparing one or two songs for a 3-hour concert which they give each Sunday evening for TV viewers and a live studio audience. Each week, one of the contestants is eliminated based on the number of votes each one receives, until 4 to 10 students become the finalists and compete for the top prize. Viewers can vote by telephone, text or online. Camino a la Fama aired during weekday afternoons, but it was cancelled after The Ninth Generation. This show taped what the students' lives within the La Academia house. It also demonstrated the singing, dancing, and acting classes.
The longest serving judge has been Arturo López Gavito with ten seasons on the panel, followed by Lolita Cortés five seasons as judge plus two as the academy's director. Óscar Sarquiz, Chacho Gaytán and Horacio Villalobos remain in third place, having been part of the judging panel three seasons each.
Whereas for hosts, Alan Tacher and Rafael Araneda both were part of the show for four seasons each, with Ingrid Coronado hosting three seasons. Judge and host Yahir, and two-time host Cynthia Rodríguez are two of the academy's students who have been part of the panel.
La Academia began on July 7, 2002. Fourteen were selected to be part of The First Generation, and Alan Tacher was selected to host. The National Auditorium in Mexico City served as the setting for the final concert, where the winner received a Coca-Cola touring contract, a worldwide trip, a brand new Chevrolet TrailBlazer and the top prize: MX$2.5 million and a recording contract.
Miguel Ángel, Myriam, Nadia, Víctor and Yahir reached the finale held on December 1, 2002. Myriam Montemayor Cruz was declared the winner of La Academia.
The Second Generation was presented at the final concert of The First Generation on December 1, 2002. Once again, the National Auditorium in Mexico City served as the setting for the final concert, where the winner received the top prize of MX$2.5 million and a recording contract.
Freddi, Manuel, Marco, Rosalía and Érika reached the finale held on March 30, 2003. Érika Alcocer Luna was declared the second winner of La Academia.
A year after the end of The Second Generation, The Third Generation, with far more production than before, began on March 13, 2004. The Teotihuacan Hall in Acapulco served as the setting for the final concert, where the winner received a brand new car and a larger top prize of MX$3 million and a recording contract.
This Season was the first to had a permanent judging panel.
Dulce, Melissa, César, Lety Lopez, Carlos and Israel reached the finale held on July 4, 2004. Carlos Rivera Guerra was declared the third winner of La Academia.
Almost a year after the start of The Third Generation, The Fourth Generation began on February 27, 2005. The Monterrey Arena in Monterrey served as the setting for the final concert, where the winner received the newly raised top prize of MX$3.5 million and a recording contract.
The Fourth Season was highly controversial, with conflicts between contestant Jolette Hernández and members of the judge panel as the main source of controversy. The final results were also controversial, as frontrunner Yuridia placed second at the grand finale.
Yuridia, Adrian, Cynthia, Erasmo, Edgar and Silvia reached the finale held on July 3, 2005. Yuridia Gaxiola Flores was declared the fourth winner of La Academia.
The Light Generation began on July 9, 2006, where the fewest contestants, four, became finalists. The boardwalk of the Port of Veracruz in Veracruz served as the setting for the final, and first open-air, concert, where the winner received the top prize of MX$3 million and a recording contract.
This was the first season hosted by a female with Monica Garza.
Colette, Renata, Samuel and Marbella reached the finale held on December 17, 2006. Samuel Castelli Marini was declared the fifth winner of La Academia.
The Last Generation began on August 31, 2008. The Víctor Manuel Reyna Stadium in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas served as the setting for the final concert, where the winner received the top prize of MX$3 million, a recording contract and the new La Academia Trophy.
Perla, María Fernada, Fabiola, Luis Armando and Valeria reached the finale held on December 12, 2008. María Fernanda Alvo Díaz was declared the sixth winner of La Academia.
Later Maria Fernanda, Valeria, Perla, Jackie, Fatima and Alex formed a girl group called G6; Fabiola Rodas won the third season of Desafio de Estrelas a year later.
The New Generation was renewed due to the popular demand and led by the most outspoken critic, Lolita Cortés, beginning on October 4, 2009. This season featured 36 contestants, and seven, became finalists. The Víctor Manuel Reyna Stadium in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas once again served as the setting for the final concert, where the winner received the lowest top prize of MX$1 million and a recording contract.
Agustín, Oscar, Fabiola, Sebastián, Menny, Giovanna and Napoleón reached the finale held on December 20, 2009. Giovanna Nicole Paz was declared the seventh winner of La Academia.
*Jesús Antonio Guerrero Cruz is Daniel Solís's real birth name and 46 was his real age when he was expelled.
Bicentennial Generation was the name given to this season in honor of the 200 years of Mexican independence. It began on September 12, 2010, featuring 49 contestants, and 10 finalists, marking an all-time high for the series. The Víctor Manuel Reyna Stadium in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, served as the setting for the finale for a third time. For the first time ever, two winners were announced: one was chosen by the panel of critics as well as Lolita Cortés and La Academia teachers, winning the International Prize of US$20,000; the other was chosen by the viewers, winning La Academia: Bicentenario and MX$1 million.
Luis, Eri, Gerardo, Esmeralda, Carolina, Johnny, Daniel, Edgar, Paolo and Edu reached the finale held on December 19, 2010. Esmeralda Ugalde Mota was declared the eighth winner of La Academia. Paolo Ragone won the first and only International Prize.
* Winner of the International Prize
La Academia 2011 premiered on August 21, 2011, and it was the first reality show to be aired in 3D. It featured 35 contestants. The season was led by Eduardo Capetillo, and hosted by his wife Bibi Gaytán accompanied by Rafael Araneda. During the middle of the competition, on 26 October, Eduardo Capetillo announced to the contestants that Magda Rodriguez was no longer the producer (she was fired due to low ratings). Juan Navarrete became the new producer. At the end of the 11th. Concert, Eduardo Capetillo announced that he would look for new contestants to join the competition. On the 12th. and 13th. Concert, 6 new contestants (Cecilia, Dianela, Héctor, Valeria, Alfonso, Gaby) were brought to the competition. After involving La Academia on a personal matter, Eduardo Capetillo and Bibi Gaytán were fired on December 7, 2011, 2 weeks before the finale. It was announced Julio Preciado would take his place as principal for the remaining weeks of the competition and Ingrid Coronado will return to host the semifinal and finale. The finale was held on December 18, once again in Víctor Manuel Reyna Stadium in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. The winner received MX$500,000 in addition to the cash prize accumulated over the course of the competition and a recording contract.
Emanuel, Cecilia, Gustavo, Ronald, Gil, Yanilen, Erick, Hancer, Pablo & Carmen reached the finale. Erick Sandoval was declared the ninth winner of La Academia.
* The specific rank wasn't revealed, but the contestants are listed in order of elimination
The Decade Generation premiered on August 26, 2012, celebrating the tenth anniversary of La Academia. Fernando De Solar and his wife Ingrid Coronado were introduced as the new hosts of La Academia. On August, 16, it was confirmed that the four judges will be Marta Sánchez, Julio Preciado, Cruz Martínez and First Generation's fourth place, Yahir. Chacho Gaytán, serve as the Principal of this generation. In this season, the contestants were no longer isolated as they could use the social media to keep in touch with fans and family. On September, 16, the winner of The First Generation, Myriam, joined the judges panel. The finale was held on December, 16, in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. The Polyforum Chiapas, served for the first time as the setting of the final concert. The winner received a Recording Contract and MX$1,000,000.
Alexis, Chucho, Manuel, Rubí, Santana & Selene reached the finale. Alexis Montoya was declared the tenth winner of La Academia.
Season 11 premiered on July 8, 2018, as TV Azteca's celebration of its twenty-five year anniversary. This generation serves as the return of one of its most successful formats, according to statements by the content director, Alberto Ciurana. On May 14, it was announced that Adal Ramones would return to the small screen as the host of La Academia, after joining TV Azteca almost three years after leaving their competitor, Televisa. On July 4, 2018, the names of the contestants and teachers of the new season of La Academia were revealed through social media accounts of the reality show, which would be led by Héctor Martínez, the principal of the First Generation of the show. Later that day, it was announced that the new panel of judges would be formed by Arturo López Gavito, Horacio Villalobos, Edwin Luna and Edith Márquez. The finale was held on October 7, in which the winner received a recording contract and MX$1,000,000.
Katheryn, Dalia, Alexis, Paola & Silvia reached the finale. Paola Chuc was declared the eleventh winner of La Academia.
On October 23, 2019, TV Azteca held a special ceremony to reveal details about the upcoming season of its most successful show. Horacio Villalobos and Arturo López Gavito would seat again at the judges' table and they would be joined by Remmy Valenzuela (who was let go after the first concert), Alexander Acha and Danna Paola. For the first time, the reality show would have a prestigious artist who would become "the voice of experience" and work as a mentor for the contestants. This task would pertain to the Chilean singer and songwriter Beto Cuevas, who explained that it would take them out of their comfort zone. During the presentation, Adal Ramones and Cynthia Rodríguez also presented the principal of La Academia, which would again be Héctor Martínez, and the teaching staff would be Alan Benabib, Beto Castillo, Guille Gómez, Lula Ross, Jorge Romano, Raúl Carballeda, Rodrigo Cachero and Rosa Virgen. In addition, Chacho Gaytán would be in charge of the musical direction of the show. The finale was held on February 23, in which the winner received a recording contract and MX$1,000,000.
Angie, Dalú, Carlos, Charly & Dennis reached the finale. Dalú was declared the twelfth winner of La Academia.
La Academia commemorated its 20th anniversary with a new season in 2022. On May 9, 2022, it was announced that Lolita Cortés and Arturo López Gavito would once again share the judges' panel. The season would also have Horacio Villalobos and popular singer, Ana Bárbara critiquing the students' performance every Saturday and Sunday. As part of the 20 year celebration, First Generation's Yahir would serve as the main host with Vanessa Claudio as co-host, who would be replacing Adal Ramones and Cynthia Rodriguez. Alexander Acha would act as the principal of the new season, while Aleks Syntek would step in as their mentor.
Andres, Cesia, Nelson, Rubí & Mar reached the finale. Cesia was declared the thirteenth winner of La Academia.
La Academia USA was the first musical reality show with only Hispanic and Latino contestants in the United States, launched by Azteca America in October 2005. The auditions were done nationwide and the first La Academia USA concert was on November 20, 2005.
After three months of competition La Academia USA came to an end, crowning Mariana Vargas as winner of the reality show. As the winner and runner-up, Mariana and Gustavo respectively received contracts with Warner Music for the release of an album.
La Academia Kids was originally presented in 2010 at the Bicentenanial Generation finale with Tatiana as the host, and was titled as La Academia Infantil and set to be launched in early 2011. However, on February 2011, Tatiana announced on her twitcam that the show was officially cancelled due to audition and production issues, and therefore, it would no longer be produced. On July 11, 2013, it was confirmed that La Academia Kids was in production again. Ingrid Coronado returned as the host, joined by Mauricio Barcelata and Mariana Torres. Alicia Villarreal, Lolita Cortés and Luis Coronel served as the judges. On August 31, the show aired a casting special, while the first live concert took place on September 7, and the finale was held on December 21, where the winner received MX$500,000.
Adamaris, Cristopher, Eddy, Michelle, Nahomy & Ximena reached the finale. Eddy Valenzuela was declared the first winner of La Academia Kids.
Due to the high ratings, TV Azteca producer Roberto Romagnoli confirmed a second season of La Academia Kids. On July 25, 2014, it was confirmed that Ingrid Coronado would return as the host, joined by Mariana Torres and Carlos Arenas, while Alicia Villarreal, Lolita Cortés, and First Generation's second place, Víctor García served as the judges. The season premiered on August 16 with a two-week casting special episodes, the first live concert took place on August 30.
Angélica, Alexis, Karla, Nicole, Sarah & Sofía reached the finale. Karla Herrarte was declared the second winner of La Academia Kids, making her the first foreigner to ever win a season of the show.
La Academia has been the most important reality show of Azteca, but not all of the contestants have transcended to a successful career. There are some examples of former La Academia contestants, that have been constantly on the public eye:
Desafío de Estrellas is a Mexican musical show produced and distributed by Azteca, the second most important network in the country. The format of the Desafío is similar to American Idol with contestants eliminated every week and a grand finale with the top contestants competing to win the first place prize. Azteca has, until 2006, produced two versions of the program, one in 2003 and the other in 2006.
Tribute to... placed season 1 and 2 contestants against each other each Sunday to compete for MX$100,000.
Second Chance premiered on 21 March 2010. This show featured former contestants from seasons 1 to 7 who competed for a second chance at the competition and the music industry. The show featured 53 contestants from the 7 generations of "La Academia" and "La Academia USA". On 4 March, 50 contestants were announced, the other two will be chosen by voters on the internet. On 10 March, they announced the composition of 13 teams of four members each.