HYBE x Geffen’s Girl Group Competition Series The Debut: Dream Academy Is Here — See All Contestants and Eliminations
The Debut: Dream Academy is being broadcast for all fans around the world via its own YouTube channel, so make sure you are subscribed if you don’t want to miss any updates. If you are in Japan, you can also tune in via ABEMA.
That’s not all, though. Though we are only just getting to know The Debut: Dream Academy, the HYBE x Geffen partnership was actually formed years ago and will be the focus of an upcoming original Netflix docuseries directed by Nadia Hallgren and slated to premiere sometime in 2024. The documentary project will follow the partnership’s genesis as well as the formation and training of the group, so there’ll be plenty of The Debut: Dream Academy to consume for the foreseeable future.
When did The Debut: Dream Academy start airing?
The first episode of The Debut: Dream Academy, focused on auditions, premiered on YouTube at 11 a.m. (ET) on Friday, September 1, 2023. New episodes will premiere weekly, so you can expect a new broadcast each Friday at the same time.
When will The Debut: Dream Academy finish airing?
The Debut: Dream Academy is slated to last a total of 12 weeks. The final lineup and name for the group will be revealed during the finale. If we do a bit of basic math and no unexpected delays occur, the The Debut: Dream Academy finale should air on Friday, November 17, 2023 — so mark your calendars accordingly.
How can I vote for The Debut: Dream Academy?
Voting for The Debut: Dream Academy will be available via fan platform Weverse once the show starts airing. The final lineup will be decided with fan votes, but, per a press release, “a panel of experienced evaluators will offer valuable feedback and guidance to the contestants.”
Who’s participating in The Debut: Dream Academy?
According to promotional teasers, there were over 120,000 audition tapes submitted to take part in The Debut: Dream Academy from prospective contestants around the world, but only 20 candidates were selected. Meet the 20 participants of The Debut: Dream Academy, in alphabetical order, below, and check out their Polaroid headshots exclusively shared with Teen Vogue:
1. Adela (ELIMINATED)
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
2. Brooklyn
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
3. Celeste
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
4. Daniela
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
5. Emily
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
6. Ezrela
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
7. Hinari (ELIMINATED)
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
8. Iliya
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
9. Karlee
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
10. Lara
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
- Age: 17
- Home Country: Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. (of Indian descent)
- Instagram: @lararajj
- TikTok: @lararajj
11. Lexie
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
12. Manon
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
13. Marquise
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
14. Megan
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
15. Mei
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
- Age: 17
- Home Country: Japan
- Instagram: @ap_rlsn
16. Nayoung
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
- Age: 21
- Home Country: South Korea
- Instagram: @160.0_0
17. Samara
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
18. Sophia
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
19. UA
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
20. Yoonchae
Courtesy of HYBE x Geffen Records
(Photographer: Skott Khu, Stylist: Clare Byrne)
Who has been eliminated from The Debut: Dream Academy?
After completing missions, contestants are eliminated from The Debut: Dream Academy. The first elimination of the program happened on September 15 after the first round of missions in which contestants were split into four groups — two dance teams and two vocal teams — to showcase their abilities. Fans voted via Weverse and YouTube to pick their favorites, with results unveiled via Instagram. Taking into account fan commentary while selecting the chopping block, the judges ultimately eliminated Adéla and Hinari.
