The Debut: Dream Academy live finale is just a few days away, and the girls are more than ready to turn their dreams into reality as part of the new crop of K-pop-trained global stars.
When HYBE and Geffen Records unveiled the program in August 2023, we met a roster of 20 girls from all around the world hoping to become part of "the world's biggest girl group." Picked from over 120,000 audition tapes, the 20 aspiring participants trained for a year in Los Angeles with "K-pop methodology" before making their debut on our screens and presenting themselves to the world in the 12-week program that became The Debut: Dream Academy.
After three rounds of missions to show off their dancing, singing, and rapping chops and three rounds of eliminations that brought the total number of participants down to 10, the journey for the The Debut: Dream Academy finalists culminates this Friday, November 17, with a monumental live finale held in L.A., where the final lineup and name for their upcoming group will be revealed for the first time. (There's still an upcoming original Netflix docuseries about their journey, directed by Nadia Hallgren, which will premiere sometime in 2024, so fret not: you'll see more from the girls.)
Exactly eight days before the live finale, Teen Vogue caught up with The Debut: Dream Academy's 10 finalists — Daniela, Emily, Ezrela, Lara, Manon, Marquise, Megan, Samara, Sophia, and Yoonchae — over Zoom to discuss the ups and downs of their journey on the show, play a game of dream superlatives, and get them to share advice for their future selves ahead of the finale. Keep reading before you cast your votes.
Teen Vogue: First of all, congratulations! You're the final 10, which is no small feat. How have you been preparing for the big finale happening on November 17, and how are you feeling now that this Dream journey is coming to an end?
Sophia: I think it's a very bittersweet feeling and journey going up to the finale because this is the moment that all of us have been waiting for. This is where all the hard work that we've been putting into this whole experience is going towards. It's bitter and a little sad because not all 10 [will make it], and also this whole journey coming to an end, [but] this [has been] such an unforgettable experience for all of us. It's so unique, and just the idea that this is the finish line, it's so, so bittersweet.
TV: For most of you, or I want to say all of you, the finale is going to be the first time performing live in front of a big audience and even more people tuning in online. How are you feeling about that, going from performing in your rooms to performing for the entire world essentially? How are those nerves compared to preparing for the first three missions that you just finished?
Emily: It's a bit scary, but [also] really exciting. I think we all love to perform, and this is just a taste of what it's going to be like to be in the group, so to be able to share this experience together [will be] so unforgettable. We're all really, really excited to show the world what we've been working on. We've shown them through our missions, but this is the biggest step so far in this journey. The fact that so many people are watching and seeing how far we've come is such an honor. I feel like all of our hard work has been working towards this moment. It's a very, very surreal experience, I feel like, for all of us.
Marquise: Yeah, to add on to Emily, I feel like this is the moment that we've all been waiting for so long and what we've been training and rehearsing for. And the fact that we're already here and it's so close, it's so exciting. We're all so ready to perform in front of a live audience, and yeah, we're just so excited to receive energy.
TV: That's going to be a game-changer, when you feed off that energy with the people in front of you. You're going to sing a new original song, “All The Same,” that you've already teased on social media. What can you tell me about the genre, what the song sounds like, and the process of working on it, especially because I assume this is your first time in a professional studio environment? What was that like?
Lara: It was so incredible to have a song with all of us on it together. I feel like the message of the song is very…it's like the emblem of this program. You know what I mean? And of Dream Academy. The message is really that we are all the same and that our differences are what unite us and bring us together, so I'm so excited for people to hear it. Especially with everything that's going on right now in the world, I feel like it's a beautiful message that needs to be shared. I hope that people feel that through our performance, just understand that this is the real reason why we're here and why we're doing this.
TV: 20 of you started on this journey, and now there's only half of you left. Has it been tough seeing the numbers decrease? Do you keep in touch with the eliminated contestants?
Megan: It's definitely [been] hard seeing girls go home and get eliminated. I think we're all such a family, and we built such strong bonds with each other that these friendships will last us a lifetime. It's such a sisterhood feeling that even if we don't continue on this program and choose different paths, [I know] we'll still all have [each other] and [will] still keep in touch. I've [personally] been keeping in touch with some of the girls who aren't here anymore. I just don't ever think that I would lose connection with them because I've just experienced so much with them. It's just lifelong friendships that I hold really, really close.
TV: It's kind of like graduating from university, right? You're the class of '23.
All: Right!
TV: Throughout the show, you all have, to some extent, been pretty open about dealing with physical and also mental health hurdles. Who do you turn to in those trying times when things get hard, and what are some things that you do to alleviate the pressures when they get a bit too intense?
Manon: The great part about this program is that there are 10 people who are going through the exact same thing as you. These girls really understand how I feel when I'm done, for example. We're all here for each other, we all look out for each other, and have a very good understanding of what everyone is going through. We try to uplift and support each other, which is very needed and amazing to have during times like these.
TV: Is it like a newfound comfort now that you have peers that are going through the exact same, or have you ever felt that way about your regular friends in the past?
Lara: I honestly don't think I've ever connected with people in the way that I've connected with these girls. I think just really what everyone else has been saying: we have been through such an intense and life-changing experience together, and we are working towards being together for the rest of our careers. Do you know what I mean? That's the goal; we want to spend the rest of our careers together. So I feel like the level of connection and understanding we have for each other is really like no other. It's hard to compare to any other friendship because we are doing everything with the goal of doing it together for the rest of our lives.
TV: You've obviously been gaining a lot of attention on social media, and I trust that you have access to social media. How have you been coping with the added eyes seeing snippets into your life? Do you like the attention? Or do you find it a bit jarring sometimes?
Emily: I feel like there's a bit of added pressure when [you add] an audience — especially with the missions and the voting, it's a whole nother level. But [overall] it's been such an honor to be able to perform and show the audience our growth throughout this whole program. To be able to inspire [others] has been the biggest reward. I feel like so many people watch us and feel so connected to each and every one of us in a different way. So, yes, although there are other factors of fan voting and stuff like that [that are stressful], being able to inspire others, see ourselves in a whole new light, and see how much of an impact we're making on other people is such an amazing feeling. I feel like that's the best thing you can get: inspiring others and seeing how you impact them by sharing your passions and your art.
TV: This program has been really focused on showing your dancing and singing skills. Are there any other aspects of being an artist that you would want to explore in the future or that would want to show people behind the scenes? I know Manon dabbles in songwriting already. Are there any other things that you would like to show when you do “graduate” from the program?
Daniela: I used to do a lot of ballroom dancing, and I would really like to show that to the world. I feel like I haven't showcased that enough, and I feel like that is also a very important part of my culture. Because I am Latina and I grew up learning Afro-Cuban, Afro-style dance, cha-cha-cha, salsa, and those types of styles, so I would love to showcase that to the world.
Manon: I think we all have so much more to offer than people know. For example, Lara is a producer, a fire producer. I'm sure she will want to share that someday. Marquise is an artist; she draws. We all have little things on the side that we're doing, like hobbies. I think we all can't wait to showcase maybe some of that with the world at some point.
Lara: I was going to say. I think a lot of us are very creative people. Performing requires so much creativity in itself, of course, but [aside from that] I think it's going to be really exciting to come together and show what we can actually make on our own. And hopefully, I can share my beats in the future. That would be so much fun.
TV: Since this is the Dream Academy, I wanted to play a little game of dream superlatives with you. First question: Who would be your dream artist, or artists, to work with?
Manon: Beyoncé!
Daniela: You stole my answer!
Manon: I love her.
TV: You can have repeats.
Megan: Oh, we're all going to say Beyoncé. [Laughs.] Let's just go around.
Lara: Oh my God, there are so many artists, but I think Rihanna…. Or M.I.A.
Megan: Okay, so obviously Beyoncé or Lana Del Rey. [I also love] Danja, Billie Eilish, BLACKPINK, Olivia Rodrigo, and Drake.
Marquise: There are so many artists I want to work with. This is such a hard question! If I were to narrow it down, I would love to work with Ariana Grande, Victoria Monét, and Beyoncé. Those are my dream collaborations!
Daniela: I don't know... Come back to me.
Lara: Wait! I have actually my answer-answer, Pharrell. That's the answer.
Sophia: Wow, that'd be like…. Collaborating with Pharrell? You are an artist.
Lara: Yeah, I needed a second. But, yes, Pharrell. [I'd also love] Britney, Jimin from BTS, and Timbaland! But my number is definitely Pharrell — not just as an artist but also as a producer. I respect him so much and would literally give anything to work with him one day. I think he’s such a genius.
Samara: Can I say two? I think Ariana Grande and Usher. [But I also love] Tini, Bruno Mars, and Beyoncé.
Emily: There are so many artists that I would love to work with! But a few would definitely be Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, SZA, and J-Hope!
Daniela: I would love to work with Beyoncé, Shakira, Rosalía, Rihanna, TXT, BTS, Doja Cat, and Playboi Carti.
Ezrela: [For me, it'd be] ENHYPEN, J-Hope, NewJeans, Rosalía, and Rihanna!
Yoonchae: Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, and IU.
Sophia: ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, and Ariana Grande. But honestly, I feel like it would be so cool if we did a collaboration with another group. I feel like that would be really cool. I don't know if we're ever going to get the chance to, but imagine a collab with like BTS. The dancing would be crazy.
Emily: The dance break would be so good.
Sophia: That's when we pull out our secret weapon.
TV: Dream venue or stage to perform at?
Emily: Madison Square Garden, I feel like for me. That one's huge. That's a huge stage.
Sophia: Honestly, my dream is to perform on a stage in every single one of our homes.
All: [Gasp.]
Sophia: Like a world tour, but visiting each and every one of our respective countries, I feel like that would be absolutely amazing. I think it would be really emotional as well.
TV: Wow, she won that one.
Lara: Yeah, she did win. [Laughs.]
All: [Laugh.]
Megan: For me, I would say being a headliner at Coachella.
All: Yes!
Sophia: That would be crazy.
Lara: Super Bowl.
Manon: I was thinking of that.
Daniela: I was going to say that!
Lara: The halftime show. Gotta dream big!
TV: You've got to. Otherwise, you have no goals to aspire to.
Lara: Right, exactly.
Sophia: Yeah, dream big, everybody. Dream big.
TV: Okay. What would be your dream award to win?
Manon: I think a Grammy. A Grammy is [everything].
Daniela: Yes, I was going to say a Grammy.
Megan: I was also going to say a Grammy.
Lara: Maybe like Album of the Year. That would be [amazing.]
TV: Still dreaming big.
Sophia: Even a nomination is a big deal already in and of itself. But Album of the Year? Or [jokingly] Girl Group of the Year?
All: [Laugh.]
Sophia: [Seriously speaking,] it would be really cool to win an award, just being like rookies even.
Lara: Yeah, just any award. [Laughs.] Any award.
All: Any! [Laugh.]
TV: Okay. So for this one, we're starting small, and then we're dreaming big later on.
Lara: Okay!
Sophia: [Laughs.]
TV: Okay, last one. Not really a dream, but who would you want to do a TikTok collaboration or a challenge with at the moment?
Lara: ENHYPEN.
All: Yes!
Lara: We all love ENHYPEN.
Sophia: I'd love ENHYPEN, especially because they have their new album coming out right around the live finale.
Daniela: I'd love to do one with TXT. [Laughs shyly.]
Sophia: Or NewJeans, I would love to do a TikTok with NewJeans.
Yoonchae: Yes!
Megan: BTS for me.
Lara: But seriously, I feel like any other group would be so cool.
Ezrela: [Nods.]
Manon: It was so fun when we made TikToks with LE SSERAFIM. That was insane. It was a dream come true. They are so nice.
Sophia: And so beautiful, too.
TV: Now that you've gone the K-pop route a little bit with your answers, and because the program has been all about merging the methodologies of K-pop to create a global girl group, can you tell me a little bit about how you got into K-pop and how you found the audition?
Sophia: I think some of us liked K-pop before being in this competition, and a lot of us also got into K-pop during the competition. I think, for me, around two months before I auditioned, I got into BTS because my best friend taught me the dance to “Butter.” Suddenly, I fell into this rabbit hole of K-pop. I subscribed to [HYBE's] YouTube channel, and that's where I saw the first-ever announcement of this entire project, the first-ever audition video. That's when I sent in mine, and now I'm here. Just crazy, but that's how it happened.
Samara: I feel like the girls really got me into K-pop. I used to listen to BLACKPINK and BTS [already, but] when I got here, they gave me a whole summary, especially Sophia. She knows everything, so she really got me into it.
TV: Yoonchae, for you, how was it seeing the other girls getting into K-pop in real time? You've grown up with it, so how was it seeing people get into it within a professional environment?
Yoonchae [in Korean]: Even though I knew K-pop was popular globally, when I came here, being able to experience it by seeing the other girls grow an interest in listening and watching K-pop was fascinating. I really liked it. Seeing people from around the world enjoying K-pop is amazing and fun. It's [always] a good thing.
TV: Going into the last few questions. It's been roughly a year since most of you started auditioning for the program. What would you say has been the biggest change you have noticed about yourselves since the whole process started?
Megan: I think for myself, going into this program, I was very, very shy. I was really kind of, I wouldn't say, insecure, but I was still really in my shell. I was still trying to mature into a young woman [and] I feel like this program really brought that out of me. It has really molded me into the person that I am right now with my confidence. I feel like it took me a long, long time to find myself within this journey, and once I found [her] and really accepted who I am and who I want to be, it's when I really started to thrive. I think this program really, really brought the best out of every single one of us. I'm super, super grateful for this entire experience because I wouldn't be who I am right now if this program hadn't been in my life.
Lara: I only came to the program in February, so a little bit later than the OG girls that first joined, but I feel like I unlocked the most passionate, the most hardworking version of myself. I've always, since I came out of the womb, knew I wanted to be an artist. I knew I was going to make it happen for myself. But I don't think I realized just how passionate I truly am about it and how hard I am willing to work to make it happen. I feel like this program has really drawn that out of us, and a lot is expected of us because we have such a big responsibility. It's just crazy to see how much we've matured, and [how] you can literally physically feel the hunger, how passionate we are about making music and doing this, from everybody. I feel like we unlocked the best version of ourselves in this program.
Daniela: For me, I'd say very similar. I'd say the most growth I've seen is in my artistry; just the dancing and singing have come a long way. When I first came here, I thought I was good, but now it's amazing how much I've learned, how much this program has taught me about myself as a person, but especially about me as an artist. We've been training for so long. I think I've been training here for a little over a year now, and I've learned a lot. I've unlocked new things, new ways of dancing, new ways of singing that I never knew about myself. So, yeah, I feel like I've unlocked a new version, a better version of myself that I didn't know I had. I feel like a grown young woman now. I was 19 when I first got here…actually, when I first got here, I was 18. But it's a big difference. It feels like a lot has changed.
Manon: I agree with Dani. I feel like I got to meet, or even still to this day, am getting to know this new version of me. I love that version so much, and I just can't wait to see what will happen, how far this will go. Especially as one of the girls who wasn't a dancer before, looking back at how much I've grown and how much more confident I've gotten with dance is really motivating. I love that I have people like Dani, who is an amazing dancer, to look up to. We can all learn from each other and grow together. I think that's another amazing aspect of this program, too.
TV: To fully wrap things up, can each one of you share a piece of advice for your post-Dream Academy self? Whether you make the final cut or you don't, what's something that you would want your future self to know that you're proud of?
Emily: No matter what happens, I just want to let you know that I am so proud of you. You have been through such an incredible journey throughout this whole program. This next chapter in your life is going to be so new and exciting. You have gained so much knowledge and experience from this program that you will be able to take with you into this next journey.
Megan: My post-Dream Academy advice to myself would be to never forget who you are. I think that’s something that I really want to keep. Another piece of advice would be to keep going. There are always times that you doubt yourself and want to give up, but never let those get in the way of your dream.
Daniela: Remember that no matter what happens, everything happens for a reason. You've spent over a year training, and look where you are now. You've met so many amazing people and experienced once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Don't ever give up. Don't ever stop. And keep pushing for the best because you can always improve. You are a star, and congratulations on making it this far!
Marquise: I would love to tell future me that whatever happens during the finale will open a new chapter, whether in the group or something new. It’s totally natural to feel sad, but it’s also important to know that it’s a beginning both ways!
Yoonchae: Regardless of the outcome, you've done a great job. Keep working hard to grow to become a great artist. Fighting!
Samara: No matter what happens, I'm proud of how far you've come and how strong you are. It has not been easy for you, but you [are] still here, and I'm so happy for you. Keep pushing.
Lara: To future me, stay true to you. Your personality and charms are the reason you got into this program in the first place, so don’t let go of your core traits. Life is going to get so crazy, and you probably won’t even get a second to check in with yourself. Try to make the time to be kind to yourself, and don’t be so hard on yourself! I’m so proud of us.
Ezrela: Everything happens for a reason.
Manon: No matter what happens, I will keep following my dream.
Sophia: You've done well, and I'm so proud of you. I'm so happy and proud of the person you've become and who you are growing to be. Keep eating it up.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
