La Academia


La Academia is a Mexican reality musical talent show shown on Azteca, that premiered in June 2002 and is currently in its twelfth 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, Argentina, 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, Malaysia, Indonesia, United States, Paraguay, Singapore, Thailand, and Central America.
The winner of the first and most successful season was Myriam Montemayor Cruz in December 2002.

Format

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.

Series overview

Main Generations

Season 1: The First Generation (2002)

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 Trail Blazer and the top prize: MN$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.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Myriam Montemayor Cruz21 Monterrey, Nuevo León
02Víctor Garcia Perez26 Reynosa, Tamaulipas
03Miguel Ángel Rodriguez Chapital18 Puebla, Puebla
04 Yahir Othon Parra23 Hermosillo, Sonora
05Nadia Lopez Ayuso19 Oaxaca, Oaxaca
06Toñita Salazar Zamora22 Tantoyuca, Veracruz
07Raul Sandoval23 Mexicali, Baja California
08Estrella Veloz Llamas23 Monterrey, Nuevo León
09Laura Caro18 Tijuana, Baja California
10María Inés Guerra Núñez19 Guadalajara, Jalisco
11José Antonio de la O24 Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas
12Wendolee Ayala23 Torreón, Coahuila
13Alejandro Danel20 Taxco, Guerrero
14Héctor Zamorano23 Veracruz, Veracruz

Season 2: The Second Generation (2002–03)

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 MN$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.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Érika Alcocer Luna28 San Luis Potosí
02Marco Moré18 Monterrey, Nuevo León
03Manuel Mancillas Dena28 Hermosillo, Sonora
04Fredy Bautista19 Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca
05Rosalía León Oviedo27 Los Angeles, California
06Adrián Carvajal20 Tampico, Tamaulipas
07Enrique Virrueta Gordillo21 Tuxtla, Gutierrez
08Azeneth Gonzalez21 Guadalupe, Nuevo León
09Andrea Gonzalez Romo18 Guadalajara, Jalisco
10Fabricio Martinez21 Estado de México
11Ana Lucía Salazar19 Monterrey, Nuevo León
12Alejandra Ondarza23 Ciudad de México
13Víctor Javier Ramos24 Hermosillo, Sonora
14Mauricio Carrera Carranza17 Querétaro
15Marvin Mainte Carpio22 Tijuana, Baja California
16Karla Tijerina19 Ciudad Obregon, Sonora
17Gisela Lopez22 San Luis Potosí
18Elisa Valenzuela Galvan23 Guadalajara, Jalisco

Season 3: The Third Generation (2004)

A year after the end of The Second Generation, The Third Generation, with far more production than before, began on March 14, 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 MN$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.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Carlos Rivera18 Huamantla, Tlaxcala
02Dulce Lopez18 Ciudad de México
03Melissa Ibarra24 Hermosillo, Sonora
04Lety López21 Guadalajara, Jalisco
05Israel Estrada21 Estado de Mexico
06César Robles20 Acayucan, Veracruz
07Hiromi Hayakawa21 Torreón, Coahuila
Japan
08Ricardo Hernandez26 Tijuana, Baja California
09Suzette Marquez18 Tucson, Arizona
10Maricarmen Carrion18 Puebla, Puebla
11Martín Vaka19 Morelia, Michoacán
12Rodrigo Najera28 Monterrey, Nuevo León
13Marcia Peña23 Querétaro
14Arturo Quezada23 Guadalajara, Jalisco
15Esteban Espinoza26 Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas
16Marla Marrun25 Veracruz
17Jessica Meza20 Estado de Mexico
18Diego Espinoza22 Ciudad de México

Season 4: The Fourth Generation (2005)

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 MN$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.
PlaceContestantsCity
01Erasmo González Xalpatlahua, Guerrero
02Yuridia Gaxiola Flores Hermosillo, Sonora
03Adrian Varela Culiacán, Sinaloa
04Cynthia Rodríguez Monclova, Coahuila
05Edgar Guerrero Boise, Idaho
06Silvia Mendivil Los Mochis, Sinaloa
07Jolette Hernandez Guadalajara, Jalisco
08José Luis Diaz Guadalajara, Jalisco
09Johanna Delgado Los Angeles, California
10Marco Silva Ciudad de México
11Paula Gonzalez Monterrey, Nuevo León
12Mario Sepulveda Monterrey, N.L.
13Alan Velazquez Estado de México
14Abyadé Rodriguez Guadalajara, Jalisco
15Óscar Otuyemi Pachuca, Hidalgo
16Karina Cazares Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua
17René Liceaga Mexicali, Baja California
18Anahí Garcia Monterrey, Nuevo León

Season 5: The Light Generation (2006)

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 MN$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 Castelán Marini was declared the fifth winner of La Academia.
PlaceContestantsCity
01Samuel Castelan Zentla, Veracruz
02Colette Acuña Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas
03Marbella Corella Magdalena de Kino, Sonora
04Renata Rodriguez Barajas Guadalajara, Jalisco
05Vince Miranda Los Angeles, California
06Julia Hernendez Paso del Toro, Veracruz
07Yazmin Valencia Hermosillo, Sonora
08Sebastián Garzon Mexicali, Baja California
09Julio Elenes Culiacán, Sinaloa
10Noé Cantu Monterrey, Nuevo León
11Isabel Becerra Chihuahua, Chihuahua
12Diego Castro Monterrey, N.L.
13Carlos Hernendez Ciudad de México
14Iván Rodriguez Monterrey, Nuevo León
15Diana Santos Chihuahua, Chihuahua
16Citlali Aguilera Guadalajara, Jalisco
17César Ceja Guadalajara, Jalisco
18Armando Gutierrez Teopisca, Chiapas
19Alan Macin Estado de México
20Jaqueline Garcia Oaxaca, Oaxaca
21Niyet Quiroz Guadalajara, Jalisco

Season 6: The Last Generation (2008)

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 MN$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.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01María Fernanda Alvo21 Guadalajara, Jalisco
02Fabiola Rodas16 Guatemala
03Luis Armando24 Veracruz
04Valeria Dessens16 Hermosillo, Sonora
05Perla Estrada17 Caborca, Sonora
06Alex Garza21 Monterrey, N.L.
07Jackie Gonzalez22 California
08Matías Aranda23 Argentina
09Wilfredo Pineda16 Sinaloa
10Esteban Vazquez18 Texas
11Cintia Utiaga17 Guadalajara, Jalisco
12Iván Estrada18 Mexico, DF
13Fátima Molina22 Guadalajara, Jalisco
14Héctor Silva25 Monterrey, N.L.
15Alba Alcudia15 Tabasco
16Gerardo Castillo22 Guatemala
17Monserrat Monroy18 Veracruz
18Dasahev Saavedra19 Hermosillo, Sonora
19Alejandra Sandoval15 Jalisco
20José Roberto Carrillo24 Tecate, Baja California

Season 7: The New Generation (2009)

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 MN$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.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Giovanna Paz16 Manzanillo, Colima
02Sebastián Martingaste25 Argentina
02Napoleón Robleto23 Guatemala
04Agustín Argüello19 Argentina
05Menny Carrasco26 Chihuahua, Chihuahua
06Oscar Jiménez22 Guadalajara, Jalisco
07Fabiola Jaramillo30 Orizaba, Veracruz
08Jaccyve Álvarez23 Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz
09Mike Bobadilla28 Culiacán, Sinaloa
10Luz Leguizama24 Oakland, California
11Rod Pérez17 Mérida, Yucatán
12Patricia Ahjtung15 Catemaco, Veracruz
13Alejandra Capelini22 Xalapa, Veracruz
14María Reynoso18 Guadalajara, Jalisco
15Daniel Solís*41* Tijuana, Baja California
16Adriana Sánchez29 Guadalajara, Jalisco
17-19Mayrenne Carvajal40 Veracruz
17-19Roy Rosas32 Nogales, Sonora
17-19Yadhira Mendez21 Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
20-23Brian Vega21 Monterrey, Nuevo León
20-23Carlos Pleasant28 Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
20-23Luis Guillen38 Los Angeles, California
20-23Roberto Vázquez29 León, Guanajuato
24-28Alex García15 Monclova, Coahuila
24-28Dafne Olivera40 Ciudad de México
24-28Ingrid Álvarez15 Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas
24-28Mell Rivera21 Los Angeles, California
24-28Nicole Vargas17 Guadalajara, Jalisco
29-35Alberto Campos24 Ciudad de México
29-35Daniela Rodríguez23 Ciudad de México
29-35Denisse Marion Vega22 Ciudad de México
29-35Kurt Arredondo27 Irapuato, Guanajuato
29-35Manuel Ortiz22 Sonora, Sonora
29-35Melissa Norzagaray17 Sinaloa
29-35Michelle Quintero28 Cuidad Obregón, Sonora
36Jorge Vázquez20 Los Angeles, California

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 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 MN$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.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Esmeralda Ugalde18 San Ciro de Acosta, San Luis Potosí
01*Paolo Ragone28 Argentina
02Carolina Soto27 Chile
03Edgar García15 Tijuana, Baja California
04Luis González29 Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas
05Edu del Prado33 Spain
Equatorial Guinea
06Johnny Morales30 Venezuela
07Daniel Riolobos24 Federal District
08Gerardo Cuevas25 Guadalajara, Jalisco
09Eri Carranco29 Monterrey, Nuevo León
10María López25 Mexicali, Baja California
11Álvaro Bautista23 Guadalajara, Jalisco
12Benjamín Rosales29 Argentina
13Andrés Alejandre25 Ensenada, Baja California
14Deyra Cornejo35 Villa Juárez, Sonora
15Guillermo Martín29 Spain
16Isabel Marín de León18 Guatemala
17Belén Castorena25 Cancún, Quintana Roo
18Denise Faro22 Italy
19Gina Rivera24 Veracruz
20-21---
20-21Eddie Bilalovic22 Federal District
20-21Mark Lewin22 Venezuela
22-24Jorge Tinoco19 Guanajuato
22-24Lizette Limón17 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
22-24Sandra Estrada16 Hidalgo
25-32Daniella Augspurg19 El Salvador
25-32Elaine Hernández41 Cuba
25-32Eduardo Jiménez32 Federal District
25-32Karla Silva19 Campeche
25-32Leonardo Ruiz27 Michoacán
25-32Leonel Regata21 Cuba
25-32Rosendo Robles22 Glendale, California
25-32Ventura Esquiviaz20 Tepatitlán, Jalisco
33-49---
33-49Brisa Carillo17 Chihuahua
33-49Carmen Vásquez16 Tlaxcala
33-49David Duclaud26 Morelos
33-49Dayana Falcón21 Cuba
33-49Florentina González31 Guadalajara, Jalisco
33-49Josue Bravo26 Puebla
33-49Lupita Infante23 Los Angeles, California
33-49Mariana Niebla23 Durango
33-49Nicolas Padilla19 Colima
33-49Paloma Naya18 Tepic, Nayarit
33-49Paola Bustamante22 Querétaro
33-49Pepe Betancourt28 Torreón, Coahuila
33-49Santa Degyves37 Acapulco, Guerrero
33-49Santiago Pérez18 Oaxaca, Oaxaca
33-49Sonia Mayorga22 Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas
33-49Verónica Ramos27 Ensenada, Baja California
33-49---
33-49---

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 October 26, Eduardo Capetillo announced to the contestants that Magda Rodriguez was no longer the producer. 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 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 MN$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.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Erick Sandoval26 Mexicali, Baja California
02Pablo Balzano27 Argentina
03Carmen Rios25 San Francisco, USA
04Gil Álvarez23 Guadalajara, Jalisco
05Ronald Martínez31 Venezuela
06
-
10*		Gustavo Cornejo30 Chicago, USA
06
-
10*		Emanuel Peña15 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
06
-
10*		Cecilia de la Cueva25 Ciudad de México
06
-
10*		Yanilen Díaz25 Cuba
06
-
10*		Hancer Pérez19 Guatemala
11Valeria Cox26 Chile
Argentina
12Alfonso Cravioto33 Ciudad de México
13Héctor Ruiz24 Tuxla Gutiérrez, Chiapas
14Lizbeth Colin15 Acapulco, Guerrero
15Gaby Albo20 Ciudad de México
16Denisha Audifred29 Torreón, Coahuila
17Dianela26 Durango
18Melissa Barrera21 Monterrey, Nuevo León
19Paco Zazueta24 Ciudad Obregón, Sonora
20-22Jose Antonio Mora23 Ecuador
20-22Javi Baerga23 Puerto Rico, USA
20-22Jesus Falcón26 Macuspana, Tabasco
23-24Eduardo D' Esezarate23 Puebla, Puebla
23-24Tadeo Bustamante29 Cancún, Quintana Roo
25Gaby Luna18 Durango, Durango
26Frank Díaz19 Los Angeles, USA
27Dariela Vallejo25 Guadalajara, Jalisco
28Yazmín Sanchez15 Tempoal, Veracruz
29Huicho Pérez15 Chihuahua, Chihuahua
30Mariana Balquiarena20 Los Angeles, USA
31Noé Varela18 Houston, USA
32-33Alan Martin21 Tepatitlán, Jalisco
32-33Ceci Magaña22 Guadalajara, Jalisco
34-36Bárbara Ibarra16 Monterrey, Nuevo León
34-36Karen Lopez21 Culiacán, Sinaloa
34-36Sergio Aguilar21 Guadalajara, Jalisco
37-41Jacqueline Solis28 Guadalajara, Jalisco
37-41Yamileth Hernández21 Poza Rica, Veracruz
37-41Arón Manzanero19 Mérida, Yucatán
37-41Giselle Rodriguez18 Hermosillo, Sonora
37-41Elisa Castellanos17 Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas

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 Generations 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 MN$1,000,000.00.
Alexis, Chucho, Manuel, Rubí, Santana & Selene reached the finale. Alexis Montoya was declared the tenth winner of La Academia.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Alexis Montoya'26 Caborca, Sonora
02Chucho Rivas14 Mazatlán, Sinaloa
03Selene Fitch23 La Paz, Baja California Sur
04Santana Olvera21 Ciudad Mante, Tamaulipas
05Manuel Aguilar25 Tuxpan, Veracruz
06Rubí Mendivil19 Ahome, Sinaloa
07Yara Rey27 Cuba
08Hacib Samir29 Mexico, DF
09Maru Barrios33 Mexico, DF
10Francisco 'Pako' Madrid31 Los Mochis, Sinaloa
11Gaba Flores29 Monterrey, Nuevo León
12Kevin Ruano20 Guatemala
13Azucena del Toro31 Guadalajara, Jalisco
14Gabriela Maldonado41 Argentina
15Freddy Sandoval35 Uruapan, Michoacán
16Diana Molina21 Martinez de la Torre, Veracruz
17Sandra Arcos29 Mexico, DF
18Liz & Mar Rodriguez34/14 Tijuana, Baja California
19Erik Torrel26 Puebla, Puebla
20Mario Orellana18 El Salvador

Season 11 (2018)

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 will 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 will 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 MN$1,000,000.00.
Katheryn, Dalia, Alexis, Paola & Silvia reached the finale. Paola Chuc was declared the eleventh winner of La Academia.

Season 12 (2019–20)

On October 23, 2019, Television Azteca held a special ceremony to reveal details about the upcoming season of its most successful show. Horacio Villalobos and Arturo López Gavito will seat again at the judges' table and they will be joined by Remmy Valenzuela, Alexander Acha and Danna Paola.
For the first time, the reality show will have a prestigious artist who will become “the voice of experience” and work as a mentor for the contestants. This task will pertain to the Chilean singer and songwriter Beto Cuevas, who explained that it will take them out of their comfort zone.
During the presentation, Adal Ramones and Cynthia Rodríguez also presented the principal of La Academia, which will again be Héctor Martínez, and the teaching staff will be Alan Benabib, Beto Castillo, Guille Gómez, Lula Ross, Jorge Romano, Raúl Carballeda, Rodrigo Cachero and Rosa Virgen. In addition, Chacho Gaytán will 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 MN$1,000,000.00.
Angie, Dalú, Carlos, Charly & Dennis reached the finale. Dalú was declared the twelfth winner of La Academia.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Dalú Borunda24 Culiacán, Sinaloa
02Angie Flores18 Honduras
03Carlos Torres21 Guadalajara, Jalisco
04Dennis Arana21 Guatemala
05Charly Zúñiga24 Matamoros, Tamaulipas
06Maria Fernanda González29 Mazatlán, Sinaloa
07Susy Ortoño22 Apatzingán, Michoacán
08Francely Abreu18 Mérida, Yucatán
09Jonathan Meza21 Hermosillo, Sonora
10Gibran Gutiérrez19 Guadalajara, Jalisco
11Jorge Alejandro Flores25 Honduras
12Effeta López21 Guadalajara Jalisco
13Rosa Mary Mier26 Puebla, Puebla
14Jazmin & Stephanie Sotelo19 Loreto, Zacatecas

Spin-off Generations

USA: Season 1 (2005–06)

La Academia USA is the first musical reality show with only Hispanic contestants 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 Latin Reality Show. As the winner and runner-up, Mariana and Gustavo respectively received contracts with Warner Music for the release of an album.
PlaceContestants
01Blanca Mariana Vargas Grajeda
02Gustavo Alfonso Amezcua Fuentes
03Nohelia María Sosa Guerrero
04Afid Ferrer Ávalos
05Yoshigei Cázares Silva
06Jazmín Olivo Ceballos
07Francisco Alvarado Rivera
08Adán Castillo
09Iván Quiñonez
10Diana Galindo Martínez
11Heloisa Alves
12Catalina Naranjo
13Michael Anthony Muenchow
14Gabriel Juan Rodríguez Policastro
15Alejandro Hernández López
16Carlos Soto García
17Bianca Filio Martínez
18Fatimat Aihassan Villanueva

KIDS: Season 1 (2013)

La Academia Kids was presented in 2010 at the Bicentenanial Generation finale with Tatiana as the host. On February 22, 2012, Tatiana announced on her twitcam that the show was officially cancelled due to production issues. 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, Lola Cortés and Luis Coronel serve as 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 MN$500,000.
Adamaris, Cristopher, Eddy, Michelle, Nahomy & Ximena reached the finale. Eddy Valenzuela was declared the first winner of La Academia Kids.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Eddy Valenzuela12 Chihuahua
02Nahomy Campas12 Sonora
03Adamaris Madrid10 Culiacán, Sinaloa
04Cristopher Vega08 Guadalajara, Jalisco
05Ximena Ramos07 Durango
06Michelle Gómez10 Guadalajara, Jalisco
07Guillermo Romo11 Estado de México
08Melany García10 Guatemala
09Esaú Juarez06 Guadalajara
10Japhet Jaquim07 Puebla
11Viviann Baeza14 Querétaro
12Cristian Aguilar13 Monterrey, Nuevo León
13Lupillo Llamas09 Tijuana, Baja California
14Santiago Jiménez12 Distrito Federal
15Juan Ángel García10 San Luis Potosí
16Corina Agosto10 Guadalajara, Jalisco
17Irany Martínez09 Mexicali, Baja California
18Daniela Armas12 Uruapán, Michoacán
19Sebastián Urdiales11 Distrito Federal
20Leslie Alavez11 Distrito Federal

KIDS: Season 2 (2014)

Due the high ratings Azteca producer Roberto Romagnoli confirmed a second season of the kids version. On July 25, 2014, it was confirmed that Ingrid Coronado will return as the host, joined by Mariana Torres and Carlos Arenas. While Alicia Villarreal, Lolita Cortés, and First Generations second place, Víctor García will serve as 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.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Karla Herrarte'12 Amatitlán, Guatemala
02Sarah Silva11 California, USA
03Nicole Gatti09 Veracruz
03Alexis Orozco12 Tijuana, Baja California
04Angélica Vargas11 California, USA
05Sofia Escobar08 Puebla
06Giovanni Malvaez08 Xochimilco, DF
07Yuawi Lopez06 Durango
08Anthon Morales12 Nuevo León
09Jose Fernando Hernandez10 Cd. Victoria, Tamaulipas
10Jacob Ayala11 El Dorado, Culiacán
11Jesus Figueroa12 Mixco, Guatemala
12Lolita Mora12 California, USA
13Valeria Amarillas06 Sinaloa
14Alison Rivera08 Tabasco
15Pablo Reina06 Coahuila
16Ximena Magaña12 Jalisco
17Samantha Castro10 Veracruz
18Alejandro Vargas12 Tecamac, Estado de México
19Santiago Escobedo05 Mexicali, Baja California
20Marco Lopez11 Azcapotzalco, DF

Notable careers

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:
  1. Carlos Rivera, was the winner of The Third Generation, and decided to switch from a singing career to musical theater. He has done five plays, one of them being The Lion King Musical in Spain which got him international recognition. Since 2015 he joined Azteca's rival network, Televisa. He plays in El hotel de los secretos, a Mexican soap-opera based the Spanish TV series Gran Hotel. In 2018, he became one of the 4 coaches of the Mexican version of The Voices 7th season, produced by Televisa. His latest album Guerra has been a worldwide success, topping the charts all around the world. Rivera has collaborated with artists including the late Juan Gabriel, Thalía, José José, Pandora, Reyli Barba, Ana Torroja, Marta Sánchez, Franco De Vita, Ana Carolina and Daniel Boaventura, Paulo Gonzo, Abel Pintos, and India Martínez.
  2. Yuridia, earned the second place of The Fourth Generation, and has recorded 7 albums including a ', they have managed to sell 3.5 million copies in Latin America and have received Gold, Platinum and even Diamond certifications.
  3. Melissa Barrera, earned the eighteenth place of The 2011 Generation. From 2012 to 2015 she starred in four telenovelas produced by TV Azteca. In 2018, it was announced that she had been cast as Lyn Hernandez on the new Starz show, Vida, which was renewed for a third season less than a week after the second season's debut. In April 2019, it was announced that Barrera would be starring as Vanessa in the 2020 film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony Award-winning musical In The Heights.
  4. Yahir was part of The First Generation of this reality, and so far he has been one of the contestants with the most achievements, he has starred in soap-operas and recorded albums which garnered different recognitions.
  5. María Inés Guerra, released only one album after her participation in La Academia. Instead, she kept going as an acknowledged host of important television shows in Azteca, furthermore she was the main antagonist of the 2003 soap opera Enamórate and hosted shows for other networks like Glitz, E! Entertainment Television and Disney Channel.
  6. Nadia was the fifth place of The First Generation, and her 2003 album received Gold and Platinum recognitions, as well as having her duet with Yahir, Contigo Si'', on the top charts for 24 weeks. She has recorded several albums in different genres, and one of them earned a Grammy nomination, in addition to 3 Gold and 1 Platinum certifications.
  7. Myriam was the first winner of the reality show, and has sold many records throughout her career. Her discography has received Gold and Platinum certifications.
The following table lists the top 10 most followed accounts on Instagram.
The following table lists the top 10 most followed accounts on Twitter.
The following table lists the top 10 most viewed performances on YouTube.
The following table lists the top 10 most viewed music videos on YouTube.
The following table lists the top 5 most popular songs of the show.
The following table lists the top 10 best selling albums according to AMPROFON.

Tours

Spin-offs

Desafio De Estrellas (2003, 2006, 2009)

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.
  • The 2003 version consisted only of former contestants of La Academia, another Azteca-produced show which had already garnished two seasons and, in the process, taken away rating from Televisa, the prime network of the country.
  • The 2006 version, on the other hand, consisted of both former contestants of La Academia, as well as other artists produced by Azteca in the middle and late 90s.
  • Later in 2009 a third season took place with former contestants of the six seasons of la academia.

    Homenaje a...(2003)

Tribute to... placed season 1 and 2 contestants against each other each Sunday to compete for MN$100,000.

Segunda Oportunidad (2010)

Second Chance premiered on March 21, 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 March 4, 50 contestants were announced, the other two will be chosen by voters on the internet. On March 10, they announced the composition of 13 teams of four members each.

International version

OWIKI.org. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.