Operación Triunfo—the celebrated TV talent competition show that first aired in Spain in 2001—is making its U.S. debut on Telemundo this summer.
Traditionally, the show’s format, which has launched the international careers of acts such as David Bisbal, Aitana and Lola Indigo, to name a few, follows a group of aspiring singers who coexist in an “academy,” where they receive professional training and compete in weekly competitions.
“The essence of Operación Triunfo will remain intact, as it is central to its global success […] The magic of [the reality show] lies in the fact that it transcends a traditional singing competition, emerging instead as a true platform for transformation,” Javier Pons, chief content officer & head of Telemundo Studios, tells Billboard exclusively.
Casting calls for the show, which has “exceeded our expectations,” according to Pons, have already taken place in Miami, Los Angeles and Puerto Rico, with the final one happening April 11 in New York.
Below, read more information about Operación Triunfo’s debut in the United States via Telemundo.
Operación Triunfo premiered in Spain in 2001. What made 2026 the correct time to finally bring it to the U.S.?
Operación Triunfo is a format with an incredibly strong legacy and a proven emotional connection with audiences of all ages, particularly younger generations, many of whom were not consuming traditional broadcast television. Over time, it became a true cultural phenomenon in Spain.
In 2026, we see a unique combination of factors driving the decision: the continued growth of the Latino market in the United States, the evolution of music consumption toward digital and social platforms, and a younger audience seeking authentic stories and real talent. We believe this is the ideal moment to introduce a version of Operación Triunfo that culturally resonates with Hispanic audiences while preserving the essence of the format.
When did conversations begin to bring the show to Telemundo?
Before initiating conversations last year, we conducted a strategic evaluation of global formats with strong potential for adaptation to the U.S. market. As Telemundo has established itself as a leader in live primetime reality programming, we saw Operación Triunfo as a unique opportunity to refresh the slate with a format that blends competition, artistic training and a deeply human narrative that resonates with audiences.
In addition, as a complement to Telemundo’s music strategy, we are proud to introduce a globally renowned format to the U.S. Hispanic audience that elevates our content offering. The early stages of the process focused on translating the format to the local context, shaping a version that feels authentic to Telemundo’s audience while preserving the DNA that has made Operación Triunfo a global phenomenon.
Will the same format from Spain’s Operación Triunfo remain intact for its U.S. version?
The essence of Operación Triunfo will remain intact, as it is central to its global success. At the same time, we are making certain adjustments to reflect the diversity of the Spanish-speaking community and a multiplatform experience aligned with audience consumption habits in the United States.
What do you think is the magic behind this reality TV show?
The magic of Operación Triunfo lies in the fact that it transcends a traditional singing competition, emerging instead as a true platform for transformation. Audiences will be able to follow contestants on an authentic journey of artistic and personal growth six days a week, witnessing their evolution from aspiration to realization under the guidance of the director of La Academia. This combination of talent, vulnerability, discipline, and storytelling fosters a deep connection with viewers from the outset.
In Spain, the format has established itself as a launchpad for major stars. For its U.S. version, we are proud to present a show that celebrates Latino talent, passion, and culture, following young artists on their path to becoming the next generation of music stars.
Besides the current casting stage, is there any information you can exclusively share with Billboard?
We are pleased with the response during the casting phase, which has exceeded our expectations. We still have our final stop in New York this weekend, after which we will complete the final selection of contestants who will take part in the competition. In the meantime, we can confirm that Operación Triunfo will premiere this summer, and we will soon share more details about the host, judges, music coaches, participants and much more.
