"We Have Become More Demanding"

The new edition of 'Operación Triunfo' is just around the corner, set to premiere on the Prime Video platform. Producer Noemí Galera (58, Barcelona) shares her thoughts after completing the first phase of the selection process for the next contestants, which saw over 11,500 hopefuls audition in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. The final casting will take place from July 5 to 7, where 18 candidates will be chosen to compete in the gala 0 for one of the 16 academy spots.

– Have you become more demanding over the years?

– I think so. We all become more demanding because there are more contestants now. We don't like to repeat profiles or have someone who closely resembles a previous contestant in voice or style. Age also makes you more demanding, but it brings other good things too.

– Do you still find it difficult to say "no" to the hopefuls?

– Yes, it's hard to say it. Put yourself in the shoes of these kids, most of whom come with all their hopes. Others come just to fool around. There are moments when this group brightens your morning because they make you laugh. But yes, it's hard to say no.

– Does it still excite you to give stickers to those who pass the casting?

– The first sticker you give in the edition is exciting. And so is the last one, though you never know which it will be. In 'OT 2018', the first sticker went to Miki Núñez, and look how well he's done.

– What are the most sung songs?

– There are several. We have 'Creep' by Radiohead, 'Diamonds' by Rihanna. There are always songs that are the most popular. I think participants believe certain songs benefit them during auditions. There's also the surprise factor when, after hearing many ballads, someone sings something unusual… That also grabs attention.

– Then there's the final casting...

– It will be in July. The sticker doesn't last long because they have to go through the second phase, and most are eliminated. We need 16 people, imagine how many we say no to. Among them, some sing well; some don't; and some sing well but had a bad day. We're not gods, and we make mistakes. Casting isn't an exact science. And our criteria might not match the viewer's at home. People should be aware that we have to say no to many people.

– Do you check social media?

– Yes, and I don't have a team for my social media. I handle it myself, and I try not to look too much because it would drive me crazy. It's going to be a heavy edition because people are, I don't know, very agitated. I don't know what's happening, maybe because it's almost summer, and we're about to go on vacation, everyone should relax (laughs).

– Do people from other TV shows come to the castings?

– I've been told someone from 'La Isla de las Tentaciones' showed up. Also from 'La Voz' and 'Got Talent'. I prefer someone who hasn't been anywhere, obviously, but it's true that if they've been on other shows, they have experience that others might not have. And that's also good. Alfred García, for example, was on 'La Voz'.

– How did you see Chenoa in her debut as 'OT' host last year?

– She passed with flying colours. I think she's at her best, and seeing her like this fills me with pride and satisfaction. I think she's wonderful, she's used her skills well. She's a natural communicator. She's going to do a wonderful second edition.

– Do you prepare contestants to warn them that being on 'OT' doesn't mean they'll succeed in the music industry?

– That's the first thing we tell them. I never tire of repeating this. You enter 'Operación Triunfo' and you're guaranteed to be there for three months at best, because if you're one of the first to be eliminated, you'll be in the academy for 15 days or three weeks. It's a showcase, where people from the music industry and viewers at home can see you. Now, what happens after that, we can't guarantee anything because it depends on many factors.