La Academia


La Academia is a Mexican reality musical talent television series shown on TV Azteca, that premiered in June 2002 and is currently in its thirteenth 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, 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, Central America and Greece.

Overview

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.

Judges and hosts

The longest serving judge has been Arturo López Gavito with ten seasons on the panel, followed by Lolita Cortés five seasons as judge plus two as the academy's director. Óscar Sarquiz, Chacho Gaytán and Horacio Villalobos remain in third place, having been part of the judging panel three seasons each.
Whereas for hosts, Alan Tacher and Rafael Araneda both were part of the show for four seasons each, with Ingrid Coronado hosting three seasons. Judge and host Yahir, and two-time host Cynthia Rodríguez are two of the academy's students who have been part of the panel.

Main Generations

Season 1: The First Generation (2002)

La Academia began on 7 July 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 TrailBlazer and the top prize: MX$2.5 million and a recording contract.
Miguel Ángel, Myriam, Nadia, Víctor and Yahir reached the finale held on 1 December 2002. Myriam Montemayor Cruz was declared the winner of La Academia.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Myriam Montemayor Cruz21Monterrey, Nuevo León
02Víctor Garcia Perez26Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas
03Miguel Ángel Rodriguez Chapital18Puebla, Puebla
04Yahir Othon Parra23Hermosillo, Sonora
05Nadia Lopez Ayuso19Oaxaca, Oaxaca
06Toñita Salazar Zamora22Tantoyuca, Veracruz
07Raul Sandoval23Mexicali, Baja California
08Estrella Veloz Llamas23Monterrey, Nuevo León
09Laura Caro18Tijuana, Baja California
10María Inés Guerra Núñez19Guadalajara, Jalisco
11José Antonio de la O24Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas
12Wendolee Ayala23Torreón, Coahuila
13Alejandro Danel20Taxco, Guerrero
14Héctor Zamorano23Veracruz, Veracruz

Season 2: The Second Generation (2002–03)

The Second Generation was presented at the final concert of The First Generation on 1 December 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 MX$2.5 million and a recording contract.
Freddi, Manuel, Marco, Rosalía and Érika reached the finale held on 30 March 2003. Érika Alcocer Luna was declared the second winner of La Academia.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Érika Alcocer Luna28San Luis Potosí
02Marco Moré18Monterrey, Nuevo León
03Manuel Mancillas Dena28Hermosillo, Sonora
04Fredy Bautista19Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca
05Rosalía León Oviedo27Mexico City
06Adrián Carvajal20Tampico, Tamaulipas
07Enrique Virrueta Gordillo21Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas
08Azeneth Gonzalez21Guadalupe, Nuevo León
09Andrea Gonzalez Romo18Guadalajara, Jalisco
10Fabricio Martinez21Toluca, State of Mexico
11Ana Lucía Salazar19Monterrey, Nuevo León
12Alejandra Ondarza23Mexico City
13Víctor Javier Ramos24Hermosillo, Sonora
14Mauricio Carrera Carranza17Querétaro, Querétaro
15Marvin Mainte Carpio22Tijuana, Baja California
16Karla Tijerina19Ciudad Obregon, Sonora
17Gisela Lopez22San Luis Potosí
18Elisa Valenzuela Galvan23Guadalajara, 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 13 March 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 MX$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 4 July 2004. Carlos Rivera Guerra was declared the third winner of La Academia.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Carlos Rivera18Huamantla, Tlaxcala
02Dulce Lopez18Mexico City
03Melissa Ibarra24Hermosillo, Sonora
04Lety López21Guadalajara, Jalisco
05Israel Estrada21Atizapán, State of Mexico
06César Robles20Acayucan, Veracruz
07Hiromi Hayakawa21Torreón, Coahuila
Fukuoka, Japan
08Ricardo Hernandez26Tijuana, Baja California
09Suzette Marquez18Tucson, Arizona
10Maricarmen Carrion18Puebla, Puebla
11Martín Vaka19Morelia, Michoacán
12Rodrigo Najera28Monterrey, Nuevo León
13Marcia Peña23Querétaro, Querétaro
14Arturo Quezada23Guadalajara, Jalisco
15Esteban Espinoza26Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas
16Marla Marrun25Veracruz, Veracruz
17Jessica Meza20Toluca, State of Mexico
18Diego Espinoza22Mexico City

Season 4: The Fourth Generation (2005)

Almost a year after the start of The Third Generation, The Fourth Generation began on 27 February 2005. The Monterrey Arena in Monterrey served as the setting for the final concert, where the winner received the newly raised top prize of MX$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 3 July 2005. Yuridia Gaxiola Flores was declared the fourth winner of La Academia.
PlaceContestantsCity
01Erasmo GonzálezXalpatlahuac, Guerrero
02Yuridia Gaxiola FloresHermosillo, Sonora
03Adrian VarelaCuliacán, Sinaloa
04Cynthia RodríguezMonclova, Coahuila
05Edgar GuerreroBoise, Idaho
06Silvia MendivilLos Mochis, Sinaloa
07Jolette HernandezGuadalajara, Jalisco
08José Luis DiazGuadalajara, Jalisco
09Johanna DelgadoLos Angeles, California
10Marco SilvaMexico City
11Paula GonzalezMonterrey, Nuevo León
12Mario SepulvedaMonterrey, Nuevo León
13Alan VelazquezToluca, State of Mexico
14Abyadé RodriguezGuadalajara, Jalisco
15Óscar OtuyemiPachuca, Hidalgo
16Karina CazaresCiudad Juárez, Chihuahua
17René LiceagaMexicali, Baja California
18Anahí GarciaMonterrey, Nuevo León

Season 5: The Light Generation (2006)

The Light Generation began on 9 July 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 MX$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 17 December 2006. Samuel Castelli Marini was declared the fifth winner of La Academia.
PlaceContestantsCity
01Samuel CastelliZentla, Veracruz
02Colette Acuña Calzada|Colette Acuña]Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas
03Marbella CorellaMagdalena de Kino, Sonora
04Renata Rodriguez BarajasGuadalajara, Jalisco
05Vince MirandaLos Angeles, California
06Julia HernendezPaso del Toro, Veracruz
07Yazmin ValenciaHermosillo, Sonora
08Sebastián GarzonMexicali, Baja California
09Julio ElenesCuliacán, Sinaloa
10Noé CantuMonterrey, Nuevo León
11Isabel BecerraChihuahua, Chihuahua
12Diego CastroMonterrey, Nuevo León
13Carlos HernendezMexico City
14Iván RodriguezMonterrey, Nuevo León
15Diana SantosChihuahua, Chihuahua
16Citlali AguileraGuadalajara, Jalisco
17César CejaGuadalajara, Jalisco
18Armando GutierrezTeopisca, Chiapas
19Alan MacinToluca, State of Mexico
20Jaqueline GarciaOaxaca, Oaxaca
21Niyet QuirozGuadalajara, Jalisco

Season 6: The Last Generation (2008)

The Last Generation began on 31 August 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 MX$3 million, a recording contract and the new La Academia Trophy.
Perla, María Fernada, Fabiola, Luis Armando and Valeria reached the finale held on 12 December 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 Alvo21Guadalajara, Jalisco
02Fabiola Rodas16Guatemala
03Luis Armando24Cerro Azul, Veracruz
04Valeria Dessens16Hermosillo, Sonora
05Perla Estrada17Caborca, Sonora
06Alex Garza21Monterrey, Nuevo León
07Jackie Gonzalez22Perris, California
08Matías Aranda23Córdoba, Argentina
09Wilfredo Pineda16Culiacán, Sinaloa
10Esteban Vazquez18Odessa, Texas
11Cintia Urtiaga17Guadalajara, Jalisco
12Iván Estrada18Mexico City
13Fátima Molina22Guadalajara, Jalisco
14Héctor Silva25Monterrey, Nuevo León
15Alba Alcudia15Nacajuca, Tabasco
16Gerardo Castillo22Guatemala City, Guatemala
17Monserrat Monroy18Alvarado, Veracruz
18Dasahev Saavedra19Hermosillo, Sonora
19Alejandra Sandoval15Guadalajara, Jalisco
20José Roberto Carrillo24Tecate, 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 4 October 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 MX$1 million and a recording contract.
Agustín, Oscar, Fabiola, Sebastián, Menny, Giovanna and Napoleón reached the finale held on 20 December 2009. Giovanna Nicole Paz was declared the seventh winner of La Academia.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Giovanna Paz16Manzanillo, Colima
02Sebastián Martingaste25Buenos Aires, Argentina
02Napoleón Robleto23Cobán, Guatemala
04Agustín Argüello19Córdoba, Argentina
05Menny Carrasco26Chihuahua, Chihuahua
06Oscar Jiménez22Guadalajara, Jalisco
07Fabiola Jaramillo30Orizaba, Veracruz
08Jaccyve Álvarez23Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz
09Mike Bobadilla28Culiacán, Sinaloa
10Luz Leguizama24Oakland, California
11Rod Pérez17Mérida, Yucatán
12Patricia Ahjtung15Catemaco, Veracruz
13Alejandra Capelini22Xalapa, Veracruz
14María Reynoso18Guadalajara, Jalisco
15Daniel Solís*41*Tijuana, Baja California
16Adriana Sánchez29Guadalajara, Jalisco
17-19Mayrenne Carvajal40Veracruz, Veracruz
17-19Roy Rosas32Nogales, Sonora
17-19Yadhira Mendez21Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
20-23Brian Vega21Monterrey, Nuevo León
20-23Carlos Pleasant28Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
20-23Luis Guillen38Los Angeles, California
20-23Roberto Vázquez29León, Guanajuato
24-28Alex García15Monclova, Coahuila
24-28Dafne Olivera40Mexico City
24-28Ingrid Álvarez15Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas
24-28Mell Rivera21Los Angeles, California
24-28Nicole Vargas17Guadalajara, Jalisco
29-35Alberto Campos24Mexico City
29-35Daniela Rodríguez23Mexico City
29-35Denisse Marion Vega22Mexico City
29-35Kurt Arredondo27Irapuato, Guanajuato
29-35Manuel Ortiz22Ciudad Obregón, Sonora
29-35Melissa Norzagaray17Culiacán, Sinaloa
29-35Michelle Quintero28Ciudad Obregón, Sonora
36Jorge Vázquez20Los Angeles, California

  • Jesús Antonio Guerrero Cruz is Daniel Solís's real birth name and 46 was his real age when he was expelled.

Season 8: The Bicentennial Generation (2010)

Bicentennial Generation was the name given to this season in honor of the 200 years of Mexican independence. It began on 12 September 2010, featuring 49 contestants, and 10 finalists, marking an all-time high for the 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 MX$1 million.
Luis, Eri, Gerardo, Esmeralda, Carolina, Johnny, Daniel, Edgar, Paolo and Edu reached the finale held on 19 December 2010. Esmeralda Ugalde Mota was declared the eighth winner of La Academia. Paolo Ragone won the first and only International Prize.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Esmeralda Ugalde18Río Verde, San Luis Potosí
01*Paolo Ragone28Buenos Aires, Argentina
02Carolina Soto27Santiago, Chile
03Edgar García15Tijuana, Baja California
04Luis González29Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas
05Edu del Prado33Valencia, Spain
06Johnny Morales30Caracas, Venezuela
07Daniel Riolobos24Mexico City
08Gerardo Cuevas25Guadalajara, Jalisco
09Eri Carranco29Monterrey, Nuevo León
10María López25Mexicali, Baja California
11Álvaro Bautista23Guadalajara, Jalisco
12Benjamín Rosales29Tucumán, Argentina
13Andrés Alejandre25Ensenada, Baja California
14Deyra Cornejo35Villa Juárez, Sonora
15Guillermo Martín29Valencia, Spain
16Isabel Marín de León18Guatemala City, Guatemala
17Belén Castorena25Cancún, Quintana Roo
18Denise Faro22Rome, Italy
19Gina Rivera24Veracruz, Veracruz
20-21---
20-21Eddie Bilalovic22Mexico City
20-21Mark Lewin22Caracas, Venezuela
22-24Jorge Tinoco19León, Guanajuato
22-24Lizette Limón17Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
22-24Sandra Estrada16Pachuca, Hidalgo
25-32Daniella Augspurg19San Salvador, El Salvador
25-32Elaine Hernández41Havana, Cuba
25-32Eduardo Jiménez32Mexico City
25-32Karla Silva19Campeche, Campeche
25-32Leonardo Ruiz27Morelia, Michoacán
25-32Leonel Regata21Havana, Cuba
25-32Rosendo Robles22Glendale, California
25-32Ventura Esquiviaz20Tepatitlán, Jalisco
33-49---
33-49Brisa Carillo17Chihuahua, Chihuahua
33-49Carmen Vásquez16Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala
33-49David Duclaud26Cuernavaca, Morelos
33-49Dayana Falcón21Havana, Cuba
33-49Florentina González31Guadalajara, Jalisco
33-49Josue Bravo26Puebla, Puebla
33-49Lupita Infante23Tijuana, Baja California
33-49Mariana Niebla23Durango, Durango
33-49Nicolas Padilla19Colima, Colima
33-49Paloma Naya18Tepic, Nayarit
33-49Paola Bustamante22Querétaro, Querétaro
33-49Pepe Betancourt28Torreón, Coahuila
33-49Santa Degyves37Acapulco, Guerrero
33-49Santiago Pérez18Oaxaca, Oaxaca
33-49Sonia Mayorga22Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas
33-49Verónica Ramos27Ensenada, Baja California
33-49---
33-49---

  • Winner of the International Prize

Season 9: 2011 Generation (2011)

La Academia 2011 premiered on 21 August 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 26 October, 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 7 December 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 18 December, once again in Víctor Manuel Reyna Stadium in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. The winner received MX$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 Sandoval26Mexicali, Baja California
02Pablo Balzano27Buenos Aires, Argentina
03Carmen Rios25San Francisco, California
04Gil Álvarez23Guadalajara, Jalisco
05Ronald Martínez31Caracas, Venezuela
06
-
10*		Gustavo Cornejo30Chicago, Illinois
06
-
10*		Emmanuel Peña15Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
06
-
10*		Cecilia de la Cueva25Mexico City
06
-
10*		Yanilen Díaz25Havana, Cuba
06
-
10*		Hancer Pérez19Guatemala City, Guatemala
11Valeria Cox26Santiago, Chile
12Alfonso Cravioto33Mexico City
13Héctor Ruiz24Tuxla Gutiérrez, Chiapas
14Lizbeth Colin15Acapulco, Guerrero
15Gaby Albo20Mexico City
16Denisha Audifred29Torreón, Coahuila
17Dianela26Durango, Durango
18Melissa Barrera21Monterrey, Nuevo León
19Paco Zazueta24Ciudad Obregón, Sonora
20-22Jose Antonio Mora23Quito, Ecuador
20-22Javi Baerga23San Juan, Puerto Rico
20-22Jesus Falcón26Macuspana, Tabasco
23-24Eduardo D' Esezarate23Puebla, Puebla
23-24Tadeo Bustamante29Cancún, Quintana Roo
25Gaby Luna18Durango, Durango
26Frank Díaz19Los Angeles, California
27Dariela Vallejo25Guadalajara, Jalisco
28Yazmín Sanchez15Tempoal, Veracruz
29Huicho Pérez15Chihuahua, Chihuahua
30Mariana Balquiarena20Los Angeles, California
31Noé Varela18Houston, Texas
32-33Alan Martin21Tepatitlán, Jalisco
32-33Ceci Magaña22Guadalajara, Jalisco
34-36Bárbara Ibarra16Monterrey, Nuevo León
34-36Karen Lopez21Culiacán, Sinaloa
34-36Sergio Aguilar21Guadalajara, Jalisco
37-41Jacqueline Solis28Guadalajara, Jalisco
37-41Yamileth Hernández21Poza Rica, Veracruz
37-41Arón Manzanero19Mérida, Yucatán
37-41Giselle Rodriguez18Hermosillo, Sonora
37-41Elisa Castellanos17Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas

  • The specific rank wasn't revealed, but the contestants are listed in order of elimination

Season 10: The Decade Generation (2012)

The Decade Generation premiered on 26 August 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 MX$1,000,000.
Alexis, Chucho, Manuel, Rubí, Santana & Selene reached the finale. Alexis Montoya was declared the tenth winner of La Academia.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Alexis Montoya'26Caborca, Sonora
02Chucho Rivas13El Rosario, Sinaloa
03Selene Fitch23La Paz, Baja California Sur
04Santana Olvera21Ciudad Mante, Tamaulipas
05Manuel Aguilar25Tuxpan, Veracruz
06Rubí Mendivil19Ahome, Sinaloa
07Yara Rey27Havana, Cuba
08Hacib Samir29Mexico City
09Maru Barrios33Mexico City
10Francisco 'Pako' Madrid31Los Mochis, Sinaloa
11Gaba Flores29Monterrey, Nuevo León
12Kevin Ruano20Guatemala City, Guatemala
13Azucena del Toro31Cocula, Jalisco
14Gabriela Maldonado41Buenos Aires, Argentina
15Freddy Sandoval35Uruapan, Michoacán
16Diana Molina21Martinez de la Torre, Veracruz
17Sandra Arcos29Mexico City
18Liz & Mar Rodriguez34/14Tijuana, Baja California
19Erik Torrel26Puebla, Puebla
20Mario Orellana18San Salvador, El Salvador

Reboot Generations

Season 11 (2018)

Season 11 premiered on 8 July 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 14 May, 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 4 July 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 would 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 would be formed by Arturo López Gavito, Horacio Villalobos, Edwin Luna and Edith Márquez. The finale was held on 7 October, in which the winner received a recording contract and MX$1,000,000.
Katheryn, Dalia, Alexis, Paola & Silvia reached the finale. Paola Chuc was declared the eleventh winner of La Academia.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Paola Chuc20Guatemala City, Guatemala
02Alexis Bonifaz24Mapastepec, Chiapas
03Katheryn Venegas22Choluteca, Honduras
04Dalia Duarte30Tijuana, Baja California
05Silvia Zepeda19Apatzingán, Michoacán
06Diego Almonte22Santiago, Chile
07Fernando Davila24Torreón, Coahuila
08Isboseth Garza24Matamoros, Tamaulipas
09Marian Herrera20Mexico City
10Ana Samano20Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
11Adolfo Esponda21Culiacán, Sinaloa
12Daniela Montes20Tijuana, Baja California
13Montserrat Ibarra25Zapopan, Jalisco
14Montserrat Torales24Gomez Palacios, Durango

Season 12 (2019–20)

On 23 October 2019, TV Azteca held a special ceremony to reveal details about the upcoming season of its most successful show. Horacio Villalobos and Arturo López Gavito would seat again at the judges' table and they would be joined by Remmy Valenzuela, Alexander Acha and Danna Paola.
For the first time, the reality show would have a prestigious artist who would become "the voice of experience" and work as a mentor for the contestants. This task would pertain to the Chilean singer and songwriter Beto Cuevas, who explained that it would take them out of their comfort zone.
During the presentation, Adal Ramones and Cynthia Rodríguez also presented the principal of La Academia, which would again be Héctor Martínez, and the teaching staff would be Alan Benabib, Beto Castillo, Guille Gómez, Lula Ross, Jorge Romano, Raúl Carballeda, Rodrigo Cachero and Rosa Virgen. In addition, Chacho Gaytán would be in charge of the musical direction of the show. The finale was held on 23 February, in which the winner received a recording contract and MX$1,000,000.
Angie, Dalú, Carlos, Charly & Dennis reached the finale. Dalú was declared the twelfth winner of La Academia.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Dalú Borunda24Culiacán, Sinaloa
02Angie Flores18Tegucigalpa, Honduras
03Carlos Torres21Guadalajara, Jalisco
04Dennis Arana21Guatemala City, Guatemala
05Charly Zúñiga24Matamoros, Tamaulipas
06Maria Fernanda González29Mazatlán, Sinaloa
07Susy Ortoño22Apatzingán, Michoacán
08Francely Abreu18Mérida, Yucatán
09Jonathan Meza21Hermosillo, Sonora
10Gibran Gutiérrez19Guadalajara, Jalisco
11Jorge Alejandro Flores25Tegucigalpa, Honduras
12Effeta López21Guadalajara, Jalisco
13Rosa Mary Mier26Puebla, Puebla
14Jazmin & Stephanie Sotelo19Loreto, Zacatecas

Season 13 (2022)

La Academia commemorated its 20th anniversary with a new season in 2022. On 9 May 2022, it was announced that Lolita Cortés and Arturo López Gavito would once again share the judges' panel. The season would also have Horacio Villalobos and popular singer, Ana Bárbara critiquing the students' performance every Saturday and Sunday. As part of the 20 year celebration, First Generation's Yahir would serve as the main host with Vanessa Claudio as co-host, who would be replacing Adal Ramones and Cynthia Rodriguez.
Alexander Acha would act as the principal of the new season, while Aleks Syntek would step in as their mentor.
Andres, Cesia, Nelson, Rubí & Mar reached the finale. Cesia was declared the thirteenth winner of La Academia.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Cesia Saenz23Comayagua, Honduras
02Andrés Seuv25Hermosillo, Sonora
03Mar Rendón19Quito, Ecuador
04Nelson Carreras21Guatemala City, Guatemala
05Rubí Ibarra21San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí
06Eduardo Ochoa29San Jose, California
07Santiago Domínguez22Mexico City
08Fernanda Herrera21Villahermosa, Tabasco
09Zunio27Guayaquil, Ecuador
10Isabela Ortega19Villahermosa, Tabasco
11Jackie López26Culiacán, Sinaloa
12Mariana Logue27Mexico City
13Emilio de la Cruz21Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
14Alejandra Wiessner28Ciudad Obregón, Sonora
15Esmeralda Azucena24Chilpancingo, Guerrero

Spin-off Generations

USA: Season 1 (2005–06)

La Academia USA was the first musical reality show with only Hispanic and Latino contestants in the United States, launched by Azteca America in October 2005. The auditions were done nationwide and the first La Academia USA concert was on 20 November 2005.
After three months of competition La Academia USA came to an end, crowning Mariana Vargas as winner of the 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 Rivera
14Gabriel Juan Rodríguez Policastro
15Alejandro Hernández López
16Carlos Soto García
17Bianca Filio Martínez
18Fatimat Aihassan Villanueva

C.A: Season 1 (2013)

PlaceContestantsCountry
01May Velasquez DiazEl Salvador
02Kike Alvarado PazHonduras
03Liam Rivera EucedaHonduras
04Elvira Del Carmen LópezGuatemala
05Bryan Calvo AlvarezCosta Rica
06Alex LimaGuatemala
07Luis Gabriel GuerraPanamá
08David Navarro ZuñigaCosta Rica
09Diana VillamontePanamá
10Yuli Visoná CastilloCosta Rica
11Joan Alfaro RodriguezEl Salvador
12Bárbara Lavaire CruzHonduras
13Edwin Josué MorenoGuatemala
14María Fernanda LeónCosta Rica
15Allan Amed Licona RodriguezHonduras
16Henna Marcela FigueroaEl Salvador
17Arnold GaltánGuatemala
18Leo Brooks PalmaCosta Rica
19Gaby EscamillaEl Salvador
20Liz Yes TobarGuatemala
21Rox Saravia VargasNicaragua
22Adry Beatriz PortilloEl Salvador

KIDS: Season 1 (2013)

La Academia Kids was originally presented in 2010 at the Bicentenanial Generation finale with Tatiana as the host, and was titled as La Academia Infantil and set to be launched in early 2011. However, on February 2011, Tatiana announced on her twitcam that the show was officially cancelled due to audition and production issues, and therefore, it would no longer be produced. On 11 July 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, Lolita Cortés and Luis Coronel served as the judges. On 31 August, the show aired a casting special, while the first live concert took place on 7 September, and the finale was held on 21 December, where the winner received MX$500,000.
Adamaris, Cristopher, Eddy, Michelle, Nahomy & Ximena reached the finale. Eddy Valenzuela was declared the first winner of La Academia Kids.
PlaceContestantsAgeCity
01Eddy Valenzuela12Chihuahua, Chihuahua
02Nahomy Campas12Hermosillo, Sonora
03Adamaris Madrid10Culiacán, Sinaloa
04Cristopher Vega08Los Angeles, California
05Ximena Ramos07Durango, Durango
06Michelle Gómez10Guadalajara, Jalisco
07Guillermo Romo11Toluca, State of Mexico
08Melany García10Guatemala City, Guatemala
09Esaú Juarez06Guadalajara, Jalisco
10Japhet Jaquim07Puebla, Puebla
11Viviann Baeza14Querétaro, Querétaro
12Cristian Aguilar13Monterrey, Nuevo León
13Lupillo Llamas09Tijuana, Baja California
14Santiago Jiménez12Mexico City
15Juan Ángel García10San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí
16Corina Agosto10Guadalajara, Jalisco
17Irany Martínez09Ensenada, Baja California
18Daniela Armas12Morelia, Michoacán
19Sebastián Urdiales11Mexico City
20Leslie Alavez11Atizapán, State of Mexico

KIDS: Season 2 (2014)

Due to the high ratings, TV Azteca producer Roberto Romagnoli confirmed a second season of La Academia Kids. On 25 July 2014, it was confirmed that Ingrid Coronado would return as the host, joined by Mariana Torres and Carlos Arenas, while Alicia Villarreal, Lolita Cortés, and First Generations second place, Víctor García served as the judges. The season premiered on 16 August with a two-week casting special episodes, the first live concert took place on 30 August.
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'12Amatitlán, Guatemala
02Sarah Silva11Los Angeles, California
03Nicole Gatti09Veracruz, Veracruz
03Alexis Orozco12Tijuana, Baja California
04Angélica Vargas11Los Angeles, California
05Sofia Escobar08Cuautlancingo, Puebla
06Giovanni Malvaez08Xochimilco, Mexico City
07Yuawi López06Guadalajara, Jalisco
08Anthon Morales12San Nicolás de Los Garza, Nuevo León
09José Fernando Hernández10Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas
10Jacob Ayala11Mazatlán, Sinaloa
11Jesús Figueroa12Mixco, Guatemala
12Lolita Mora11South El Monte, California
13Valeria Amarillas06Culiacán, Sinaloa
14Alison Rivera08Nacajuca, Tabasco
15Pablo Reina06Saltillo, Coahuila
16Ximena Magaña13Guadalajara, Jalisco
17Samantha Castro10Veracruz, Veracruz
18Alejandro Vargas13Toluca, State of Mexico
19Santiago Escobedo05Mexicali, Baja California
20Marco Lopez12Azcapotzalco, Mexico City

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 TV 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 Voice's 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 Primera Fila: Desierto, 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, She starred as Lyn Hernandez on the Starz show, Vida. She was Vanessa in the 2020 film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony Award-winning musical In The Heights, and is currently the lead of the Scream Franchise reboot films.
  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 Sí, 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.
The following table lists the top 10 best selling albums according to AMPROFON.

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 MX$100,000.

Segunda Oportunidad (2010)

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