The countdown ended. On Monday, September 15, Operación Triunfo 2025 started its engines on Prime Video with a Gala 0 full of nerves, talent and some controversy. Eighteen applicants took the stage to defend their first live song, but only 16 managed to enter the Academy. Two were left out in a night that left tears, joy and open questions.
An edition with many expectations
The format arrives renewed: a powerful jury (Leire Martínez, Abraham Mateo, Guille Milkyway and Cris Regatero), a diverse faculty of teachers – with names like Mamen Márquez, Vicky Gómez or La Dani – and the promise of continuing to be an international showcase thanks to its simultaneous broadcast in several countries from Latin America.
Gala 0 maintains the formula: solo performances, jury deliberation, election of the direction and final public vote to distribute the 16 places. The result: a casting varied in styles, ages and trajectories.
Performances: lights, shadows and first jewels
Here is a performance by performance review of what they left on stage:
Guillo Rist – “Shut Up and Dance”
Energy and nerve to open the night. His proposal quickly connected with the public. He has spark and that always adds up.
Claudia Arenas – “Oscar Winning Tears”
Modern and intimate interpretation. He won over the jury and the public with sensitivity.
Javi Crespo – “El Merengue”
Party and rhythm to close the round. It wasn’t the best vocal performance, but it conveyed a desire for the stage.
Lucía Casani – “Damned Spring”
One of the favorites from now on. Clean voice, interpretation with soul and guaranteed direct pass.
Sam – “Teenage Dream”
Pop tenderness, but without the punch necessary to stand out. He was one of those eliminated, although his sensitivity was marked.
Quique – “Inevitable”
The bravery of singing Shakira was not enough to convince. It was the other outing of the night.
Cristina – “My Baby Just Cares For Me”
Elegant swing, naturalness and a well-deserved direct pass.
Judit – “California Dreamin’”
Powerful voice, charisma and presence. Another of the most applauded performances.
Iván Rojo – “I will not return”
Ranchera loaded with emotion. He was the public’s choice to occupy the last place in the Academy.
Olivia – “Break Free”
Very theatrical, with an air of a musical. Visible nerves, but personality in abundance.
Guille Toledano – “How much it hurts”
Honest, close and with its own stamp. Maybe it wasn’t the most striking, but it was authentic.
Salma de Diego – “Bleeding Love”
Vocal power and interpretive strength. One of the strongest performances.
Max – “Careless Whisper”
One of the roundest voices of the night. Microphone control and elegance in performance. The jury really liked it.
Tinho – “Hold the Line”
Classic rock in the midst of so much pop. Good execution and freshness that brought variety to the gala.
Téyou – “Go back”
Pure authenticity. He moved and got a direct pass for his artistic personality.
María Cruz – “Euphoria”
Eurovision strength and a lot of grit. One of the most spectacular moments.
Carlos – “Fly”
Close, friendly and with a dancer’s touch. Stage energy more than memorable voice.
Laura Muñoz – “Untie Me”
Bold. Facing Mónica Naranjo at Gala 0 is not easy. He has plenty of attitude, he will have to polish his tuning.
What worked and what didn’t
What shined:
- The diversity of styles: from ranchera to current pop, through swing or rock.
- The weight of female voices: many of them took the first direct passes.
- Public engagement: the app was once again decisive.
What failed:
- The technical problems: audio and image cuts that distracted both contestants and spectators.
- The tension of the format: two eliminations on the first night perhaps taste like too soon.
Gala 0 is always a starting point. It serves to introduce oneself, to leave a mark and to remember that OT not only seeks voices, but stories and connection. Now, what weighs more? The impeccable vocal technique or the ability to emote? Is it fair that those who arrive with previous experience have an advantage?
WE CLOSED VOTING! 📲 There is VERY little left to find out who will be THE LAST contestant to cross the catwalk ✨ Are you going to miss it? 👉🏻https://t.co/OwYBjoKOF9 ✨#OTGala0 pic.twitter.com/YCetxJLRze
— Operación Triunfo (@OT_Oficial) September 15, 2025
And a necessary question for those of us who follow OT with a diverse perspective: what space will LGTBIQ+ representation occupy in this edition? Will it only be testimonial or will we see real narratives within the Academy?
The Gala 0 of OT 2025 makes it clear that this edition promises strong emotions. 16 voices enter the Academy with enthusiasm and desire to grow, while two dreams are left out. A journey begins where music, diversity and authenticity will be key. The stage is already lit: now it’s time to see who can really shine.
