ABC Picks Up "Operacion Triunfo"  2/9/06

The smash hit, critically-acclaimed Spanish series, "OperaciÓn Triunfo," is coming to the U.S., following a new production agreement between Endemol USA, the producers of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," and the ABC Television Network.

"OperaciÓn Triunfo," which weekly garnered a 50% share and broke Spanish television records with a 68% share for the finale, features a live performance show and follows the lives of contestants as they attend a fully-functioning music academy that turns regular people into music stars through professional training.

The music academy offers vocal coaching, choreography/dance lessons, image consulting, fitness experts, media training and celebrity mentors. Contestants will be on camera essentially 24/7, providing a real-life soap opera as competitors live and work together in a house with state-of-the-art training and recording facilities. Alliances, romances and rivalries will all be part of the story.

At the end of each live performance show, the music academy teachers will nominate three students for eviction. Immediately following the announcement, fellow contestants must vote to save one of the three. The American public will then have a chance to call in and save one of the two remaining nominated contestants.

"'OperaciÓn Triunfo' is an exciting addition for ABC because it fits in perfectly with our brand," said Andrea Wong, executive vice president, Alternative Programming, Specials and Late-Night, ABC Entertainment. "The show's global success demonstrates that audiences around the world have been drawn in to the stories and moments generated by this format."

"'OperaciÓn Triunfo' and its offshoots consistently rank among our top-rated formats. It's ironic that's it has taken some time to get it sold in the States, but the huge numbers this show has attracted around the world give us confidence in the format," said David Goldberg, president of Endemol USA. "Audiences are very familiar with how a pop idol sings, but they haven't necessarily seen all of the hard work, stress and dedication that it takes to get there. This program will showcase them in their most intimate and public moments."

Endemol produces a number of similar record-breaking music reality formats. In France, "Star Academy" produced a staggering 70.7% share and has consistently dominated in the ratings. In the U.K, "Fame Academy" finished on a ratings high with a 35% share, beating "Pop Idol," which had a 31.7%. In Argentina, "Operacisn Triunfo's" first episode garnered a massive average market share of 36.3%, and the finale peaked at 57.6 share, beating the channel average by more than 20%.

"OperaciÓn Triunfo" is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA.

Source: ABC Press Release