The day marked one month from the start of the Prime Time era, and the team behind the show wanted to share the progress with the audience, even though the platform did not provide audience data, and colleagues did not release numbers either. Netflix had signaled that it would publish a report, and the trend extended to voting and social networks.
On Monday the 18th, as the fourth premiere rolled out, app-based voting remained live. Since Operación Triunfo began in 2017, voting tallies have reached 4.55 million during voting week, with the figure climbing weekly. There was a historical spike when one million votes were recorded in under 24 hours, a new record for activity in this period.
Likewise, streaming data shows a record for live viewership on the channel YouTube, a trend that began when the academy started sharing daily moments with viewers in 2017. During the gala featuring four musical themes, as many as 143,000 users watched simultaneously, illustrating the strong engagement fans have for the performances and the duets that shape the show each season.
When it comes to #OT2023 on TikTok, content around the show reached one billion views in less than four weeks. Hashtags tied to Operación Triunfo consistently topped X trends on premiere nights, occupying the full trend lineup during the third and fourth premieres. This underscores the show’s vibrant and active community.
Contestants
The atmosphere is lively as the 16 competitors proceed through the academy. After the fourth premiere, 13 contestants have earned strong fan support. Viewers have been impressed by performances that push creative boundaries, and judges have offered pointed, sometimes blunt, feedback. The show also highlights cultural diversity through its lineup, including gender identity narratives that reflect a broader generation. A joke from a contestant about the mix of identities sparked a broader conversation about representation.
Alongside the rising star power, tension emerges from the reality of the house. Some contestants display disorganization and a lack of discipline that resonates with many young viewers. The academy director has commented on the challenge of managing this dynamic after more than two decades in the role. The director often steps in to provide guidance during moments of stress and to reassure the team during difficult times, aiming to balance discipline with encouragement.
Changes
In response to feedback from the contestants and the audience, the production team adjusted procedures after listening to comments across social networks. One notable change helped ease the process around expulsions, preventing abrupt farewells and preserving a sense of personal closure. A new approach to post-elimination moments allowed contestants to share a final performance with friends or family before stepping away, enhancing the emotional arc of the show and giving fans a meaningful send-off.
As the season progresses, the show appears to be returning to the flavor that made it memorable: the intertwining of relationships and public interest in the contestants’ lives. While past romances between stars have added drama, this year’s storyline emphasizes a broader mix of personalities and dynamics. With fans rallying around favorites for their distinct traits, predicting a winner remains as unpredictable as ever.
Overall, the season reflects the balance between glossy stage moments and the real tensions that come with rapid fame. The audience response, both in person and online, confirms that Operación Triunfo continues to captivate people across generations, offering music, competition, and a window into the evolving storylines of young artists as they navigate the spotlight.