On Tuesday night, April 4, a fresh collaboration titled Operation Victory will premiere, aiming to align the interests of its audience. In a featured interview, Risto Mejide will sit down with Esther Aranda to revisit notable moments from a widely recognized talent show. Mejide, who served as a judge during the program’s 2008 season, remains one of the most discussed personalities in the show’s history, with his blunt critiques resonating with fans and contestants alike.
The network’s preview suggests that Esther will press Mejide for more clarity on his sharp assessments from her time on the competition, where she exited as the fifth contestant. The conversation is expected to illuminate the tension and dynamics between a controversial judge and a contestant who faced intense public scrutiny.
Mejide has addressed the situation in the excerpt, explaining that there was no personal hostility toward Esther. He notes that his approach was shaped by the show’s format and the demands of the competition, rather than a personal grievance. In the shared clip, he clarifies that his conduct was professional, not personal, and that any perceived friction was part of the performance and discourse surrounding the show.
Esther Aranda resurfaced in October 2022, amid a wave of conversations about the show and its alumni. Her remarks about a fellow participant drew considerable attention, as she shared views on performances and vocal styles observed by peers. The dialogue underscored ongoing debates among fans and critics about what constitutes a strong performance and how vocal talent is judged by both judges and audiences.
The interview with Aranda is anticipated to offer deeper insight into the challenges contestants faced and the perceptions that shaped their public reception. It will also provide an opportunity to examine how the show has evolved, including shifts in judging approaches and interpretations of talent across seasons. Viewers may be interested in hearing Esther reflect on the experience, the pressures of competition, and the enduring impact of her appearance on a program that remains a touchstone for many reality-television fans. This dialogue is set to contribute to a broader discussion about reality TV, its cast, and how criticism is framed within a high-stakes, live-art context. At its core, it aims to balance personal memory with the larger context of a show that both influenced and challenged its participants and its audience (Citation: Network preview).