Since its first edition, OT captivated audiences with the talent and magnetic presence of Chenoa, born María Laura Corradini Falomir in Mar del Plata in 1975. Twenty-two years on, the performer has evolved into a versatile professional who shines both on screen and in music, evidenced by roles on Oh Happy Days and Your Face Looks Familiar to Me. Now he faces a thrilling new challenge: presenting talent where it all began, a journey that will launch on Prime Video on Monday the 20th. After that, the moment that really pushes him out of his comfort zone awaits in The Challenge.
Competing in OT twenty-two years ago, Chenoa could hardly have imagined that talent would bloom into a lifelong vocation for him.
He is quick to laugh and says, They just have to catch me, which always makes people smile. It seemed almost impossible to imagine at the time, but the opportunity appeared and he embraced it.
So what ran through his mind when the offer came?
I think there was a moment of shock because I accepted right away. Then came a digestion period that stretched over months as he wrestled with mixed emotions. There was panic, doubt about doing it right, a few nervous crickets, and a growing sense of possibility. All of this played to his strengths, helping him find his footing. People asked if he was happy, and he admitted a cautious yes. Now there is a clear love for the project. He recalls saying, Come on, we’ve already broken your shell, a remark that underscores the brave stance he took as he began. It felt like a deliberate choice to let go and see what happened.
He looked genuinely excited. Everything he has lived through must be reflected in him as he steps onto a new stage with the next generation of contestants.
When he saw the finalists at Final Casting, tears welled up, a reminder of how deeply he understands the pressures on new performers. He knows there will be a factor of emotion they cannot fully control.
No one can empathize with them better than he can.
The most challenging part, as he remembers it, was being told to step onto the podium but not to cross the line until it was his turn to sing. It is exhilarating, almost overwhelming, and in those three minutes the mind can race. His job as a presenter is to stay calm, to keep everything in its proper place, and to convey empathy in the moment. That balance is the key to guiding the show and supporting the contestants.
They were very naive in their generation. Even though they bring more experience now, do they still harbor some secret doubts? Always. The blend of youth and the maturity that comes with it creates both potential and confusion. The rapid access to information, screens, and feedback can be dizzying. Yet there are lessons from great mentors that can rescue anyone from a comfort zone. The more tools given, the more experience gained, and whatever happens, it is not the end of the world.
The classic question is whether he looks to past hosts like Carlos Lozano or Roberto Leal for inspiration, but Chenoa remains unmistakably himself. He jokes that he carries a strong essence and a sense of calm, traits he credits to the easygoing nature of Lozano and the sweetness of Roberto Leal. He credits his own preparation and study ethic for the confidence he brings to the role. He loves the craft and believes the pen suits him as well as the microphone, enjoying the process of learning and growth on screen.
OT 2023 ready to premiere on Prime Video with Chenoa: I’m so grateful
Prime Video presents premieres that run about 90 minutes, a format that allows for a natural intermission and a smoother viewing rhythm for families. The plan is to keep the audience engaged without sacrificing depth. The schedule includes a daily cadence that gives everyone space yet maintains momentum. The extra day will allow for breaking down details and building strong content. The aim is to preserve focus during the premiere while offering repeated opportunities to reflect and comment.
Clear direction is essential, but the groups also deserve continuous commentary beyond the late hours. The daily approach ensures a sustained conversation rather than a one off burst. Chenoa has always been a pioneer in blending music and television, a risk that paid off. He reflects on a shift that began about eight years ago, when he started exploring more TV and radio opportunities and creating new programs. He pursued opportunities even when they were not widely welcomed, choosing to sing, dance, and rock in ways that defied traditional boundaries. This openness to experiment has shaped his career and his philosophy of nourishment through experience. He likens the evolution to white chocolate—unexpected but enjoyable.
His characteristic mindset has always kept him slightly ahead. When asked how he would sing about life after a break, he replies that life is lived with no complaints. Everyone has their path, and each person must own their journey and the opinions of others. It is about balance, sanity, and experience, all ages included. The era of OT in the Prime Video lineup marks a casting phase that continues in Barcelona.
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After OT, did Your Face Looks Familiar give him a broader audience? Yes, the living room welcome felt electric. The Oh Happy Day format offered a wonderful experience that confirmed the value of doing what he loves. The shows, including the smaller collaboration programs, contributed to his growth. Your Face Looks Familiar brought him back into the spotlight, with his close circle of friends and colleagues providing support.
There was lighthearted humor about whether Lolita would still defend her claim to a seat on the jury. The ensemble remains tight, a reliable team ready to face whatever comes next. He also anticipates competing in The Challenge, a venture that is as brave as it is bold. If he had known what lay ahead, he might have hesitated, but the experience is already shaping his perspective in profound ways.
Prime Video unveils final footage for the new OT today, a moment that promises a strong return and fresh energy for the show. It has taken him out of his comfort zone in a challenging, sometimes abrupt way, and yet the rewards are clear. He looks forward to the new terrain and the opportunity to share intense, meaningful moments with audiences. He believes his future in the industry remains securely in his hands, shaped by passion, resilience, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.