The 2023 edition of OT has resurfaced on Prime Video in a refreshed format, introducing changes that surprised fans who followed the latest season from the start. After the early episodes drew nearly a hundred thousand viewers, The 24 Hours Channel on YouTube clarified why the show did not feature the iconic songs from the Gala 1 repertoire. The decision followed questions raised by viewers about the contestants who were seen on day one.
The production team explained that copyright considerations prevent them from sharing the original performances in full. They noted that while fans can enjoy the cast on the OT Channel, the two live shows where the contestants appear require explicit rights for song broadcasts. A curated set of fifty songs was prepared to ensure that participants would perform one from a predefined list, with footage captured from the first and second stages. The core crew did not make many lineup changes; the official stance remained that the initial performances, both in phase one and phase two, should come from the approved list. If permissions allow later, contestants may sing other pieces, but the show must retain the rights to at least a portion of the material and permit publication of those specific moments. This policy was emphasized by Noemí Galera in an interview with Vertele.
During the same interview, Galera acknowledged that the rights constraint has the potential to shape the direction of OT. She stressed that the team has invested significant effort into planning the season and understands generally where the narrative will progress. The show is expected to feature a mix of classical selections, contemporary hits, pop anthems, and reggaeton tracks. While the licensing hurdles posed a challenge, she asserted that progress would continue and that the creative roadmap remains intact. Even with uncertainties about the exact cast size, there is a clear sense of the trajectory and a plan to align the academy setting with the musical themes that audiences can anticipate.
Observers noted that the necessity to secure rights for broadcastable songs has steered the format toward a more structured musical framework. The fifty-song cap provides a controlled environment for the performances while still allowing artistic variety across genres. This approach helps ensure that the program can be presented consistently on Prime Video and affiliated platforms, safeguarding the production against potential copyright issues while preserving the essence of the competition. The overall objective is to balance artistic expression with legal considerations, delivering a compelling experience for viewers in both Canada and the United States as OT continues to expand its international reach. The production team remains committed to transparency about licensing and scheduling, reinforcing the show’s reputation for thoughtful, auditable creative decisions.