Samantha Gilabert and Maialen, known as Chica Sobresalto, shared a special moment in the latest episode of their Podimo podcast Triunfitas con traumitas. In this chat they spoke with Tinet Rubira, the executive producer of Operación Triunfo, and the conversation touched on many aspects surrounding Prime Video’s musical talent program. A key thread explored was the basis for jury nominations at gala night, a topic viewers and fans often wonder about, including the question that lingered early on: Did anyone tell you that?
The discussion delved into the backstage routines that shape a live show. Rubira explained that contestants rehearse the general run-through the day before the premiere. The rehearsal is recorded, and what the morning dress rehearsal reveals becomes a talking point for the afternoon judges who will ultimately decide the initial impressions. Gestmusic, the company behind the show, has a long history with the format. Rubira noted that the academy students sometimes keep one of the several passes they earned during a technical exam to illustrate a possible path for the jury; the idea is simple: if three passes exist, the team saves the best moment to present to the judges.
The episode also touched on the nuances of transitions during the dress rehearsal. Some performances arrive with polished timing, and the jurors begin to form preliminary evaluations before the live premiere. In one notable example, Brisa Fenoy was discussed as a potential jury candidate for a previous season, reflecting how past performances can influence current judgments and perception of talent ahead of the broadcast.
Rubira added that there are contestants who are highly proactive, who scan the entire 24-hour cycle, check travel passes, and grasp the likely challenges. Others may not see the general rehearsal as clearly, and expectations can shift as the premiere unfolds. He described how the scoring and nomination chatter can evolve in real time based on how a performance lands with the audience. There is a practical aspect to judging: jurors take notes and assess whether a contestant shows consistency by the time they hit the stage. As Rubira put it, the dynamic is not fixed—what looks strong in rehearsal might not translate on live television, and vice versa. Each jury member carries a small notebook, a tool for capturing instincts about who might be on the nomination list as the episode progresses. [Citation: Podimo podcast episode featuring Tinet Rubira]