Filipino talent Sophia Laforteza secures spot in 'The Debut: Dream Academy' finale

Another Filipino talent is currently making waves in the international scene as Sophia Laforteza secured a spot in HYBE Labels and Geffen Records' talent competition The Debut: Dream Academy live finale.

Sophia emerged as the top-ranked contestant with 45,184 fan votes and was able to reserve a seat for the live finale of the show on November 17.

During the third and final mission, the remaining 13 contestants were tasked to perform a specific song to demonstrate their "artistry."

Sophia, together with Argentina's Celeste, South Korea's Nayoung, Switzerland's Manon, and the United States' Daniela performed The Pussycat Dolls' Buttons. Others performed Demi Lovato's Confident and the Spice Girls Wannabe.

In the third mission, Celeste, Nayoung, and Japan's UA were eliminated, leaving 10 contestants to battle it out in the finale including USA's Lara, Emily, Daniela, and Megan; Australia's Ezrela; Brazil's Samara; Switzerland's Manon; Thailand's Marquise; and Yoonchae from South Korea.

Prior to that, the 20-year-old Sophia also placed first during the show's second mission.

After the finale, the name of the new international girl group and the remaining members who will make their debuts will be released.

The Debut: Dream Academy is an audition program under K-pop entertainment giant, HYBE in collaboration with Universal Music Group subsidiary Geffen Records where trainees auditioned and currently undergo a development process using the K-pop training system.

HYBE is the agency behind K-pop powerhouse BTS and 4th gen girl groups New Jeans and Le Sserafim. Get him back! singer Olivia Rodrigo, meanwhile is under Geffen Records, among other artists.