Hybe x Geffen’s ‘World Scout: The Final Piece’ Nears Finale: Ayana and Sakura Vie for Final Global Girl Group Spot
A highly anticipated second global girl group from the joint venture between Hybe and Geffen Records is nearing its debut. The intense survival program, “World Scout: The Final Piece,” has narrowed its pool of talented contestants down to two finalists, setting the stage for an exciting finale.
Episode 11 of the popular audition program, which aired recently on Tuesday, saw Japanese contenders Ayana and Sakura successfully advance to the final round. They emerged victorious after competing against an impressive roster of over 14,000 applicants from various countries across the globe.
The ultimate winner of “World Scout: The Final Piece” will join the already-confirmed members: Emily from the US, Lexie from Sweden, and Samara from Brazil. Together, these four will form a multinational girl group, currently operating under the project name “Prelude: The Final Piece,” poised to make a significant impact in the global music scene.
Emily, Lexie, and Samara are familiar faces to fans of global survival shows, having previously stood out as impressive contestants on “The Debut: Dream Academy,” the program that famously formed the group Katseye.
According to a recent press release from Hybe, Mitra Darab, CEO of Hybe x Geffen Records, lauded Ayana as “the most consistent and confident contestant” throughout the rigorous competition. Son Sung-deuk, the company’s executive creative director, further praised her exceptional abilities, stating that she possesses skills comparable to the already-confirmed debut members.
Sakura, on the other hand, garnered significant recognition for her remarkable rapid growth and commanding stage presence demonstrated throughout the program. In Jung-hyun, a senior creative product at Hybe x Geffen, highly commended her development, noting that the trainee had “surpassed her expectations” with her continuous improvement and artistry.
The highly anticipated live finale of “World Scout: The Final Piece” is scheduled to air on May 12. For this pivotal final round, both Ayana and Sakura are set to perform alongside the three already-selected members at the iconic Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, promising a spectacular show for fans worldwide.
The production team revealed that the finale is designed to meticulously evaluate not only the individual talent of each contestant but also the crucial chemistry and synergy of the final four-member lineup in a dynamic live performance setting, ensuring the strongest possible group debut.
Since its premiere in Japan in February, “World Scout: The Final Piece” has consistently achieved impressive viewership, securing the No. 1 spot among K-pop programs on the popular Japanese streaming platform Abema. The show has also garnered significant attention for its exceptional global coaching team, which includes industry veterans who have collaborated with major international pop artists, such as Fifth Harmony member Lauren Jauregui, adding immense credibility and excitement to the competition.
