Memories, Bonding & More – Billboard

HYBE x Geffen’s The Debut: Dream Academy is just days away from its finale and the girl group’s reveal, and the top 10 contestants sat down with Billboard‘s Tetris Kelly to reflect on their time in the competition so far.

“I feel like it’s a bond like no other,” Emily shares of her relationship with her fellow contestants. “Having girls from all over the world is such a special and unique experience, and to be able to share these moments that we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives together has created a bond that’s truly unbreakable. It’s such a blessing to be able to experience it with such amazing girls.”

The top 10 contestants hail from all over the world, including Emily, Daniela, Lara and Megan from the United States; Sophia from the Philippines; Manon from Switzerland; Ezrela from Australia; Samara from Brazil; Marquise from Thailand; and Yoonchae from South Korea.

Lara says their diversity is also their strength. “The biggest part of this project and the reason why we’re doing this is to represent all our different cultures. It’s so amazing and insane and it’s never been done before,” she shares. “It’s just a big responsibility and it’s so larger than life to be able to represent our people.”

The remaining 10 girls will perform at the show’s live finale, which is set to take place on Friday (Nov. 17). The name of the group and its final members will be revealed after the finale.

“We’ve been doing covers, and now we get a chance to show people what we can create,” Lara says of performing originals for the finale. “It’s the first presentation of what this group will be and what the music is going to be to the world. It’s exciting and nerve-racking too.”

Watch the full interview with HYBE x Geffen’s The Debut: Dream Academy top 10 above.