Lara Raj and Ezrela, two vocalists of Indian descent, are among the 20 competitors hoping for a chance at success as they compete to join a new international girl group, according to South Korean music giant HYBE and American record company Geffen Records. The partnership between Hybe and Geffen Records, a division of Universal Music Group, which handles the international K-pop group BTS through Big Hit Music, was first announced in November 2021.
The competitors have been silently practising in Los Angeles for the past year under the world-famous K-pop training and development system, which will serve as the basis for the new worldwide group, whose name will be revealed later.
Lara introduced herself in the public forum as, “Hi, I am Lara Raj. I’m 17 and I’m Indian from LA.” Raj participated in 2019’s Global Girls Alliance “Day of the Girl” campaign, which was organised by the late Michelle Obama, the first lady.
The 20-year-old Ezrela identified herself as an Australian-born Indian. The participants will get training for a whole year, and a future unnamed Netflix documentary series will explore the entire process.
Nadia Hallgren, an award-winning director who oversaw the Netflix documentary Becoming, will head it. The Hybe, Interscope, and Boardwalk Pictures-produced television programme is scheduled to debut in 2024.
The YouTube audition programme will start broadcasting on September 1 and last for almost three months before the final group is selected on November 17 at the audition finale.
“I have wanted to form an international group based on K-pop methodology for a while. To do this I believed we needed a capable partner. When I met John (Janick), from the first moment, we both felt instantly that we had a connection, musically and creatively.”
“I am very proud of the rich history we have made and the tremendous talent we have found. I am proud of the opportunities we have created within the K-Pop universe,” Hybe Chairman Bang Si Hyuk averred in a statement.
John Janick, chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M, expressed his optimism that the contest will result in a groundbreaking musical experience.
“Since we began our partnership two years ago, Bang and I have often spoken about our shared beliefs in artist development, music and creativity. To develop a global group with Bang, with the best of K-Pop methodology, and our Geffen team, is truly special and will bring to life a first-of-its kind experience in music.”
“Each candidate is incredibly talented, dedicated, and driven, making this an exciting moment for music fans around the world,” he said.
A press statement stated that in addition to fan voting, a panel of knowledgeable judges would provide the finalists with insightful criticism and advice, helping to mould the growth and development of these gifted young ladies.
