Life After Dream Academy: Who Will Win Song of the Summer?
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2 min
Since the Netflix show Dream Academy, HYBE & Geffen have helped launch a wave of breakout stars - so whoβs next to take over the spotlight?
The Netflix series Dream Academy, which aired in 2024, had the goal to form the girl group now known asΒ KATSEYE. Fast forward to 2026, and 11 of the original 20 trainees have built strong solo careers of their own.Β Now, each are trying to make that βSong of the Summerβ moment.
Letβs take a look at where they are now:
KATSEYE
(Pinky Up)
KATSEYE have just released their new singleΒ βPinky Upβ, and itβs already sparked major conversation online, with fans questioning Manonβs absence from the track. Adding to the drama, a leaked demo surfaced shortly before the release, showing Manon in the studio during recording and formation stages.
Despite all of that, the song is off to a strong start, debuting at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100 (marking the groupβs highest debut to date)! With momentum building, each time that KATSEYE drops a song, they just keep getting bigger and "Pinky Up" is definitely in first place to win Song of the Summer.Β
KARLEE GIRL
(Right Back!)
Karlee, who was eliminated just before the finale round on Dream Academy, is now gaining major attention as an independent artist with her track βRight Backβ.Β
Released in February, the single has already surpassed 1 million streams, an impressive milestone for a solo release outside of a major label system. With this momentum, Karlee is quickly proving sheβs still very much in the conversation for Song of the Summer.
ADELA
(KGB)
Adela, who was the first contestant trainee in the opening round of Dream Academy due to receiving the fewest fan votes. Her early elimination, once seen as a setback, has turned into a real turning point, with her now fully stepping into her lane as a solo artist with strong momentum and growing recognition.
She has now submitted her Song of the Summer entry, βKGBβ with over 2 million streams in just two weeks!Β She has since emerged as to be the most successful solo artist among the former contestants andΒ has performed while opening for Demi Lovatoβs arena world tour.
Prelude: The Final Piece
(Debuting in 2026)
Prelude is a new debuting group under HYBE and Geffen, formed from three former Dream Academy contestants who didnβt make it into KATSEYE:Β Samara, Emily, and Lexi. The group is currently documenting their journey through their own survival-style show as they search for a fourth and final member, with the finale set to air on May 12th.
Their official debut single is expected to follow shortly after, sometime in 2026.
In the lead-up, theyβve been dropping a series of song teasers for the show, and the response has been surprisingly strong. Many fans have pointed out that the snippets already sound like fully formed, well-produced pop tracks - some even saying theyβre the kind of releases KATSEYE fans have been hoping for.
In my opinion, they are all graduating from Song of the Summer School π« I love Dream Academy and all the girls who were apart of the trainee programme. But, let me know who's winning this summer!
Til next time, Beauties x
