TIJUANA The judges in Mexico's musical reality show "La Academia" gave local singer Frank Díaz failing grades in Sunday's second episode, one labeling his performance a "piece of junk."
The judges ruled that he should be one of three contestants to be tossed off the show, but enough viewers, voting through text messages, kept him in classroom.
The goal of "La Academia" is to find the next star from Mexico, the United States and Latin America. The format is that the participants live in a house and spend their days taking classes in singing, dancing and acting. They present their numbers in a raucous, colorful show on Sunday nights and the three judges and the public vote on whether they should be dropped or continue.
Díaz, 20, who was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Tijuana, performs in cafés and clubs on both sides of the border.
For Sunday's performance, he had to sing "Sexy Chick" with a partner, Noé. According to one of the judges, Beto Castillo, Noé saved the number because Díaz "destroyed it."
Castillo advised Díaz to work hard in this week's lessons to avoid getting panned again and possibly voted off the show.
Mexicali's contestant Erik Sandoval sang "Mi Funeral," along with Gustavo from Chicago, getting high marks despite the fact Sandoval's microphone failed momentarily.
Those voted off the show Sunday were Sergio from Guadalajara, Karen from Sinaloa and Barbie from Monterrey, who claims to be Ricky Martin's daughter.
Sunday's show was dedicated to the dozens of victims who perished in last week's casino fire in Monterrey that is being blamed on warring drug cartels. The contestants performed a medley of songs celebrating peace and love.
andrea.garcia@sandiegored.com
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"La Academia" airs Sundays on Azteca América at 6:30 p.m. on Channel 15 in San Diego. Fans can follow the daily action at Azteca America's official website.
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