The culmination of months of intense competition, breathtaking performances, and emotional journeys reached its pinnacle as CHUANG Asia Season 2 crowned its victorious seven-member boy group NexT1DE on April 6, 2025. The grand finale, broadcast live to millions of eager viewers across Asia and beyond, marked the conclusion of one of the most internationally diverse survival shows in recent memory. What began with 60 talented trainees from nine different countries ultimately distilled into a powerhouse septet poised to make waves in the global music scene.
Through weekly challenges that tested vocal prowess, dance precision, stage presence, and star quality, these seven performers distinguished themselves among fierce competition, earning the support of both expert mentors and passionate fans. As the confetti fell and tears of joy flowed during the Grand Debut Night, NexT1DE emerged as the newest sensation ready to carry forward the prestigious CHUANG legacy while charting their own unique path in the ever-evolving landscape of international pop music.
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NexT1DE’s Magnificent Seven: CHUANG Asia Season 2’s Final Debut Lineup Revealed
The Grand Debut Night of CHUANG Asia Season 2 delivered an emotional conclusion to the months-long journey that transformed ordinary trainees into polished performers ready for the global stage. After countless hours of practice, nerve-wracking eliminations, and showstopping performances, the seven members who would form NexT1DE were finally revealed through a combination of public votes and expert evaluations. The tension in the studio was palpable as contestants stood on stage, hearts racing while awaiting their fate, culminating in scenes of unbridled joy and bittersweet farewells as the final lineup was announced.
Securing the coveted first position was Dorn, a 24-year-old Thai performer whose consistent growth and magnetic stage presence made him a frontrunner throughout the competition. His journey from auditions to center position embodied the show’s promise of transformative opportunity, with fans praising his versatility across multiple concepts and performance styles. Following closely in second place was his compatriot Thi-o, age 19, marking a significant achievement for Thai representation in the multinational group. The duo’s success reflects Thailand’s growing influence in the Asian entertainment landscape, with both members demonstrating exceptional skills that transcended language and cultural barriers.
Chinese trainee Hu Yetao secured the third position, bringing his considerable experience at age 24 to stabilize the group with mature vocals and refined performance techniques. The Jiangsu native’s journey resonated with viewers who appreciated his perseverance and artistic sensibility. Fourth-ranked Shen, a 19-year-old from Changsha, captured hearts with his expressive performances and personal growth throughout the series, emerging as one of the group’s most improved contestants by the finale.
Perhaps the most remarkable story belongs to fifth-place Omar, who at just 15 years old becomes the youngest member of NexT1DE. The Zhejiang native’s natural talent and quick adaptability belied his age, with mentors frequently expressing amazement at his potential for future growth. Rounding out the lineup are Xiong, 22, and Yao Zihao, 19, both bringing unique strengths that complement the group’s overall dynamic. Xiong’s powerful vocals and Yao’s dance expertise ensure NexT1DE emerges as a well-balanced team prepared to tackle diverse musical concepts.
| Rank | Member | Age | Nationality | Specialties | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dorn | 24 | Thailand | Vocals, Dance, Leadership | “Run” (Final Stage) |
| 2 | Thi-o | 19 | Thailand | Dance, Rap, Visuals | “Love Shot” (Team Challenge) |
| 3 | Hu Yetao | 24 | China (Jiangsu) | Vocals, Performance | “MIROTIC” (Mentor Collaboration) |
| 4 | Shen | 19 | China (Changsha) | Vocals, Songwriting | “Believer” (Vocal Challenge) |
| 5 | Omar | 15 | China (Zhejiang) | Dance, Rap | “Move” (Dance Battle) |
| 6 | Xiong | 22 | China | Vocals, Stage Presence | “EOEO” (Group Evaluation) |
| 7 | Yao Zihao | 19 | China | Dance, Performance | “Savage” (Concept Stage) |
The finale showcased not only the contestants’ talents but also featured spectacular performances from the show’s esteemed mentors. Though SEVENTEEN’s The8 was unable to attend in person due to undisclosed reasons, he sent his heartfelt wishes via video message, maintaining his connection with the trainees he had guided throughout the season. GOT7’s BamBam, who served as one of the show’s producers, electrified the audience with an energetic medley of “Thank You Come Again,” “Air,” and “Ball Like That,” demonstrating the level of stardom to which NexT1DE might aspire.
The main mentors—Tia Ray, Yaya Urassaya, and Jeff Satur—delivered memorable performances that highlighted their expertise and artistry. Tia Ray’s rendition of “Take It Easy” showcased her vocal prowess, while Yaya captivated the audience with “The Trouble Is.” Jeff Satur’s performance of “Stranger” and “Why Don’t You Stay” provided an emotional touchstone for the evening’s proceedings. These performances served as both entertainment and subtle masterclasses for the debuting members, offering a glimpse of the professionalism and stage command they would need to develop.
Throughout the season, CHUANG Asia 2025 distinguished itself with high-profile guest appearances, including BLACKPINK’s Lisa, whose visit created a significant spike in viewership and social media engagement. Taiwanese actress Ariel Lin and choreographer Rikimaru also lent their expertise at various points, contributing to the show’s reputation for attracting top-tier talent as mentors and guests. This star-studded approach helped establish CHUANG Asia as a premier platform for launching international idol careers.
As NexT1DE begins their journey as a cohesive unit, they inherit the legacy established by the success of CHUANG Asia: Thailand, the franchise’s previous iteration. Their multicultural composition—blending Thai and Chinese perspectives, languages, and performance styles—positions them advantageously in an increasingly globalized entertainment industry. Music industry analysts note that groups with international members often enjoy broader appeal across regional markets, suggesting promising commercial prospects for NexT1DE as they prepare to release their debut material under Tencent’s guidance.
The emotional conclusion to CHUANG Asia Season 2 not only marked the beginning of seven individuals’ dreams but also represented the culmination of countless hours of behind-the-scenes effort from production staff, choreographers, vocal coaches, and stylists. As the newly formed NexT1DE steps into the spotlight, they carry with them the hopes of fans who followed their journey from uncertain beginnings to triumphant debut, ready to support their evolution from survival show winners to established artists in the competitive landscape of Asian pop music.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long will NexT1DE promote together, and what type of contract do the members have?
According to official statements from Tencent, NexT1DE has signed an exclusive five-year contract that will keep the group active until at least 2030. Unlike some survival show groups with predetermined disbandment dates, NexT1DE has been established as a potentially permanent group with options for contract renewal based on their commercial success and member satisfaction. The members’ contracts include provisions for both group activities and individual opportunities, allowing them to pursue solo projects in acting, modeling, and individual music releases while maintaining their primary commitment to NexT1DE.
The group will initially focus on the Chinese and Southeast Asian markets during their first year before expanding to Japanese,
Korean, and potentially Western markets in subsequent years. Their management structure incorporates a unique dual-agency approach, with Tencent handling overall group management while allowing members to maintain relationships with their original agencies for individual activities. This flexible contract structure was designed based on lessons learned from previous survival show groups, aiming to balance group cohesion with individual career development and prevent the burnout issues that have affected similar groups in the past.
What happened to the other finalists who didn’t make it into NexT1DE, and will there be another CHUANG Asia season?
The 14 finalists who participated in the Grand Debut Night but didn’t secure positions in NexT1DE have various career paths ahead of them. During the finale, Tencent announced that the 8th through 11th ranked contestants (Haku, Jerome, Charlie, and Pao) will debut in a separate project group called “NEXT WAVE” in late 2025, giving these talented performers another opportunity to pursue their idol careers under professional management. Several other contestants have already received offers from entertainment companies impressed by their performances on the show, with at least three trainees signing with major Chinese agencies and two others joining Thai entertainment companies.
The remaining contestants will return to their original training programs with valuable exposure and experience gained from their time on the show. Regarding future seasons, WeTV officially confirmed during the finale that CHUANG Asia Season 3 has been greenlit for production, with preliminary auditions scheduled to begin in September 2025. The next season will reportedly expand its scope to include additional countries, with specific mention of Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines as target markets for contestant recruitment, continuing the franchise’s mission to discover and develop pan-Asian talent.
