Operación Triunfo —the celebrated TV talent competition show that first aired in Spain in 2001—is making its U.S. debut on Telemundo this summer. Traditionally, the show’s format, which has launched the international careers of acts such as David Bisbal, Aitana and Lola Indigo, to name a few, follows a group of aspiring singers who coexist in an “academy,” where they receive professional training and compete in weekly competitions.  “The essence of Operación Triunfo will remain intact, as it is central to its global success […] The magic of [the reality show] lies in the fact that it transcends a traditional singing competition, emerging instead as a true platform for transformation,” Javier Pons, chief content officer & head of Telemundo Studios, tells Billboard exclusively.  Casting calls for the show, which has “exceeded our expectations,” according to Pons, have already taken place in Miami, Los Angeles and Puerto Rico, with the final one happening April 11 in Ne...