A Dream Come True in the Heart of Buenos Aires
Es Mi Sueño (literally 'It's My Dream') is a reality talent show that has taken Argentina by storm. Hosted by popular TV personality Guido Kaczka on the country's leading channel, eltrece, the show gives ordinary people a chance to perform in front of a live audience and a panel of celebrity judges. After months of auditions and eliminations, the grand finale aired live on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 from the iconic Teatro Opera in Buenos Aires. Eight finalists competed for an unprecedented prize: 100 million Argentine pesos (roughly equivalent to $100,000 USD at the time).
From a field of more than 200 participants who started the season, the winner was Margarita Ponce, a shy yet incredibly gifted 11-year-old from the northern province of Salta. Her performance of La Arenosa, a classic by legendary folk singer Mercedes Sosa, moved both the audience and the judges to tears. With 32.09% of the public vote, Margarita was declared the champion.
The Winning Moment
When the result was announced, Margarita couldn't contain her excitement—she jumped and screamed while her family rushed to the stage to hug her. Judge Natalie Pérez said: 'I will be your fan forever. I'll go to your shows when you grow up, because I have no doubt your talent will only keep growing.' The young singer discovered her passion for music at family karaoke gatherings at her uncle's backyard, where her first performance left everyone in tears. Her dream has always been to sing on a big stage, and now she has achieved it.
A Finale That Captivated Millions
The broadcast started with a rating of 6.8 points, which climbed to a peak of 11.3 points during the climax, making it the most-watched program in its time slot. The finale even forced the rival reality show Gran Hermano (Big Brother) to delay its start to avoid overlapping. The finalists performed in this order:
- Ailén Peralta – Y Si Fuera Ella
- Tomás Cochello – Rock and Roll y Fiebre
- Julián Navarro – Ahora Quién
- Emilio Zapata – Don't Stop Me Now
- Dana Gómez – Honrar la Vida
- Diego Detona – Resistiré
- Alan Birman – New York, New York
- Margarita Ponce – La Arenosa
The Finalists: Stories of Perseverance
Each finalist brought a unique story to the stage. Alan Birman (21, from Lanús) is a technician who dreams of starting his own automotive business. Dana Gómez (30, from Hurlingham) grew up in a family of musicians and now leads a jazz project. Julián Navarro (23, from Lanús) tragically lost his father the day before his audition, but carried on to honor his memory. Ailén Peralta (28, from José C. Paz) overcame a deep depression and returned to singing without telling her family; she achieved the highest score in the semifinal (400 points). Diego Detona (38) is a versatile artist with experience in musicals and soundtracks. Emilio Zapata (45, from San Francisco Solano) is an upholsterer and law student who wowed the audience with his powerful voice. Tomás Cochello (22) pays tribute to his late grandmother 'Tucci' in every performance. These seven, along with Margarita, proved that talent knows no age or background.
Looking Ahead: Season 2
Before announcing the winner, the judges selected three finalists to join the second season, which will premiere on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, alongside celebrity contestants. The chosen ones were Ailén Peralta, Diego Detona, and Tomás Cochello. The public voting during the finale was conducted through QR codes displayed on screen, the official eltrece website, and social media links—all free and open to everyone, ensuring a massive participation.
The five judges—Abel Pintos, Jimena Barón, Natalie Pérez, La Mona Jiménez, and Joaquín Levinton—praised Margarita's maturity and vocal control, predicting a bright future in music. Her triumph is a reminder that dreams, no matter how big, can come true with dedication and passion.
Sources: El Doce, eltrece, TN, La Nación, Ciudad Magazine.