Published: 12:21 AM, 04 November 2026
After KATSEYE, Michelle Chong turns to India
Michelle Chong, the casting force behind the formation of global girl group KATSEYE in 2024, is now scouting for India's next pop stars. Leading HYBE INDIA's audition campaign, she explains what excites her about an Indian girl group.
Michelle's credits include collaborating on the casting, music direction and production of the hit reality series The X Factorand America's Got Talent. She was also instrumental in the creation of girl group Fifth Harmony and in the development of Dream Academy, a global talent competition run by HYBE x Geffen Records to build a new international music group, which resulted in the formation of KATSEYE. As the casting director for the global audition campaign, including the Final Call, she shares her insights and observations in an exclusive interview with HT City.
Q1. Michelle, given your expertise when it comes to spotting talent, we would love to hear how the casting journey for HYBE INDIA's global girl group has been shaping up. What has your impression been of the talent you've encountered so far, and what are you looking for in the girls who could ultimately become part of this group?
Michelle Chong: Having worked on several casting projects, I've learnt that every search has its own identity, expectations and challenges. What makes my experience with HYBE INDIA particularly exciting is the opportunity to discover Indian talent with the potential to grow into a global girl group. The response so far, from across India and the Indian diaspora, has been incredible. It's been wonderful to see so many young women come forward, each bringing their own talents, personalities, influences and aspirations to the process.
