Akademi Fantasia

Akademi Fantasia
Akademi Fantasia logo in use since 2013
Created by	Francel Diaz Lenero Daniel Ortiz
Judges	Kudsia Kahar (2003-2005) Adlin Aman Ramlie (2006 & 2010) (2007, 2008 & 2011) Fauziah Latiff (2007) (2007 & 2011) Ning Baizura (2008) Edrie Hashim (2009) (2009) Aznil Hj. Nawawi (2010) Edry Abdul Halim (2013) Sharifah Amani (2013) (2013) (2014,2015 & 2016) (2014 ) (2016)
Theme music composer	Aubrey Suwito
Country of origin	Malaysia
No. of seasons	12
Production
Running time	approximately 3 hours
Release
Original network	Astro Ria (All seasons) Astro Maya HD (Akademi Fantasia 2013 and Akademi Fantasia 2014) Astro Ria HD (Akademi Fantasia 2016)
Original release	3 June 2003 - present
External links
Website

Akademi Fantasia (commonly abbreviated as AF) is Malaysia's first reality television show in which a number of contestants called students compete for the winning title and a chance to start their career in the entertainment industry. The first season premiered on 3 June 2003 and was one of Astro Ria's highest rated shows. The theme song entitled "Menuju Puncak" was performed by Juwita Suwito, who is the sister of the composer, Aubrey Suwito.

The format of the show is taken from "La Academia", which originated from Mexico. Malaysia is the first country in Southeast Asia to have its own version of the show. Subsequently, it has also been followed by Indonesia and Thailand, which garners positive response in comparison to the Idol series.

The show made its own history in Season 5 when Norsyarmilla Jirin was crowned as the first female winner, breaking the streak of male winners for the first four seasons. The record was later continued when Stracie Angie Anam was declared as the winner of Season 6. On 13 January 2011, it was announced that the ninth season will be the last season of the original Akademi Fantasia.

"Akademi Fantasia" returned for season 10 in year 2013. It has the same name as the first season in the franchise, and fans usually refer to this program as New Akademi Fantasia or Akademi Fantasia 2013 to distinguish it from the original.

Akademi Fantasia 2014 use season 1 until season 9 format.

Each season of Akademi Fantasia has 10 concerts including the finale, and starts with 12-16 contestants who are called students. However, in Season 3 and Season 4, a prelude concert was conducted to determine the ultimate students. Once the ultimate students are chosen, they will stay in a house called Akademi, practising songs, acting and dancing lesson, and other activities that are related with performing arts for a period of 10 weeks. The classes are held by professional trainers, called teachers, who have an established career in the entertainment industry. Diari Akademi Fantasia, which is aired on weekdays, showcases the students' activities in the academy. The academy is led by a principal, which varies every year. However, in Season 6, the academy is led by Ramli M.S, who is the academy principal of Season 2.