After a long audition process, 18 candidates were chosen to participate in the first gala of Star Academy 2025 among the 5000 people who sent their applications. Kenza Nejmi, Randy McGraw, Mirani Coehlo and Philippe LeBouthillier didn’t board the bus, but they are all extremely proud of their performance.
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We spoke with them after the first Variety.
Interviews with candidates who did not enter the Academy:
Kenza Nejmi – 23 years old – Quebec
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Kenza, how are you feeling?
Sad, of course. I would have liked to enter the Academy, with all my friends. For the past 10 days, we’ve been working really hard on this great show, we’re together 24 hours a day, so we’ve bonded really quickly.
Are you going to watch the show?
Of course, not only the galas, but also the daily ones! Although I did not enter the Academy, I intend to benefit from the teachers’ teachings.
What are your plans for the future?
I returned to Quebec, solely to participate in Star Academy. So I’m going to move back to New York and pursue my dream of a career on Broadway. I have learned so much about my profession in recent days that I only want to continue singing. (With tears in her eyes, Kenza adds…) I never had a plan B. What I want to do in life is sing. I will take another path than Star Academy, but I am confident in my future.
What would be your wildest dream, song-wise?
Taking part in a big show on Broadway, since I love musicals. Otherwise, singing my own songs on stage. And while we’re at it, why not dream big with an international tour like Celine Dion?
Randy McGraw – 25 ans – Nouveau-Brunswick
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Randy, what do you remember from your participation in the first gala?
I would have liked to enter the Academy, but my pride outweighs my sadness. I am happy with my performance and my journey. There were 5,000 people who submitted their applications, and only 18 of us participated in the first gala. It’s still something!
-What’s the first thing you’ll do when you get home?
The first thing on my agenda is to take my little Emma-Rose in my arms. It’s been 10 days since I last saw her, and it seems like an eternity! I can’t wait to give him a big kiss and cuddles.
How old is Emma-Rose?
One year and three months. (He takes out his cell phone and proudly shows photos of his daughter.) Being a father puts a lot of things into perspective. Not entering the Academy will allow me to find my daughter.
What will the next step look like for you?
I’m going to take the time to sort out the emotions of the last few days, then I’m going to start singing again. At the first gala, we sang in front of 700 people, in addition to everyone who watched the show on television. As the song says so well: And it’s not over, it’s just the beginning!
Mirani Coelho – 18 years old – Cantley
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Mirani, how are you feeling?
It’s really hard to put into words how I feel. You have to understand that for seven months, I have been living to the rhythm of Star Academy. By taking part in the first gala, my dream of entering the Academy almost came true. I am disappointed that the adventure ends here for me, but grateful for everything I learned and the wonderful encounters I made.
You still seem at peace with going home…
I’m good at handling stress on stage, but behind the scenes it’s something else. I cried a lot during the day, because what I was experiencing was so beautiful, and I didn’t want it to end. It’s crazy how quickly we formed bonds with the other candidates. I’m going to miss them, really.
How do you see the future?
I really wanted to take part in Star Academy It’s hard to think about what’s next. I’m going to take a little time to recover from my emotions. (Tears come to Mirani’s eyes.) In recent months, I have been thinking a lot about the future. I will therefore focus on the present moment and take advantage of the visibility that my participation in the first gala gave me to plan the future.
Our interview with the fourth evictee, Philippe, will follow soon.
