When Laura Philipe, resident of Comblanchien, heard about the competition on RTL2, she didn’t hesitate for a second. She dials the number and calls, again and again, up to eight times, clinging to the hope of hearing good news. Then, finally, a voice picks up: it’s won! “I had already tried my luck last year without success, so I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t expect it at all! When I called my sister (Lydie Singer, editor’s note) to tell her the news, she didn’t believe it. She had to see the tickets to realize,” says Laura Philipe, still moved.
On Friday September 20, the two sisters learned that they were flying to Los Angeles to meet the pop rock group Imagine Dragons (notably known for their songs Believer , Demons or even Radioactive ) at the Hollywood Bowl, a dream come true. The countdown is on: they have precisely one month and two days left to organize everything. Between the children, work, and passports to do, the preparation was intense.
A brief exchange
Finally, it’s the big day: Tuesday October 22, the duo takes off for the city of angels. Eleven hours and thirty minutes later, they arrive at their destination, amazed by the Californian city, but marked by the fatigue of the flight… and a small cold caused by the plane’s air conditioning.
The next day, the long-awaited moment arrives: they meet Imagine Dragons. The group, from Las Vegas, with five albums in total, has sold 74 million albums and 160 billion streams all over the world. Winning three American Music Awards, ten Billboard Music Awards and a Grammy Award, they are one of the most iconic pop rock groups of the last decade.
“The sound quality was incredible”
Due to a delay in the schedule, the exchange is brief: a handshake, a photo, but no dedication. “We idealized this meeting, perhaps imagining a private concert,” jokes Lydie Singer, “but it remains a unique memory, we were even able to see the singer’s partner and children.” Little anecdote: the actress Kim Raver, notably playing Teddy in the series Grey’s Anatomy was also there to meet the group, and the girls took the opportunity to take a photo with her.
The same evening, they attend the concert. Installed near the control room, they have a front row seat to enjoy an exceptional show. “The sound quality was incredible, there were even fireworks,” marvels Laura Philipe. The singer even ventures into the central aisle, passing very close to them. “There was a little less atmosphere than when we went to see them in Paris, we were in the pit. There, sitting, people let go less,” confides Lydie.
Arriving on Tuesday and leaving on Friday, the two sisters took the opportunity to explore Los Angeles, a city they are discovering for the first time. They visit legendary places – the famous Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame – and try local flavors, including “super donuts”. And RTL2 left nothing to chance: “The hotel was great, and for breakfast we ate huge pancakes, bigger than our plates! », says Lydie Singer, amused.
To engrave this unique trip in their memory but also on their skin, they have a palm tree, a heart and a wave tattooed, symbols of California and this unforgettable experience.
But they also discover some American realities: life is very expensive there, and the gap between wealth and poverty marks them. “We paid €80 for a salad and a drink! And there are so many homeless people, a lot of drugs too… It’s really different from in France,” points out Lydie Singer.
Already a next concert planned
Friday October 25, before their return flight, they took a detour to Santa Monica. At the end of the day, attracted by a “super McDonald’s” that they wanted to try, they almost missed their flight, running through the airport “like in the film Mom I missed the plane » , they laugh. They arrive just in time to board. Back home, the two sisters already have their eyes set on their next Imagine Dragons concert, scheduled for July in Lyon, where, this time, they will be in the pit. “We want to feel the singer’s sweat! » they joke, their eyes sparkling. They will of course try to get their dedication.
I didn’t expect it at all! When I called my sister to tell her the news, she couldn’t believe it.
Laura Philipe, after winning the RTL2 competition
We paid €80 for a salad and a drink! And there are so many homeless people, a lot of drugs too… It’s really different from in France.
Lydie Singer, about Los Angeles
