Star Academy: Marine qualifies for the final, Charles eliminated

The first finalist of the “Star Academy” is known: it is Marine. Viewers preferred to send the 24-year-old young woman from the Arras region (Pas-de-Calais) to the final to the detriment of Charles, the 18-year-old student from Côtes-d’Armor. “It’s incredible. I didn’t expect it. It’s my dream. I’m very happy,” Marine reacted directly to Nikos Aliagas’ microphone.

For this first semi-final, the leader of Police, Sting, made the trip, he performed his hit “Message in a bottle” with Charles and Marine. Another headliner: the British Charlie Winston who shared a duet with Charles on “Like a hobo” while the Canadian Charlotte Cardin, new star of the international scene, joined forces with Marine on her song “Feel good” .

To allow viewers to choose which of Charles or Marine would go to the final, each of the two candidates also sang solo: the impressive “SOS of a landlubber in distress” by Daniel Balavoine for Charles – Grégory Lemarchal’s version remains unforgettable 20 years ago – and “My heart will go on” by Céline Dion for Marine. The two students shared the stage as a duet on Johnny Hallyday’s “Live for the best” or Whitney Houston’s “Greatest love of all”, sang “Recommence moi” with Santa but also had to sing a cappella – a first in the “Star Academy” – “Casser la voix” by Patrick Bruel.

To support the candidates, TF1 mobilized special correspondents to relatives and friends of the two candidates, between testimonies, signs and applause. A mission entrusted to two former candidates of the show 20 years ago: Houcine Camara and Mathieu Johann.

Marine’s performances were preferred by the public who offered her a ticket for the final. “She deserves it,” said Charles, a good loser. Next week, the second semi-final will pit Ebony against Franck. The winner will face Marine for the final on Saturday January 25, 2025.