Return to the past and nostalgia: this was the theme of this seventh bonus of the Star Academy this Saturday, November 23 on TF1 after a week under the sign of the old seasons of tele-hook. More particularly, in tribute to Grégory Lemarchal, winner of season 4 in 2004 and who died of cystic fibrosis in 2007.
After Emma's elimination from the competition, the bench of nominees was occupied this evening again by the Vendéen Masséo, Ulysse and Maïa. And it seems to be becoming a habit: a bit like last week, under the sign of gifts, this bonus also had many surprises in store.
A mess of nostalgic moments
First leap into the past with the opening of the evening the revival of let me dance by Dalida, which marked season 4. Several former students of this emblematic class have joined the 2024 academicians: the château's tutor Lucie Bernardoni, Karima Charni, Sofiane Tadjine-Lambert, Hoda Nekra, Sébastien Degut, Sandy François… The jury was also duplicated. Former teachers who exceptionally gave classes at the castle this week were alongside this year's faculty: Oscar Sisto, Armande Altai, Kamel Ouali and Mathieu Gonet.
After a beautiful duet without surprises between Jenifer, winner of the first season, and Julie on Give me timea medley cover of cult songs from the first seasons set the tone: on Harley DavidsonMarine and Julie were surprised to discover under the helmets of the bikers behind whom they were sitting… Emma, the last eliminated from this season, and, even more surprising, Alexia Laroche-Joubert, historical producer of the show and director of first seasons.
Subsequently, the students resumed Ketchup Song (Asereje)which became cult during season 2, thanks to the more than shaky interpretation of Georges-Alain, who we almost expected live for a surprise… But (unfortunately) no.
After La Bambathe anthem of season 3, gives way to the faithful artists of the sets of Star Academy : Roch Voisine came to take over Helene with Marguerite, in a duet imbued with sweetness. Then Chimène Badi shared her great classic I come from the south with Montpellier's Maureen, and finally Patxi from season 3, sang with Franck on Sentimental crowd by Alain Souchon.
A new surprise this time upset Lucie Bernardoni, prepared by Kamel Ouali with Marguerite and Charles. The two students performed with great mastery a painting that the castle tutor knows only too well: The mills of my heart by Michel Legrand, which she shared in 2004 with Grégory Lemarchal.
Rain of tributes to Grégory Lemarchal
As Nikos Aliagas announced at the start of the program, in front of Grégory's parents, present alongside the students, this prime “is dedicated to his memory”. The first tribute is carried with his song I am writing to you performed by academician Marine in a duet with singer and actress Camille Lou, “big fan” of the singer (and, coincidentally, currently in the casting of the series Cat’s Eyes on TF1 ), accompanied by Mathieu Gonet on the piano. The female duo, with their infectious emotion, was applauded for a long time.
The alumni of the 2004 class then took over Write the storythen the new students performed a song written but never recorded by Grégory Lemarchal, entitled And if you smell.
Ebony's prime, between dance and tour
It was also finally Ebony's night. The young singer had the difficult task of taking up the challenge of a song and dance choreographed by the renowned demanding Kamel Ouali. On Sweet Dreams from Eurythmics, Ebony managed to maintain her breath and her vocal stability over a frantic rhythm. “You are part of the tradition of the best elements that the Star ac' dance teachers have had! “, said a very enthusiastic Kamel Ouali.
To top it off, Nikos Aliagas announced that the next bonus on Saturday, November 30 will be that of the tour: the eight students who will stay at the castle from then on will be guaranteed to be able to participate in the concert tour organized at the end of the year. 'emission. Consequently, the student who won the famous “top 3 battle” this evening and therefore immunity, was qualified for this crucial stage.
On I'm sick by Serge Lama, Franck, Charles and Ebony faced each other. Definitely often next to the battles, Franck did not convince. Between Charles and Ebony, the result looked closer but ultimately it was the young woman who most won over the jury.
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Who left the castle?
Around 10:45 p.m., earlier than usual in the evening, the nominees took turns defending their places. First Maïa, very rock and invested in I See Red by Everybody Love An Outlaw, then Masséo, with RnB accents but not really just on Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word of Elton John and Ulysses, very comfortable on Turn off the light by Axel Bauer. In addition, this evening, the nominees could share a duet with the student of their choice on A few words of love by Michel Berger: Maïa with Marguerite, Ulysse and Maureen, and Masséo and Julie.
At midnight, the fateful moment arrives: it is ultimately Ulysses who receives the most votes from the public. The other academicians therefore had to make a choice between Masséo and Maïa. The students saved the latter, almost unanimously, and that is the end of the adventure for the young man.
The students will have to quickly re-mobilize, because a new major challenge awaits them: apart from Ebony who won her immunity, which of Marine, Maureen, Franck, Charles, Julie, Marguerite, Ulysse or Maïa will remain at the gates of the tour? Answer next week.
