That's it, Faustine Bollaert has revealed the name of the winner of this season 11 of Prodigies. First winner in her category, singing, Monroe, a young Franco-American aged 16won over the jury composed of Gautier Capuçon, Marie-Claude Pietragalla and Axelle Saint-Cirel for the final of the competition broadcast this Thursday, January 2, 2025 on France 2. She therefore wins this edition and succeeds Charlie, winner of the previous season. In addition to the trophy, the high school student pockets a scholarship worth 10,000 euros. For Tele-Leisurethe young woman looked back on her journey, her experience in the competition and her future.
Monroe, 16-year-old singer: “I wish a show like Prodigies exists in the United States“
Tele-Leisure : Why did you participate in Prodigies In France ?
Monroe : I love classical music, I've been doing it since I was very young. Classical is the basis of everything I do in music. So when my aunt told us about this show in France, my parents and I inquired and I signed up. I really appreciate what they do around classical music and not just in singing. All disciplines are represented and that's what's good. I wish a show like Prodigies exists in the United States.
On a daily basis, how much time do you devote to music?
I have a few instructors who help me improve my singing. I also play piano. My mother also accompanies me a lot and I take singing lessons once a week. I would say that I devote two hours a day to music, a little more if we add the piano.
How do you manage to combine music with your schooling?
I was homeschooled with my mother. Now that I'm in high school it's different. I do half high school, half homeschooling like this, I have more time to organize myself optimally in order to progress in music.
Are you considering one day coming to live in France?
Why not. I had already come when I was two years old but I have no more memories. I really loved my experience in France, especially the art. So one day, I would like to stay for more time.
Monroe reflects on his experience in Prodigies 2025 : “We're always nervous before going on stage.”
How did you start singing?
I listened to music with my father when I was younger and it was he who allowed me to develop this passion. I started singing the songs we listened to together everywhere, then I started singing classical music and then playing the piano. That’s how I really developed this passion for the beauty of music and the way it touches people.
Why did you choose the classic?
It was my mother who told me that it was better to start with classical music because then I could do what I wanted. But since I started, I've always loved it so I've always stayed in it! People don't necessarily know the classic, sometimes even adults, that's why it's great that shows like Prodigies existent.
Why did you choose to sing? The Queen of the Night of Mozart in the finale, despite the difficulty of the piece? It’s a song that is difficult and always will be. But it was a song that was also good for the show because it's known and is very exciting. It also pushed me to improveto think about technique but also expression. And I think it will be a song that I will work on for the rest of my life trying to get better at. It's a truly magnificent composition.
Were you afraid of singing in front of Julie Fuchs and Axelle Saint-Cirel?
We're always nervous before going on stagebut in the end, it's a truly unique opportunity and it's very cool to be able to sing in front of the jury but also to be able to have this experience with the orchestra. It really gives you self-confidence and pushes you to give your best.
Monroe, the winner of season 11 of Prodigies reveals what she will do with her winnings
How did you react when Faustine Bollaert announced that you had won?
I was very happy to have been able to give the best of myself. I think I was very happy with my performance and to have been able to share this moment with the other young people and the public. It was really a good experience for me. I was really surprised but with all the candidates, we were happy to be together, to have been able to have this experience which was truly magnificent.
Have you made any connections with any of the other candidates?
Oui, we are always in touch. We text each other all the time. I hope to be able to see them if I go back to France or if they come here too.
You have won a scholarship of 10,000 euros. Do you already know what you are going to do with it?
I want to go to school and continue developing my music. I want to continue working with the instructors and get into a school where I can best increase my skills.
