We are not reasonable when we reach the semi-finals of the “Star Academy”. To take this last step towards the final scheduled for January 25, Marine and Charles pulled out their claws this Saturday evening on TF1. Launched into a face-to-face “without mercy” according to the presenter Nikos Aliagas, while their two other comrades still in the running Ebony and Franck will face each other next week, the two students vibrated, dared, often turned the audience present .
“I’m going to give everything it takes and even more,” said the 18-year-old Breton before the show kicked off in a supercharged atmosphere. “Here, it’s war and we’re winning tonight,” predicted the reporter sent to Lille to the supporters of the 24-year-old student. Bet won. The viewers offered the Northerner her ticket to access the holy grail, preferred to her young opponent who had to leave the adventure.
Sequined black dress, Marine roared in all tones during the required tests. Gently in front of a fiery piano during the “artist duel” with Santa on “Salted Popcorn” while Charles, in a chic jet jacket, played the schoolboy on “The Difference”. Using nuances with Sting, XXL guest of the evening, during the “international trio” on a cover of “Message in a bottle”, where his competitor clearly revealed himself. “Charles, something happened: a star is being born, you have the fire in you,” applauded Hugues Hamelynck, the stage expression teacher.
A revelation? Even more so when the boy broadcast his “Message from an Earthman in Distress” in a vibrant solo, provoking tears from Marlène Schaff, another professional in stage expression. The lioness Marine, tied to the bow of a boat, avoided the iceberg, showing her vocal power to climb Everest “My heart will go on” by Celine Dion. “Sublime” for Sofia Morgavi, the whimsical singing teacher.
Since all the craziness was possible – including during the duplexes with the delirious fans or the performances of Ebony and Franck, notably with the Jamaican artist Shaggy -, the wild beasts of the day went from a western setting to Charles in an accomplice duet with Charlie Winston (“Like a Hobo”) in a smoky cocoon for Marine in tandem with the Quebecois Charlotte Cardin, companion of the actor Vassili Schneider whom the apprentice singer dreams of meet. But no fuss for their perilous and sober “A cappella” challenge where the competitors could no longer hide behind the music and staging. Who was able to “Break their voice” on this hit by Patrick Bruel? None.
One pushing the “dramatic tension”, his friend from the castle giving free rein to his “variations”… And both of them putting so much heart into it by performing, together for the last time, “Greatest love of all” by Whitney Houston. “It’s incredible! But Charles deserved it too,” reacted the young woman after her qualification. “You’re going to win it for me now Star Academy » replied the one she calls “her little brother”. And that too came from the heart.
