Hélène Ségara, December 6 in Narbonne: “We are not here to pretend”

The Narbonne Arena invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of the greatest French and international musical shows, sometimes performed by their original artists. Romeo and Juliet, Grease, Notre-Dame-de-Paris, Starmania, Flashdance, The Ten Commandments, The Sun King… as many shows or films as there are hits. On stage, they will be performed by Cécilia Cara (Juliette), Ginie Line (Nefertari), Priscilla Betti (Alex in Flashdance), Damien Sargue (Romeo), Gwendal Marimoutou (Tennessee in Résiste), Alexis Loizon (Aladdin), Merwan Rim (understudy for Ramsès), but also two special guests: Natasha Saint-Pier and Hélène Ségara at the Arena. The latter took part in the question-and-answer game before her visit to Narbonne, on Friday December 6, at 8 p.m.

First a question that takes on its full meaning with you: how are you?

I ask that the journalists not ask personal questions… In any case, if I was unwell, I would not be on the road going to a concert.

What do musicals mean to you?

They are part of our French musical heritage, but also Anglo-Saxon. After Starmania, there was a huge comeback with Notre-Dame-de-Paris and the public remained loyal. Thirteen years later, I still receive a superb welcome and I am very lucky. It's a luxury to be able to last in this profession.

You are also going to celebrate your 25 years of career…

Quite. The tenderness of people has never left me. We grew it together and I cherish it every day.

Your songs like “Elle, tu l’aime” or “There are too many people who love you” are always on the radio and seem to defy the years. How do you explain it?

That's nice. It's true and I can say it with all modesty because I wasn't the one who wrote these. I find that they are indeed timeless perhaps because they marked events in people's lives. They allow me to go through time, it’s nice.

Each time, like in Narbonne-Plage in 2012 when you were at the peak of your career, we feel a warm welcome from your audience at your concerts. He loves you…

I am fully aware of it and I continue to cultivate and appreciate it.

In return, you are caring and provide proof of this, notably in France Has an Incredible Talent… Is it the maternal side that is expressed?

Obviously, I am a mama italiana. Even when I don't like it, I feel empathy and look for a way to say it so that the person understands without hurting them. Tastes are too personal, that's why there are four jurors on the show. And that's what's interesting: each of us represents, I believe, the voice of a person at home thanks to this panel of opinions.

And often you cry…

I cry from emotions, not from sadness. I don't display my personal problems with tears. Usually, when someone moves me, I let my emotions speak. If you were in my place, you would do the same thing. We let ourselves be carried away and I want to keep this never-jaded look because I still want to be amazed.

How are the meetings with Ginie Line, Natasha Saint-Pier, Chimène Badie… and all these artists who are on stage with you with these musicals?

I already knew them all. There are even some with whom I have had an affinity for years. It's a bit of a summer camp, but with work all the same. A show that is big, good and complete is work, miles and miles and we are not here to pretend. Especially since there are different options depending on the guests and you have to adapt to leave the necessary space for everyone.

Your grandfather predicted you would be a star. Today, how do you perceive this destiny?

It's true. Coming from where I come from and being where I am is a gift. Yes, there were sacrifices, work, fatigue… but that doesn't matter given what I received in return. I never imagined that my destiny would be this.

No remorse?

I may have made mistakes but no, I don't want to live with remorse or regrets. I don't feel like I hurt people to succeed. I made choices. The past is something that is over. And the future, as we have not yet mastered it, we might as well live in the present because it allows us to be much happier.

These 25 years of career will be celebrated at the Salle Pleyel for a unique date. An album will be released… what will it sound like?

These will be all my hits covered in duets with well-known artists.