Many give it a win. At least big favorite of “Star Academy”. As this Saturday evening begins, the second semi-final Ebony seems to have all the assets to win against Franck. But tele-hook can hold surprises, especially when the public is the sole decision-maker.
“A showgirl”, on the one hand, “an immense performer” on the other, announces Nikos Aliagas in his introduction. The tandem sparks to start as a duet on “Last Dance” which started gently backstage before the disco explosion of this Donna Summer classic. Very slight advantage for Ebony, whose charisma and ease, power and accuracy, take a little advantage over her comrade in this first title. But this is only the beginning
During “Le duel artiste” alongside Zaz, Franck capitalizes perfectly on the emotion of the intimate “Si” while Ebony takes off “Éblouie par la nuit”, which she already covered when she was little. “It’s incredible to be here and to sing it with you,” she admits to her eldest.
The following song has the feel of a final before the letter: Marine, first qualified for the big night next Saturday and Ebony face to face during “Without you” by Mariah Carey. Everest or almost. The first in a silver jumpsuit masters the climb, the second, in an evening dress, flies over the ascent.
Un show bluffant
But this semi-final is not just a competition. It’s also a show. Like this spectacular painting in an Egyptian atmosphere on “Unholy” by Sam Smith. We can’t help but be amazed by these young amateur artists who, in a few weeks, put on a weekly show in front of millions of viewers and are capable of combining singing and dancing. Even Franck, not at ease with the exercise a priori, puts on a show.
Throughout the evening, Ebony continues her fitness walk. The hit “7 seconds” performed with Youssou N’Dour seems made for her as much as for Neneh Cherry. “She did an extraordinary performance, I’m impressed,” admits the Senegalese legend.
-It’s us who are still there during “Rolling in the deep” by Adele chosen for the vocal confrontation between the two semi-finalists. Franck holds on despite some fragilities on the first chorus. Ebony folds the match, perfect in this determined vocal performance. Too much, in the eyes of some, as a report on his stay at the castle recalls. We then see her again in tears, regretting sometimes being considered “haughty”, “showing off”. “Don’t judge me, it’s too easy when you don’t know,” she sings a few minutes later in her heartbreaking solo with the piece of the same name by Camille Lellouche. One of the great thrills of the evening.
Franck, regularly praised for his qualities as a performer, is also undeniably inhabited by Charles Aznavour’s “Commeils dire”, despite some small accuracy problems. On the other hand, it is he who magnificently carries “She has the revolver eyes” with a Marc Lavoine much less convincing than the young student.
Crazy fans
The result is near. Everyone has their “personal message” accompanied by Marine on the piano. “I fly” by Michel Sardou for Franck. “Language” by Zaho de Sagazan for Ebony. The fans of the first duplex at home in Bagneux (Hauts-de-Seine) are overexcited, the fans of the second on Saint Denis Island (Seine-Saint-Denis) scream at each live broadcast. We know what their choice will be. Not yet that of other viewers. Ours was made a long time ago. Well before the pretty duo Marine and Franck on “C’est Written” by Francis Cabrel or the classy one bringing together Ebony and Charles – eliminated last Saturday – covering “Writing’s on the wall” by Sam Smith, soundtrack to the James Bond “Spectre” .
The evening drags on. The expectation of the result also at the end of a final duet, between the two semi-finalists, “Because it’s you” by Axelle Red. Shortly before midnight, the votes fall. Ebony, who flew through the evening, logically wins. She will face Marine in the final next Saturday.
