Olympe And Jade Mathieu Shine On La Voix Premiere

The curtain rose on the 11th season of La Voix on January 18, 2026, as Quebec’s beloved singing competition returned to TVA’s prime-time lineup. The premiere delivered all the spectacle fans have come to expect, but it was the stories behind the voices—both fresh and familiar—that truly captured hearts and headlines. Among the standout moments: the arrival of French powerhouse Olympe, the emergence of 17-year-old Jade Mathieu, and the steadfast stewardship of host Charles Lafortune, all set against a backdrop of cultural pride and technical innovation.

Charles Lafortune, a fixture since the show’s inception, took his place once again as host for the much-anticipated new season. As reported by Filmogaz, Lafortune sees La Voix as more than just a contest—it’s a vital platform for keeping Quebec’s unique culture alive and resonant, particularly among the province’s youth. "It’s essential that our local culture continues to shine and connect with younger generations, especially as we compete with global entertainment platforms," Lafortune reflected. This season, the show’s content is intentionally crafted to be 60% French-speaking, a deliberate move to emphasize Quebec’s linguistic and musical heritage. The season also pays tribute to Serge Fiori, a nod to the province’s storied artistic roots.

The premiere episode was a family affair in more ways than one. As Lafortune emphasized, La Voix has become a cherished Sunday night tradition across Quebec, drawing families together in front of their televisions—a rarity in the age of streaming and fragmented media. "This shared experience is a cornerstone for our community," he noted, suggesting that the show’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to unite people across generations.

Behind the scenes, the scale of La Voix is nothing short of impressive. According to Filmogaz, the production involves a crew of 350 to 400 technicians spanning 33 trades, all working together on a sprawling 1,700-square-meter stage. The set features eye-catching elements like 18-foot-tall hands weighing in at 600 pounds each and four state-of-the-art robotic chairs for the coaches. Over the course of 28 days, 12 episodes are filmed using 15 cameras, with a live studio audience of 400 to 600 spectators adding to the electric atmosphere. The show is produced by Productions Déferlantes in collaboration with Québecor Contenu, ensuring both technical polish and creative flair.

This season isn’t just about tradition—it’s also about innovation. New twists include a "shush" button for coaches, a musical chairs-style audition mechanic, and, perhaps most notably, the return of public voting to determine the winner. The contestant pool is broader than ever, with participants ranging in age from 16 to 75, including several first-time performers. These changes are designed to keep the format fresh and engaging, inviting both new and longtime viewers to invest in the journey.

Among the fresh faces is Jade Mathieu, who, at just 17 years old, managed to steal the spotlight during the premiere. As reported by Journal de Montréal, Jade’s heartfelt rendition of "Parler" from the Aladdin soundtrack not only won over the public and the coaches but also secured her a coveted spot on Mario Pelchat’s team. Her performance resonated deeply, moving even the show’s host Charles Lafortune to tears, and marking her as a rising star to watch this season.

But if Jade’s story is one of youthful promise, the arrival of Olympe—real name Joffrey Drisch—brings a seasoned voice and a narrative of artistic self-discovery. Olympe, a 36-year-old singer from Roubaix, France, is no stranger to the pressures and triumphs of televised competition. In 2013, he was a finalist on The Voice France, earning a gold record and captivating audiences with his powerful vocals. This time, answering a call for auditions he spotted on Instagram, Olympe made his first-ever trip to Montreal after securing a work permit, determined to leave his mark on Quebec’s stage.

His blind audition performance of "S.O.S. d’un terrien en détresse," the iconic ballad from the rock opera Starmania, was met with instant acclaim. As detailed by Le Journal de Québec and Journal de Montréal, all four coaches vied for the chance to mentor him, but it was Corneille’s advice that ultimately won him over. For Olympe, whose musical heroes include Céline Dion and Ginette Reno—voices introduced to him by his grandfather—this decision was a nod to the province’s legacy of powerhouse singers.

Olympe’s journey, however, is about more than vocal prowess. In candid remarks shared with Le Journal de Québec, he recounted his early career struggles with industry pressure and artistic compromise. "It was really on my first two albums that I wasn’t allowed to write or compose. Every time I presented a song, they wouldn’t even listen to it. They’d say, ‘Don’t worry, we have something better,’" he explained. It wasn’t until he released his EP and, later, his album Press Play in 2021 that he began to reclaim his identity as an artist. "Now, I do what I love and go where I feel there is kindness," Olympe said, describing his return to music and his decision to compete in Quebec as both a personal challenge and a chance to reignite the excitement he first felt on The Voice 13 years ago.

Olympe’s versatility was on full display, with past performances spanning genres and artists from Lana Del Rey and The Cranberries to Madonna and Édith Piaf. As Le Journal de Montréal noted, his journey on La Voix could spark renewed interest in his music back in Europe, regardless of how far he advances in the competition. The Quebec media and fans alike have wished him well, eager to see how his story unfolds.

As the season unfolds, La Voix continues to serve as a microcosm of Quebec’s evolving cultural landscape—a place where tradition, innovation, and personal journeys intersect. With its blend of technical excellence, heartfelt performances, and a renewed commitment to local identity, the show remains a vital part of the province’s Sunday night ritual. For contestants like Jade Mathieu and Olympe, it’s a chance to share their voices not only with Quebec, but with the world.

Whether it’s the thrill of a young singer’s breakthrough, the resilience of an artist reclaiming his creative path, or the collective embrace of a community gathering around music, the 11th season of La Voix promises a wealth of stories that are as rich and varied as Quebec itself.