Benoît, the rising star of France 2's hit game show N'oubliez pas les paroles, recently showcased his extraordinary talent and dedication on the show, earning him acclaim and financial rewards. During his appearances on December 24 and 25, 2024, Benoît not only secured multiple victories but also revealed the extent of his preparation, underlining the commitment he's shown since embarking on his musical trivia adventure.
Since his debut, the 31-year-old from Angers has become one of the most emblematic contestants of the program, celebrated for his extensive knowledge and remarkable consistency. With nearly 38 victories under his belt and total winnings amounting to approximately €270,000, Benoît has cemented his position as one of the top contestants. But this success didn't come easily; it required sacrifices and intense preparation.
Reflecting on his time leading up to his first appearance, Benoît disclosed during the December 24 episode, "For the first eight months, I did practically nothing else [but revise songs]. Let's not kid ourselves." This rigorous training regimen was driven by his desire to catch up with the high standards set by previous contestants, particularly referencing Étienne, the 17th-largest maestro of the show, who served as inspiration for Benoît’s commitment. "If I want this to be something quick, I'm going to give it time, and that's what I did. But I sacrificed quite a bit," he admitted.
His preparation was no small feat. It culminated over two years during which he memorized over 1,131 songs. "At the start of my training, I learned between five and ten songs each day… that's enormous," Benoît mentioned. This incredible discipline has clearly paid off, as he’s now breaking records and drawing significant viewer engagement.
The festive episodes around Christmas showcased Benoît's prowess yet again. On December 25, 2024, he claimed victory not just once but twice—albeit with modest financial gains on the holiday. He managed to earn €1,000 during the first episode, solidifying his status as the 16th most successful maestro, tying with another contestant, Manon, with his cumulative winnings pushing closer to the €300,000 mark. Benoît's impressive earnings and victories keep him firmly among the crème de la crème of musical maestros.
During the December 24 episodes, Benoît faced off against competitors Stéphane and Laurène, demonstrating his skills by leading both matches handily. He secured wins like the nuanced finale question featuring Céline Dion's "L'amour existe encore" and other popular French titles. The competitive ambiance and Benoît's charm not only boost his own profile but also contribute positively to the show's audience ratings, which have seen notable increases recently.
The viewership statistics reflect this surge—Benoît’s aired episodes attracted 1.93 million and 2.1 million viewers respectively, capturing significant market shares at 16.8% and 18.5%. The two games were instrumental for France 2, marking their dominance against competitors like TF1's Here Everything Begins and Tomorrow Belongs to Us, which lagged behind with audience shares around 12.9% and 12.6% respectively. It’s clear Benoît's charm and knowledge drive audiences to tune in.
These festive specials are particularly endearing, mixing joy with competition as Benoît continues his pursuit of mastery. Nagui, the show’s charismatic host, often teased Benoît and Étienne, keeping the atmosphere lively. This rapport not only makes for engaging television but also highlights the supportive camaraderie among contestants.
Despite his incredible run, Benoît remains humble about his achievements. "All this is the result of hard work and dedication," he noted when reflecting on his rapid ascent within the show. His enthusiasm and passion resonate with fans, making him a notable figure within the franchise.
After his recent victories, Benoît is all set to return to the stage, aiming to maintain his winning streak and perhaps breach the elite top 15 maestros of N'oubliez pas les paroles. With each episode, he inches closer to achieving his goal, and fans are sure to tune in to witness this inspirational story continue to evolve.
Following the success of the Christmas episodes, Benoît's participation is eagerly anticipated as he seeks to break yet more records and charm the audience. He is truly becoming one of the memorable faces of N'oubliez pas les paroles, defining the essence of the game with his knowledge, spirit, and remarkable memory.
With each new challenge, Benoît not only entertains but inspires viewers, underscoring the power of commitment and the love for music. He has redefined what it means to be a maestro on N'oubliez pas les paroles, and the audience is here for every moment.
