At 95 years old, Colette Mansard is making waves on the popular singing competition, "The Voice". Her appearance as the oldest contestant ever is both momentous and heartwarming, as she brings decades of experience and emotional depth to the stage. A glimpse of her performance aired on February 22, 2023, captivating audiences and judges alike.
"Je m’appelle Colette Mansard, j’ai 95 ans et je suis ici à “The Voice” ! Il faut être un peu fou mais je l’ai toujours été,” she boldly declared as she took the stage. Colette's story is one of resilience and passion; she has dedicated her life to music, primarily as a composer working alongside legends like Johnny Hallyday and Juliette Gréco.
During her audition, which took place at the ITV Studios France last fall, Colette performed her own composition, "Comment faire pour être heureux". This song, dedicated to the young generation, encapsulates her life philosophy: "Soyez heureux mes enfants, vivez ! Faites ce que vous avez envie de faire, et faites-le bien." Her heartfelt performance aimed to inspire those watching, emphasizing the importance of living life to the fullest.
The judges, gathered to evaluate her talent, were visibly touched by her presence. Nikos Aliagas, the show’s host, applauded her achievement, announcing, "Vous venez de battre un record, vous êtes la doyenne historique de l’émission 'The Voice'." This recognition of her status as the oldest contestant marks not only her personal accomplishment but also signifies how the entertainment industry increasingly embraces diverse talents of all ages.
Colette's background as a composer has prepared her well for this moment. Throughout her illustrious career, she gained experience working with numerous celebrated artists. "J'ai connu tout le métier de Johnny Hallyday à Juliette Gréco, Gilbert Bécaud, Annie Cordy..." she shared, reflecting on the expansive nature of her career. Despite her extensive experience behind the scenes, stepping onto the stage as a performer had always been more challenging. "Je pense que j'avais peur d'être devant le public, sur scène," she admitted, explaining her reluctance to take center stage earlier.
When Colette concluded her song, the emotional atmosphere remained palpable. Although no judges turned their chairs immediately, she received thunderous applause from the audience. Patricia Kaas, one of the judges, was so moved she shed tears, truly embodying the sentiment of the moment. She expressed her admiration for Colette by stating, "À 95 ans, chanter comme vous chantez, c'est exceptionnel," acknowledging the remarkable achievement of performing at such an age.
Inspired by Colette's presence, Patricia joined her on stage, continuing the spirit of camaraderie and support. Together, they harmonized the refrain of "Mon mec à moi" with Zaz, creating a memorable and touching moment for everyone involved. This sense of community around Colette highlighted the beauty of music as it transcends age and experience, showcasing talent regardless of one’s years.
Colette's determination and charm shone brightly throughout her participation, leading to another opportunity on the show. Patricia's request for Vianney to hit the "second chance" button was an emotional event, allowing Colette to return later and perform once more. This moment was not only significant for Colette but also reinforced the show's inclusive nature, as it recognized and celebrated unique talents across different ages.
Reflecting on her experience, Colette noted how her participation on "The Voice" fully realized her lifelong dream. Sharing her thoughts after the show, she expressed her immense happiness: "Je suis très heureuse ce soir," capturing the joy she felt performing for the first time on such significant public television.
With her remarkable story of perseverance and passion, Colette Mansard has undoubtedly left her mark on the world of musical talent shows. Her presence on "The Voice" has not only redefined age limits within such platforms but has also inspired many to pursue their dreams at any stage of life. This unprecedented moment may well lead to greater visibility for artists seeking to prove there truly is no age limit on success.
Colette's incredible example serves as a reminder to cherish one’s dreams, irrespective of time. She has trailed on the path of musical history, now standing as the proud oldest contestant on "The Voice," lighting the way for others to follow.