Ebony Cham is not your average contestant.
The daughter of famous Afro-Caribbean singer Thierry Cham, known for his hit "Océan," Ebony has grown up immersed in music. Her roots from Guadeloupe and Martinique, combined with her powerful voice and stage presence, made her a standout toward the finale of the Star Academy.
Among the emotional highlights of this season was the special appearance by Thierry Cham, who joined his daughter on stage to perform the Francis Cabrel classic, "Petite Marie." This touching performance showcased the bond between father and daughter, illustrating the musical legacy being passed down. "I have seen her from the very first day of her life and I am captivated more every day. She's really talented. She always had it inside her; whenever I played guitar, she would sing along," Thierry remarked, showcasing his pride.
Ebony's path, though, was fraught with challenges. Since the show's inception, she has faced scathing criticisms and hate on social media, including racist messages and sexist comments. This wave of online vitriol prompted organizations like SOS Racisme and La Maison des Potes to file complaints against such harassment.
Yet, Ebony has built a formidable support team, especially from her fans across the Caribbean. This mirrors the story of Cyril Cinélu, the Martinique-born winner of Star Academy back in 2006, who garnered overwhelming support from his homeland to secure victory with 67% of the votes. The narrative of support from the Antilles has ignited hopes for another triumph for the region.
The access to voting proved to be pivotal this season. Initially, viewers from the Caribbean, Reunion, and Guyana were disenfranchised, sparking fierce backlash. Actress Firmine Richard vocally criticized this exclusion, leading TF1 to amend their policies for the voting process. Consequently, support from overseas territories intensified.
Ebony faced her ultimate challenge at 16:10 local time, with millions watching her every move. With the public votes now accessible to overseas territories, the stakes rose significantly. Should she come out on top today, Ebony would not only secure €100,000 but also obtain the record deal with Sony Music. This chance to follow in her father’s footsteps would mark another monumental achievement for the Antillean community.
"She’ll need to manage her emotions, especially with the onslaught of insults she's received," said Thierry Cham. "Her team is relentless, and we are putting our hopes on our compatriots from Guadeloupe and Martinique to push her to victory."
Today is not just any day for Ebony. It’s the culmination of hard work, emotional trials, and public support. Throughout the season, she has been able to count on supporters from her fan base, especially those from the Caribbean. The stakes are high as this talented singer pushed through the toxic backlash, receiving encouragement from high-profile figures like Aya Nakamura. This support adds to the confidence she carries as she approaches the final stage.
"I just love to perform, and I feel incredibly blessed to be standing here today," Ebony expressed earlier, infusing her final moments with positive energy.
It’s clear this young artist is forging her path, one buoyed by the undeniable talent she inherited from her father. Thierry Cham stands beside her every step, having initially inspired her passion for music. Whether through performances or social media shout-outs urging fans to vote for her, his enthusiastic backing is palpable.
Thierry Cham, recognized for his contribution to Caribbean music since the early '90s, has enjoyed considerable success within the genre, with hits like "Coup de foudre" and "Mémoire de femme." His emergence began after notable performances and competitions, which altered his career path from sports to music. Today, as Ebony strives toward her dream, she exemplifies the latest chapter of the Cham legacy.
With the face-off between the final contestants growing ever closer, anticipation mounts. Marine, the other finalist, once seemed like the favorite to claim victory. But comments from fans indicate the contest is far from decided. Ebony's supporters remain hopeful, eager to replicate the mobilization exhibited during Cyrile Cinélu's remarkable win.
This evening will be pivotal as the world awaits to see if Ebony Cham can secure yet another crown for the islands and solidify her place within the music industry. Amidst the cheers and challenges faced, this is Ebony’s moment to shine, and the Cham family’s musical story continues.