On December 21, 2024, the holiday spirit filled the air during the special Christmas broadcast of TF1's popular show, Star Academy, where former contestants made their comeback for one last chance to secure their spot on the upcoming tour slated for 2025. This event wasn't just about festive cheer; it also marked the long-awaited repêchage, bringing hopes and controversies among fans.
This live spectacle, hosted by Nikos Aliagas, featured performances from eight contestants who had been previously eliminated from the competition including Emma, Noah, Julie, Paul, Thomas, Masséo, and Maïlys. They returned to showcase their talents again, all vying for one golden opportunity—the chance to join the remaining contestants for the anticipated Star Academy tour across France beginning on February 21.
Emma, after having been eliminated earlier, was prepped to make her comeback. She performed "Avant toi" by Vitaa and Slimane. While her rendition aimed to tug at the heartstrings, reactions to her performance were mixed on social media. "But? Noah, Julie, Paul, Maelys sang much stronger than Emma tonight," voiced one viewer on X. Despite criticism, when the audience votes came through, it was Emma who won the chance to return to the tour, leaving many viewers stunned and divided. The show had been filled with comments ranging from disappointment to outright support for Emma, with the show's magazine even urging fans to refrain from hateful comments. "This is the choice of the public who voted either by SMS, by phone or on TF1+," they affirmed.
Besides Emma, eliminated contestants put their best foot forward with varied performances. Noah, who was the fourth to be eliminated, captivated viewers with his take on "Changer" by Gims, showcasing his standout vocal qualities. Many believed he deserved to be part of the tour based on his performance alone. Julie, narrowly missing her shot during the prime for the tour, belted out "Si j'étais un homme" by Diane Tell, demonstrating her powerful voice, but it also wasn’t enough to sway public opinion.
Then there was Maylis, the first to leave the adventure, whose rendition of Dua Lipa's "Don’t Start Now" won hearts, even if it didn’t win votes. Paul sang Frank Sinatra's classic "My Way", balancing nostalgia with his unique style, but he too fell short against Emma's comeback. Masséo and Thomas performed compelling pieces but failed to resonate with the audience enough to secure their return.
The evening was not just about the competitors. The special Christmas episode was sprinkled with festive ensemble performances, with all the remaining academicians joining to sing popular holiday classics such as "Noël Ensemble" and "All I Want For Christmas Is You" involving special guests, including Nolwenn Leroy and Loïc Nottet.
For fans following the emotional journeys of each contestant, Noah’s heartfelt ambition was clear: “I just want to share my passion,” he expressed, and though Emma's repêchage came as bittersweet to many, her emotional gratitude was evident. “If you knew how much I love you all,” Paul Miles articulated on Instagram following his non-selection.
The evening concluded with the official announcement of Emma joining the roster for the upcoming tour alongside other contestants still standing like Marine, Marguerite, Ebony, Ulysse, Charles, Franck, Maïa, and Maureen, illustrating the thrill and surprises the beloved show continues to deliver to its loyal audience.
Star Academy and its thrilling eliminations paired with the emotional rollercoaster speaks to the dedication and creativity of its contestants, alongside the engaged viewer base eager to support their favorites amid tough competitions and varied performances. With tickets to the tour already creating buzz, fans have much to look forward to, along with the hopes of seeing their favorite contestants shine brightly on stage.
