On Friday, March 28, 2025, the excitement was palpable as the last eight candidates of Danse avec les stars faced off on the TF1 stage during a special evening dubbed "Battle of the Judges." This week's competition was particularly fierce, following the elimination of Frank Leboeuf the previous Friday, March 21, 2025.
The contestants of the fourteenth season had trained all week alongside their judges, showcasing their skills and creativity. Among the standout pairs were Lénie and Mayane, who rehearsed with Jean-Marc Généreux, proudly calling themselves the "Diamond Five." Chris Marques teamed up with Claude Dartois, Jungeli, and their dancers, while Fauve Hautot led the "Petits chats" team composed of Florent Manaudou and Eve Gilles. Julie Zenatti and Adil Rami were coached by the new expert, Mel Charlot.
During the prime time show, Mel Charlot received a heartwarming surprise visit from her husband, Stan, and their son, Mathéo. This emotional moment came after Adil Rami and Ana Riera performed a cha-cha-cha with Mel. After their performance, Adil expressed his gratitude and excitement, saying, "She opened her heart to us... it was a pleasure to be with her." He added, "With the team, we have a little surprise for you, and we brought some people who are dear to you today." Following his announcement, Stan and Mathéo appeared on stage, leading to an emotional reunion. Mel embraced her son and kissed her husband, visibly moved by their support.
Stan shared his pride, stating, "We have seen you dance for over twenty years on big stages like this one, and that deserves a 10." Mathéo held up a sign with the number 10 written on it, further highlighting the family's admiration for Mel. This touching moment added a personal touch to the competitive atmosphere of the show.
The evening also featured Kamel Ouali, the iconic choreographer from Star Academy, who joined the jury as a special guest. His presence created a buzz among contestants and judges alike. During rehearsals, professional swimmer Florent Manaudou playfully asked Kamel whether he would be strict like Chris Marques or more lenient. Kamel humorously responded, "I’ll take the bad from each of them."
As the competition progressed, Adil Rami and Ana Riera faced a unique challenge posed by Kamel Ouali: they had to dance without music for several seconds, then seamlessly return to the rhythm when the music resumed. This challenge tested their skills and ability to stay in sync, and while the performance had its ups and downs, Kamel praised their energy and interpretation, awarding them a generous 9. In contrast, Chris Marques critiqued their performance for lacking fluidity and hip movement, while Jean-Marc Généreux called for more technical precision. Fauve Hautot echoed similar sentiments, noting that Adil appeared less secure than usual.
The judges' scores reflected the tension of the night, with Adil and Ana receiving three 7s from the other judges, while Kamel's higher score highlighted his appreciation for their efforts. The overall atmosphere was one of encouragement and constructive criticism, as the judges aimed to push the contestants to reach their full potential.
As the seventh prime of Danse avec les stars unfolded, the competition intensified, particularly after the recent eliminations of notable contestants like Nelson Monfort, Sophie Davant, Charlotte de Turckheim, and Frank Leboeuf. Each week, the stakes grow higher, and the fatigue among competitors becomes more evident, prompting them to dig deeper and showcase their best performances.
Mel Charlot's emotional moment with her family was a highlight of the evening, showcasing the personal sacrifices and support systems behind the glitz of the competition. As Stan articulated, Mel's journey as a dancer has spanned more than two decades, and her commitment to her craft is evident to all who know her. Chris Marques also acknowledged her positive influence since joining the show, calling her a "ray of sunshine."
With the competition heating up, fans can expect more thrilling performances and emotional moments in the coming weeks. Danse avec les stars airs every Friday at 9:05 p.m. on TF1, allowing viewers to catch all the action, including highlights and bonus content available on TF1+.
