On April 18, 2025, the semi-final of the popular dance competition "Danse avec les stars" aired on TF1, showcasing a thrilling night filled with high-energy performances and emotional farewells. As the contestants battled for a coveted spot in the grand finale, two couples were eliminated, leaving three finalists to compete for the title on April 25.
The semi-final featured five talented pairs: Lénie and Jordan Mouillerac, Florent Manaudou and Elsa Bois, Adil Rami and Ana Riera, Jungeli and Inès Vandamme, and Mayane and Christophe Licata. Each couple had the daunting task of performing two dances: one that was prepared during the week and another that required improvisation on the spot, a challenge that added to the evening's intensity.
As the show kicked off, Lénie and her partner Jordan took to the floor with a stunning paso doble set to Mylène Farmer's classic hit "Désenchantée." Their performance was so impressive that judge Chris Marques awarded them his first perfect score of the season, a 10, igniting excitement among the audience and viewers alike.
Following Lénie's performance, Florent Manaudou and Elsa Bois showcased their cha-cha, while Mayane and Christophe delivered a powerful paso doble. Adil Rami and Ana Riera then performed an American Smooth to Lady Gaga's emotional ballad "I'll Never Love Again," and Jungeli and Inès Vandamme concluded the first round with a quickstep.
Despite the strong performances, it was Mayane who found herself at the bottom of the judges' rankings after the first round, being directly nominated for the face-to-face elimination round.
After the initial dances, the remaining couples faced the night's most challenging segment: an improvised dance. Each couple was assigned a theme and music at the last minute, putting their adaptability and skill to the test. Lénie dazzled with a rumba to Santa's "Popcorn salé," while Florent also performed a rumba, this time to Pierre Garnier's "Nous on sait." Adil Rami's salsa performance to Michael Jackson's track earned him another 10 from Chris Marques, marking his second perfect score of the night. Jungeli, meanwhile, tackled a cha-cha to Claude François' "Alexandrie Alexandra."
As the clock ticked towards the end of the show, the tension mounted. The public votes were announced around 11:35 PM, revealing that Mayane and Jungeli would be eliminated from the competition. This decision was met with mixed emotions, as both contestants had shown remarkable growth throughout the season.
With the eliminations, the three couples advancing to the grand finale were Lénie and Jordan Mouillerac, Adil Rami and Ana Riera, and Florent Manaudou and Elsa Bois. The stakes are now higher than ever as they prepare to compete for the title, which was previously held by Natasha St-Pier and Anthony Colette in the 2024 season.
The atmosphere during the semi-final was electric, with judges Fauve Hautot, Chris Marques, Jean-Marc Généreux, and Mel Charlot critiquing each performance with their usual flair. The pressure was palpable, especially during the improvisation segment, as contestants had to rely on their instincts and training to impress the judges and secure their spots in the final.
Reflecting on the evening, Lénie expressed her nerves about the improvisational dance, stating, "It’s super stressful. We have so many dances to learn, and we don’t know what music we’ll end up with." This sentiment resonated with many contestants, who faced the dual challenges of performing well and adapting to unexpected circumstances.
As the finalists gear up for the grand finale, viewers are eagerly anticipating who will take home the title of champion. The final showdown will take place on April 25, 2025, and promises to be a spectacular event filled with breathtaking performances and unforgettable moments. Fans of the show are left wondering: who will emerge victorious in this season's thrilling competition?
With the stakes now higher than ever, the excitement surrounding the finale is palpable. Each finalist brings unique strengths and talents to the dance floor, and it will be fascinating to see how they rise to the occasion in the final round. As the countdown to the grand finale begins, one thing is certain: the journey of these contestants has captivated audiences and showcased the transformative power of dance.
