The finale of the 14th season of Danse avec les stars aired on April 25, 2025, captivating audiences as it showcased the emotional journey of its finalists. Among them was Olympic swimmer Florent Manaudou, who performed an extraordinary freestyle dance while grappling with personal loss.
With the stakes high, the competition narrowed down to three finalists: Florent Manaudou, Lénie Vacher, and Adil Rami, each paired with their respective dance partners, Elsa Bois, Jordan Mouillard, and Ana Riera. The finale, broadcast live on TF1, was marked by emotional performances and heartfelt moments, particularly from Manaudou, who revealed he was dancing in memory of a childhood friend whose funeral took place that same day.
As the show commenced, the atmosphere was electric. The finalists prepared to impress the audience and judges alike, with each contestant performing a freestyle dance as well as revisiting a dance that had been significant during the season. Lénie Vacher opened the show with a lively performance to Shakira's "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" and earned a remarkable score of 39 points, including three perfect tens from the judges.
Following Vacher's performance, it was Florent Manaudou's turn to take the stage. His first dance was a poignant rendition of Serge Lama's "Je suis malade." The emotional weight of the performance was palpable, as he dedicated it to his late friend. "I danced tonight for a friend, who had his funeral today. I wasn’t there; it was my oldest childhood friend. I chose to dance for him and express all of that tonight instead of attending his funeral," Manaudou shared with the audience, visibly moved.
His heartfelt tribute resonated deeply with the judges, particularly Jean-Marc Généreux, who was brought to tears. "It’s a beautiful homage you’ve paid to him, Florent," praised Camille Combal, the show's host. Despite the circumstances, Manaudou felt a sense of fulfillment in honoring his friend through dance. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform, stating, "I apologize for not attending his funeral. But I’m very happy to have been able to perform on the dance floor for him tonight." The judges awarded him 36 points for his performance, reflecting the emotional depth he brought to the dance.
The finale also featured a touching moment involving Manaudou's sister, Laure Manaudou, who reflected on her brother's incredible journey throughout the competition. In a heartfelt segment, Laure, visibly emotional, spoke about the importance of family and the pride she felt for Florent. "For us, family is sacred, and the richness of our sibling bond is what makes us who we are today," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I believe that no matter what he does, he always measures up in our eyes. Whether it’s dancing or swimming, it’s just him, it’s just what he has inside... And it’s not what shows on the outside."
Laure's words brought tears to Florent's eyes as he responded, "I love them too much, honestly." This moment encapsulated the spirit of the evening, highlighting the support and love that the Manaudou family shares.
The season itself had been tumultuous, marked by a high-profile clash between comedian Inès Reg and singer Natasha St-Pier, which had drawn considerable media attention. However, the show returned on February 7, 2025, under a banner of positivity and encouragement, allowing contestants to shine in their own right.
As the competition progressed, the finalists demonstrated their growth and resilience, each dance reflecting their unique personalities and stories. The judges, comprised of Chris Marques, Fauve Hautot, Jean-Marc Généreux, and Mel Charlot, played a crucial role in guiding the contestants, providing feedback that would influence the final outcome. Their scores would account for 50% of the total votes, with the public deciding who would take home the coveted trophy.
In a dramatic twist, the first contestant to be eliminated after the freestyle performances would set the stage for the final showdown between the remaining two dancers. Florent Manaudou and Elsa Bois were rumored to be revisiting a salsa routine they had previously performed to the soundtrack of Dirty Dancing, while Adil Rami and Ana Riera planned to showcase their Argentine tango to the haunting melody of "Skyfall." Lénie and Jordan Mouillard were set to perform a rumba to "L’hymne à l’amour," further heightening the anticipation for the grand finale.
As the night unfolded, the emotional stakes rose, with each dance serving as a testament to the contestants' hard work and dedication. The audience was treated to a night filled with talent, tears, and triumph, culminating in a celebration of dance that transcended mere competition.
Ultimately, the finale of Danse avec les stars was not just about who would win the trophy, but about the connections forged, the stories told, and the memories created on the dance floor. Florent Manaudou's poignant tribute to his friend, coupled with the unwavering support from his family, left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers, reminding everyone of the power of love and remembrance.
