On Saturday night, May 3, 2025, the finale of the 14th season of "The Voice" took place on TF1, culminating in an emotional performance by the trio Il Cello alongside their coach, Florent Pagny. The evening was marked by powerful vocal performances and a nail-biting competition among the finalists.
Il Cello, composed of Salvatore, Levon, and Sébastien Longhi, emerged as the standout group of the season, having been formed by Pagny during the group stage of the competition. The trio's chemistry and vocal prowess captivated audiences and judges alike, leading them to the final showdown against Gianni, Mickaël Gallo, and Mega. The finale was hosted by Nikos Aliagas and featured a mix of solo and collaborative performances.
During the finale, Il Cello performed alongside Florent Pagny, delivering a rendition of "Io le canto per te," a song from Pagny's 2004 album "Baryton," which was composed by Calogero. The performance was met with a standing ovation from the audience, reflecting the emotional weight of the moment, especially considering Pagny's recent battle with lung cancer. His return to the stage was a significant milestone, and many viewers expressed their admiration for his resilience.
Social media buzzed with excitement as fans reacted to the performance, with one user commenting, "When you see the notes Florent Pagny is hitting after everything he has been through, it commands respect." Another fan shared, "Il Cello and Florent Pagny, I’m close to tears; I love seeing Florent in this lyrical register, it’s so beautiful." The overwhelming support for Il Cello was evident as fans predicted their victory, with comments like, "Il Cello will win, it’s obvious" and "Nobody can compete with them."
Earlier in the evening, Il Cello also performed "Adagio" with Lara Fabian, showcasing their versatility and ability to blend their operatic style with contemporary music. The trio's journey to the finale was marked by consistent performances that impressed both the audience and the judges throughout the season.
The 14th season of "The Voice" kicked off on February 1, 2025, featuring a diverse panel of coaches, including Vianney, Patricia Kaas, Zaz, and the returning Florent Pagny. This season saw a mix of new talent and established artists, with Pagny's return being particularly poignant given his health challenges over the past two years. His experience and mentorship were pivotal in shaping the talents of Il Cello.
In addition to Il Cello, the finale included performances from other finalists. Gianni sang "Die With a Smile" alongside Zaz, while Mickaël Gallo performed "Les planètes" with M. Pokora, and Mega delivered a heartfelt rendition of "Ceux qu'on était" with Pierre Garnier. Each performance added to the evening's excitement, but it was clear that Il Cello was the crowd favorite.
As the competition progressed, the audience's support for Il Cello grew stronger. Pagny expressed his admiration for the trio, stating, "They come from nowhere. It’s fascinating to analyze the story of the planets aligning. I found myself with three operatic voices in my team thanks to the new group rule. They were so in sync that it was impossible to choose between them." He noted that the reactions from the audience during their performances were the strongest he had witnessed in his 14 years on the show.
After a night filled with emotional highs and stunning vocal performances, the results were finally revealed. Il Cello was crowned the winner of the 14th season of "The Voice," succeeding last year’s champion, Alphonse Marie. The victory came with a recording contract with Universal France, marking a significant milestone in their musical careers.
Fans celebrated the historic win, with many expressing their excitement over the prospect of future collaborations between Il Cello and Pagny. While Pagny acknowledged the possibility of working together, he also noted that it would not be immediate, saying, "It would be obvious to do a duet with them; it would sell, but others can do it before me, and I’ll come later. You don’t always have to be in the obvious."
The finale not only showcased the incredible talent of the contestants but also highlighted the emotional journey of Florent Pagny, who continues to inspire many with his dedication to music and his resilience in the face of adversity. The evening concluded with a sense of triumph for Il Cello and a renewed appreciation for the power of music to bring people together.
