On Friday, April 11, 2025, Jungeli faced a challenging quarter-final on the popular French television show "Danse avec les stars." The young singer, known for his hit song "Petit Génie," found himself under scrutiny from one of the judges, Chris Marques, who was notably harsh in his evaluation. This was a stark contrast to Jungeli's previous performances, where he had consistently ranked high in the competition.
Last week, Jungeli expressed his frustration after a lackluster performance of the duet "Sous le vent" by Garou and Céline Dion, which left him feeling disappointed. "I was really looking forward to my performance this week," he shared, noting that he was eager to recover from his previous showing. Despite the pressures of the competition, Jungeli was also preparing for his bac blanc, which he took on the same day as the quarter-final.
In this quarter-final, Jungeli partnered with his dance coach Inès Vandamme to perform a paso doble to Pascal Obispo's song "Fan." The performance featured the Irish Celtic dance troupe, which added a vibrant backdrop to their routine. Mel Charlot, one of the judges, praised Jungeli's dance, stating, "I was so excited to see you on a paso," and awarded him a score of 9. Jean-Marc Généreux echoed her sentiments, calling the performance "luminous" and giving the same score. Fauve Hautot also rated Jungeli a 9, describing his performance as "sublime," yet noted it was still "perfectible."
However, Chris Marques was not as impressed. "Let’s stop beating around the bush. In dance, you need to be fully committed!" he remarked, emphasizing the need for physical intensity. He ultimately rated Jungeli a 7, a score that caused an uproar among the other judges, who felt it was too harsh. Jungeli, displaying remarkable sportsmanship, accepted the criticism with grace, stating, "I hear you, thank you." This unexpected score could impact his progression in the competition, leaving viewers eager to see how he fares next week.
Jungeli’s journey on "Danse avec les stars" has been filled with excitement since the show began airing on February 7, 2025. At just 16 years old, he has quickly become a favorite among fans, known for his energy and dedication to dance. In a recent interview, Jungeli shared his thoughts on the camaraderie among contestants, saying, "There’s a really good atmosphere between us, it’s super cool. And it helps me a lot to de-stress." He described the competition as "very intense," admitting that the rigorous schedule can be overwhelming. "Sometimes, I arrive at rehearsals completely exhausted. But when I see Inès, who radiates energy, I just want to do well," he added.
Inès Vandamme has become more than just a dance partner for Jungeli; he considers her a close friend and confidante. "With her, everything goes super well! I thought she would just be a dance partner, but she’s really become an important part of my life and helps me with everything," he said affectionately. Jungeli appreciates her support, especially given their age difference, which allows her to offer valuable advice. "When I need to talk, she’s there. I can tell her anything, and she gives me guidance," he explained.
Additionally, Jungeli has formed a special bond with fellow contestant Lénie. The two artists collaborated on a song titled "A tes côtés" during the break week from "Danse avec les stars." Jungeli recounted how their friendship blossomed, stating, "We had our dressing rooms facing each other. After each prime, we would greet each other. Eventually, we thought it would be cool to make a song together, to celebrate the friendship that developed in the show." This collaboration highlights the human connections that often form in the competitive atmosphere of reality television.
As Jungeli continues his journey on "Danse avec les stars," he remains focused on both his performances and his studies. The blend of dance, music, and academic responsibilities exemplifies the challenges faced by young artists in the spotlight. With his determination and the support of his teammates, including Inès and Lénie, Jungeli is poised to navigate the complexities of fame while staying true to his roots.
Fans can catch Jungeli's performances every Friday at 9:05 PM on TF1, where the excitement of "Danse avec les stars" unfolds. The show not only showcases dazzling dance routines but also the personal stories of its contestants, making it a captivating experience for viewers. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Jungeli to see if he can overcome the hurdles and dance his way to the finale.
