On the evening of March 28, 2025, the popular French dance competition show "Danse avec les stars" aired its latest prime, featuring renowned choreographer Kamel Ouali as a special guest judge. Ouali, known for his work on shows like "Star Academy" and "Le Roi Soleil," brought a mix of excitement and controversy to the stage as he challenged the six couples still in the competition.
The episode was marked by Ouali's unique challenges for the contestants, which included carrying fellow dancers and performing without music. For instance, contestant Lénie had to carry both her partner, Jordan Mouillerac, and judge Jean-Marc Généreux during her performance. This particular challenge drew mixed reactions from viewers, who noted significant disparities in difficulty levels between the tasks assigned to male and female dancers.
Ouali's judging style was put under scrutiny when he awarded Lénie a score of 7, while other judges had given her two 10s and a 9. This decision sparked outrage among fans, with many taking to social media to voice their disapproval. Chris Marques, another judge, expressed his disbelief at Ouali's score, calling it "injustice," a sentiment echoed by the audience's boos during the show.
"I’m just being fair," Ouali defended his scoring, but the backlash continued, with viewers highlighting the apparent imbalance in challenges. For example, while Lénie faced the physically demanding task of lifting two men, other male contestants like Adil Rami and Florent Manaudou were tasked with simpler interpretation duties or dancing without music for a few seconds, which many felt was not an equitable measure of their abilities.
Despite the controversy, the performances themselves were met with enthusiasm. Jungeli and Inès Vandame captivated the audience with their tango, which judge Chris Marques praised, stating, "We really saw the sacred fire in you." Mel Charlot added, "You always put on a show. At just 16, you exude confidence," highlighting the young dancer's potential.
Adil Rami and Ana Riera attempted a chacha, but their performance lacked the energy expected from the competition. In contrast, Julie Zenatti and Adrien Caby surprised viewers with a rumba that had a unique twist, earning Ouali’s highest score of the night with a 10.
One of the standout performances came from Mayane and Christophe Licata, who executed a contemporary dance that impressed both judges and viewers alike. Their challenge of remaining off the ground for 20 seconds was executed flawlessly, and Ouali remarked, "I was moved by your life lesson. It feels like you’re living a waking dream." This performance was a highlight of the night, showcasing the dancers' creativity and skill.
The evening concluded with an emotional elimination, as ex-Miss France Eve Gilles was voted off just shy of the eighth finals. Gilles, who had put forth a strong effort in her paso doble, faced stiff competition from Rami and Bois, as well as from Lénie and Mouillerac, in a samba showdown for survival. Ultimately, it was the audience’s decision that led to her departure, marking a poignant moment in the competition.
As the show continues to captivate audiences, the discussions surrounding the fairness of challenges and judging criteria are likely to persist. Fans eagerly await the next episode to see how the remaining contestants will adapt to the evolving demands of the competition, and whether Ouali will adjust his approach in response to the feedback he has received.
With each episode, "Danse avec les stars" not only entertains but also ignites conversations about talent, equity, and the pressures of performance art. As the season progresses, viewers remain engaged, debating the merits of each performance and the integrity of the judging process.
