On Sunday, March 9, 2025, celebrated singer Lara Fabian made her much-anticipated return to the popular talent show Star Académie, showcasing her exceptional vocal talents and deep connection with the audience. This performance not only marked another significant moment in her illustrious career but also featured her latest compositions as well as classic songs from her extensive repertoire.
During her performance, Lara Fabian captivated the crowd with a medley of songs closely tied to pivotal moments throughout her career, highlighting her deep emotional ties to music. Among the featured tracks was her new song, "Je t'ai cherché," from her latest album, Je suis là, which has been available since November 2024. The singer described this song as "the story of time in love," reflecting her contemplations on how love interacts with the passage of time.
"What do we do with time? When love becomes a big story within our lives, do we see time as our ally?" Lara asked philosophically during the pre-show interview. She elaborated saying, "I chose time as an ally. I understood it could be an incredible healer, great wisdom. So, 'Je t'ai cherché' seeks to tell the story of never stopping to seek the best of love as it traverses life." These thoughts encapsulated the essence of her performance, which was well-received by fans and fellow performers alike.
Accompanying Lara on stage was Katherine, one of the students from the show. Although Lara had no input on the selection of her stage partner, she expressed her joy, saying, "Katherine, I am very, very happy. There were many who were extremely eligible to do this." This highlights the supportive nature of the Star Académie environment, where collaboration is celebrated.
Throughout her set, Lara Fabian demonstrated her vocal versatility by including renditions of timeless classics. She performed Michel Sardou's "Je vais t’aimer" with collaborators Camille and Katrine, as well as Johnny Hallyday’s "Ma gueule" alongside Albert, Loïc, and Mia. Her decade-spanning career, which has seen over 25 million albums sold worldwide, was reflected through these special performances.
After serenading the audience with her heart-wrenching rendition of Serge Lama's "Je suis malade," where she was joined by participants Marc-Antoine and Victoria, Lara expressed her deep compassion for the contestants. "Knowing we can give back to others is quite wonderful," she remarked during the follow-up interview, underscoring her commitment to mentoring the upcoming generation of artists.
Lara's connection with her audience is evident not only through her performances but also through her empathetic commentary on the contestants. She mentioned her feelings about the current director Garou, who has stepped in since she held the role from 2021 to 2022. "He is someone who goes straight to the point, who doesn’t waste time and offers them direct insights. It can be as interesting as someone who takes a more detached approach." Her admiration for her colleagues serves to reinforce the camaraderie within the show.
Directly addressing the audiences, Lara spoke fondly of her past experiences at Star Académie, noting, "I miss being part of this space of transmission, which is the reality show on TVA." With her royal status recognized within the music industry, her performances serve as pivotal moments for the contestants to grow.
Alongside Lara’s vibrant presence, the night also brought surprise guests and performances. The production treated the Académiciens to Lara's uplifting song "I Will Love Again," which was performed by the students along with their vocal coach Marie-Ève Riverin. This collaborative spirit infused moments of joy and hope throughout the audience and participants.
Equally notable was the special guest appearance by Amanda Marshall, who graced the stage with her well-loved hit “Let It Rain.” Collaboratively with Véronic DiCaire, Camille, Katrine, and Victoria, the performance was not merely about artistic prowess; it emphasized the emotional connections and stories intertwined within the performances.
The audience could feel the palpable atmosphere of support and enthusiasm, as Lara and Amanda harmonized seamlessly. Lara's admiration for Amanda, having previously purchased her albums to gift to loved ones, highlighted the mutual respect between artists.
After the night filled with rich performances and heartfelt moments, Lara reflected on how her career has shaped the lives of listeners. With her upcoming tour scheduled for this spring in England and additional stops throughout Europe, she is preparing to bring her beautiful songs back to the stage where they resonate most. A grand return to France is also on the horizon, promising to delight thousands of eager fans waiting to see her again.
Overall, Lara Fabian's return to Star Académie on March 9 presented more than just songs; it offered memories, insights, and shared experiences between the generations of artists and their audience. This powerful connection manifests not only through her music but also through her reflections, making her performance both meaningful and memorable.