After weeks of competition, sweat, and sequined costumes, the suspense surrounding the dance floor of "Danse avec les stars" has finally come to an end. On Friday, April 25, 2025, the 14th season concluded with a thrilling finale, revealing who among Lenie, Florent Manaudou, and Adil Rami would take home the coveted trophy.
As the evening unfolded, viewers witnessed the elimination of Jungeli and Mayane, who had been vying for the top spot but fell short before reaching the final showdown. The atmosphere was electric as former contestants rallied to support the finalists, creating a sense of camaraderie and excitement.
This season, the competition was fierce, with Lenie emerging as a favorite right from the start. The former "Star Academy" contestant, partnered with dancer Jordan Mouillerac, displayed a flawless performance throughout the season. However, some speculated that her status as the frontrunner might backfire, as audiences often root for the underdogs.
Adil Rami, the former football star, was another standout. Known for his rigorous yet graceful style, he and his partner Ana Riera created a captivating synergy on stage. Rami's surprising ability to let loose and embrace the rhythm was a highlight of the season, earning him a significant fan base due to his charm and athleticism.
Florent Manaudou, the Olympic swimmer standing at 1.99 meters tall, also captured the audience's attention. With a mullet hairstyle and a mustache, he was not just a formidable competitor but also someone who showcased remarkable growth in his dance skills. Despite his height being a potential hindrance in ballroom dancing, Manaudou's determination to master the art was evident.
Throughout the season, the show's dynamics shifted from previous years, which were marked by controversies, notably the clash between Inès Reg and Natasha St-Pier during the last season. This year, the environment felt more positive, with contestants expressing gratitude for the experience and supporting one another. Nelson Montfort, who was eliminated after receiving the lowest score in the show's history, exemplified this sportsmanship, stating, "It's a wonderful, unforgettable experience, with perfect camaraderie among us all. The rest is just sport. Sport has accompanied my life, so we must accept the results and bow to those stronger than ourselves... I want to thank both the jury and all the viewers who voted for us."
As the final night approached, anticipation grew. The three finalists were set to perform two dances each, with the first round featuring a freestyle routine. Adil Rami danced to Stromae's "Papaoutai," while Lenie performed Shakira's "Waka Waka." Florent Manaudou chose Serge Lama's "Je suis malade" for his routine. Following these performances, the first elimination took place, with Rami exiting the competition.
The second part of the final showcased more refined dancing, with Lenie performing a waltz to "Don’t Speak," Manaudou dancing a jive to "Footloose," and Rami executing a quickstep to "Everybody Needs Somebody" by the Blues Brothers. Ultimately, Rami's journey came to an end, paving the way for a showdown between Lenie and Manaudou.
In a dramatic conclusion, Lenie took to the stage once again, delivering a heartfelt rumba to "L'Hymne à l'amour" by Edith Piaf. Manaudou responded with a salsa from "Dirty Dancing," showcasing his growth throughout the season. After the final dances, the audience cast their votes, and the moment of truth arrived.
As expected, Lenie, the season's favorite, was crowned the winner of the 14th edition of "Danse avec les stars," succeeding last year's champions Natasha St-Pier and Anthony Colette. This victory not only marked a personal achievement for Lenie but also highlighted the show's ability to captivate audiences with its blend of talent, emotion, and entertainment.
The financial stakes of this season were also noteworthy, with a total budget of approximately 1.7 million euros allocated for celebrity salaries. Florent Manaudou emerged as the highest-paid contestant, earning 400,000 euros, followed by Adil Rami with 350,000 euros and Franck Leboeuf at 250,000 euros. Other contestants, including Sophie Davant and Nelson Monfort, received 120,000 euros and 100,000 euros respectively, while Lenie earned 60,000 euros for her participation.
Judges and hosts also received significant compensation, with Chris Marques reportedly earning around 500,000 euros, five times more than his fellow judges. This financial commitment from TF1 reflects the network's investment in attracting top-tier talent and maintaining the show's popularity.
As the season wraps up, the success of "Danse avec les stars" continues to highlight the intersection of celebrity culture and entertainment, providing viewers with a platform to engage with their favorite stars in a unique and dynamic way. The blend of competition, artistry, and public voting creates an engaging spectacle that keeps audiences coming back for more.
In the end, the 14th season of "Danse avec les stars" not only showcased remarkable talent but also fostered a spirit of camaraderie among contestants, setting the stage for future seasons to build upon this year's successes. With Lenie now crowned the champion, fans are left eagerly anticipating what the next season will bring.
