Lénie, the 19-year-old singer, faced significant emotional hurdles leading up to her performance on March 14, 2025, during the fifth prime of season 14 of Danse avec les stars. Known for her captivating performances, Lénie was under pressure to deliver after being challenged by judge Chris Marques, who had criticized her for not fully embodying her characters.
During rehearsals for this prime, which focused on cinema and series themes, Lénie practiced alongside her partner Jordan Mouillerac. They prepared to perform the rumba to "L'hymne à l'amour," originally by Édith Piaf, and later performed by Céline Dion. This emotionally charged routine was particularly demanding, and the expectations were high.
On March 13, 2025, excerpts from their rehearsal were broadcasted on TF1+. Jordan was adamant about Lénie giving her all, stating, "I want you and me to be one, and there has to be magic, pleasure when we dance." He encouraged her to exaggerate her movements during practice so he could help refine them later. Despite his reassurance, Lénie's struggle was evident; she felt overwhelmed by the emotional depth required for the choreography.
During one intense rehearsal session, her anxiety peaked. When Jordan asked her how she felt about their upcoming routine, she broke down, expressing, "I don't know, it's the first time I don't know. I can't do it." This moment of vulnerability highlighted her internal battle between technical skill and the emotional expression needed for the poignant piece.
Jordan, noting her distress, responded with empathy and encouragement, saying, "You will be able to express yourself; it’s not easy, it’s true. But you’re creating a block because you have trouble with it." His support was pivotal at this moment, as he warned her, "If you block during rehearsals, you won't be 100% on stage." Such words emphasized the importance of overcoming her fears.
The performance itself on March 14 was nothing short of electrifying. Lénie and Jordan showcased their rumba with all the intensity and passion required by the emotional narrative of the dance. The judges, particularly Chris Marques, were thoroughly impressed. After Lénie's performance, he exclaimed, "It’s crazy what we just saw. I’ll talk about it more later, but this is insane. We’re not even halfway through the competition, and look at this!"
Marques, who has set high standards throughout the season, felt Lénie had finally risen to the occasion. He praised her emotional range, telling her, "I’m thrilled with what I just saw. You’ve grasped what we are looking for; it’s not about just presenting yourself, it’s about discovering all your colors." He also reminded her to portray both light and shadow within her character, emphasizing the need for depth and complexity.
The high stakes of the competition were reflected not only in Lénie’s performance but also in the emotional stakes for all the contestants. Since the season launched on February 7, Lénie had been one of the frontrunners, captivating both the audience and the judges with her natural grace and confidence. Previous contestants like Nelson Monfort and Sophie Davant had already faced elimination, intensifying the pressure on remaining dancers to shine.
Throughout the season, viewers have watched Lénie grow, building on the feedback she receives and finding ways to incorporate it. After the emotional rollercoaster of the rehearsal and the subsequent successful performance, her mother Cindy surprised her with a visit during earlier rehearsals to lend support – another reminder of the encouragement she has from family throughout this taxing experience.
Lénie's ability to connect with her audience not only through technique but also through genuine emotion has been one of her strongest attributes. Chris Marques's comments post-performance indicated he saw this potential clearly, stating, "I want to discover your intensity, your fragility. Tonight, you showed us so much of who you are. I loved seeing you like this. I saw tenderness; I saw your eyes telling the story." Each judge scored her with 9s, signaling agreement on her growth and her performance this night.
With the competition progressing, will Lénie continue to navigate her emotional landscapes and impress both judges and audiences alike? After her latest performance, she demonstrated not only resilience but also the capacity to rise to challenges. The future episodes of Danse avec les stars promise more excitement and emotional storytelling as contestants strive not just to dance but to convey the power of their narratives through movement.