On April 18, 2025, the tension was palpable as the semi-final of the 14th season of "Danse avec les stars" unfolded on TF1. With only five couples remaining in the competition, the stakes were higher than ever for the contestants vying for the coveted trophy. Among them was Lénie, a fan favorite, who kicked off the evening with a powerful paso doble alongside her partner, Jordan Mouillerac.
As the lights dimmed and the music began, Lénie, a former contestant from the Star Academy, showcased her skills on the dance floor to the iconic song "Désenchantée" by Mylène Farmer. However, the performance took an unexpected turn when Lénie accidentally struck her partner during the routine. Host Camille Combal quickly noted the mishap, saying, "A bit hurt, huh?" to which Jordan responded, "I took a hit, but I didn’t feel anything." This light-hearted banter added an element of humor to the otherwise intense competition.
Despite the minor incident, Lénie's performance impressed the judges. She received a perfect score from Jean-Marc Généreux and Mel Charlot, both awarding her a 10 out of 10. Fauve Hautot, while acknowledging the excellence of the dance, suggested that Lénie could have adopted a more arched position, ultimately giving her a 9. Chris Marques also joined the praise, giving Lénie another 10, bringing her total to three perfect scores for the night.
Fauve Hautot, who has been a judge on "Danse avec les stars" since 2015, expressed her appreciation for the contestants' hard work. "For every choreography, there are hours and hours of training that you don’t see on TV. The physical and emotional fatigue accumulates," she noted, reflecting on her understanding of the contestants' experiences.
The semi-final was not just about Lénie, as the competition featured other strong contenders including Jungeli, Mayane, Florent Manaudou, and Adil Rami. Each contestant brought their unique flair to the stage, making the judges' decisions increasingly difficult. As the night progressed, Fauve remarked, "At this stage of the competition, I want to see a real spectacle!" indicating her desire for performances that transcend mere competition.
This season of "Danse avec les stars" began on February 7, 2025, with a star-studded cast of twelve celebrities, including Olympian Florent Manaudou and former soccer player Adil Rami. Over the weeks, the competition saw several eliminations, with the most recent being Julie Zenatti on April 11, leaving only five couples to battle it out for the title. Each week, the contestants faced the pressure of not only performing but also impressing a panel of judges that included the likes of Chris Marques and Mel Charlot.
In addition to the performances, the show featured a surprise appearance by Fauve Hautot's partner, Romain Guillermic, during the semi-final. The couple, who confirmed their relationship earlier in February 2025, showcased their chemistry on the dance floor, performing a contemporary piece together. Their relationship blossomed after they first danced together at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on July 26, 2024.
As the evening unfolded, social media buzzed with reactions to the judges' scores. Many fans expressed their discontent with Fauve's decision to award Lénie a 9, especially after the other judges had given her perfect scores. Comments flooded in on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with viewers questioning the fairness of the scoring system. One user lamented, "I’m still so mad about Fauve’s 9 for Lénie... we could have had a 10x4 for her, seriously!"
This season has not only highlighted the contestants' dancing abilities but also the emotional journeys they have undertaken. Fauve, who has spent years as a competitor before becoming a judge, shared her own transformation, stating, "Being a judge has helped me overcome my shyness. It has been a journey of growth for me, and I enjoy guiding the dancers as they progress."
As the competition nears its end, the anticipation for the finale builds. Fauve, reflecting on the remaining contestants, stated, "Jungeli, Lénie, Mayane, Florent Manaudou, and Adil Rami are all very strong. Each has their own unique qualities, and the level is incredibly high this season." With the final performance just around the corner, the pressure mounts, and anything can happen in the world of competitive dance.
As the show continues to capture the hearts of viewers, the contestants prepare for their final dances, hoping to leave a lasting impression that will carry them into the finale. The excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await to see who will ultimately claim the title in this thrilling season of "Danse avec les stars." The journey has been intense, filled with highs and lows, but one thing is for sure: the dance floor is where dreams are made, and the final showdown promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
