The highly anticipated finale of the 2025 edition of "Danse avec les stars" aired on Friday, April 25, 2025, captivating audiences on TF1. The competition reached its climax as three stars battled it out for the coveted title: Lénie, a rising pop sensation, former footballer Adil Rami, and Olympic swimmer Florent Manaudou. This thrilling showdown promised to deliver a night full of excitement, emotion, and exceptional talent.
As the clock struck 21h10, the grand finale commenced, showcasing the culmination of ten weeks of intense competition. Lénie, 20, who previously gained fame as a contestant on "Star Academy 2023," was the favorite going into the finale. She was joined by her partner Jordan Mouillerac, while Rami danced with Ana Riera, and Manaudou partnered with Elsa Bois.
The evening unfolded in three segments, starting with each couple performing a freestyle dance. This was followed by the elimination of one couple, and the remaining two couples showcased two additional dances: their signature dance from the season and a new choreography. The audience's votes ultimately determined the winner.
Lénie opened the night with an electrifying freestyle performance to "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" by Shakira, blending various dance styles that thrilled both the audience and judges. She received three perfect scores of 10 and one score of 9 from the panel, which included Jean-Marc Généreux, Mel Charlot, Fauve Hautot, and Chris Marques. Her second dance, a waltz to "Don’t Speak" by No Doubt, further solidified her position as the frontrunner, earning her another set of perfect scores.
Adil Rami, who had impressed throughout the season, performed a contemporary dance to "Papaoutai" by Stromae, receiving high praise and three 10s alongside an 8 from the judges. His quickstep to "Everybody Needs Somebody" by the Blues Brothers showcased his growth as a dancer, but it was not enough to secure his place in the final round, as he was the first couple eliminated after the initial performances.
Florent Manaudou, known for his popularity, took to the floor with a contemporary dance to "Je suis malade" by Serge Lama, which didn't initially resonate with the judges but improved during his jive to "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins. Despite his efforts, he faced tough competition from Lénie.
After Rami's elimination, the stage was set for a final showdown between Lénie and Manaudou. Lénie chose to revisit her earlier performance with a stunning rumba to "L’hymne à l’amour" by Edith Piaf, which brought the audience to their feet and earned her a standing ovation. Manaudou performed a salsa to "(I've Had) the Time of My Life" from "Dirty Dancing," but ultimately, it was Lénie's night to shine.
The votes were tallied, and in a decisive victory, Lénie emerged as the champion of "Danse avec les stars," securing a remarkable 69% of the public votes against Manaudou's 31%. In a heartfelt moment, she expressed her gratitude to her partner, saying, "I want to thank everyone, and Jordan, who made me discover a part of myself that I didn’t know existed." This win marked a significant comeback for Lénie after her earlier elimination from the reality show, solidifying her status as a star.
Jordan Mouillerac, who partnered with Lénie, also celebrated his first victory in the competition, having previously lost in the finals in 2021. The evening was filled with emotional performances, heartfelt speeches, and a sense of triumph for Lénie and her team.
The finale not only showcased the talents of the contestants but also highlighted the journey each participant took throughout the season. From the initial twelve contestants who began their journey on February 7, 2025, to the final three, the show captivated viewers with its blend of dance, drama, and entertainment.
As the credits rolled, the excitement didn't end there—TF1 teased the upcoming season of "Mask Singer," set to premiere on May 2, 2025, keeping fans engaged with more thrilling entertainment on the horizon.
With its mix of star power and captivating performances, the finale of "Danse avec les stars" proved once again why it remains a staple of French television. The audience eagerly awaits the next season, wondering who will take to the dance floor and capture hearts next.
