Star Academy 2024 contestant Marguerite's recent performances have sparked both excitement and controversy, highlighting the intense emotional rollercoaster typical of reality competition shows. During the prime broadcast on December 28, 2024, viewers watched as Marguerite opted for the challenging song "Corps" by Yseult, claiming, "This song, it embodies me. It brings together what is important to me in music: the beauty of the lyrics, but also this mix of power and softness." Unfortunately for Marguerite, her rendition didn’t go as planned, prompting strong reactions from fans and critics alike.
On this peculiar evening, the format had changed; contestants were allowed to make interesting choices on how to defend their spots within the competition. Both Marguerite and fellow contestant Ulysse, who was also nominated, made their move early on by ringing a buzzer to announce their intentions to protect their places upfront—a departure from the usual second-half tension. Ulysse kicked off the evening with the heartfelt song "U Turn (Lili)" by Aaron, which he dedicated to his girlfriend present among the audience. His spirited performance was met with significant applause and favorable comparisons against Marguerite’s upcoming attempt.
But when it was Marguerite's turn, fans were less than impressed with her interpretation. Many viewers took to social media platforms, voicing their disappointment, with comments like, "She massacred Yseult's song," and "It's just not good... Ulysse clearly outshines her." Such reactions led to questions about her ability to move forward within the competition, which remains high stakes, especially just before the finale. Even her instructors, when pressed for their opinions, leaned more positively toward Ulysse, with only one professor, Marlène Schaff, standing out by acknowledging Marguerite's emotional delivery.
Following her nomination and the intense feedback, Marguerite has struggled to cope. Her emotional state deteriorated visibly, eliciting couch-side confessions where she expressed her sentiments of despair. "I already want to cry waking up, how is this possible?" she lamented, indicating how deeply the pressure was affecting her. Ebony, one of her closest allies, voiced her concerns, stating, "I hope Marguerite doesn't stay too long lost in negative emotions because if she wants to succeed, she needs to change her mindset; otherwise, she'll stagnate."
This change of outlook is what many viewers and friends seem to agree upon. The back-and-forth between her and the other contestants, particularly Ulysse, emphasized how different their coping mechanisms were. Ulysse displayed a more positive and proactive attitude toward the competition, which likely kept him buoyant among voters.
Adding to Marguerite's challenges, accusations have surfaced hinting favoritism due to her familial connections. Observers have speculated about her opportunities coming from her father being the chairman of Banque Postale, raising eyebrows about whether she was “pushed” to the forefront based on pedigree rather than raw talent. This additional layer of scrutiny only complicates her narrative, as many question her authenticity on screen. It’s the kind of speculation any reality star must grapple with, improving her need to prove herself vocally and emotionally to the audience.
Despite these tribulations, moments of breakthrough sparkled through Marguerite's experiences. Describing her time performing with pop sensation Hoshi weeks prior, their reported chemistry on stage caught many off guard. Gains of public interest ignited as fans speculated about potential romance—pointing out tweets and exchanges online celebrating their camaraderie. This light-hearted, albeit precarious, development offered reprieve from the emotional weight currently clinging to Marguerite.
This unique blend of pressure, public scrutiny, and the quest for self-discovery has crafted Marguerite's character from the outset. Each performance tested her resilience, proving once again how unpredictable the contest can be. During the latest episode, after Ulysse's affirming words urging her to stay optimistic, Marguerite began re-evaluative thoughts on her future within the show. "I feel I need help to take step back from my nomination... It’s tough since I was so proud of what I had done," she shared, underlining her emotional burden.
With less than one week left before the season's grand finale, the fate of both contestants seems to hang in the balance. Will Marguerite's ability to adapt to the grueling conditions and feedback help her shift the tide back to her favor? Or will Ulysse's charm, skill, and the audience's affection carry him beyond the competition's threshold? Viewers are left with anticipation as they await the results of votes, another reminder of the stakes underlying the franchise's popularity. The narrative surrounding Marguerite continues to evolve with every episode, ensuring plenty more excitement as they head toward the concluding stages of this season.
