Marine Delplace has made her mark in the history of French television by winning the twelfth season of Star Academy on January 25, 2025, marking her rise amid not only triumph but also significant societal controversies.
With 65% of the public votes, Delplace triumphed over Ebony Cham, who garnered 35%. Shortly after her victory was announced by Nikos Aliagas, the 24-year-old from Arras burst with joy, wiping away tears of happiness. That excitement, though, is clouded by discussions surrounding the broader impact of the show, particularly addressing sensitive societal issues.
This season of Star Academy has highlighted important societal claims, with both contenders playing pivotal roles. Cham, who is of Caribbean descent, made waves with her passionate performances, advocating for racial equality and women's rights. Her stirring rendition of "Ne me jugez pas" by Camille Lellouche struck a chord with many viewers as she remarked, "When you are a black woman, one must acknowledge: life isn’t like for others," which she hoped would inspire younger generations.
Despite this visibility and her powerful message, Cham faced harsh backlash on social media, including raw racist attacks. Such occurrences reached alarming levels with derogatory remarks surfaced online. Consequently, it stirred anger and prompted the show's production and SOS Racisme to take action against the hateful commentary. According to reports, as the finale approached, the voting was opened to French citizens living abroad, potentially boosting Cham's chances as she enjoys support from the Caribbean. Yet, Delplace's talent and fan support from her own region of Northern France carried her to victory.
The 2025 season of Star Academy was not just entertainment, but also reflected the underlying fractures within French society—highlighting racism, sexism, and systemic discrimination. Virginie Spies, a noted media specialist, emphasized on France Inter's platform: "The Star Academy is not just a show anymore; it’s become politically charged." The program's platform allowed it not to shy away from these pressing issues, prompting discussion among viewers.
Following her win, Delplace is experiencing whirlwind media attention. Just days later, she expressed her future plans. "I will pass my thesis because I don’t want all those years of study to go to waste," she stated during her interview with Le Parisien. The young artist, who also studied dental surgery, is weighing her options carefully. She is focused on seizing her opportunity to carve out a path as a pop artist, even as she recognizes her educational investment.
Delplace is gearing to release her first album, which she hinted would showcase both heartfelt ballads and upbeat numbers. She noted the success of her initial single, "Ma faute," with enthusiasm. "What? I didn’t know! It’s crazy!" she exclaimed, expressing surprise at the warm reception her music is receiving.
Looking forward, she has her share of responsibilities lined up, including the final tour of Star Academy and promotional activities related to her newfound stardom. "If one day music stops for me, I’ll still have my career as a backup," she remarked, balancing her ambitions with reality.
Reflecting on her victory and the accompanying scrutiny, Delplace candidly remarked about her instinctual reaction upon winning. When she received the trophy, she spontaneously shouted, "Mom, I won!"—a moment many deemed precious yet controversial, leading to varied public reaction. "I panicked; it just came out!" she explained, attributing it to her overwhelming emotions and sleepless nights during the competition.
Although Delplace has celebrated her success, the conversations raised during this season of Star Academy serve as reminders of the multifaceted issues faced by many. The stars and their experiences extend beyond personal achievements to encompass broader societal narratives. The legacy of this season will not only be remembered for musical talent but also for the discussions it has provoked about race, identity, and the challenges of young artists today.
Marine Delplace's victory may pave the way for her musical career, but it simultaneously highlights the importance of continuing to address prevailing societal issues as she takes the stage by storm.