After three months of fierce competition, Marine Delplace has emerged as the winner of the Star Academy 2025, captivating audiences and judges alike with her extraordinary vocals and undeniable charisma. Her victory marks the culmination of what has been an incredible adventure, transforming the young dental surgery student from Pas-de-Calais to the spotlight of the music industry.
Marine’s entrance to the Star Academy was nothing short of serendipitous. During a routine shopping trip with her mother, she was blindsided by the announcement of her acceptance, which aired live on the daytime news. "I was in shock," she recalled, describing her whirlwind transition from student life to reality TV sensations. This moment of disbelief quickly catapulted her career as she charmed audiences with her authenticity and powerful performances.
From her very first act, Marine demonstrated her remarkable talent. One standout performance featured her rendition of "I Am Out I Am," which revealed her determination to rise above external expectations. This song, along with her emotional interpretation of Céline Dion’s "All by Myself," showcased her ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels, solidifying her image as an artist unafraid to expose her vulnerabilities. Her interpretation was exceptional, stirring deep emotions within the spectators.
Before Star Academy, Marine had garnered some attention as a contestant on The Voice Kids, which served as the foundation for her musical aspirations. Demonstrably gifted, she also showcased her versatility through humor and imitation, besting various comedic challenges, including parodies of popular French personalities. This ability to blend talent with humor only amplified her appeal.
Despite the fame, Marine's past achievements also set the stage for her success. Her single "Ma Faute," which she recorded at home back in 2022, had already amassed over 3.3 million streams on Spotify before she even began her Star Academy run. Following her victory, she expressed her astonishment, saying, "It's crazy! Never would I have imagined such excitement." With her musical future burning bright, she is now signed to Sony Music and has plans to release her first album, buoyed by the 100,000 euros prize she received for winning.
Moving forward, Marine's schedule is busier than ever with the Star Academy 2025 tour commencing this February, involving approximately thirty shows across France. Nevertheless, she hasn't lost sight of her education goals. Marine confirmed she will continue her studies, stating, "I will definitely finish my thesis," indicating her commitment to completing her dental studies as a safeguard for her future.
Another highlight of the finale was the bond formed between Marine and her fellow finalist, Ebony. Both young artists participated together in multiple performances, with the finale broadcast on January 25, 2025, reaching around 4 million viewers. Marine won with 65% of the votes, but the competition was marred by online racism directed at both contestants.
Following the finale, the duo appeared on the talk show "Quotidien," where they addressed the recent hostilities. Ebony, who came second, offered warm congratulations to Marine, stating, "I’m really happy for Marine. It’s tough because we all want to win, but just reaching the finale is already victory.” Marine reciprocated, emphasizing their camaraderie, and affirmed, “We both had the desire to win but mostly wanted to enjoy the experience.”
Yet, the victory was shadowed by severe online backlash, particularly against Ebony, which elicited responses from organizations such as SOS Racisme. The organization condemned the digital harassment faced by minorities as they take the spotlight. They intervened, urging TF1 and the production team to take action against racist vitriol. Marine shared her own experiences, reading harsh comments on platforms like X, including derogatory remarks concerning her victory."Sale blanche de m*rde" and claims of privilege fueled tensions online, igniting discussions about race and representation.
Despite the dark cloud of racism hovering over the finale, both Marine and Ebony have shown grace and strength, insisting their rivalry was friendly. They focused on the joy of their shared experiences rather than the hostility from outsiders. Marine pointed out the broader issue by stating, "When people of color are highlighted, they often become targets of digital harassment.”
On the bright side of this challenging situation, the public’s response to Marine's triumph has sparked conversations about diversity and representation within the entertainment industry. Star Academy 2025's finale, marked by talent and resilience, has not only propelled Marine to stardom but also highlighted the pitfalls of fame, reminding us of the obstacles many artists face even amid victory.
Looking ahead, it appears Marine is on the right path, tackling her dual aspirations—music and academia—simultaneously. With her debut single already laying the groundwork for her career, she’ll continue to serve as both entertainer and role model. 2025 promises to be monumental for Marine Delplace, and for her fans, the adventure is just beginning.