On February 21, 2025, Nelson Monfort made history as the first contestant eliminated from the 14th season of Danse avec les stars. His departure marked the culmination of a particularly emotional and competitive evening where celebrity contestants shared personal stories through their dance performances.
This prime was characterized by heartfelt tributes, with contestants opening up about significant life events. Eve Gilles, for example, spoke about her rare genetic condition, and Sophie Davant honored her late mother. Amidst these touching narratives, the judgement of the competition loomed large.
The judging panel’s scores were significantly impacted by the audience's votes, resulting in Monfort facing off against his fellow contestant, Frank Leboeuf. Following the performances, the tension mounted. Throughout the evening, Lénie and Jordan Mouillerac dazzled with their quickstep dance routine, securing the top score of 72 points. Meanwhile, Monfort struggled, culminating his tango on the song "Everybody" by the Backstreet Boys with the lowest score ever recorded on the show.
Despite improving from his previous performances, Monfort’s tango garnered harsh critiques. Chris Marques, known for his candid feedback, rated Monfort’s performance with only 2 points out of 10, stating, "Je vais prévenir : il faut qu’on soit honnête, la compétition est rude. (...) On ne peut rien laisser passer. Sur cette performance, il y avait plus de pas, mais beaucoup beaucoup beaucoup plus d’erreur." Monfort ended this week's competition with just 17 points.
After the vote, it was no surprise when the public chose to save Frank Leboeuf, leading to Monfort's elimination. Reflecting on his experience, Monfort noted, "C’est une expérience inoubliable. Le reste c’est le sport. Il faut s’incliner devant plus fort que soi." This sentiment encapsulates the importance of sportsmanship and respect for the competition.
Calisson Goasdoué, Monfort’s dance partner, expressed both challenge and admiration for her partner during their rehearsals, acknowledging the effort made but emphasizing, "Il y a encore du boulot !" Their preparation included addressing key elements such as posture and timing—a work-in-progress even as they faced elimination.
The broadcast also highlighted other stellar performances, such as Eve Gilles' moving tribute through dance, earning her 30 points, and Lénie’s impressive quickstep solidifying her as one of the season's favorites. While several contestants shone brightly, Monfort's struggle on the dance floor became the focal experience as viewers witnessed the highs and lows of competition.
Various social media sentiments during the broadcast showcased public opinion, with comments like, "Lénie, Jungeli et Ève Gilles peuvent tous les trois remporter cette saison," illustrating the audience’s anticipation building around these strong competitors.
Yet, as with any talent competition, the path is fraught with unexpected outcomes. Monfort's elimination, though disappointing for his fans, does not detract from the excitement surrounding the remaining contestants and their personal stories they continue to express through dance.
Moving forward, the season promises even more surprises. The audience will be watching closely on February 28 when the next round of performances takes place. Will the competition tighten as the favorites emerge, or will surprises continue to define this season of Danse avec les stars?