Georges Brize, known to fans as Roméo, made waves this past Saturday, February 1, 2025, during the premiere of the fourteenth season of The Voice aired on TF1, marking his remarkable return to the music scene 52 years after the release of his iconic song, "Maman." Now 64, Brize was once a child star at the age of 12, when he first captivated audiences with the heartfelt lyrics of his hit song, which sold 900,000 copies after its debut.
During the blind auditions of The Voice, Brize reprised his poignant ballad, the lyrics of which still resonate: "I promise, if you ever cry / To hold you tight on my heart / There will be no love as great / Than my love / For you, mom.” The performance evoked nostalgia for many viewers familiar with the emotional depth of the song, originally released in 1973.
Brize, whose initial foray back onto the stage was met with encouragement from the production team rather than his own application, shared insight about his thoughts on auditioning for the show. He confided to 20 Minutes, “I would never have dared to sign up myself,” reflecting his initial trepidation about competing alongside younger talent.
Notably, the production reached out to Brize after he crossed paths by chance with Vonnie Marshall-Edwards, coach of The Voice Kids, who urged him to give it a shot. He jested about participating only if there was “a version for nursing homes,” showcasing his modesty and surprise at the prospect of re-entering the spotlight.
Reflecting on his past, Brize reminisces about his abrupt departure from the limelight after childhood fame. “I had already changed, and school seemed far away. There was discord between my parents and the production, and with declining sales, the public lost interest,” he recalled, expressing his shock at learning from the press about the end of his childhood career, a moment he described as "a mental shock."
Despite his previous misgivings about reality television, which he believed could leave young entrants feeling discarded, his participation on The Voice shifted his perspective. He noted, “They are caring and take care of people, they support them,” indicating the encouraging atmosphere of the show.
During the episode, Brize's performance did not lead to any coaches turning their chairs, leaving him empty-handed but fulfilled. “I understand completely,” he remarked, asserting no regrets about his endeavor. Notably, only Florent Pagny, one of the judges, recognized Brize’s song, reminiscing, “Ah! I was young, Roméo he was called,” evoking the memories of listeners who grew up hearing ‘Maman’ on the radio.
The reaction from Pagny and others highlighted the cultural footprint left by Brize's earlier success, as fellow judges were reminded of their early teenage years. Nikos, the show's host, even offered Brize some priceless archival footage from his glory days, allowing everyone to take a nostalgic trip back to the 1970s.
Georges Brize had almost aimed to represent France at the Eurovision Song Contest late last century with a song written by Charles Aznavour. Unfortunately, when he mentioned it was for Eurovision, Aznavour declined to write for him. Despite setbacks and the challenges of the entertainment industry, Brize’s love for music persisted, reigniting after he produced his latest double album, "Roméo 2023," which includes both new material and reimagined versions of his classic hits.
Now, as Brize prepares for future performances, he feels reinvigorated and optimistic about what lies ahead. Recognizing the support from the audience during his time on The Voice, he remarked how the crowd sang along with him, reestablishing his connection with his fans.
Following his televised performance, Brize is gearing up for upcoming concerts, eager to seize opportunities brought by his return to the public eye, setting the stage for potentially revitalizing his musical career.