Marine, 24, emerged as the winner of the twelfth season of Star Academy on Saturday, January 25, 2025, receiving 65% of the votes against her competitor, Ebony. This victory is not just another achievement for Marine but is wrapped up in complex socio-cultural discussions as the aftermath reveals troubling responses from the public.
The grand finale took place at the iconic Dammarie-les-Lys castle, where emotions ran high. Following the announcement made by show host Nikos Aliagas, Marine joyfully exclaimed, "Maman, j'ai gagné!" which translates to "Mom, I've won!" as she celebrated her unexpected success.
But beneath the surface of this joyous occasion lies significant tension. After the finale, both finalists, Marine and Ebony, faced backlash on social media, particularly directed at Ebony, who has been victim to racist attacks since the show concluded. Marine took to defending her friend, stating candidly, "C'est horrible. On n’était pas du tout au courant de ça," meaning, "It's horrible. We weren't aware of this at all." She expressed her shock and dismay upon learning about the attacks, emphasizing her support for Ebony and her commitment to calling out racism.
The dynamics between the two contestants were also highlighted during the live broadcast, where they tried to maintain composure before the victor was revealed. Marine and Ebony reportedly reassured each other, each claiming the other would win, trying to prepare themselves for the outcome. They focused on not watching Nikos or the envelope containing the results to shield themselves from anxiety.
Viewers have raised concerns over the implication of public sentiment influencing the winner, speculating whether biases affected voting outcomes. There are those who have suggested Marine's victory was influenced by a desire to avoid having a woman of color win the title. Such discussions have sparked wider debates about representation and inclusivity within French television.
Adding to the dialogue, show presenter Nikos Aliagas admitted the considerable pressures of hosting such a widely followed show. "Les gens ne réalisent pas cette dimension physique du corps face à la caméra," he said, highlighting the physical and psychological toll of performing live every week. His sentiments underline the intensity and commitment required from all performers and staff involved.
Matt Pokora, who visited the finalists, shared his insights with them about handling the external world post-show. He stressed, "Une fois dehors, il faut vraiment faire la part des choses avec les réseaux sociaux," underlining the importance of managing their responses to social media criticism. His advice aimed to prepare both young artists for the challenges and harsh realities they would face following their appearance on the show.
Despite the controversies and issues faced by the contestants, exciting plans lie ahead. The Star Academy franchise is set to continue engaging audiences, with announcements made about upcoming auditions for the next season. This offers hope and opportunities for aspiring artists eager to step onto the stage and potentially find their own path to success.
While Marine prepares for her promotional tour alongside eight of her fellow contestants, the discourse generated from this season casts shadows on the joy of victory. The larger conversation about race, representation, and the societal impact of such platforms continues, urging not only the contestants but also the public to confront uncomfortable truths and strive for change.
The intertwining of personal journeys with societal issues makes this season of Star Academy pivotal, leaving viewers to ponder the significance of progress and the responsibilities of those who are placed in the spotlight. One thing is clear: this year's finale was not just about winning; it was about redefining narratives and challenging perceptions.