On December 13, 2024, the stage of TF1 was set for another gripping episode of "Star Academy," with the remaining seven contestants vying for survival as tensions peaked following last week's elimination of Maureen. Presenting the prime was the charismatic Nikos Aliagas, who led the show amid palpable excitement and drama.
Four contestants, Marine, Maïa, Ulysse, and Marguerite, found themselves on the hot seat this week, all nominated for elimination. Thanks to their stellar performances, Ebony, Charles, and Franck secured immunity early on, ensuring they would advance to the following week.
The evening kicked off spectacularly with the academy's anthem, "Recommence-moi," shared for the first time alongside their beloved professors, Sofia Morgavi, Hugues Hamelynck, Malika Benjelloun, Marlène Schaff, and Ladji Doucouré. Following the opening number, the nominated students took to the stage, competing fiercely with emotional renditions of the legendary "Mourir sur scène" by Dalida. Each contestant added their unique flair, but Charles drew significant attention with his performance of “Caruso,” dazzling everyone with his sense of style.
Aiding the vocally talented Marine and Marguerite was the virtuoso pianist Khatia Buniatishvili, playing “Sur un prélude de Bach” by Maurane. The energy surged as Gims ignited the stage with his lively medley including “Spider” and “Sois pas timide,” alongside Charles, Ebony, and Frank.
Yet it was the return of Kendji Girac, previously appearing earlier this season, which stirred up the most discussions on social media. His performance of “Andalouse” with Ulysse and “Si seulement” with Maïa was met with mixed reactions, with some fans expressing disappointment at his frequent appearances. Users took to X to voice their grievances, saying things like, "Mais il est déjà venu en prime le Kendji??" highlighting the duality of opinions surrounding his continued presence on the show. During such critiques, fans expressed their frustration over Kendji's recent media return following dramatic events earlier this year, calling him out, among other things, for being a ‘red flag’ celebrity.
Despite the criticisms, some fans defended him, emphasizing his impressive French repertoire, stating, "Kendji... Le mec a un trop bon répertoire français mais pourquoi tu as tout gâché gamin." Others pointed out the personal struggles he was facing, reminding detractors of his family situation and the expectations on him as he navigates his comeback. Star Academy has become as much about personal narratives as it is about music.
The atmosphere was electrified when Marine and Maïa shared what could be dubbed the first "Star Academy kiss". This moment came after practice for their duet on “Eternal Flame” by The Bangles, showing their close bond, and eliciting joy among their fellow contestants. The excitement spilled over to social media with public reactions ranging from adoration for their performance to sheer excitement for their coupling offstage. “La saison pour choquer, j’aime ce que je vois,” one viewer remarked, elated at the visible chemistry between the two women.
This burgeoning romance emerged as they navigated the week, providing not only entertainment but emotional depth as they face the pressures of the competition. Their connection unfolded against the backdrop of various competitive frictions and previous disappointments; Marine had expressed her dissatisfaction post-performance with Ulysse on “Come What May”, recounting how challenging it is to act affectionately with someone you don’t feel close to.
Through rehearsals, tensions occasionally flared, but shared moments brought healing and unity. Afterward, Marine confessed, "Je trouve ça plus facile qu'on se l'adresse l'une à l'autre," demonstrating their willingness to connect personally as they performed.
With grads excitement spilling across the board, the culmination of this prime led to the months’-long competition taking another twist: Maïa received the least votes from the public and was sadly eliminated. Her exit was marked by emotional farewells as she reflected on her own time spent with the group and her support for those she leaves behind. Marguerite, Ulysse, and Marine stood together, shedding tears over the loss of what they had considered family.
Although she performed splendidly alongside Marine, it was the audience votes—that fickle mark of success—that determined her fate. Reflecting on the conclusion of the evening, Ulysse quipped, “Non non, l’amitié avec Marine va très bien... Je n'ai besoin d'un peu de distance histoire de se ressourcer et de repartir de plus belle.” This kind of camaraderie, triumphs, and tribulations highlight the enduring spirit at the heart of Star Academy and its contestants.
With the final elimination set and emotions running high, the cast faces an uncertain yet hopeful next week, promising continued excitement as they strive for their dreams of stardom.