The Star Academy 2024 is entering its most intense competition phase as the stakes get higher and emotions run deep. This past Saturday, January 4, 2025, the popular reality music show faced another dramatic installment as Ulysse became the latest contestant to be eliminated from the competition, leaving only four hopefuls vying for victory.
Hosted by Nikos Aliagas, the prime included dynamic performances from contestants Ebony, Marine, Charles, and Franck, all of whom put their talents to the test on stage. Notably, Ebony secured her spot for the semi-finals, demonstrating her consistent brilliance throughout the competition. Her performances have consistently captivated her mentors and audiences alike, but the evening was marred by unfortunate technical issues, making it difficult for viewers to hear the contestants clearly.
During the evening, Ulysse and the other contestants stepped onto the stage to put their best foot forward. The show also featured impressive guest artists, including Héléna and MC Solaar, who contributed to memorable duets. Ulysse, Charles, and Marine performed alongside these stars, showcasing their growth as singers and performers, but the spotlight remained on Ebony as she delivered one of her strongest performances yet.
Unfortunately, audience members quickly took to social media to express their frustration over persistent microphone problems. Viewers noted, "TF1, même le budget son/micro a été réduit ? C’est quoi ça ?" indicating dissatisfaction with the audio quality, which overshadowed the contestants' efforts. Many shared their disappointment on Twitter, stressing how, with such important performances, the technical shortcomings should have been rectified.
Despite the hiccups, the performances continued, with Marine delivering her own successful act combining singing and dancing, drawing cheers from excited fans. Nevertheless, the focus would soon shift to the end of the night’s voting, where Ulysse faced the unfortunate outcome of having the lowest votes from the audience, marking the end of his Star Academy adventure. Despite this setback, he will remain a part of the Star Academy family, taking part in the upcoming tour with his fellow contestants.
On another note, the evening again brought to light the controversial discussions surrounding Ebony and the troubling comments directed at her on social media. Many defenders of Ebony voiced outrage against the racist remarks she has faced. One Twitter user commented grimly, "Je vous jure que si Ebony gagne pas, c'est du RACISME PUR ET DUR. elle est au dessus de TOUT les autres de très loin," showcasing the deep-seated issues intertwining race and competition, sparking dialogue across online platforms.
The series has certainly created ripples beyond just entertainment, provoking discussions about race, talent, and fairness. Joan, another avid fan, expressed his sentiment reflecting on the larger issue: "Les vrais grands gagnants de cette saison sont et resteront : LA MAUVAISE FOI, LA MÉCHANCETÉ GRATUITE ET LE RACISME. Vraiment à gerber." These sentiments reflect the discontent of many viewers who feel the atmosphere surrounding the competition has been tainted by unwarranted negativity.
Even with the overwhelming talent exhibited by Ebony and others, the underlying issue of race continues to mar the season, prompting supporters to rally around her more fervently. "Mais l'autre là va te dire que comme des personnes noires ont déjà gagné la star ac ou the voice Ebony ne subit pas de racisme," another fan retorted, elaborately defending Ebony's prowess and rights to face the competition free of racial prejudice.
Each week, as the competition tightens and anticipation builds, viewers can expect more thrilling performances alongside the backdrop of increasingly vocal public discourse. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment of Star Academy, curious to see who will rise to the challenge and whether the issues raised about race and talent will be confronted head-on. With Ebony still at the forefront of discussions, one wonders how these themes will play out as the semi-finals draw near.
With Ulysse's departure, only four contestants remain: Ebony, Marine, Charles, and Franck. The tension surrounding each episode grows as they head toward the finale, drastically enhancing their resolve to claim the title of Star Academy winner.
The competition is about more than just singing; it’s about representation, resilience, and overcoming obstacles both on and off the stage.