Star Academy 2024 has ramped up the stakes for its contestants with new challenges introduced this week by director Michael Goldman. The pressure is on, especially for contestant Marine, who has openly shared her nerves about the upcoming evaluations. On Friday, December 13, Maïa bid farewell to the chateau after falling short of winning over the public's vote, even after delivering her best performance yet alongside Marine.
Despite leaving the competition, Maïa has secured her spot on the upcoming Star Academy 2025 tour, set to begin this February across France. The remaining contestants are gearing up for another round of evaluations as Goldman spices things up with the addition of improvisational theater as part of the scoring process. Audience votes will count for 50% of their total score, with the remaining half coming from the professors.
Marine, particularly anxious about the new format, expressed her concerns during the live Star Academy stream on TF1+. "Je pensais être tranquille, mais en fait pas du tout," she confessed, amplifying the sense of anxiety as the competition narrows down. The pressure of five fellow contenders breeds additional layers of stress, especially with new requirements looming overhead. "L'impro de théâtre, ça me gave en éval'. Je savais que ça allait arriver un jour, c'était sûr," she lamented to fellow contestant Franck, who tried to comfort her by noting, "Mais t'inquiète, c'est la semaine du public. Tu es la plus populaire." Marine’s doubts, reflected her belief, even if supported by fans, could lead to nominations and danger of elimination.
During the recently held showcase at Paris, contestants felt the pulse of their popularity, but Marine's apprehensions bubbled to the surface as she confided, "Tu n'en sais rien Franck ! On a vu à Beaugrenelle, mais ça se trouve dans un autre endroit de la France, ils ne m'aiment pas beaucoup." Her feelings intensified as she clung to her reimagining of Céline Dion's "My Heart Will Go On," doubting her performance capabilities against now formidable contenders. "Je suis sûre d'être nommée. Tout le monde fait un truc trop bien et moi, c'est un peu copier-coller," Marine lamented.
The prime on Friday night was memorable for Maïa, particularly for the unexpected kiss shared with Marine after performing "Eternal Flame" by The Bangles. Following their duet, Maïa reflected on the tender gesture, saying, "Très douces lèvres," during her debrief with the production team. The kiss sparked interest online, with many viewers celebrating the moment and its authenticity.
According to Marlène Schaff, the professor of stage expression, the performance really struck her. She told Marine, "Moi j'ai eu l'impression de tomber amoureuse de vous voir amoureuses, et c'est ça notre métier. Je ne m'y attendais pas du tout." This remark highlighted how art opens pathways to unexpected emotional connections and captured the essence of why performances resonate with audiences.
Maïa also spoke candidly about her experience and the kiss, noting, "Ce baiser c’était vraiment la suite logique à l’interprétation de notre chanson et on trouvait que c’était un joli moment à partager à la télé aussi." She emphasized how their sincere performance naturally concluded with the kiss and expressed no regrets about sharing the moment on air.
Looking forward, Maïa maintains hope and perspective about her time on Star Academy, expressing appreciation for the supportive environment created by the professors. Reflecting on her progress, she remarked, "J’ai l’impression que Marlène Schaff comprend beaucoup ce que je vis," highlighting the supportive bonds formed throughout this vibrant competition. With evaluations fast approaching and the lineup of theatrical improvisation looming, contestants must dial up their performances more than ever, promising a high-stakes showdown with emotional highs and lows.
With eliminations looming and the audience playing a pivotal role, the pressure on the remaining contestants only continues to rise. What’s next for the remaining six talented individuals as they navigate the challenges of Star Academy? The answer awaits with their performances, and the anticipation is palpable.
