The anticipation is building as the finale of the famed television show Star Academy approaches, with fans eager to see who will win this season: Marine or Ebony. This year, significant changes to the voting process have been announced, promising to include more voices from the public than ever before.
According to Le Parisien, until now, only residents of mainland France could cast votes for the show's finalists. This exclusion meant votes from territories like Guadeloupe, home to finalist Ebony, were not counted. This situation drew criticism from actress Firmine Richard during the semi-final, where she declared, "We need to include the diaspora! It’s unacceptable for Caribbean votes not to be counted." Following this outcry, TF1, the network behind Star Academy, decided to amend the rules, allowing residents from overseas territories to participate. This change could potentially involve more than 2.2 million new voters.
The voting process will be somewhat limited, as participants can only vote via phone calls. SMS voting, cited as "too lengthy to implement" before the finale, will not be available. Votes will be counted from all locations at the same time, ensuring fairness for Ebony and Marine, who have captivated the audience throughout the competition.
The grand finale is set for Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the château de Dammarie-Les-Lys, and promises to be emotional and exciting. Both finalists have demonstrated immense talent and dedication, competing hard against other contestants throughout the season. Their performances will be broadcast live, and fans will finally know who will claim the coveted title of champion.
Leading up to this date, both contestants have been quite busy. This week, on Wednesday, January 22, Marine and Ebony will leave the château to appear at the NRJ radio station for a special showcase. The excitement has been palpable, and during the announcement, the NRJ host exclaimed, "A big surprise awaits you!"
Both finalists exhibited shock and joy upon learning they would perform their singles live at NRJ, indicating how this showcase serves as another opportunity to highlight their talents before the final showdown. Marine was initially concerned about missing sports practice, laughingly questioning if they would fit it all in. The event has sparked enthusiasm not only from the contestants but also from their friends and family, as the public has eagerly awaited their big performances.
Returning participants will join them, reflecting on their camaraderie and shared experiences within the competition. Their scheduled performances are said to be highly emotional, as both finalists prepare to sing for their fans, promising another heartwarming chapter of their Star Academy story. The latter part of the week has also included rehearsals for their singles—a moment both have long awaited.
Fans are poised not just for the performances but also for the results of the voting, including the suspense surrounding why TF1 has kept vote percentages under wraps. Master Gérald Simonin, the show’s appointed notary, explained this practice during the semi-final’s reveal on Avostage, stating, "We do not disclose percentages when the outcomes might impact future rounds. We like to maintain some level of mystery and suspense during the competition." This approach has frustrated some fans eager for more insight, yet it keeps viewers on their toes. The anticipation of knowing who will take home the title only intensifies as the top competitors continue their preparations.
The final showdown on January 25 will not only determine the winner but will also be notable as it features collective votes from the expanded voter base. It’s set to be the most inclusive finale yet, and the pressure is on for both Marine and Ebony to deliver stellar performances. This year's finale can not only confirm the talent of the two contenders but could also shape future practices for Star Academy and similar shows.
With the clock ticking down to the finale, Marine and Ebony are gearing up for what promises to be not just another competition, but a heartfelt celebration of talent, perseverance, and the unifying power of music. Who will earn the title of champion on this emotional night? The answer awaits as the stage is set and the votes are finalized.