The much-anticipated launch of the Star Academy 2024 tour kicked off on February 21, 2025, at the Millesium in Épernay, France. A crowd of approximately 5,000 fans filled the venue, eager to see their favorite contestants perform live.
The tour features the standout performers from the latest season, including winner Marine, who captured hearts during the final of the tele-crochet on January 25, 2025. Alongside her are Ebony, Charles, Franck, Ulysse, Marguerite, Maïa, Maureen, and Emma, all ready to thrill the audience with their renditions of iconic songs from the season.
Fans were treated to nearly two hours of entertainment, starting with the catchy opening number, “Quand on arrive en ville” from the musical Starmania. The excitement peaked when Marine and her fellow contestants sang their season's anthem, “Recommence-moi.” Audience members enthusiastically joined in, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.
The setlist showcased various highlights, including cover songs like “Writing's on the Wall” by Sam Smith and Axel Bauer's “À Ma Place,” performed by Ulysse and Marguerite. Marine's solo performance of “Ma Faute,” her debut single, was particularly well-received, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Despite the electrifying atmosphere, not all fan reactions were positive. Many attendees expressed their disappointment, particularly those who purchased premium tickets. These tickets, ranging from 100 to 150 euros, promised exclusive access to meet-and-greet opportunities and merchandise. Unfortunately, the actual experience fell short for many.
"Les gens sont hyper-énervés," remarked one unhappy fan, highlighting the rushed nature of the meet-and-greet sessions, which lasted only 10 minutes. Another fan lamented, "L’année dernière déjà, on nous pressait. On s’attendait à la même chose, mais c’est encore pire, pour un prix qui augmente et une offre moins bien," as reported by Le Parisien. This sentiment of frustration suggests potential unrest among fans over the handling of premium ticket experiences.
Many had anticipated meaningful interactions with the contestants, but the brief photo opportunities felt more like a factory line to some attendees. Fans had expected to enjoy conversations, only to be met with tight security measures, including restrictions on taking personal photos during the event.
On social media, audience members shared mixed reviews of the concert. A fan on X stated, "Le public debout pour Marine... la reine de la soirée," emphasizing Marine's standout performance. Others noted the star’s commanding vocal delivery during emotional ballads, leaving many impressed with her talent.
The tour is set to continue over the next several months, with more than 50 scheduled dates across France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Notable upcoming performances include multiple shows at the iconic Accor Arena, adding to the anticipation for fans eager to experience the tour.
Although the launch may not have met every fan's expectations, the overwhelming attendance and enthusiasm for the performers indicate strong interest and continued support for the Star Academy franchise. What remains to be seen is whether the organizers will address the concerns raised by the audience to improve the upcoming shows.
Overall, the Star Academy 2024 tour merges excitement with lessons learned from its inception, promising to deliver thrilling performances and memorable experiences for those willing to be part of this musical voyage.