The highly anticipated premiere concert of the Star Academy 2024 Tour took place on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the Millésium in Épernay, France. The show kicked off with much fanfare, drawing approximately 5,000 enthusiastic spectators eager to see the latest season's contestants perform their favorite hits. The excitement was palpable as the contestants, including Marine, Ebony, Charles, and others, took to the stage to deliver memorable performances throughout the night.
Before the concert, the contestants were seen preparing for the big event after arriving by bus and settling down at their hotel. They wrapped up their day with rehearsals, fine-tuning their acts with both intensity and enthusiasm, and even connected with fans during the live radio broadcast on ChampagneFM.
The evening commenced with Julien Lieb, the star of the previous season, opening the first part of the show before the contestants entered at 8:42 PM. Audience members were treated to a nostalgic film showcasing highlights from the contestants' time at the academy, setting the backdrop for what would become an electrifying evening.
Each contestant made their entrance amid cheers, singing the opening lines of "Quand on arrive en ville" from Starmania, alluding to the celebratory tone of the night. The excitement continued to build as the performers launched straightinto their set list, featuring hits like "Recommence-moi" and several other iconic tracks from the season, pleasing fans with both classic and contemporary songs.
Perhaps the standout performance of the night came from Ebony and Charles, who mesmerized the audience with their rendition of "Writing's on the Wall." Their vocal prowess delivered one of the evening's most exhilarating moments, leaving fans applauding for more. Ulysse and Marguerite also delivered captivating duets, showcasing their chemistry on stage.
Marine, crowned the winner of the latest season, shone brightly throughout the event with her show-stopping rendition of "Ma faute." Her connection with the audience was evident as they lit up their phones, creating a magical atmosphere. The concert exemplified Marine’s remarkable talent, particularly when she effortlessly conquered the emotional range required for songs like "All By Myself" and "Quand on a que l'amour."
Charles, another prominent performer, kept the energy high, leading the audience through several lively tracks, including Soprano's "Cosmo." His charisma and humor captivated the crowd, turning the performance space electric as fans responded to his every move and lyric. One memorable moment occurred when his jacket unexpectedly burst open to reveal his bare chest, prompting both laughter and cheers.
Ebony’s performance on "Creep" showed another facet of her versatility, as she carried herself with confidence and grace. Throughout the performance, her enthusiasm for the music was infectious. Audience members enjoyed not just her solo numbers, but also her interaction with the crowd, where she encouraged fans to join them on stage to sing alongside the contestants.
Over the course of the two-hour concert, attendees were treated to around 40 songs, including medleys from various genres. Each segment featured something for everyone, spanning from the upbeat tunes of the Spice Girls' "Wannabe" to modern hits from artists like Charlotte Cardin. Despite the crowded schedule, the performers managed to weave joyful and nostalgic moments seamlessly.
Closing the show, Ebony and Marine returned for the encore. They left the audience breathless with their heartfelt performance of "Never Enough" from The Greatest Showman, which was both poignant and powerful, drawing tears from many. The emotional connection was undeniable as the duo embraced on stage, sealing the night with heartfelt affection.
To conclude the concert, the entire cast gathered once more for the moving finale of "Et si tu sens," written by Grégory Lemarchal, accompanied by images of their time together at the academy, leaving many fans nostalgic and emotional. Clearly, the Star Academy franchise has continued to touch hearts and reshape the concert experience, setting the bar high for the subsequent dates on their tour.
Overall, the concert's success marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting tour filled with unforgettable moments and stellar performances. Fans can look forward to more shows, as this lively production travels across various cities, continuing to spread joy and talent from the Star Academy contestants.