With the end of the Star Academy 2024 approaching, the spotlight is firmly on the remaining six students as they navigate evaluations and the looming threat of nominations. On December 24, the contestants presented their talents to the faculty, seeking to avoid elimination during this final stretch of the show. The pressure was palpable, and with the stakes so high, every performance counted.
Those performing included Ulysse, Franck, Marguerite, and Marine, who impressed the judges with their skills and creativity during their evaluation titled "A Color: A Song." Meanwhile, Charles and Ebony were immune from elimination this week, opting to sit out the evaluations to rest their voices. The arrival of family members added both warmth and pressure to the evaluations, giving contestants moral support as they took the stage.
On December 25, during the live broadcast on TF1+, the sports instructor Ladji Doucouré took on the role of mental coach, addressing the potential challenges of fame. He warned the students, saying, "After you belong to the people. You don’t necessarily want to... It’s scary." This frank discussion underscored the emotional toll celebrity can take on individuals, particularly those who may not be fully prepared for the onslaught of public attention.
“You’re going to see, there will be clans, favoring one person over another. At some point, people feel they own you. That’s dangerous,” Doucouré cautioned, urging the students to remain themselves whilst being equipped to handle the expectations and pressures of fame.
The dangers of social media and public perception have become noticeably heightened lately, prompting the show's producers to respond to increasing threats. A message from TF1 and Endemol France reassured contestants and fans alike, stating they would report any campaigns of hate directed at the participants and would not hesitate to take legal action against such behavior.
Back at the chateau, the gravity of Doucouré’s words left many students visibly shaken. For Marine, it sparked questions about how to cope. "How do we do this?" she asked, seeking clarity amid the uncertainty of their futures beyond the show. Ladji's advice was straightforward: "You don’t have to do anything, just stay natural. But you must be prepared for what’s out there."
The evaluations concluded with mixed results, highlighting great potential among the students. While all four performers showcased their talent during the singing and choreography components, certain performances stood out. Marine, who soared through her song choice from the animated movie "Vaiana," earned significant praise, even with her fragile health. Ulysse, invigorated by the arrival of his mother, and Franck, who delivered his rendition of Amy Winehouse’s "Back to Black," also left strong impressions on the faculty. Marguerite’s performance styled through the lens of Michel Berger’s "Le paradis blanc" earned her favorable mentions but was marred by some timing issues.
On the heels of evaluations, the announcement of this week’s nominations brought with it another wave of tension. The chosen individuals facing the audience’s votes for potential elimination are Marguerite and Ulysse. This news signifies the gravity of the final choices the contestants must make as they confront the reality of leaving the magical cocoon of the chateau. Just days remain before the audience’s vote reshapes their fates, with the next live prime scheduled for December 28, 2024.
During this prime, viewers can expect some star-studded performances. Students chose country music as their theme, featuring tracks like "Texas Hold'Em" by Beyoncé, "Jolene" by Dolly Parton, and "Cotton Eyed Joe" by Rednex. Guests for the evening will include renowned artists such as Ben l’Oncle Soul, Ycare, and popular singer Lorie, promising to deliver captivating performances alongside the students.
Yet, the bittersweet reality of the competition looms heavy. While some students relish the excitement of the spotlight, others grapple with anxiety about their future as the final weeks wind down. they must remind themselves to stay true to their abilities, as not everyone successfully navigates this demanding path of fame.
