On Sunday, March 30, 2025, the popular television show Star Académie delivered a night filled with emotion and musical tributes, celebrating the legacy of the late Jean-Pierre Ferland nearly a year after his passing. The event featured renowned artists including Lara Fabian, Julie Anne Saumur—Ferland's widow—Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and the Orchestre Métropolitain, along with performances from rising stars Pierre Lapointe and Vincent Vallières.
The homage to Ferland kicked off with Vincent Vallières, who set a nostalgic tone by performing two of Ferland's classics: "Le chat du café des artistes (avec Albert)" and "Qu’est-ce que ça peut ben faire (avec Victoria)." This heartfelt tribute resonated deeply with the audience, as Ferland's music continues to evoke strong emotions among fans.
Following Vallières, Pierre Lapointe took the stage to perform "Le petit roi (avec Katrine)," adding to the rich tapestry of Ferland's musical repertoire. The highlight of the evening came when Lara Fabian, the Academy's godmother, took center stage. She sang "Une chance qu’on s’a (avec Mia)" and "Je reviens chez nous," captivating the audience with her powerful voice.
As the evening progressed, all performers united for the climactic piece, "Un peu plus haut, un peu plus loin," which included an emotional performance by Julie Anne Saumur. After her heartfelt rendition, Saumur expressed her gratitude, saying, "C’est un beau cadeau, beaucoup d’émotions." Her tribute was particularly poignant given the recent loss of her husband.
In addition to the tribute to Ferland, the show featured Marc Déry, who performed three of his songs: "À la figure," "Aquarium," which is set to be released in his upcoming album J’aime ça quand t’es là in September, and "Depuis." Vallières also announced an additional performance of his tour "Vallières au travers de la route" scheduled for April 16, 2026, at MTelus in Montreal, further exciting fans.
As the night unfolded, emotions ran high, particularly during Mia's performance. The young contestant dedicated her rendition of "Si t'étais là" by Louane to her best friend who passed away five years ago. The heartfelt performance left a lasting impact, visibly moving the faculty members, including Garou and Véronic DiCaire, who were seen in tears.
The production team at Star Académie had prepared this tribute to Ferland while simultaneously gearing up for the semi-finals, where four contestants—Victoria, Katrine, Albert, and Mia—were competing for a chance to advance to the finals. The public's reactions were mixed, with many expressing their opinions on social media regarding who might make it to the final round.
Victoria opened the semi-final performances with "The Power of Love" by Céline Dion. Her interpretation was powerful, though some critics noted it lacked a bit of the emotional depth expected from such a classic. Katrine followed with her own composition titled "Minable," showcasing her vulnerability and authenticity, which resonated well with the audience.
Albert chose to perform "Si Dieu existe" by Claude Dubois, delivering a masterful performance that showcased his vocal prowess. However, it was Mia who truly captured the audience's hearts, with her emotional rendition of "Si t’étais là." The arrangement, featuring strings and piano, enhanced her performance, which was described as both genuine and moving.
As the evening drew to a close, the anticipation built around the public's voting. After Vincent Vallières's touching performance of "À hauteur d’homme," the public voted, and it was announced that Mia Tinayre and Katrine Sansregret would be the two finalists moving on to the final round scheduled for April 6, 2025. They will have the opportunity to perform together in a duet of the show’s theme song.
This season of Star Académie has not only showcased incredible talent but also created a strong sense of community among the contestants, who have formed deep friendships throughout the competition. As the finale approaches, the excitement continues to build, promising a spectacular conclusion to this season's journey.
In addition to the tributes and performances, Véronic DiCaire showcased her talents by performing songs such as "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston (with Victoria), "Provocante" by Marjo (with Albert), and "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga (with Mia). DiCaire also provided a sneak peek of her upcoming role in the musical Chicago, set to open on June 21, 2025, at Espace St-Denis in Montreal. The evening was a celebration of music, emotion, and the enduring legacy of Jean-Pierre Ferland, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the grand finale.
