Star Académie has become the talk of the town once again as recent performances have stirred both excitement and controversy among its dedicated viewers. A key highlight from the sixth variety show was Émily Bégin’s dazzling tribute to the legendary band ABBA, featuring contributions from all the Académiciens and the show's crew. Her partner, Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge, usually keeps a low profile, made a rare appearance to support Émily during her electrifying performance, which took place at the MELS studio.
Bégin's energetic homage did not disappoint, including enthusiastic choreography and vibrant costumes. Eight dancers joined her on stage, and at one point, she performed a split move before being heroically lifted by one of the dancers, evoking memories of the iconic dance finale from Dirty Dancing.. Another standout performance came from Éléonore Lagacé, who belted out "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme" clad in a gorgeous fringe dress, whose design was credited to Diana Gao, a student from Collège LaSalle. Lagacé is also set to release her debut album, Brûlez-moi vive, on March 21.
Social media lit up with reactions to Bégin's performance, with fans praising her dazzling talent and the high energy of the show. Comments like "Émily wow wow wow, you are stunning, what extraordinary talent" and "INCREDIBLE!!! Even Better than the Rolling Stones show!!!" spoke volumes about the audience's enthusiasm. Other highlights of her performance included classic ABBA hits like "Super Trouper,” "Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen,” among others, drawing rave reviews for the choreography crafted by Maud Saint-Germain and direction by Joël Legendre.
Meanwhile, the competition took another dramatic turn as the audience saw the elimination of Laurence Libersan after the various performances. The public had saved the duo formed by Katrine and Loïc, who performed “Reviens-moi,” with praises for their vocal strength. Though Joël and Laurence attempted to salvage their standing with “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, their performance fell short, eliciting criticism and disappointment.
Garou, the academy’s director, had to make the tough decision alongside the teaching staff. He opted to keep Joël, praising him for his "crazy charisma" and "incredible talent," which inevitably meant the end of the road for Laurence, igniting discussion among fans who took to social media to express their outrage and confusion over the outcome. Many felt Laurence’s vocals had outperformed Joël’s, with one social media user stating, "I don’t understand why Laurence was eliminated! She has such a beautiful voice!"
Further compounding the tension, Joël and Laurence's earlier performance had received criticism from Garou for lacking the seriousness expected at the academy, marking their downfall. The dynamic between the contestants has remained intense, as evidenced when Laurence and Joël were sent home with their performances being deemed less commendable compared to their peers.
This past week showcased a range of emotions and performances, filled with excitement, tension, and fan fervor. The show aimed to lighten the atmosphere with fun elements, like providing fondue and new instruments to the contestants, along with friendly reunions. Such gestures were reminders of the supportive community aspect of Star Académie amid the high-stakes environment.
Viewers were treated to notable performances from guest artists, including Roxane Bruneau and Barbara Pravi, who electrified the audience with their music. Bruneau, known for her expressive style, stood out with several songs from her latest album, engaging the Académiciens with direct and powerful performances. Similarly, Pravi wowed the audience alongside contestant Camille Cormier-Morasse, filling the stage with the emotional depth of her hit “Voilà,” reminiscent of her significant Eurovision achievement.
Reflecting on the evening's events, one thing is clear: Star Académie remains as unpredictable as ever. The blend of heartfelt performances, cut-throat eliminations, and unexpected twists keeps fans enthralled, prompting them to speculate on future episodes and the emotional journeys of their favorite contestants.
Despite this week’s turmoil, Laurence’s departure sparked discussions about the selection criteria applied by the faculty. Critics pointed out the perceived inconsistency and questioned whether audiences should have more influence over elimination decisions. The production sought to clarify their stance, emphasizing the importance of each contestant's performance and potential.
Overall, this week was yet another reminder of how Star Académie captivates the hearts of its viewers, continuing to bridge the gap between budding artists and music aficionados. Fans left eagerly awaiting the next performance, hopeful for surprises and heartfelt moments, all part of the Star Académie experience.