Star Académie was alive with energy on Sunday, March 9, 2025, as Christian Marc Gendron lit up the stage with his vibrant performance. The show was rich with talent and emotions, drawing reactions from fans both inside the studio and at home.
Christian Marc, known for his previous stint on Lara Fabian's team on La Voix back in 2019, transformed the MELS studio in Longueuil with his 'Piano Party' number. Audiences were not just watching; they were dancing along, reflecting the performer's infectious energy. Instagram and Twitter lit up with reactions to his performance, which included unique renditions of classics. Gendron's daughter, Kara, was backstage, along with his wife, Manon Séguin, whose support added to the emotional atmosphere of the evening.
During this eighth variety show, singer Lara Fabian was also featured, whose presence garnered substantial reactions from the audience. Commentary on social media highlighted her strong performance and the excitement she generates among fans.
Christian Marc didn't take the stage alone. He was joined by his fellow contestants, Camille and Marc-Antoine, as they performed Billy Joel's evergreen hit, "We Didn't Start the Fire." Their electrifying rendition set the tone for the evening, with the crowd cheering on this spirited tribute.
Meanwhile, other performances added to the excitement. Mia showcased her talent with the song "Another Day of Sun" from the acclaimed film La La Land, and Albert covered Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart." Loïc’s contribution was no less impactful, with his performance of "Way Down We Go" by Kaleo.
Despite the thrilling performances, the night took on a somber twist as Loïc, aged 24, was eliminated from the competition. Audience reactions were mixed, with many expressing their disappointment on social media. One viewer lamented, "The only different rock voice is leaving… disappointment! Bravo Loïc, long career ahead." Another felt Justin should have been sent home instead, echoing the sentiments of several fans who felt the judges made questionable choices, perhaps indicating mismatched evaluations of the contestants' talents.
These comments encapsulate the turmoil and passion among fans of the show, who are often left guessing how the faculty's selections align with public opinion. "I don't understand... very disappointed with the judges," remarked another fan. Loïc's exit leaves the competition tougher for remaining contestants, many of whom have developed significant fan bases, and it will be interesting to see how the remaining Academicians evolve as the show progresses.
Despite the eliminations, Star Académie offered memorable moments. The families of contestants joined forces with Claude Cobra to perform, adding warmth to the night. Amanda Marshall made a surprise appearance, singing alongside singer Véronique DiCaire, which delighted the audience.
Upcoming guests promise even more excitement. Natasha St-Pier, Bruno Pelletier, and William Cloutier are scheduled to appear on next week's episode, set for March 16, 2025, raising anticipation levels among viewers eager for more musical talent.
Throughout the evening, the production tapped deeply on the nostalgia of music, with performances like Albert, Loïc, and Mia's rendition of "Blame It on the Boogie" adding to the thematic depth and connection through music.
The night concluded with Gendron staying true to his humble approach, having successfully sold 65,000 tickets for his recent tour, as he remains dedicated to his craft, stating he is "continuing to work hard" — lyrics performed echoed the dedication of the artists and contestants alike.
Star Académie continues to blend the thrill of competition with the joy of music, fostering memorable collaborations and performances. With its next episode on the horizon, fans are left to ponder who will shine next and who might face the judges' decisions.