The Stromae madness spread throughout the Mels studio on Sunday evening during the Variety of “Star Académie”, thanks to a number as festive as it was unifying. Despite voice problems, Olivier Bergeron was again chosen by the public, while the teachers decided to protect Julien Charbonneau.
• Read also: “Star Académie”: Stromae is back in Quebec
The appearance of Stromae on the set of “Star Académie” could not leave anyone indifferent, and the Belgian star lived up to expectations. Between new songs and unmissable successes, he has shown great generosity, leaving all the space to the Academicians in his songs. They had been waiting for this moment for a long time, and it seems to have had a liberating effect for them.
Hazards
On the advice of Gregory Charles, Julien Charbonneau had bet on “I love you”, by Lara Fabian, to try to keep his place. If he has the vocal power to do justice to this huge song, he added a few flourishes that weren’t always to the best effect. “You have immense talent,” Marc Dupré told him, before giving the floor to Lara Fabian. “It’s so moving to live this moment,” she explained.
Édouard Lagacé wanted to send a message to his girlfriend by singing “Tonight love is in your eyes” to defend himself. Accompanied by his guitar, he was deeply invested in his interpretation, through which we could feel all his emotion. “You are of such richness and such depth, analyzed Guylaine Tremblay. When you open the doors, nothing can stop you. You are a beautiful artist, I love you very much.
Despite discomfort in the vocal cords, Olivier Bergeron wanted to give everything in his interpretation of “Mon ange”, by Éric Lapointe. Only accompanied by a piano, he defended himself with the intensity that we know him, while appearing completely vulnerable. “You are lucky because you have something that cannot be bought and that we cannot teach you, it is so true what comes out of you”, congratulated Gregory Charles.
Back to origins
Guest artistic director, Serge Denoncourt immersed the Academicians in post-war Paris, with a repertoire of essential French songs. The number opened with “There is no more after”, solidly interpreted by Éloi, while the images were in black and white.
“Don’t leave me”, “Undress me”, “The crowd” or even “I’m going to love you” were part of the repertoire chosen by the artistic director. “They made me cry when it never happens to me, said Denoncourt at the end of the number. I chose these songs because these young people do not know where they come from.
We also learned that the album of “Star Académie 2022” will officially be released next Thursday, March 31. The entire cohort will present excerpts from this disc during the next Variété.
Special request
During the week, Marc Dupré surprised Geneviève Beauchesne at her residence following her wish to pay tribute to her son William, who was diagnosed with ASD at the age of two. Together, they went to the auditorium of his son’s secondary school, where he performed, in the company of the dislodged Academicians, the song “Comme tout le monde” by 2 Frères.
The Academicians then took over the torch by continuing the song on the set, before the surprise arrival of 2 Brothers, who came to surprise Geneviève and William.
colorful
The presence of the German duo Milky Chance obviously pleased the Academicians who were able to share the stage with a group that most of them adore. In particular, they were able to cover “Stolen Dance”, “Colorado” or even “Synchronize”.
Verdict
For the second time, the public has chosen to keep Olivier Bergeron at the Academy. “I’m doing this for you,” he exclaimed spontaneously. Thanks very much.” The choice of teachers was announced by Guylaine Tremblay. “It’s more and more difficult, because we have two exceptional singers,” she said. The faculty has chosen to protect the one who, this evening, responded to the order and who approached us, that is to say Julien.
Stromae’s Party
Ten years after his stint at “Star Académie”, Stromae was back for a wild number. The opening of the Academicians in harmony on “Formidable” launched the festivities with intensity. We then found the singer in a monochrome living room setting where he performed “Hell” with Edouard and Julien, as well as a choir of women. Sarah-Maude and Camélia then distinguished themselves by sharing the song “Santé”. Stromae made a mistake in his words which destabilized Sarah-Maude, but the pleasure was obvious, as much on the side of the Academicians as on the excited public in the studio. The finale on “Alors on danse” was hyper vitaminized with Academicians whose pleasure and happiness shone through the screen. Even Olivier and Eloi swayed their hips like crazy. Big happiness for everyone!
Stromae will be performing at the Videotron Center in Quebec City on December 11, and additionally at the Bell Center in Montreal on December 14.
Flamboyant retro
In an atmosphere reminiscent of post-war Paris, both in the sets and in the costumes, Serge Denoncourt, the guest artistic director, wanted the Academicians to reconnect with the great French songs that populate our collective unconscious. The musicians were installed near the Academicians, while Marc Dupré played the role of bartender. We will especially remember the magnificent performance of Sarah-Maude on “The crowd”, by Edith Piaf, which was mixed with “La valse à mille temps”, by Jacques Brel, interpreted by Édouard. The two finished in a magnificent duet. Eloi was also exceptional on “Mr le Président”, by Boris Vian. A song that has taken on an even more serious meaning due to the current war in Ukraine. A masterful number, which will remain among the best of the season.
They continue the adventure
- Eloi Cummings, 16, Magdalen Islands
- Sarah-Maude Desgagné, 23, Amos
- Krystel Mongeau, 25, Sherbrooke
- Jérémy Plante, 25, Lévis
- Camélia Zaki, 17, Sherbrooke
Saved by the public
- Olivier Bergeron, 20, Kedgwick, NB
Saved by the teachers
- Julien Charbonneau, 23, Montreal
The daily “Star Académie” is presented, Monday to Thursday, at 7:30 p.m., on TVA.