Marine, a 24-year-old singer from Northern France, triumphed in the Star Academy 2024 finale on January 25, 2025, earning 100,000 euros and a recording contract. Her victory, fueled by over 65% public votes, sparked mixed reactions, particularly regarding former champion Pierre Garnier’s reserved response. Speculation arose about his preference for rival Ebony after he did not present Marine’s trophy and followed Ebony on social media, leading to discussions about his perceived indifference.
Marine’s Triumph at Star Academy 2024
On January 25, 2025, Marine, a 24-year-old singer hailing from the North of France, emerged victorious in the highly anticipated final of Star Academy 2024, besting her rival, Ebony. This remarkable win concludes three months of fierce competition, where Marine captivated audiences with her genuine performances and impressive vocal talent. Along with the prestigious title, she secured a prize of 100,000 euros and a coveted recording contract to launch her debut album. Garnering over 65% of the public votes, Marine’s success was met with mixed reactions, especially concerning the passionate behaviors displayed by supporters on social media and during the live final.
Pierre Garnier’s Reserved Reaction
As the excitement unfolded, several notable figures publicly declared their support for either finalist. However, the previous Star Academy champion, Pierre Garnier, maintained a notably quiet stance. Attending the final alongside Marine and Ebony, Pierre, known for his song “Ceux qu’on était,” exhibited a more subdued demeanor, particularly towards Marine, the eventual victor. His recent tour and active presence on social media have prompted fans to speculate about his indifference towards Marine’s win, igniting a flurry of discussions on X regarding his perceived lack of enthusiasm.
There are two key points fueling speculation about Pierre Garnier’s possible preference for Ebony over Marine. First, users on social media observed that, contrary to tradition, it was not Pierre who presented the trophy to Marine, but rather Clara Luciani, who served as the season’s godmother. This deviation from protocol raised eyebrows and sparked concerns among fans about Pierre’s apparent disinterest.
The second noteworthy observation came from his Instagram activity, where fans discovered that Pierre follows Ebony but not Marine. This detail quickly became a hot topic on social media, with one user commenting, “But Pierre just finished the concert and he’s already followed Franck and Ebony on Insta.” While some dismissed this as inconsequential, others interpreted it as a sign of favoritism, highlighting a pattern of Pierre’s reserved attitude towards Marine. During the seventh prime of the competition, he made a comment perceived as cold after Marine’s rendition of Céline Dion’s “Encore une fois,” stating, “It could have been very pretty, but…” This remark sparked a debate among viewers, splitting opinions between those who appreciated his honesty and those who criticized his lack of tact.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Pierre Garnier remains focused on his career and personal commitments. Shortly after Marine’s victory, he took to Instagram to extend his congratulations: “Bravo, bravo because they put on an incredible show tonight. I am very happy to have participated in this a little bit. It’s a page that turns. It’s good, I am no longer the winner of the Star Academy, it’s Marine now.” While these words were meant to celebrate Marine’s achievement, they did little to soothe the unease among some fans who continue to dissect the nuances of their interactions.