Exciting developments in French television include the return of Florent Pagny to *The Voice*, alongside new judges Zaz and Patricia Kaas. *Koh Lanta* is also set to premiere, while *Dancing with the Stars* has kicked off its 14th season. Notable participants include Lénie, who scored 33 points, and Mayane, who aims to inspire with her performance. Miss France 2024, Eve Gilles, faces challenges but impresses judges, garnering support from viewers amid her reflections on cyberbullying.
Exciting Developments in French Television
As the new season of *The Voice* gets underway, viewers are thrilled to see the return of Florent Pagny to the iconic red chair, along with the introductions of Zaz and Patricia Kaas joining Vianney. Meanwhile, *TF1* is gearing up for another exciting edition of *Koh Lanta*, hosted by Denis Brogniart, with fresh updates just released. However, the spotlight this Friday night is shining brightly on another beloved show: *Dancing with the Stars*. The 14th season kicked off on February 7, with the first segment of competing pairs revealed. Right from the start, singer Lénie, who gained fame in *Star Academy* 11 in 2023, positioned herself as a formidable contender alongside Jordan Mouillerac.
With an impressive score of 33 points, Lénie outperformed notable contestants including football star Adil Rami and Olympic swimming champion Florent Manaudou, leaving television host Nelson Monfort at the bottom of the temporary rankings. This strong performance carried on even after the introduction of the second group of pairs on February 14, coinciding with Valentine’s Day. During this episode, Mayane, who gained recognition from the film *Un p’tit truc en plus* by Artus, showcased her talent. Currently ranked fifth with partner Christophe Licata, Mayane passionately expressed her desire to prove that having Down syndrome doesn’t hinder achievement, stating, *’I want to show that with differences we can succeed and I want to have an amazing journey,’* as she dazzled the audience with a waltz to Grégory Lemarchal’s *À corps perdu*.
Eve Gilles Takes on the Dance Floor
Another standout this season is Miss France 2024, Eve Gilles. The former beauty queen stepped onto the dance floor of *Dancing with the Stars* with a mission to overcome what she termed the *’curse’* of the Misses, as none of her predecessors have clinched the title in the show’s history. The challenge she faces is formidable, especially after she revealed in a backstage video that salsa proved to be an incredibly challenging dance. *’It’s not a party,’* she candidly noted, as she continued to rehearse despite experiencing sharp foot pain. Her partner, Nino Mosa, promptly suggested seeking medical attention, emphasizing the importance of remaining optimistic about their progress.
Despite her struggles, Eve Gilles managed to impress the judges during the second prime, delivering a captivating performance of *Toxic* by Britney Spears. Judge Jean-Marc Généreux awarded her a remarkable score of 9 out of 10, contributing to an overall score of 32 points, placing her in a tie for second with Jungeli and Inès Vandamme. This performance was particularly meaningful for Eve, who reflected on her experiences with cyberbullying throughout her reign. *’I told myself, it might be the most beautiful and the most horrible year of my life,’* she shared, revealing the harsh criticisms she faced regarding her femininity and appearance.
Her heartfelt message resonated with viewers, leading to an outpouring of support on social media. Many fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their solidarity, questioning the normalization of threats and hate. Comments such as, *’You may not like someone, but she is still a human being,’* and *’Eve Gilles is so amazing,’* highlighted the deep empathy the audience felt for her. As the competition continues, we can only hope that Eve Gilles’s journey unfolds with further success and positivity.