Slimane attended the NRJ Music Awards in Cannes on November 1, amidst controversy surrounding allegations of sexual harassment against a technician from his tour. Despite the ongoing media scrutiny, he received the award for Male Artist of the Year for the second consecutive time. Emotions ran high as he performed “Mon amour,” visibly moved and ending his speech with heartfelt gratitude towards his family and fans. While some viewers celebrated his performance, others criticized the organizers for allowing him to perform amidst the allegations. Other award winners included David Guetta and Taylor Swift.
Slimane was indeed present on La Croisette on Friday, November 1st. Amidst a whirlwind of controversy fueled by an article from Le Parisien detailing allegations of sexual harassment against a technician from his Cupidon tour in December 2023, the singer, facing significant media scrutiny unlike anything he faced before, ultimately chose to attend the ceremony. Alongside the band Indochine, rising star Santa, and David Guetta, the The Voice season 4 winner traveled to Cannes to accept the award for Male Artist of the Year, marking his second win in just two years. He ascended the steps of the Palais des Festivals with his friend Vitaa, managing to share faint smiles.
The organizers of the NRJ Music Awards had previously stated that they would not withdraw their invitation to Slimane, despite the intense media scrutiny, emphasizing the principle of presumption of innocence, even as a complaint had indeed been filed against him, according to Le Parisien. ‘The idea is not to alter anything. He remains presumed innocent, so we do not have to judge him.’ They did, however, mention that various contingencies were considered if necessary.
Viewers Applaud Slimane’s Performance
Viewers Applaud Slimane’s Performance
As the father of Esmeralda was also nominated in the French Song of the Year category, he traditionally performed his song live on stage at the NRJ Music Awards. With barely concealed emotion, he finished the performance in tears while looking at the camera, singing his hit Mon amour, which had helped him achieve fourth place in the Eurovision Song Contest last May. The audience was not mistaken: Slimane called out to his viewers with determination, asking ‘Do you love me?’. Opinions were somewhat split regarding his presence… However, most chose to commend his bravery and praised his vocal performance.
Reactions poured in on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Bravo Slimane!’, ‘I am very proud of this talented man’, ‘Pretending to be okay must be incredibly tough’, ‘I found him touching and heartfelt’, ‘All my support, you were strong tonight’, alongside comments like ‘You broke him’ and ‘An investigation is underway; meanwhile, let the professionals handle it! It’s the social media that are creating harassment for Slimane right now‘, referencing the more negative remarks about him. Others highlighted the irony: ‘Indochine gives a speech against aggression while Slimane performs with accusations against him?’, ‘Was that a subtle jab at Slimane live on air?’, ‘Indochine dedicates their award to women victims of violence, yet the NMA presents the Male Artist trophy to Slimane. What a pleasant ceremony.’ At the same time, the band led by Nicola Sirkis won the award for Francophone Group of the Year.
Slimane’s Moving Speech
Slimane’s Moving Speech
When he accepted his award, Slimane struggled to hold back tears once again. ‘I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. This one has a special taste’, he stated before continuing: ‘Thank you for being there on the streets, thank you for being at the concerts. My daughter, when you grow up, I truly hope you will be proud of your dad. I love you. Mom and Dad, I love you very much. And sincerely to my audience…’. He concluded with a heartfelt message: ‘From one human to many others, thank you from the bottom of my heart’.
In addition to Slimane, it is noteworthy that David Guetta won the DJ of the Year award, while Pierre Garnier clinched titles for Francophone Revelation of the Year and… Francophone Song of the Year with his hit Ceux qu’on était. Bigflo & Oli stood out too, taking home the Concert of the Year award. Taylor Swift was named International Female Artist of the Year, while Teddy Swims