Star Academy, launched in 2001, has become a significant cultural touchstone, showcasing talents like Jenifer and Gregory Lemarchal. The show has produced multiple successful artists, including Nolwenn Leroy and Quentin Mosimann. Recently revived, it introduced new stars like Pierre Garnier and Héléna Bailly, who are making waves on social media. Pierre leads with 1.2 million followers, followed by Jenifer and Héléna. His debut album is set for release, accompanied by a nationwide tour.
The Rise of Star Academy: A Talent Showcase
Launched in 2001, the inaugural season of Star Academy quickly captured the hearts of audiences, establishing itself as a cultural phenomenon. This show not only introduced fans to Jenifer, who has since flourished in her music career, but it also highlighted the exceptional talent of Gregory Lemarchal. The subsequent seasons continued to impress, with Nolwenn Leroy, the champion of season 2, and Elodie Frégé, the winner of season 3, both carving successful paths in the industry. Sofia Essaïdi, a finalist from the earlier seasons, has made her mark in both music and acting.
Quentin Mosimann, who clinched victory in season 7, has transformed into a globally recognized DJ. After a brief hiatus, Star Academy made its grand return to TF1 three years ago, unveiling a fresh wave of talent that has already begun to shine. Among the standout stars are Pierre Garnier, the winner of the 2023-2024 season, and semi-finalist Héléna Bailly, both of whom have released popular singles. More recently, Marine, the latest champion, and Ebonny have been making waves in the entertainment scene. But who are the reigning social media stars from this beloved program?
Social Media Stardom: Who Are the Most Followed Stars?
Social media has become a vital platform for former Star Academy contestants to maintain a connection with their fans. Leading the pack is Pierre Garnier, boasting an impressive 1.2 million followers. He has overtaken Jenifer, who has a loyal following of over 900,000. Héléna Bailly follows closely behind in third place with more than 820,000 followers, while Lénie, who is set to appear on Dancing with the Stars, holds fourth with 675,000 followers. Jill Vandermeulen, who participated in season 5, rounds out the top five despite shifting her focus away from music to becoming a thriving content creator, sharing glimpses of her family life on her Silentjill account and YouTube channel.
In sixth position is Marine, the most recent winner, with over 525,000 followers. Julien Leb, a finalist from the 2023-2024 season, boasts a following of 367,000, while Ebonny, also a finalist, has garnered over 338,000 followers. Quentin Mosimann, a former champion, ranks ninth with 318,000 followers, and Lucie Bernardoni, who has taken on a coaching role since her stint in season 4, occupies the tenth spot with 300,000 followers.
Pierre Garnier’s meteoric rise on social media is noteworthy, as he surpassed Jenifer just four days after winning Star Academy, reaching one million Instagram followers. His momentum has only accelerated since then, culminating in the release of his debut album on June 7, 2024, under the Sony Music label after his victorious stint on the show.
With several hit singles like “Ceux qu’on était,” “Nous on sait,” and “Adieu, nous deux,” Pierre is also embarking on a nationwide tour, culminating in a highly anticipated performance at the Accord Arena on December 9, 2025, celebrating his two years of remarkable success.