Star Academy 2024’s first semi-final on January 11, 2025, showcased emotional performances as Marine faced off against Charles, while Ebony prepares for her match against Franck next week. Charles’s rendition of “SOS d’un terrien en détresse” captivated the audience, evoking strong emotions, especially among his supporters, including Mathieu Johann, a friend of the late Gregory Lemarchal. As the competition intensifies, viewers await the outcome that will determine who advances to the final.
Star Academy 2024: The Heartfelt Semi-Final Showdown
This Saturday, January 11, 2025, marks an exciting milestone in Star Academy 2024 with its highly anticipated first semi-final. The competition heats up as Marine goes head-to-head against Charles, while Ebony has chosen to face Franck in the second semi-final next week. With new dates announced for this season, viewers were treated to a series of captivating performances during the show hosted by Nikos Aliagas, all aimed at determining which contestant will advance to the final.
Emotional Performances Take Center Stage
The talented young artists showcased their powerful vocals, thrilling the audience both in solo acts and duets. Marine’s rendition of “My Heart Will Go On” by Céline Dion, a fan-favorite selected weeks prior, was particularly memorable. The night also featured a duet with the iconic Sting, adding to the excitement. However, it was Charles’s performance that truly stole the spotlight, leaving the audience spellbound. At just 18 years old, he chose to perform “SOS d’un terrien en détresse” from the renowned musical Starmania, a piece loaded with profound meaning.
This poignant song, originally performed by the legendary Daniel Balavoine and later by Gregory Lemarchal, who tragically passed away from cystic fibrosis in 2007, resonated deeply with viewers. The emotion on stage reached new heights as Charles poured his heart into the performance, stirring feelings among those in attendance.
In a heartfelt live connection from Pléneuf-Val-André, Charles’s supporters were visibly moved, with Mathieu Johann, a former contestant and friend of Gregory Lemarchal, struggling to hold back tears. He shared, “I can tell you that I am very moved, forgive me. We experienced unforgettable moments 20 years ago with Gregory on this song.” As he praised Charles’s extraordinary talent, his grandfather expressed his love, saying, “I love you my little Charlie, my little prince.” The emotional waves were felt even in Paris, as tears flowed freely.
Mathieu concluded, “There is so much emotion… We are super moved. Here it’s incredible, chills everywhere in the room.” While he spoke, the broadcast showed images of Charles’s loved ones on stage, all in tears. Nikos Aliagas acknowledged the heartfelt atmosphere, stating, “I understand your emotion. Karima is also moved backstage. It’s also a part of our life.”
Professor Marlène Schaff also felt the emotional impact, highlighting an important lyric from the song, “I don’t want to be a robot.” She reflected, “Routine kills us,” before shedding a tear during her student’s touching performance. As the evening progressed with more performances from both Charles and his rival, the question remained: Who will secure a spot in the final against either Ebony or Franck? Voting is now open, and the excitement continues to build!