The fourteenth season of *The Voice* premiered on February 1, 2025, featuring a revamped judging panel with returning mentor Florent Pagny and newcomers Patricia Kaas and Zaz, alongside Vianney. This season replaces the battle rounds with a collective challenge and introduces a second chance button for contestants. Notably, 26-year-old Sorenza Latbi wowed the coaches with her performance of *Douce*, ultimately choosing Vianney as her mentor, setting the stage for an exciting competition ahead.
The Exciting New Season of *The Voice* Begins
The fourteenth season of *The Voice* kicked off on Saturday, February 1, 2025, on TF1, bringing a fresh wave of excitement and surprises. This edition features notable changes, including the much-anticipated return of Florent Pagny, who is back as a mentor after a significant hiatus due to health challenges. Joining him in the judging panel are two legends of French music, Patricia Kaas and Zaz, alongside the ever-reliable Vianney, who is embarking on his sixth season.
New Dynamics and Unforgettable Performances
This season introduces a series of innovative twists, starting with the elimination of the traditional battle rounds in favor of a groundbreaking collective challenge. Moreover, the introduction of the second chance button gives contestants who weren’t initially selected an additional shot at showcasing their talents with a different song. Tonight, the competition heats up with a new round of blind auditions where a dozen aspiring singers aim to impress the coaches. Among the hopefuls are a revue leader from Paradis Latin and the former partner of a famous French singer, but one candidate, in particular, has captivated everyone’s attention with her mesmerizing voice, leading to an exciting unanimous chair turn from the coaches.
During the auditions on Saturday, February 8, numerous talents took the stage, hoping to secure their spot in the competition. Among them, Sorenza Latbi, a 26-year-old ex-school teacher from Pontorson, Normandy, stood out and left a lasting impression. Taking the courageous step to leave her teaching career behind to chase her musical aspirations, Sorenza’s decision proved to be a significant turning point. Her heartfelt rendition of *Douce* by Clara Ysé struck a chord with the coaches, prompting them to turn their chairs in unison.
Aël’s father was particularly moved by the contrast between Sorenza’s timid demeanor and the powerful energy she exuded during her performance. He remarked, “It was powerful. You took on an enormous power while performing this song, and as soon as it was over, you became a little girl who apologizes for having done something good, even though it was really good.” Patricia Kaas commended the genuine nature of her performance, stating, “It’s well deserved because here, we are really in pure and hard interpretation. I love your voice grain. (…) It wasn’t overplayed; it was there.” Zaz, known for her hit *Je veux*, initially hesitated but ultimately succumbed to the intense emotion of the performance, noting, “There is such energy coming out and a total embodiment of what you deliver.”
As the coaches vied for Sorenza’s allegiance, it was Vianney who ultimately struck the right note with her. He acknowledged her unique choice of song, saying, “On paper, she may seem to have fewer chances than other more obvious songs, but that doesn’t mean anything because when it corresponds to us, what just happened happens.” He highlighted the profound depth of her interpretation and the inner strength she radiated, stating, “You’re interior! That invisible fire that is in you (…) it will express itself here.” Clearly moved by his words, Sorenza responded with heartfelt sincerity, “That’s all I ask for.”
As the moment of decision approached, Florent Pagny emphasized the significance of her choice, saying, “You will have to choose a team, and it will take even more talent at that moment.” However, the suspense was short-lived, as it became apparent that Sorenza had already made up her mind. “She had her choice,” Patricia Kaas shared, with Zaz affirming, “Yes, she already knew.” In a thrilling conclusion, Sorenza chose to continue her journey with Vianney, the husband of cellist Catherine Robert, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable season.