Post by davidhr on Mar 23, 2021 6:39:21 GMT -5
This week’s News Update is dominated even more than usual by various points of view concerning the Star Academie show, and Lara's participation in it.
The three candidates ‘in danger’ on Sunday night’s program were:
Maeva: Gregory said she has a great voice in her, and she needed to use the different timbres in the song she chose.
Guillaume: Lara said she wanted to see him make a strong connection with his heart.
Zara: Marianna said she wanted Zara to “fully assume but with a natural relationship to the music”.
Patrice said that this week, as an exercise, Lara had them imagine something which left them with a very happy metaphor: to stick one’s tongue way out before starting to sing…Lara said that it was “very ugly but it relaxes the ‘steak’. Then all of the people on the show did it, laughing all the while.
Ginette Reno, Isabelle Boulay, Marie-Elaine Thibert, respectively, wished the candidates good luck. The latter said to Zara that to be put in danger is not a punishment, it is a chance to share with the public, so that they get to know you better.
As for the performances themselves:
Maeva Grelet sang “Without You” from Mariah Carey. It was a wonderful presentation, making use of the power and subtlety of her voice. She said she wanted to show the velvet side of her voice, and she did. Gregory said if it wasn’t perfect, it was very close. Her reply was “Interesting, Greg”.
Guillaume Laffond sang “The Scientist” from Coldplay (with his guitar, as usual). Lara said one should imagine that you’re speaking to your best friend. He said he doesn’t expect to be completely vulnerable but he’d be content to open himself up. His performance was nice enough, a contained country song, and he did show more emotion in a very professional appearance. Lara said, “I would like to thank again for your generosity, for this way that you have with an absolute simplicity to deliver to us what you are. - you did it again this evening, bravo and thank you.”
Zara Sargsyan sang “Wake Me Up”of Avicii and accompanied herself on the piano. Gregory in his evaluation had told her ‘the vacation is over’, and that made her feel insecure. The other girls told her it was normal to feel terrified, and it caused her to change her road and how she thought. She realized she had to master herself in her zone of comfort before taking risks. She wanted to show that beauty can exist in simplicity. Her performance was beautifully done – not perfect, but wonderfully attractive, and showing good range to her voice.
I thought that the audience would prefer Maeva (assuming Guillaume’s social media connections didn’t overwhelm the vote); then the judges would have a tough time choosing between the other two. My preference was Zara, but it really could go either way. The result was: the public voted for Guillaume; the judges then chose Maeva.
While the ultimate result of which two went forward is not horrendous, there is absolutely no way that Guillaume was better than Maeva. Once again, it appears his usage of social media – and perhaps the lure of country music – is weighting this competition in an unbalanced way. On previous incarnations of this show, the candidates were not allowed on social media. They should seriously consider returning to that restriction.
While all three contestants sang songs in English, the focus of the show as a whole was on French song. This is made clear in the summary article from the Journal de Montreal (https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2021/03/21/star-academie--la-fete-au-francais):
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Star Académie: the French party!
Too much English at Star Académie? Skeptics were confused with the variety of Sunday, while the language of Molière has been celebrated in all its forms, in all its eras, in ballads as in disco.
The tone had been set in the dailies of the last week. First, Lara Fabian had announced to her flock on Tuesday that the candidates for the next evaluation should necessarily make themselves known in French.
Ariane Moffatt gave an interesting course on Wednesday on the roots of Quebec song, where giants such as Ferland, Leclerc, Dufresne, Harmonium, Les Colocs and even Muzion were mentioned.
The next day, Lara took over in her own class, tackling French music and its main standard-bearers (Gall, Goldman, Belavoine, Sheller, Brel).
100,000 for Roxane
The French party culminated nicely on Sunday, the day after International Francophonie Day, and spanned almost the entire duration of the gala, with the exception of the performances of the trio in danger and the number of the Canadian sensation Virginia to Vegas.
“C’est le début d’un temps nouveau” was inducted into the pantheon of “Chansons de la nation”. From the repertoire of the first guest, Mario Pelchat, we extracted immutable ones from the “Voyager sans toi” and “Toujours de nous”, but we also remembered a few hidden gems, to the “Plus haut que moi” (with a naughty and bubbly Queenie) and “Des milliards de personnes”.
Jacob and Guillaume had quarreled over the great “Je ne t’aime plus”, which Jacob ultimately inherited and which he masterfully defended. Guillaume was not left out, rubbing shoulders with the monumental “Pleurs dans la pluie”. The moved look that Pelchat posed on him during the duet confirmed that the melancholy air suited him rather well.
It would have been necessary to be ice not to be touched by the sincere reaction of Roxane Bruneau, worthy carrier of the French language of her generation, when she was given a plaque underlining 100,000 copies sold of her two albums released in four years. Eyes filled with water, hand over mouth, whistle cut by emotion, the songwriter was wordless, she who, a few minutes earlier, was devoting all her energy to three pieces from her repertoire, including the recent “Aime-moi encore” and “À ma manière”. "It was not planned, we did not rehearse that!" launched a disarmed Roxane.
Dancing in French
Even the encouragement to the academicians in danger paid homage to the artists here. Always generous, Ginette Reno spoke to Maëva, Isabelle Boulay praised Guillaume, and Marie-Élaine Thibert, flanked by her daughter Marie-Félix, reminded Zara that her own stay at Star Académie, in 2003 (period where the girls were in danger every other week), there is only one Sunday where she had not been endangered ... before becoming the female finalist of her edition.
This is without counting the official launch of the EP “Les sessions de Waterloo”, made by the Academicians themselves, with its titles such as “RDV sur la lune”, “Si près et si loin” and their French translation of the hit “Waterloo”, from ABBA. Just like this dancing pot-pourri, which made the residents of Waterloo waddle briskly on “Ça fait rire les oiseaux”, “Les plaisirs démodés”, “Ella, elle l’a”, “Voyage voyage”, “Marcia Baïla” et “Alexandrie Alexandra”. Festive!
From Waterloo to Boston
Even the ousted of the evening, Zara Sargsyan, told in an interview after the show that Star Académie opened up horizons to her on Quebec music, she who had gone through her first endangerment by relying on “J’ai douze ans”, by Diane Dufresne, an artist she knew little until then.
On Sunday, the 16-year-old Montrealer said she was very proud of herself.
“It was really the performance of my life,” said Zara. "I gave everything. I'm leaving with my head held high, and I can't wait for what's to come!”
Zara affirms to have prepared for a possible elimination "from the beginning", knowing that she would be in competition with Guillaume and Maëva, but do not look for any trace of bitterness in the face of the "baby" of the Academy: she is said to be "120% sure" that the other academics and she will remain united in the long term.
For the rest, Zara has several compositions in her boxes and may unveil some soon. But her priority remains school. She plans to continue and finish her secondary five as soon as possible, after a few days off for rest. In September, she will likely head to Boston, having been admitted to the vocal performance program at Berklee College, a prestigious music school.
From her time at the Academy, Zara Sargsyan will have retained that it is important to trust each other.
“I retain that you shouldn't worry about the technique, nor focus on how you sing. You have to focus on what you say and what you want to offer, and what you want to make the public feel. It is the public that is important ... "
The three songs performed by the candidates in danger are available on QUB music and on all streaming and download platforms.
Guillaume Lafond (People's choice)
Can we already speak of "Guillaume mania"? On social networks, the audience of Star Académie seems to have only one voice for the cowboy charmer of Richelieu, his guitar, his hat and his blue eyes. This unconditional love spoke again on Sunday, Guillaume having garnered popular favor (for a third time!) thanks to his appropriation to his country sauce of “The Scientist” from Coldplay, a proposal very far from the original, which visibly pleased the viewers. Here is a serious contender for the title of winner at the end of the season! While the endearing Guillaume gave what he had in his stomach, his brother - his carbon copy! - encouraged him without restraint in the pit.
Maëva Grelet (Choice of teachers)
Big challenge that Maëva Grelet imposed on herself by tackling “Without You”, by Mariah Carey. The participant was as sober as she had promised to be, and she became more and more solid as the song progressed. The talent of the representative of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and the power of her timbre are no longer to be proven. "There is not a place in the studio where your voice has not reached", congratulated Patrice Michaud. "If that was not perfection in a performance, it was really very close," added a satisfied Gregory Charles. Hailing her flawless interpretation, the faculty granted her her pass to reenter the Academy.
Zara Sargsyan (Dislodged)
By sitting down at the piano without flaunting to deliver her very personal version of “Wake Me Up”, by Avicii, Zara Sargsyan wanted to demonstrate that beauty can reside in simplicity. "You had a smile all along [...] It was magnificent," Ariane Moffatt told him, emphasizing the pleasure of the singing of the young lady. Unfortunately, a decision had to be made, and the 16-year-old, the youngest of the cohort, had to leave her comrades on Sunday. "Believe in yourself, baby!" her friend Maëva encouraged her when she let her go. Zara has promised the camera that we will see her again ... once her high school is over!
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A video showing the evaluations that Lara performs, which lead to the decision of which candidate is in danger, is available at www.facebook.com/staracademietva/videos/279827473585851. As can be seen, the candidates themselves were not certain why they were chosen. And, more generally, the choice of these candidates to be in danger, by Lara, was not met with universal approval, as indicated in this article (https://showbizz.net/tele/evaluation-les-fans-de-star-academie-remettent-en-doute-les-choix-de-la-directrice):
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Rating: Star Académie fans question Director's choices
While the endangerments of last week had raised many questions among fans of Star Academy, the choice of the director's evaluations this time generates a disappointment among viewers.
The public seems very attached to Guillaume and as Lara Fabian has chosen to evaluate him this week, the web is igniting. The director explained her decision by specifying that the singer had "slipped a little" during the variety. Even he didn't seem to understand what it meant.
Internet users still remain positive and believe that the young man will not be endangered by teachers this week. On the other hand, if this is the case, he risks being saved again by the public, if we trust the dose of love he receives on social networks.
The presence of Maëva among the possible endangered candidates also disturbs viewers, who consider that she has one of the most beautiful voices in the competition.
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I too thought Maeva should not have been in any danger. And Zara definitely had her supporters on the Internet after the decision was announced, as indicated in this article about her…
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Zara happy with the public reaction to her performance on Sunday
We spoke with the young woman the day after her elimination.
On social networks this Sunday, the public said they were disappointed to see Zara, the youngest academician of the 2021 brigade, leave the adventure. Many consider that she delivered the best performance of the three candidates in danger.
The main interested party says she is happy with her interpretation. “I am very satisfied with my performance on Sunday because I achieved the goals I set for myself. I am especially happy to have touched the public”, she says. “That was the important thing for me, it was to sing for the public and not to prove something to the teachers. I wanted to convey an emotion to the viewers.” We can say that she succeeded!
We could see that Zara and Maéva lived a moment of complicity just before the announcement of the choice of teachers. The excluded returns on these few decisive seconds. "We were very close, Maéva and me. We looked at each other and said to each other that we were very proud of our performances and that we were going to have to part ways, but that it was just goodbye."
Zara was particularly emotional last week when she found herself in danger once again, but she still got used to the idea that she might be leaving the academy on Sunday. “I prepared myself mentally all week. I also spoke to the candidates about it. [...] I think it was time and I was ready to come back to the real world."
We felt that Lara Fabian had a special relationship with young Zara. The latter speaks about her weeks spent alongside the diva. “Lara is one of my idols. Just to be able to meet her, it was an exceptional gift. She taught me a lot. She gave me a lot of courage, a lot of confidence. She gave me advice that I will never forget.” Remember that Lara Fabian looked fabulous at the gala last Sunday.
You can hear Zara on The Waterloo Sessions EP. She takes part in the song “RDV sur la lune” and in the French-speaking rereading of the ABBA classic, “Waterloo”.
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As to who the public feels is likely to win…(https://showbizz.net/tele/le-public-croit-que-ce-chanteur-gagnera-ledition-2021-de-star-academie):
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The public believe this singer will win the 2021 edition of Star Académie
Tonight, viewers are obsessed with his talent.
Since the beginning of the adventure, we feel that Star Académie fans have favorites. Guillaume, who was saved last week by the public, is part of the lot, as is Jacob.
This Sunday evening, the young Lévisien of 22 years [Jacob] particularly shone in the medley dedicated to Queen and the televiewers are in swoon in front of the talented young man.
Although it is still early in the competition, Internet users believe that he could well be the big winner of this 2021 edition.
See some comments at the bottom of the article.
During her time at the academy, Mariana Mazza did not hide her great admiration for Jacob. The teachers also seem to love him since they often offer him solos during the Sunday varieties, something that some people have decried on social networks.
Even actor Marc-André Grondin praised Jacob's talent . See her Instagram post below.
One thing is certain, Jacob will go very far in this competition!
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And you might remember, right from the beginning Jacob was Lara's favorite.
The emphasis on French during the show was noted in an article in ‘La Presse” (https://www.lapresse.ca/arts/television/2021-03-18/quand-lara-fabian-defend-le-francais.php?fbclid=IwAR1bUqujR4x6VmAiF14BNQ_uZsU2Sn07BaYrMBx4GPTEKt4cTOjpDJwtDR8)
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When Lara Fabian Defends the French
Lara Fabian called her flock to order on Tuesday evening during the daily show of Star Académie. Did you all sing in English for your evaluations? Next week you will all have to do it in French, the Directress warned.
And Lara Fabian, who always uses the right words, was right to firmly brandish the linguistic argument. First off, Star Académie audiences - the older fringe, I would say - hate this bombardment of prime-time English-speaking hits. Angry comments about it are piling up in my inbox.
Also, as the academicians undergo a long musical improvement course, with singing, dancing and writing lessons, this is a perfect opportunity to expose them to French-speaking material, which they may not be familiar with.
Because on Tuesday evening, Shayan remade Fashion by Jon Bellion, Guillaume took over Cover Me Up by Morgan Wallen, Zara performed What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life by Barbra Streisand, Dashny opted for All I Want by Kodaline and Maëva launched into Etta James' I'd Rather Go Blind . That was a lot of Shakespeare's language on TVA, in a contest where the winner, upon leaving the reality show, will record a disc in French.
Instinctively, these young people all drew on the English-speaking repertoire when the time came to defend their place at the manor of Waterloo. What does that say about the Zs and the younger Ys? Nothing different from previous generations. Baby Boomers have gotten into The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The Xs worshiped Nirvana or the New Kids on the Block (or both, in secret). In adolescence, English-speaking music, perceived as cooler, seduced more. It has been like this for decades and decades.
It would be unfair to blame the twenties for the decline in listening to French music. We have all contributed to it, no matter how old we are.
Fortunately, that is changing. The most listened-to French artist in the world is named Aya Nakamura and it is not at all cheesy, as they say in the 11th arrondissement in Paris. Aya Nakamura's third opus, titled AYA, was the third most popular album on Spotify in 2020 across all languages. If you like pop and hip-hop, listen to her songs like Comportement, Pookie, Djadja ou Doudou. Earworms insured.
To come back to our academics, perhaps a master class on the pioneers of Quebec song, as well as their influences on artists today, should be added to the curriculum. To know where you are going, you have to know where you went. And to avoid missteps, you have to stop ignoring. Thank you, Okoume for these wise words, still true almost 25 later.
Star Académie's Tuesday daily (694,000) was beaten by Radio-Canada's La facture (786,000). District 31 (1,564,000) remains at the top, followed by Toute la vie (1 084 000), Tricheur (998 000) and 5e Rang (915 000).
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Nevertheless…the three candidates still chose English songs for their public evaluation this week. Honoring the French language may be important to them, but not as much as winning!
Lara welcomed spring with a new outfit on the show
The accompanying caption read, “Spring is now starting at @staracademietva! Make-up: @marcomarsolais Hairstyle: @dennisvoltan Styling: @patrickvimbor”
Biggest surprise is that it actually showed her legs(!)
The outfit actually came in for some praise (https://showbizz.net/tele/lara-fabian-etait-fabuleuse-a-star-academie-ce-dimanche?fbclid=IwAR2dRk1g75wxvdh_76X81GRAOMo3hrfj0RSTaC_XTCd0ULCatp3I6FTzN-8):
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Lara Fabian looked fabulous at Star Académie this Sunday
Her best outfit so far!
This Sunday, Lara Fabian attracted all eyes at Star Académie in a sumptuous black dress, chosen by stylist Patrick Vimbor.
The public was in turmoil on social networks.
“Spring is now starting at @staracademietva”, wrote the director, showing off her look on Instagram. See her post at the bottom of the article.
Remember that Lara Fabian's choices for the evaluations caused a lot of talk this week. Viewers disagreed with her.
The academicians in evaluation will have to interpret pieces in French this week: a decision of the director, who is disappointed by the omnipresence of English until now.
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Lara gave an audio interview about the show and its participants at rhythm 105.7FM (https://estrie.rythmefm.com/nouvelles/showbiz/379490/star-academie-directrice-lara-donne-ses-notes?fbclid=IwAR3xxhueA66hlkIPmjLnal7gtphfwLX3ac3y3T8b1CyInwTzBM0Q-OrqOgw). Here is the accompanying article, which discusses what she says:
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Star Academy: Director Lara gives her grades!
The director of Star Académie, Lara Fabian, was at the microphone of Julie Bélanger and Marie-Ève Janvier to give her opinion on the candidates for the 2021 edition!
According to her, Dachny Jules and Rosalie Ayotte are the two most comedic ones participating in Star Académie.
Lara Fabian also wanted to praise the merits of her boss and producer of the show, Jean-Philippe Dion. She qualifies him as "among the best producers" with whom she has worked. She considers him a marvel on the human side and the professional side.
The principal wanted to recognize the courage of the 16-year-old participant, Zara .
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Remember that he is the person behind the documentary "Lara", so she has had fond interactions with him previously. And he's given her a lot to do on the program.
Finally, Lara gave a shout-out to her fellow coach Pepe,
www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=301416221342678&set=a.259330805551220
with the caption, “Thank you Pepe for these magical moments ... you are a wonderful person ... 💋 ... See you soon 💕 Star Académie TVA”
In other news, it’s worthwhile to keep one’s eyes on what is happening concerning Covid in France, which is obviously of concern for Lara’s concerts in June. The following article explains the current situation (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56450880):
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Covid: Paris lockdown as France fears third wave
The French capital is set to go into a month-long Covid lockdown as the country fears a third wave.
Some 21 million people in 16 areas of France will be placed under the measures from midnight on Friday.
These measures will not be as strict as the previous lockdown, Prime Minister Jean Castex said, with people allowed to exercise outdoors.
France has recorded more than 35,000 new infections within the past 24 hours.
Mr Castex said a "third wave" of infections in the country was looking increasingly likely.
The situation in Paris is particularly worrying with 1,200 people in intensive care there, more than at the peak of the second wave in November, Health Minister Olivier Véran said.
Under the new measures, non-essential businesses will be forced to close, but schools will remain open, along with hairdressers if they follow a "particular sanitary protocol".
Government spokesman Gabriel Attal stressed there would be differences with the two earlier lockdowns and said further details would be given of which business could stay open or would have to shut.
People will be allowed to exercise outdoors within 10km (6 miles) of their home and are not allowed to travel to other parts of the country unless they have a valid reason. Those in the affected areas will have to fill out a form to explain why they have left their homes.
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This is being referred to as “Lockdown light” since the restrictions aren’t as severe as previously. Whether they will do the trick in turning the tide is doubtful according to health professionals, as it seems like “too little too late”. As of Monday, 4,548 patients were being treated for Covid-19 in intensive care units in France, the highest figure since late October, during the country's second lockdown. The ICU figures are more dire in the Ile-de-France region, the greater Paris area, where ICU units are saturated with Covid-19 patients. More than 30,000 new daily infections were registered within the previous 24 hours on each of Friday and Saturday in France, where the more contagious and more lethal British variant represents the majority of new infections. More than 92,000 people have died from Covid-19 in the country since the start of the pandemic.
By the time of Lara’s concerts in June the situation may be quite different, especially as vaccinations continue to occur…Let’s hope so.
Interesting photo(s) of the week: This one goes to Lara herself, for those of you who are hungry:
It comes with the caption, “A lovely table for my family, before leaving them to go to @staracademietva ...
Grilled eggplant with mozzarella, roasted peppers with lemon and pecorino, brown rice with caramelized onions and fresh herbs 🥰🥰
Good end of Week-End to all ... Love”
For the next few months, as we know, Lara will be in Quebec, working on this show for which she has a very large responsibility and public footprint – and seems to be flourishing with it. Stay safe everybody,
David
The three candidates ‘in danger’ on Sunday night’s program were:
Maeva: Gregory said she has a great voice in her, and she needed to use the different timbres in the song she chose.
Guillaume: Lara said she wanted to see him make a strong connection with his heart.
Zara: Marianna said she wanted Zara to “fully assume but with a natural relationship to the music”.
Patrice said that this week, as an exercise, Lara had them imagine something which left them with a very happy metaphor: to stick one’s tongue way out before starting to sing…Lara said that it was “very ugly but it relaxes the ‘steak’. Then all of the people on the show did it, laughing all the while.
Ginette Reno, Isabelle Boulay, Marie-Elaine Thibert, respectively, wished the candidates good luck. The latter said to Zara that to be put in danger is not a punishment, it is a chance to share with the public, so that they get to know you better.
As for the performances themselves:
Maeva Grelet sang “Without You” from Mariah Carey. It was a wonderful presentation, making use of the power and subtlety of her voice. She said she wanted to show the velvet side of her voice, and she did. Gregory said if it wasn’t perfect, it was very close. Her reply was “Interesting, Greg”.
Guillaume Laffond sang “The Scientist” from Coldplay (with his guitar, as usual). Lara said one should imagine that you’re speaking to your best friend. He said he doesn’t expect to be completely vulnerable but he’d be content to open himself up. His performance was nice enough, a contained country song, and he did show more emotion in a very professional appearance. Lara said, “I would like to thank again for your generosity, for this way that you have with an absolute simplicity to deliver to us what you are. - you did it again this evening, bravo and thank you.”
Zara Sargsyan sang “Wake Me Up”of Avicii and accompanied herself on the piano. Gregory in his evaluation had told her ‘the vacation is over’, and that made her feel insecure. The other girls told her it was normal to feel terrified, and it caused her to change her road and how she thought. She realized she had to master herself in her zone of comfort before taking risks. She wanted to show that beauty can exist in simplicity. Her performance was beautifully done – not perfect, but wonderfully attractive, and showing good range to her voice.
I thought that the audience would prefer Maeva (assuming Guillaume’s social media connections didn’t overwhelm the vote); then the judges would have a tough time choosing between the other two. My preference was Zara, but it really could go either way. The result was: the public voted for Guillaume; the judges then chose Maeva.
While the ultimate result of which two went forward is not horrendous, there is absolutely no way that Guillaume was better than Maeva. Once again, it appears his usage of social media – and perhaps the lure of country music – is weighting this competition in an unbalanced way. On previous incarnations of this show, the candidates were not allowed on social media. They should seriously consider returning to that restriction.
While all three contestants sang songs in English, the focus of the show as a whole was on French song. This is made clear in the summary article from the Journal de Montreal (https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2021/03/21/star-academie--la-fete-au-francais):
--------------------------------------------------
Star Académie: the French party!
Too much English at Star Académie? Skeptics were confused with the variety of Sunday, while the language of Molière has been celebrated in all its forms, in all its eras, in ballads as in disco.
The tone had been set in the dailies of the last week. First, Lara Fabian had announced to her flock on Tuesday that the candidates for the next evaluation should necessarily make themselves known in French.
Ariane Moffatt gave an interesting course on Wednesday on the roots of Quebec song, where giants such as Ferland, Leclerc, Dufresne, Harmonium, Les Colocs and even Muzion were mentioned.
The next day, Lara took over in her own class, tackling French music and its main standard-bearers (Gall, Goldman, Belavoine, Sheller, Brel).
100,000 for Roxane
The French party culminated nicely on Sunday, the day after International Francophonie Day, and spanned almost the entire duration of the gala, with the exception of the performances of the trio in danger and the number of the Canadian sensation Virginia to Vegas.
“C’est le début d’un temps nouveau” was inducted into the pantheon of “Chansons de la nation”. From the repertoire of the first guest, Mario Pelchat, we extracted immutable ones from the “Voyager sans toi” and “Toujours de nous”, but we also remembered a few hidden gems, to the “Plus haut que moi” (with a naughty and bubbly Queenie) and “Des milliards de personnes”.
Jacob and Guillaume had quarreled over the great “Je ne t’aime plus”, which Jacob ultimately inherited and which he masterfully defended. Guillaume was not left out, rubbing shoulders with the monumental “Pleurs dans la pluie”. The moved look that Pelchat posed on him during the duet confirmed that the melancholy air suited him rather well.
It would have been necessary to be ice not to be touched by the sincere reaction of Roxane Bruneau, worthy carrier of the French language of her generation, when she was given a plaque underlining 100,000 copies sold of her two albums released in four years. Eyes filled with water, hand over mouth, whistle cut by emotion, the songwriter was wordless, she who, a few minutes earlier, was devoting all her energy to three pieces from her repertoire, including the recent “Aime-moi encore” and “À ma manière”. "It was not planned, we did not rehearse that!" launched a disarmed Roxane.
Dancing in French
Even the encouragement to the academicians in danger paid homage to the artists here. Always generous, Ginette Reno spoke to Maëva, Isabelle Boulay praised Guillaume, and Marie-Élaine Thibert, flanked by her daughter Marie-Félix, reminded Zara that her own stay at Star Académie, in 2003 (period where the girls were in danger every other week), there is only one Sunday where she had not been endangered ... before becoming the female finalist of her edition.
This is without counting the official launch of the EP “Les sessions de Waterloo”, made by the Academicians themselves, with its titles such as “RDV sur la lune”, “Si près et si loin” and their French translation of the hit “Waterloo”, from ABBA. Just like this dancing pot-pourri, which made the residents of Waterloo waddle briskly on “Ça fait rire les oiseaux”, “Les plaisirs démodés”, “Ella, elle l’a”, “Voyage voyage”, “Marcia Baïla” et “Alexandrie Alexandra”. Festive!
From Waterloo to Boston
Even the ousted of the evening, Zara Sargsyan, told in an interview after the show that Star Académie opened up horizons to her on Quebec music, she who had gone through her first endangerment by relying on “J’ai douze ans”, by Diane Dufresne, an artist she knew little until then.
On Sunday, the 16-year-old Montrealer said she was very proud of herself.
“It was really the performance of my life,” said Zara. "I gave everything. I'm leaving with my head held high, and I can't wait for what's to come!”
Zara affirms to have prepared for a possible elimination "from the beginning", knowing that she would be in competition with Guillaume and Maëva, but do not look for any trace of bitterness in the face of the "baby" of the Academy: she is said to be "120% sure" that the other academics and she will remain united in the long term.
For the rest, Zara has several compositions in her boxes and may unveil some soon. But her priority remains school. She plans to continue and finish her secondary five as soon as possible, after a few days off for rest. In September, she will likely head to Boston, having been admitted to the vocal performance program at Berklee College, a prestigious music school.
From her time at the Academy, Zara Sargsyan will have retained that it is important to trust each other.
“I retain that you shouldn't worry about the technique, nor focus on how you sing. You have to focus on what you say and what you want to offer, and what you want to make the public feel. It is the public that is important ... "
The three songs performed by the candidates in danger are available on QUB music and on all streaming and download platforms.
Guillaume Lafond (People's choice)
Can we already speak of "Guillaume mania"? On social networks, the audience of Star Académie seems to have only one voice for the cowboy charmer of Richelieu, his guitar, his hat and his blue eyes. This unconditional love spoke again on Sunday, Guillaume having garnered popular favor (for a third time!) thanks to his appropriation to his country sauce of “The Scientist” from Coldplay, a proposal very far from the original, which visibly pleased the viewers. Here is a serious contender for the title of winner at the end of the season! While the endearing Guillaume gave what he had in his stomach, his brother - his carbon copy! - encouraged him without restraint in the pit.
Maëva Grelet (Choice of teachers)
Big challenge that Maëva Grelet imposed on herself by tackling “Without You”, by Mariah Carey. The participant was as sober as she had promised to be, and she became more and more solid as the song progressed. The talent of the representative of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and the power of her timbre are no longer to be proven. "There is not a place in the studio where your voice has not reached", congratulated Patrice Michaud. "If that was not perfection in a performance, it was really very close," added a satisfied Gregory Charles. Hailing her flawless interpretation, the faculty granted her her pass to reenter the Academy.
Zara Sargsyan (Dislodged)
By sitting down at the piano without flaunting to deliver her very personal version of “Wake Me Up”, by Avicii, Zara Sargsyan wanted to demonstrate that beauty can reside in simplicity. "You had a smile all along [...] It was magnificent," Ariane Moffatt told him, emphasizing the pleasure of the singing of the young lady. Unfortunately, a decision had to be made, and the 16-year-old, the youngest of the cohort, had to leave her comrades on Sunday. "Believe in yourself, baby!" her friend Maëva encouraged her when she let her go. Zara has promised the camera that we will see her again ... once her high school is over!
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A video showing the evaluations that Lara performs, which lead to the decision of which candidate is in danger, is available at www.facebook.com/staracademietva/videos/279827473585851. As can be seen, the candidates themselves were not certain why they were chosen. And, more generally, the choice of these candidates to be in danger, by Lara, was not met with universal approval, as indicated in this article (https://showbizz.net/tele/evaluation-les-fans-de-star-academie-remettent-en-doute-les-choix-de-la-directrice):
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Rating: Star Académie fans question Director's choices
While the endangerments of last week had raised many questions among fans of Star Academy, the choice of the director's evaluations this time generates a disappointment among viewers.
The public seems very attached to Guillaume and as Lara Fabian has chosen to evaluate him this week, the web is igniting. The director explained her decision by specifying that the singer had "slipped a little" during the variety. Even he didn't seem to understand what it meant.
Internet users still remain positive and believe that the young man will not be endangered by teachers this week. On the other hand, if this is the case, he risks being saved again by the public, if we trust the dose of love he receives on social networks.
The presence of Maëva among the possible endangered candidates also disturbs viewers, who consider that she has one of the most beautiful voices in the competition.
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I too thought Maeva should not have been in any danger. And Zara definitely had her supporters on the Internet after the decision was announced, as indicated in this article about her…
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Zara happy with the public reaction to her performance on Sunday
We spoke with the young woman the day after her elimination.
On social networks this Sunday, the public said they were disappointed to see Zara, the youngest academician of the 2021 brigade, leave the adventure. Many consider that she delivered the best performance of the three candidates in danger.
The main interested party says she is happy with her interpretation. “I am very satisfied with my performance on Sunday because I achieved the goals I set for myself. I am especially happy to have touched the public”, she says. “That was the important thing for me, it was to sing for the public and not to prove something to the teachers. I wanted to convey an emotion to the viewers.” We can say that she succeeded!
We could see that Zara and Maéva lived a moment of complicity just before the announcement of the choice of teachers. The excluded returns on these few decisive seconds. "We were very close, Maéva and me. We looked at each other and said to each other that we were very proud of our performances and that we were going to have to part ways, but that it was just goodbye."
Zara was particularly emotional last week when she found herself in danger once again, but she still got used to the idea that she might be leaving the academy on Sunday. “I prepared myself mentally all week. I also spoke to the candidates about it. [...] I think it was time and I was ready to come back to the real world."
We felt that Lara Fabian had a special relationship with young Zara. The latter speaks about her weeks spent alongside the diva. “Lara is one of my idols. Just to be able to meet her, it was an exceptional gift. She taught me a lot. She gave me a lot of courage, a lot of confidence. She gave me advice that I will never forget.” Remember that Lara Fabian looked fabulous at the gala last Sunday.
You can hear Zara on The Waterloo Sessions EP. She takes part in the song “RDV sur la lune” and in the French-speaking rereading of the ABBA classic, “Waterloo”.
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As to who the public feels is likely to win…(https://showbizz.net/tele/le-public-croit-que-ce-chanteur-gagnera-ledition-2021-de-star-academie):
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The public believe this singer will win the 2021 edition of Star Académie
Tonight, viewers are obsessed with his talent.
Since the beginning of the adventure, we feel that Star Académie fans have favorites. Guillaume, who was saved last week by the public, is part of the lot, as is Jacob.
This Sunday evening, the young Lévisien of 22 years [Jacob] particularly shone in the medley dedicated to Queen and the televiewers are in swoon in front of the talented young man.
Although it is still early in the competition, Internet users believe that he could well be the big winner of this 2021 edition.
See some comments at the bottom of the article.
During her time at the academy, Mariana Mazza did not hide her great admiration for Jacob. The teachers also seem to love him since they often offer him solos during the Sunday varieties, something that some people have decried on social networks.
Even actor Marc-André Grondin praised Jacob's talent . See her Instagram post below.
One thing is certain, Jacob will go very far in this competition!
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And you might remember, right from the beginning Jacob was Lara's favorite.
The emphasis on French during the show was noted in an article in ‘La Presse” (https://www.lapresse.ca/arts/television/2021-03-18/quand-lara-fabian-defend-le-francais.php?fbclid=IwAR1bUqujR4x6VmAiF14BNQ_uZsU2Sn07BaYrMBx4GPTEKt4cTOjpDJwtDR8)
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When Lara Fabian Defends the French
Lara Fabian called her flock to order on Tuesday evening during the daily show of Star Académie. Did you all sing in English for your evaluations? Next week you will all have to do it in French, the Directress warned.
And Lara Fabian, who always uses the right words, was right to firmly brandish the linguistic argument. First off, Star Académie audiences - the older fringe, I would say - hate this bombardment of prime-time English-speaking hits. Angry comments about it are piling up in my inbox.
Also, as the academicians undergo a long musical improvement course, with singing, dancing and writing lessons, this is a perfect opportunity to expose them to French-speaking material, which they may not be familiar with.
Because on Tuesday evening, Shayan remade Fashion by Jon Bellion, Guillaume took over Cover Me Up by Morgan Wallen, Zara performed What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life by Barbra Streisand, Dashny opted for All I Want by Kodaline and Maëva launched into Etta James' I'd Rather Go Blind . That was a lot of Shakespeare's language on TVA, in a contest where the winner, upon leaving the reality show, will record a disc in French.
Instinctively, these young people all drew on the English-speaking repertoire when the time came to defend their place at the manor of Waterloo. What does that say about the Zs and the younger Ys? Nothing different from previous generations. Baby Boomers have gotten into The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The Xs worshiped Nirvana or the New Kids on the Block (or both, in secret). In adolescence, English-speaking music, perceived as cooler, seduced more. It has been like this for decades and decades.
It would be unfair to blame the twenties for the decline in listening to French music. We have all contributed to it, no matter how old we are.
Fortunately, that is changing. The most listened-to French artist in the world is named Aya Nakamura and it is not at all cheesy, as they say in the 11th arrondissement in Paris. Aya Nakamura's third opus, titled AYA, was the third most popular album on Spotify in 2020 across all languages. If you like pop and hip-hop, listen to her songs like Comportement, Pookie, Djadja ou Doudou. Earworms insured.
To come back to our academics, perhaps a master class on the pioneers of Quebec song, as well as their influences on artists today, should be added to the curriculum. To know where you are going, you have to know where you went. And to avoid missteps, you have to stop ignoring. Thank you, Okoume for these wise words, still true almost 25 later.
Star Académie's Tuesday daily (694,000) was beaten by Radio-Canada's La facture (786,000). District 31 (1,564,000) remains at the top, followed by Toute la vie (1 084 000), Tricheur (998 000) and 5e Rang (915 000).
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Nevertheless…the three candidates still chose English songs for their public evaluation this week. Honoring the French language may be important to them, but not as much as winning!
Lara welcomed spring with a new outfit on the show
http://instagram.com/p/CMs3Cuih5bg
The accompanying caption read, “Spring is now starting at @staracademietva! Make-up: @marcomarsolais Hairstyle: @dennisvoltan Styling: @patrickvimbor”
Biggest surprise is that it actually showed her legs(!)
The outfit actually came in for some praise (https://showbizz.net/tele/lara-fabian-etait-fabuleuse-a-star-academie-ce-dimanche?fbclid=IwAR2dRk1g75wxvdh_76X81GRAOMo3hrfj0RSTaC_XTCd0ULCatp3I6FTzN-8):
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Lara Fabian looked fabulous at Star Académie this Sunday
Her best outfit so far!
This Sunday, Lara Fabian attracted all eyes at Star Académie in a sumptuous black dress, chosen by stylist Patrick Vimbor.
The public was in turmoil on social networks.
“Spring is now starting at @staracademietva”, wrote the director, showing off her look on Instagram. See her post at the bottom of the article.
Remember that Lara Fabian's choices for the evaluations caused a lot of talk this week. Viewers disagreed with her.
The academicians in evaluation will have to interpret pieces in French this week: a decision of the director, who is disappointed by the omnipresence of English until now.
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Lara gave an audio interview about the show and its participants at rhythm 105.7FM (https://estrie.rythmefm.com/nouvelles/showbiz/379490/star-academie-directrice-lara-donne-ses-notes?fbclid=IwAR3xxhueA66hlkIPmjLnal7gtphfwLX3ac3y3T8b1CyInwTzBM0Q-OrqOgw). Here is the accompanying article, which discusses what she says:
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Star Academy: Director Lara gives her grades!
The director of Star Académie, Lara Fabian, was at the microphone of Julie Bélanger and Marie-Ève Janvier to give her opinion on the candidates for the 2021 edition!
According to her, Dachny Jules and Rosalie Ayotte are the two most comedic ones participating in Star Académie.
Lara Fabian also wanted to praise the merits of her boss and producer of the show, Jean-Philippe Dion. She qualifies him as "among the best producers" with whom she has worked. She considers him a marvel on the human side and the professional side.
The principal wanted to recognize the courage of the 16-year-old participant, Zara .
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Remember that he is the person behind the documentary "Lara", so she has had fond interactions with him previously. And he's given her a lot to do on the program.
Finally, Lara gave a shout-out to her fellow coach Pepe,
www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=301416221342678&set=a.259330805551220
with the caption, “Thank you Pepe for these magical moments ... you are a wonderful person ... 💋 ... See you soon 💕 Star Académie TVA”
In other news, it’s worthwhile to keep one’s eyes on what is happening concerning Covid in France, which is obviously of concern for Lara’s concerts in June. The following article explains the current situation (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56450880):
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Covid: Paris lockdown as France fears third wave
The French capital is set to go into a month-long Covid lockdown as the country fears a third wave.
Some 21 million people in 16 areas of France will be placed under the measures from midnight on Friday.
These measures will not be as strict as the previous lockdown, Prime Minister Jean Castex said, with people allowed to exercise outdoors.
France has recorded more than 35,000 new infections within the past 24 hours.
Mr Castex said a "third wave" of infections in the country was looking increasingly likely.
The situation in Paris is particularly worrying with 1,200 people in intensive care there, more than at the peak of the second wave in November, Health Minister Olivier Véran said.
Under the new measures, non-essential businesses will be forced to close, but schools will remain open, along with hairdressers if they follow a "particular sanitary protocol".
Government spokesman Gabriel Attal stressed there would be differences with the two earlier lockdowns and said further details would be given of which business could stay open or would have to shut.
People will be allowed to exercise outdoors within 10km (6 miles) of their home and are not allowed to travel to other parts of the country unless they have a valid reason. Those in the affected areas will have to fill out a form to explain why they have left their homes.
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This is being referred to as “Lockdown light” since the restrictions aren’t as severe as previously. Whether they will do the trick in turning the tide is doubtful according to health professionals, as it seems like “too little too late”. As of Monday, 4,548 patients were being treated for Covid-19 in intensive care units in France, the highest figure since late October, during the country's second lockdown. The ICU figures are more dire in the Ile-de-France region, the greater Paris area, where ICU units are saturated with Covid-19 patients. More than 30,000 new daily infections were registered within the previous 24 hours on each of Friday and Saturday in France, where the more contagious and more lethal British variant represents the majority of new infections. More than 92,000 people have died from Covid-19 in the country since the start of the pandemic.
By the time of Lara’s concerts in June the situation may be quite different, especially as vaccinations continue to occur…Let’s hope so.
Interesting photo(s) of the week: This one goes to Lara herself, for those of you who are hungry:
http://instagram.com/p/CMsciI7B3rU
It comes with the caption, “A lovely table for my family, before leaving them to go to @staracademietva ...
Grilled eggplant with mozzarella, roasted peppers with lemon and pecorino, brown rice with caramelized onions and fresh herbs 🥰🥰
Good end of Week-End to all ... Love”
For the next few months, as we know, Lara will be in Quebec, working on this show for which she has a very large responsibility and public footprint – and seems to be flourishing with it. Stay safe everybody,
David
