Post by davidhr on Apr 26, 2022 6:32:07 GMT -5
The Star Academie closed shop this past Sunday, with Lara sporting her most ‘business-like’ outfit yet, at
www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=572363354247962&set=a.259330805551220
and
and her appropriate comment, “And here is a beautiful great musical and human adventure that ends tonight. I'll miss my little hearts, we'll see you now for our very last Sunday appointment 💙 Star Académie TVA” . If nothing else, we’ll miss seeing Lara’s magnificent outfits each week.
As for the show itself – a big surprise, as announced in (https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2022/04/24/krystel-mongeau-elue-grande-gagnante-de-star-academie-1):
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Krystel Mongeau elected big winner of "Star Académie"
At the end of an explosive and colorful Variety, Sunday, Krystel Mongeau created the surprise by winning the votes of the public. She wins this 2022 edition of Star Académie, and deserves a $125,000 cash prize, a record contract with Musicor and the new Toyota Corolla.
“I made so many sacrifices,” she exclaimed when Lara Fabian announced her name, who also seemed very surprised at the result. "I just want to tell the public that if someone has a talent or a passion, just go for it."
The other finalist, Eloi Cummings, leaves with a $50,000 purse, and will take part in a tour with the big winner, starting next winter.
Opening the evening, the fifteen Academicians performed We Are the Champions, by Queen, in tribute to Guy Lafleur, who left us last Friday. Marc Dupré even wore the number 10 jersey of the Montreal Canadiens for the occasion in the name of the “blond Demon”.
Nothing better than the Salebarbes group to get the party started. The five acolytes from the Magdalen Islands and New Brunswick fulfilled the mandate by singing Marcher l'plancher, Pas tout l'temps , Good Lord or again Gin à l'eau selée, with Olivier Bergeron, to end with the effervescence of Les haricots with the fifteen Academicians. Eloi was also able to perform the song C'est la vie with his favorite group, which he notably performs on the album Star Académie 2022 .
The finalists
With "Quand les hommes vivront d’amour’, Eloi Cummings chose a song of peace to inspire his generation at a time when the world is going badly. “You delivered a powerful song with a beautiful message,” Marc Dupré told him after his performance.
Gregory Charles also congratulated him. “You have something to be proud of, you worked very hard all week to find the meaning", explained the singing teacher. "I wish you that every week of your career will be as difficult and satisfying".
For her part, Krystel Mongeau wanted to put a little too much in her interpretation of "Je ne suis qu'une chanson", by Diane Juster, popularized by Ginette Reno. Invited to make a comment, Guylaine Tremblay insisted on the fact that the Academician is as beautiful inside as outside. “You are a wonderful performer, in the service of the song, you walk in this emotion. I bow to your immense talent.”
Musical comedies
Gregory Charles had concocted a magnificent medley of songs from musicals. After an opener with Superstar, the Academicians sang Big Girls Don't Cry before the surprise arrival of Mika who continued the number with them.
Sara-Maude also sang Ho Happy Day beautifully, then the group continued with Do Re Mi from La Mélodie du bonheur, Don't Rain On My Parade from Funny Girl, to finish all together with You Can't Stop The Beat from Hairspray .
An idol of France
To commemorate his fifty-year career, Julien Clerc came to take a bath of youth among the Academicians by resuming some of his greatest successes. Mon refuge , C'est rien, Fais-moi une place, Pour être à toi or Cœur de rocker were sung by the various Academicians.
Original Number
The two finalists had the chance to create an original number in their image. Everyone was able to choose songs that connect with their history and experience, as well as the sets that accompanied this splendid number. Krystel notably performed Jamais assez loin, Man I Feel Like a Woman , A Million Dreams, while Eloi had chosen J’ai quitté mon île , Johnny B. Goode or Don't Stop Me Now .
This number prefigures the show that the two finalists will present on tour, starting in winter 2023.
A GREAT SURPRISE
Seeing this studio filled with a huge audience, with a great atmosphere, was a pleasure for Mika, who really wanted to participate in this new edition of Star Académie. After participating in the Coachella festival in the United States last week, he is back on stage in our province. “I have a unique connection with Quebec, a unique place that is a mix between the Francophonie and North America. It was also a conscious decision to go to Saguenay and Quebec. It's also my attitude throughout my career to respect and work with each market in a different way." Moreover, the list of songs changes according to the place where it occurs. "It's a show based on lights and colors, a bit of a continuation of the numbers I presented at Star Academy, last year.” The singer will be, this Monday, at the Bell Center, April 27 at the Videotron Center in Quebec City and April 28 at the Théâtre du Palais Municipal in Saguenay.
ADMIRING
Julien Clerc had nothing but compliments for the Academicians with whom he was able to sing some hits from his repertoire. “I find that there is a quality of troop", he indicated behind the scenes. "It doesn't surprise me that Plamondon comes to look in the pool of young Quebec artists when he puts on a new show. There are both vocal qualities, interpretation and youth who already have a job. I was struck by this talent.” For Julien Clerc, it is always important to cultivate the Francophonie, which is why he will be back in the fall for a major tour throughout the province.
On this presidential election Sunday in France, the singer told us that he had voted by proxy. “I am not talking about French politics outside the borders of my country, but this time there was an important issue. I would just say that I don't think populism is the solution."
-----------------------------
A more incisive article about the competition decision can be found at (https://www.lapresse.ca/arts/chroniques/2022-04-25/les-noces-de-krystel.php):
------------------------------
Krystel's wedding
The surprised face of Lara Fabian when unsealing the envelope immediately betrayed the identity of the winner of Star Académie 2022. While Éloi Cummings seemed to be sailing towards a triumph as easy as predictable, the stunning Krystel Mongeau, 25, of Sherbrooke, blocked the popular storm that was blowing from the Magdalen Islands.
Éloi Cummings, 16, will therefore have won all the public votes, except the most crucial, that of the grand finale of the TVA reality show. As for Krystel Mongeau, young mother and professional hairdresser, she becomes the second woman (in seven editions) to win Star Académie, after Stéphanie Lapointe in 2004, that goes back a long way.
And what a deserved victory, really. Talent and popularity rhymed in the case of Krystel, magnificent in her long black sequined dress. Her impeccable rereading of Je ne suis qu'une chanson by Ginette Reno supplanted the shaky cover of Quand les hommes vivront d’amour by Éloi Cummings.
The gap between the two performances has certainly whipped the public, who wanted to slow down the rise of Éloi. Krystel couldn't lose after being so masterful for three months.
And Éloi, even if he is super endearing, could not win after being so lukewarm.
Explanation? The abstainers who grumbled against Éloi in their living rooms finally tapped on their phones to get out the vote, which favored the best, hallelujah.
Throughout the season, the teachers have never hidden their admiration for Krystel Mongeau, former member of Lara Fabian's team at La voix 6, in 2018. Even though we felt that the love rating of Éloi Cummings irritated the faculty, including Gregory Charles, who called the young Madelinot lazy. In last week's gala, Guylaine Tremblay, Lara Fabian and Gregory Charles jumped out of their seats after the numbers of all the singers in danger, except for Éloi Cummings. Whoops. Favouritism? Perhaps. Still, the teachers have no say in the election.
The coronation of Krystel Mongeau also torpedoed the belief that the Madelinots had “packaged” the vote for Éloi since the start of the contest. This foggy theory does not hold Route 199 between Cap-aux-Meules and Havre-aux-Maisons.
Why ? Because the population of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine is around 13,000 inhabitants, while Quebec has 8.5 million.
The electoral weight of Madelinots at Star Académie therefore amounts to 0.15% for the entire province. We agree that 0.15% is tiny, it's a grain of sand on the big beach of TVA reality TV. On their own, the Îles-de-la-Madeleine did not have the strength to push – by the wind – the 16-year-old teenager to the finish line.
It's still rare, what happened on Sunday evening.
In this type of television competition, viewers rarely vote for the most talented like Audrey-Louise Beauséjour or Krystel Mongeau. Why give a pat on the back to these artists with already well-established careers?
On the other hand, a vote for Éloi Cummings or Olivier Bergeron, 20, of Kedwick, New Brunswick, proves more useful and rewarding. He helps write the first chapter of the fairy tale where an overlooked competitor – the infamous underdog – climbs the stairs to glory one by one.
More shy and less comfortable in his body than his comrades, Éloi Cummings quickly charmed Star Académie fans, who took him under their wing. From week to week, we saw him stumble, pick himself up, work and improve. This is exactly what makes good television. And at 16, Éloi has his whole professional life ahead of him.
Would the consecration of Krystel signal the end of this habit that we have of favoring the left behind? Let's hope so. Krystel didn't steal her title. She made no mistakes and fewer false notes than all her roommates in Waterloo (except Audrey-Louise, who was ousted much too quickly, no, I won't believe it, thank you).
In this 13th and final Star Académie gala, lasting 2 hours 20 minutes, the group Salebarbes injected hyper-contagious energy into the Mels studios. Unfortunately, we cannot! say the same of Julien Clerc, who seemed completely extinct, poor thing. Singer Mika, who caught COVID-19 earlier this month, also tore it up vocally.
Julien Charbonneau was more amazing than Mika on his own song, it's necessary to say it.
Solid musical comedy number orchestrated by Gregory Charles, who has been an exceptional teacher this winter. His rigour, his infinite knowledge and his enthusiasm were contagious. Lara Fabian remade Saisir le jourwith her 15 little hearts and we would have gladly taken an elongated potpourri.
Crispy gossip à la Lady Whistledown, in closing. A couple formed during this edition of Star Académie. We are talking about love at first sight here, because the two members of this new couple were each in a stable relationship when they entered the TV reality of TVA.
And yes, we've seen their respective sweet halves on the daily shows, which explains why they don't publicly declare their love. This recent union has caused collateral damage, as you can imagine. Who is it ? I leave them the pleasure (or not) to talk about it. XOXO friends.
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Focusing in on the surprise element, there are several more targeted articles; first (https://www.lesacdechips.com/2022/04/24/la-victoire-de-krystel-dans-un-grand-revirement-a-star-academie-en-prend-plusieurs-par-surprise?utm_medium=cxense&utm_source=journaldemontreal.com&utm_campaign=reco#cxrecs_s):
-----------------------------
KRYSTEL'S VICTORY IN A BIG TURNAROUND AT 'STAR ACADEMIE' TAKES MANY BY SURPRISE
On Sunday evening, Krystel Mongeau was crowned the big winner of the most recent edition of Star Académie, making her the first woman to win the singing competition since Stéphanie Lapointe in 2004.
The public voted in large numbers: we learned that the voting record was shattered this year.
If everyone is happy that the Estrienne has won top honors, many are still surprised that it was not Eloi Cummings, public favorite from the very beginning, who was crowned big winner.
However, Eloi had beaten Krystel three times in the public vote this season.
‘Netizens’ had this to say:
**Honestly, I didn't expect it. Two surprises this year: Audrey-Louise's elimination and Krystel's big win. She deserved it the most, but I was sure that popularity would win.
**Yesss so happy that Quebec has finally woken up! It was a $1 well invested tonight! Congratulations to Krystel
**Bravo Krystel a star is born. It's also fun to finally see a girl win Star Académie!
**Yayyyy!! Finally some justice and logic! Thank you Quebec
**For real, the face of disbelief of Lara Fabian who discovers the name of Krystel on the cardboard = us all
**So happy!!! Common sense, the usually silent majority won! The last female winner was in 2004
**The best invested $1 in my life
**Well yes, we were wrong because we thought that popularity would win. It is thus the extraordinary voice of Krystel which leaves victorious of #NationStarAc . No, we can't be disappointed. Congratulations!
**I think Lara is quite happy with the vote.
**I apologize for my language but F*** it's about time a woman won !!!!
**For the first time in weeks, I have the feeling that justice is done tonight. Krystel Mongeau is the big winner of Star académie 2022. F*** YESSSS!!!!
**YES!!! The scales have tipped! I'm really happy
**YES, the public finally woke up and crowned the best singer of Star Académie: Krystel Mongeau! (Éloi is young, he will have time to improve)
Like that, it's not over until it's over!
-------------------------------------
I have to say that I agree with almost every one of the comments posted above. It doesn’t make up for the injustices perpetrated along the way in this show, many in Eloi’s name, but had he won, it may well have sunk the Star Academie for many years to come as a show dominated by sectarian (or popularity) interests. Krystel was not the best vocalist (or IMHO the most deserving Academician), but she always presented a good, professional appearance throughout, and can hold up the torch for the Star Academie. Congratulations to the Quebec public for, as various people put it, finally waking up.
And, again as to how that happened, here’s one point of view (https://showbizz.net/tele/le-public-commente-la-derniere-performance-des-finalistes-de-star-academie-2022):
-----------------------------
The public comments on the final performance of the finalists of Star Académie 2022
One performance definitely impressed more than the other...
If we relied only on the comments of the fans on the social networks, one would think that it is an easy victory for Krystel at Star Académie 2022, but the votes obviously do not come from the same people who comment on the web.
Éloi interpreted this Sunday the song “Quand les hommes vivront d'amour”. Even if the young man has an undeniable charisma, his interpretation lacked vigor, personality and accuracy, according to viewers. Lara Fabian tried to make him understand this week that this song was not the right one for him, but he chose to continue on this path despite everything. Many still said they were impressed once again by the teenager from the Magdalen Islands.
On Krystel's side, the words "spectacular", "impeccable", "exceptional" and "masterful" were uttered to describe her performance. Her rendition of “Je ne suis qu'une chanson” flowed and moved fans of the show.
If people were convinced that Éloi was going to win Star Académie this Sunday evening, things changed after the two performances.
-----------------------------
This may have been the tipping point, but in addition there seemed to be a frustration building up as to how the competition had been going for a long while, and it finally boiled over. It was noted that the voting broke a record. Perhaps the ending is enough to rescue the program for additional showings in years to come.
Whenever that will be, we know it will not be next year, and probably not for several years after that. The likelihood that Lara will return as director after that time is very uncertain; she may well have moved on in her life (and moved on in her residence), so, at this point, it may not be going too far for TVA to say goodbye to Lara, and wish her well in the future. For her part, as she has said numerous times, she will no longer have to sacrifice the time with her family, at least not for this show with its 24/7 demands, and can move on to other projects.
Lara posted a video about her experience as director, available (thanks to the lara fabian est ton autre site) at
www.facebook.com/larafabiantonautre/videos/1001267627191006
She says, “And there you have it. My journey ends in the Academy, this is my last day, my last moment. I wanted to tell you all how honored I was to be director. I know I have struggled with this term, eventually, yes. It’s true that I could have been a path instigator, an opening at times, and, who knows, maybe even an inspiration. It has been a privilege to have been part of this exceptional team that is Star Academie in Quebec. Thank you.“
Of the various comments on that site in response to the video, this one perhaps encapsulates Lara’s contribution (from Ypperciel Lise):
“Madame Fabian you are the most efficient directrice that Star Academy had, you are the most articulate and empathetic person, able to coach sharing all your experiences. Congratulations, hope to see you in other projects. Congratulation to all the other teachers. Will miss you all.”
Amen
And to properly close this "adventure of Lara’s", Lara’s performance of “Saisir le jour” is available on youtube (as of this writing) at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmwEbAq8Wx0
(thanks to Lara The Ring Fabian, who also provided the English translation of the various remarks made after the show). For one last time one gets to see all the 15 Academicians singing with Lara, and hear the remarks made about her, and her remarks about the other teachers on the show. Very heart-warming…
Interesting photo(s) of the week: from one of the articles above, Caroline G. Murphy’s Twitter post showing Lara’s face when she discovered that Krystel had won the Star Academie,
/photo/1
And, of course, that reaction was itself the subject of an article (https://vedettequebec.com/2022/04/25/lara-fabian-se-fait-critiquer-pour-sa-reaction-a-lannonce-de-la-victoire-de-krystel-a-star-academie/):
---------------------------
Lara Fabian is criticized for her reaction to the announcement of Krystel's victory at Star Académie
Viewers expected the Star Academie 2022 finale to hold few surprises. With Eloi who was saved by the public several times, Quebecers expected a victory from the young singer.
On the other hand, reversal of situation, this was not the case. Viewers were taken aback by Krystel's victory.
For many, this surprise was appreciated. Many followers of Star Académie criticized that Eloi wins by his popularity and not by his talent… And it's not that Eloi sings badly, but some viewers thought that Krystel performed better.
During the viewing of the final, we can say that the winner was revealed a few seconds before her name was officially announced…
Indeed, Lara Fabian was not able to hide her surprise to see Krystel's name on the cardboard. Her facial expression said it all… She was amazed.
On social networks, Eloi fans are not happy with Lara's attitude. They find that her reaction was not adequate to the situation.
Here is what we can read:
“I would have liked to see the name on the card of the winner and how many votes they both had”
"Weirdly she was 3X in danger and she was not saved by the public... sad but it was clearly the judge who decided"
“Lara disappointed me very much, she had too much favoritism, it was obvious, it was a lack of respect for others”
“Me Eloi is the big winner for me and well done Eloi…. You were very good"
“And congratulate Éloi?? Nothing was done yesterday!! Really disappointing for him though”
Congratulations to Krystel and Eloi for their excellent career and other congratulations to all the academicians of the 2022 edition of Star Académie.
------------------------------------
Lara just can’t win…if her expression has been unalloyed joy, she’d have been criticized for that. This is one aspect of the job that she surely won’t miss.
And as a happier closing, from Lara's Instagram site,
with her caption, "Thank you thank you thank you , one of the most beautiful experiences of my life ❤️I love you forever ...."
Among those who will miss Lara and the Star Academie are her fan sites (including this one!) for whom it offered a ready source of news and commentary. Without it, one will again have to depend on Lara’s own initiatives to ‘make news’. Lara herself will have to make more varied efforts, as posting pictures of her outfit for the Star Academie on her FB and Instagram pages has been her main public outreach these last few months. We will see going forward how active she continues to be. Stay safe, everybody,
David
www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=572363354247962&set=a.259330805551220
and
http://instagram.com/p/CcwGGsur_w6
and her appropriate comment, “And here is a beautiful great musical and human adventure that ends tonight. I'll miss my little hearts, we'll see you now for our very last Sunday appointment 💙 Star Académie TVA” . If nothing else, we’ll miss seeing Lara’s magnificent outfits each week.
As for the show itself – a big surprise, as announced in (https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2022/04/24/krystel-mongeau-elue-grande-gagnante-de-star-academie-1):
-------------------------------
Krystel Mongeau elected big winner of "Star Académie"
At the end of an explosive and colorful Variety, Sunday, Krystel Mongeau created the surprise by winning the votes of the public. She wins this 2022 edition of Star Académie, and deserves a $125,000 cash prize, a record contract with Musicor and the new Toyota Corolla.
“I made so many sacrifices,” she exclaimed when Lara Fabian announced her name, who also seemed very surprised at the result. "I just want to tell the public that if someone has a talent or a passion, just go for it."
The other finalist, Eloi Cummings, leaves with a $50,000 purse, and will take part in a tour with the big winner, starting next winter.
Opening the evening, the fifteen Academicians performed We Are the Champions, by Queen, in tribute to Guy Lafleur, who left us last Friday. Marc Dupré even wore the number 10 jersey of the Montreal Canadiens for the occasion in the name of the “blond Demon”.
Nothing better than the Salebarbes group to get the party started. The five acolytes from the Magdalen Islands and New Brunswick fulfilled the mandate by singing Marcher l'plancher, Pas tout l'temps , Good Lord or again Gin à l'eau selée, with Olivier Bergeron, to end with the effervescence of Les haricots with the fifteen Academicians. Eloi was also able to perform the song C'est la vie with his favorite group, which he notably performs on the album Star Académie 2022 .
The finalists
With "Quand les hommes vivront d’amour’, Eloi Cummings chose a song of peace to inspire his generation at a time when the world is going badly. “You delivered a powerful song with a beautiful message,” Marc Dupré told him after his performance.
Gregory Charles also congratulated him. “You have something to be proud of, you worked very hard all week to find the meaning", explained the singing teacher. "I wish you that every week of your career will be as difficult and satisfying".
For her part, Krystel Mongeau wanted to put a little too much in her interpretation of "Je ne suis qu'une chanson", by Diane Juster, popularized by Ginette Reno. Invited to make a comment, Guylaine Tremblay insisted on the fact that the Academician is as beautiful inside as outside. “You are a wonderful performer, in the service of the song, you walk in this emotion. I bow to your immense talent.”
Musical comedies
Gregory Charles had concocted a magnificent medley of songs from musicals. After an opener with Superstar, the Academicians sang Big Girls Don't Cry before the surprise arrival of Mika who continued the number with them.
Sara-Maude also sang Ho Happy Day beautifully, then the group continued with Do Re Mi from La Mélodie du bonheur, Don't Rain On My Parade from Funny Girl, to finish all together with You Can't Stop The Beat from Hairspray .
An idol of France
To commemorate his fifty-year career, Julien Clerc came to take a bath of youth among the Academicians by resuming some of his greatest successes. Mon refuge , C'est rien, Fais-moi une place, Pour être à toi or Cœur de rocker were sung by the various Academicians.
Original Number
The two finalists had the chance to create an original number in their image. Everyone was able to choose songs that connect with their history and experience, as well as the sets that accompanied this splendid number. Krystel notably performed Jamais assez loin, Man I Feel Like a Woman , A Million Dreams, while Eloi had chosen J’ai quitté mon île , Johnny B. Goode or Don't Stop Me Now .
This number prefigures the show that the two finalists will present on tour, starting in winter 2023.
A GREAT SURPRISE
Seeing this studio filled with a huge audience, with a great atmosphere, was a pleasure for Mika, who really wanted to participate in this new edition of Star Académie. After participating in the Coachella festival in the United States last week, he is back on stage in our province. “I have a unique connection with Quebec, a unique place that is a mix between the Francophonie and North America. It was also a conscious decision to go to Saguenay and Quebec. It's also my attitude throughout my career to respect and work with each market in a different way." Moreover, the list of songs changes according to the place where it occurs. "It's a show based on lights and colors, a bit of a continuation of the numbers I presented at Star Academy, last year.” The singer will be, this Monday, at the Bell Center, April 27 at the Videotron Center in Quebec City and April 28 at the Théâtre du Palais Municipal in Saguenay.
ADMIRING
Julien Clerc had nothing but compliments for the Academicians with whom he was able to sing some hits from his repertoire. “I find that there is a quality of troop", he indicated behind the scenes. "It doesn't surprise me that Plamondon comes to look in the pool of young Quebec artists when he puts on a new show. There are both vocal qualities, interpretation and youth who already have a job. I was struck by this talent.” For Julien Clerc, it is always important to cultivate the Francophonie, which is why he will be back in the fall for a major tour throughout the province.
On this presidential election Sunday in France, the singer told us that he had voted by proxy. “I am not talking about French politics outside the borders of my country, but this time there was an important issue. I would just say that I don't think populism is the solution."
-----------------------------
A more incisive article about the competition decision can be found at (https://www.lapresse.ca/arts/chroniques/2022-04-25/les-noces-de-krystel.php):
------------------------------
Krystel's wedding
The surprised face of Lara Fabian when unsealing the envelope immediately betrayed the identity of the winner of Star Académie 2022. While Éloi Cummings seemed to be sailing towards a triumph as easy as predictable, the stunning Krystel Mongeau, 25, of Sherbrooke, blocked the popular storm that was blowing from the Magdalen Islands.
Éloi Cummings, 16, will therefore have won all the public votes, except the most crucial, that of the grand finale of the TVA reality show. As for Krystel Mongeau, young mother and professional hairdresser, she becomes the second woman (in seven editions) to win Star Académie, after Stéphanie Lapointe in 2004, that goes back a long way.
And what a deserved victory, really. Talent and popularity rhymed in the case of Krystel, magnificent in her long black sequined dress. Her impeccable rereading of Je ne suis qu'une chanson by Ginette Reno supplanted the shaky cover of Quand les hommes vivront d’amour by Éloi Cummings.
The gap between the two performances has certainly whipped the public, who wanted to slow down the rise of Éloi. Krystel couldn't lose after being so masterful for three months.
And Éloi, even if he is super endearing, could not win after being so lukewarm.
Explanation? The abstainers who grumbled against Éloi in their living rooms finally tapped on their phones to get out the vote, which favored the best, hallelujah.
Throughout the season, the teachers have never hidden their admiration for Krystel Mongeau, former member of Lara Fabian's team at La voix 6, in 2018. Even though we felt that the love rating of Éloi Cummings irritated the faculty, including Gregory Charles, who called the young Madelinot lazy. In last week's gala, Guylaine Tremblay, Lara Fabian and Gregory Charles jumped out of their seats after the numbers of all the singers in danger, except for Éloi Cummings. Whoops. Favouritism? Perhaps. Still, the teachers have no say in the election.
The coronation of Krystel Mongeau also torpedoed the belief that the Madelinots had “packaged” the vote for Éloi since the start of the contest. This foggy theory does not hold Route 199 between Cap-aux-Meules and Havre-aux-Maisons.
Why ? Because the population of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine is around 13,000 inhabitants, while Quebec has 8.5 million.
The electoral weight of Madelinots at Star Académie therefore amounts to 0.15% for the entire province. We agree that 0.15% is tiny, it's a grain of sand on the big beach of TVA reality TV. On their own, the Îles-de-la-Madeleine did not have the strength to push – by the wind – the 16-year-old teenager to the finish line.
It's still rare, what happened on Sunday evening.
In this type of television competition, viewers rarely vote for the most talented like Audrey-Louise Beauséjour or Krystel Mongeau. Why give a pat on the back to these artists with already well-established careers?
On the other hand, a vote for Éloi Cummings or Olivier Bergeron, 20, of Kedwick, New Brunswick, proves more useful and rewarding. He helps write the first chapter of the fairy tale where an overlooked competitor – the infamous underdog – climbs the stairs to glory one by one.
More shy and less comfortable in his body than his comrades, Éloi Cummings quickly charmed Star Académie fans, who took him under their wing. From week to week, we saw him stumble, pick himself up, work and improve. This is exactly what makes good television. And at 16, Éloi has his whole professional life ahead of him.
Would the consecration of Krystel signal the end of this habit that we have of favoring the left behind? Let's hope so. Krystel didn't steal her title. She made no mistakes and fewer false notes than all her roommates in Waterloo (except Audrey-Louise, who was ousted much too quickly, no, I won't believe it, thank you).
In this 13th and final Star Académie gala, lasting 2 hours 20 minutes, the group Salebarbes injected hyper-contagious energy into the Mels studios. Unfortunately, we cannot! say the same of Julien Clerc, who seemed completely extinct, poor thing. Singer Mika, who caught COVID-19 earlier this month, also tore it up vocally.
Julien Charbonneau was more amazing than Mika on his own song, it's necessary to say it.
Solid musical comedy number orchestrated by Gregory Charles, who has been an exceptional teacher this winter. His rigour, his infinite knowledge and his enthusiasm were contagious. Lara Fabian remade Saisir le jourwith her 15 little hearts and we would have gladly taken an elongated potpourri.
Crispy gossip à la Lady Whistledown, in closing. A couple formed during this edition of Star Académie. We are talking about love at first sight here, because the two members of this new couple were each in a stable relationship when they entered the TV reality of TVA.
And yes, we've seen their respective sweet halves on the daily shows, which explains why they don't publicly declare their love. This recent union has caused collateral damage, as you can imagine. Who is it ? I leave them the pleasure (or not) to talk about it. XOXO friends.
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Focusing in on the surprise element, there are several more targeted articles; first (https://www.lesacdechips.com/2022/04/24/la-victoire-de-krystel-dans-un-grand-revirement-a-star-academie-en-prend-plusieurs-par-surprise?utm_medium=cxense&utm_source=journaldemontreal.com&utm_campaign=reco#cxrecs_s):
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KRYSTEL'S VICTORY IN A BIG TURNAROUND AT 'STAR ACADEMIE' TAKES MANY BY SURPRISE
On Sunday evening, Krystel Mongeau was crowned the big winner of the most recent edition of Star Académie, making her the first woman to win the singing competition since Stéphanie Lapointe in 2004.
The public voted in large numbers: we learned that the voting record was shattered this year.
If everyone is happy that the Estrienne has won top honors, many are still surprised that it was not Eloi Cummings, public favorite from the very beginning, who was crowned big winner.
However, Eloi had beaten Krystel three times in the public vote this season.
‘Netizens’ had this to say:
**Honestly, I didn't expect it. Two surprises this year: Audrey-Louise's elimination and Krystel's big win. She deserved it the most, but I was sure that popularity would win.
**Yesss so happy that Quebec has finally woken up! It was a $1 well invested tonight! Congratulations to Krystel
**Bravo Krystel a star is born. It's also fun to finally see a girl win Star Académie!
**Yayyyy!! Finally some justice and logic! Thank you Quebec
**For real, the face of disbelief of Lara Fabian who discovers the name of Krystel on the cardboard = us all
**So happy!!! Common sense, the usually silent majority won! The last female winner was in 2004
**The best invested $1 in my life
**Well yes, we were wrong because we thought that popularity would win. It is thus the extraordinary voice of Krystel which leaves victorious of #NationStarAc . No, we can't be disappointed. Congratulations!
**I think Lara is quite happy with the vote.
**I apologize for my language but F*** it's about time a woman won !!!!
**For the first time in weeks, I have the feeling that justice is done tonight. Krystel Mongeau is the big winner of Star académie 2022. F*** YESSSS!!!!
**YES!!! The scales have tipped! I'm really happy
**YES, the public finally woke up and crowned the best singer of Star Académie: Krystel Mongeau! (Éloi is young, he will have time to improve)
Like that, it's not over until it's over!
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I have to say that I agree with almost every one of the comments posted above. It doesn’t make up for the injustices perpetrated along the way in this show, many in Eloi’s name, but had he won, it may well have sunk the Star Academie for many years to come as a show dominated by sectarian (or popularity) interests. Krystel was not the best vocalist (or IMHO the most deserving Academician), but she always presented a good, professional appearance throughout, and can hold up the torch for the Star Academie. Congratulations to the Quebec public for, as various people put it, finally waking up.
And, again as to how that happened, here’s one point of view (https://showbizz.net/tele/le-public-commente-la-derniere-performance-des-finalistes-de-star-academie-2022):
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The public comments on the final performance of the finalists of Star Académie 2022
One performance definitely impressed more than the other...
If we relied only on the comments of the fans on the social networks, one would think that it is an easy victory for Krystel at Star Académie 2022, but the votes obviously do not come from the same people who comment on the web.
Éloi interpreted this Sunday the song “Quand les hommes vivront d'amour”. Even if the young man has an undeniable charisma, his interpretation lacked vigor, personality and accuracy, according to viewers. Lara Fabian tried to make him understand this week that this song was not the right one for him, but he chose to continue on this path despite everything. Many still said they were impressed once again by the teenager from the Magdalen Islands.
On Krystel's side, the words "spectacular", "impeccable", "exceptional" and "masterful" were uttered to describe her performance. Her rendition of “Je ne suis qu'une chanson” flowed and moved fans of the show.
If people were convinced that Éloi was going to win Star Académie this Sunday evening, things changed after the two performances.
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This may have been the tipping point, but in addition there seemed to be a frustration building up as to how the competition had been going for a long while, and it finally boiled over. It was noted that the voting broke a record. Perhaps the ending is enough to rescue the program for additional showings in years to come.
Whenever that will be, we know it will not be next year, and probably not for several years after that. The likelihood that Lara will return as director after that time is very uncertain; she may well have moved on in her life (and moved on in her residence), so, at this point, it may not be going too far for TVA to say goodbye to Lara, and wish her well in the future. For her part, as she has said numerous times, she will no longer have to sacrifice the time with her family, at least not for this show with its 24/7 demands, and can move on to other projects.
Lara posted a video about her experience as director, available (thanks to the lara fabian est ton autre site) at
www.facebook.com/larafabiantonautre/videos/1001267627191006
She says, “And there you have it. My journey ends in the Academy, this is my last day, my last moment. I wanted to tell you all how honored I was to be director. I know I have struggled with this term, eventually, yes. It’s true that I could have been a path instigator, an opening at times, and, who knows, maybe even an inspiration. It has been a privilege to have been part of this exceptional team that is Star Academie in Quebec. Thank you.“
Of the various comments on that site in response to the video, this one perhaps encapsulates Lara’s contribution (from Ypperciel Lise):
“Madame Fabian you are the most efficient directrice that Star Academy had, you are the most articulate and empathetic person, able to coach sharing all your experiences. Congratulations, hope to see you in other projects. Congratulation to all the other teachers. Will miss you all.”
Amen
And to properly close this "adventure of Lara’s", Lara’s performance of “Saisir le jour” is available on youtube (as of this writing) at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmwEbAq8Wx0
(thanks to Lara The Ring Fabian, who also provided the English translation of the various remarks made after the show). For one last time one gets to see all the 15 Academicians singing with Lara, and hear the remarks made about her, and her remarks about the other teachers on the show. Very heart-warming…
Interesting photo(s) of the week: from one of the articles above, Caroline G. Murphy’s Twitter post showing Lara’s face when she discovered that Krystel had won the Star Academie,
/photo/1
And, of course, that reaction was itself the subject of an article (https://vedettequebec.com/2022/04/25/lara-fabian-se-fait-critiquer-pour-sa-reaction-a-lannonce-de-la-victoire-de-krystel-a-star-academie/):
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Lara Fabian is criticized for her reaction to the announcement of Krystel's victory at Star Académie
Viewers expected the Star Academie 2022 finale to hold few surprises. With Eloi who was saved by the public several times, Quebecers expected a victory from the young singer.
On the other hand, reversal of situation, this was not the case. Viewers were taken aback by Krystel's victory.
For many, this surprise was appreciated. Many followers of Star Académie criticized that Eloi wins by his popularity and not by his talent… And it's not that Eloi sings badly, but some viewers thought that Krystel performed better.
During the viewing of the final, we can say that the winner was revealed a few seconds before her name was officially announced…
Indeed, Lara Fabian was not able to hide her surprise to see Krystel's name on the cardboard. Her facial expression said it all… She was amazed.
On social networks, Eloi fans are not happy with Lara's attitude. They find that her reaction was not adequate to the situation.
Here is what we can read:
“I would have liked to see the name on the card of the winner and how many votes they both had”
"Weirdly she was 3X in danger and she was not saved by the public... sad but it was clearly the judge who decided"
“Lara disappointed me very much, she had too much favoritism, it was obvious, it was a lack of respect for others”
“Me Eloi is the big winner for me and well done Eloi…. You were very good"
“And congratulate Éloi?? Nothing was done yesterday!! Really disappointing for him though”
Congratulations to Krystel and Eloi for their excellent career and other congratulations to all the academicians of the 2022 edition of Star Académie.
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Lara just can’t win…if her expression has been unalloyed joy, she’d have been criticized for that. This is one aspect of the job that she surely won’t miss.
And as a happier closing, from Lara's Instagram site,
http://instagram.com/p/CcyzQyHrnPE
with her caption, "Thank you thank you thank you , one of the most beautiful experiences of my life ❤️I love you forever ...."
Among those who will miss Lara and the Star Academie are her fan sites (including this one!) for whom it offered a ready source of news and commentary. Without it, one will again have to depend on Lara’s own initiatives to ‘make news’. Lara herself will have to make more varied efforts, as posting pictures of her outfit for the Star Academie on her FB and Instagram pages has been her main public outreach these last few months. We will see going forward how active she continues to be. Stay safe, everybody,
David