The thirteenth season of France’s Star Academy concluded on Saturday, February 7, with Ambre taking home the top prize. The 18-year-ancient singer garnered 59% of the votes, besting fellow finalist Léa in a closely watched competition that captivated audiences across the country.
Ambre’s victory marks a significant moment for the show, making her the youngest winner in the history of the French singing competition. She receives a €100,000 prize and a recording contract with Sony Music, potentially launching a promising career in the French music industry. The finale saw Ambre perform a rendition of Patricia Kaas’s “Entrer dans la lumière,” a song she originally sang during the first prime of the season.
Léa, despite not winning, has similarly received considerable attention following the show’s conclusion. She recently broke her silence on social media, expressing her gratitude and reflecting on the experience. According to Voici, Léa stated, “I didn’t win but…”
The competition wasn’t without its critiques. Linternaute reported that the finale was marked by some performances that fell short of expectations, with some viewers criticizing Léa’s vocal performance on social media. Despite this, the finale drew a large audience, with 60% of viewers aged 15-24 and 56% of those aged 15-34 tuning in – a higher viewership than the previous three years.
Ambre has already begun considering her next steps, and has revealed her stage name. According to DHnet, she has chosen a professional name for her music career.
Léa has also been receiving support from established artists following the competition. Voici reports that Léa has received unexpected support from a well-known singer after her defeat.
The success of both Ambre and Léa highlights the continued popularity of Star Academy and its ability to launch the careers of emerging French artists. The show’s impact extends beyond the winner, as evidenced by the success of previous contestants like Marine and Pierre Garnier.
