On the occasion of the 20the anniversary of the first edition of Star AcademyAcademics found themselves at Suzie Villeneuve’s initiative to record the song From dream to realitywhich is accompanied by a clip and interviews on the singer and entrepreneur’s YouTube channel.
Two decades ago, on February 16, 2003, the music competition appeared on the TVA grid and became a real phenomenon and a breeding ground for the discovery of new singing talent.
Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay
The winner of this first cohort, Wilfred LeBouthillier, now 44, is part of this project, which also includes the voices of his friends François Babin, Jean-François Bastien, Émily Bégin, Maritza Bossé-Pelchat, Dave Bourgeois, Pascal Nguyen Deschênes, Élyse Robineault, Martin Rouette, Suzie Villeneuve and Marie-Élaine Thibert.
Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay
Marie Elaine Thibert
It was Suzie Villeneuve who came up with the idea of bringing her comrades together last November
Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay
Suzie Villeneuve
Star Académie sings with them to celebrate tele-hook’s 20th anniversary. She composed the lyrics and music (with Guy Tourville) for From Dream to Reality, a piece celebrating the friendship woven through this incredible experience. The song, a new catchy tune that remains in the headlines like the 2003 title track, And it’s not over, is available on streaming platforms and is sure to get radio coverage.
Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay
David Bourgeois
“The song is used to say thank you to the public for making sure that this completely insane experience changed our lives,” said Suzie Villeneuve in an interview with agency QMI.
Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay
Emily Beginning
The clip, which includes archive footage and recordings made during the recording of the song at Montreal’s Tangerine studio, is available on Suzie Villeneuve’s YouTube channel, where the curious can also watch various interviews.
Absence of Marie-Mai and Annie Villeneuve
However, two Academy members from the first season are missing, namely Marie-Mai and Annie Villeneuve, Suzie’s twin sister.
Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay
Francois Babin
“Marie-Mai and Annie chose not to be there for their own reasons, I don’t even have to give you any, it’s a matter of career choice. Everyone accepted the invitation,” said Suzie Villeneuve, who held her son Édouard, who was born almost eight months ago, during the interview.
Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay
Elyse Robineault
The singer and entrepreneur, who is in the process of writing a new album and continues the tour of the show Un Certain souvenir dedicated to the great successes of Michel Louvain, left Star Académie of her own volition after five weeks at the Académie, a choice, which she accepts.
Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay
Pascal Nguyen Deschenes
“I’ve never regretted it. In fact, I regretted it for a split second when I saw them fly to Vegas on a private jet the following week to see Celine Dion. I have searched for myself a lot, but life has given me the opportunity to make choices and today I realize that humanly speaking that experience was the richest. And it’s much clearer […] why I didn’t feel good. Perhaps the interview on my YouTube channel calms the dramatic side people were feeling at the time.
Photo agency QMI, Joël Lemay
Jean Francois Bastien
She put music aside for years before returning to the top spot by participating in Season 8 of La Voix. She then rose to the finals in the Garou team. Since then, the projects have been linked for the one who will be celebrating her 40th birthday next May.
Suzie Villeneuve’s lecture show is also available on her website. She also published her first book, De la tête au cœur, last fall.