The very first cohort of Star Academy will soon be back on stage for the first time in 20 years. Wilfred LeBouthillier, Marie-Élaine Thibert, Annie Villeneuve, Émily Bégin, Marie-Mai and Co. will take the stage of the show And it’s not over yetexpected in January 2024 in Montreal and Quebec.
It has already been 20 years since the first season of Star Académie invaded our homes, presenting to Quebec audiences 14 young singers determined to secure a place for themselves in the industry. And that’s exactly what they did; Even though some have since left show business, they were still involved in the creation of this television and music phenomenon that continues to this day.
“It’s crazy to see that people are still attached to us, that they want to hear from us and want to know where we are in our lives and careers today. Nobody could have imagined that back then,” breathes Wilfred LeBouthiller, big winner of this first edition.
First spark
He saw this excitement earlier this year when he released the song From Dream to Reality. This initiative by Suzie Villeneuve rekindled the flame and brought together most of the troupe for the Star Académie’s 20th anniversary. It was these reunions that sparked the project’s first spark. And it’s not over yet.
In total, 13 of the 14 academics will be brought together for this show, which will only take place over two evenings; Stéphane Mercier, in turn, declined his colleagues’ invitation. A decision that “is respected by everyone,” explains Wilfred LeBouthillier.
It will still be the largest gathering for the original Star Académie cohort. A first meeting took place ten years ago on the set of the show “Le Banquier”, but Élyse Robineault and Maritza Bossé-Pelchat decided to stay away from the spotlight at the time.
Nostalgic and current
So what can you expect from this show? Director Joël Legendre promises an evening that is as nostalgic as it is current, bringing together titles from the Star Académie album, notable numbers from the Sunday galas, but also songs from current charts.
“The aim is to show where these singers come from and how they have developed since then. I want each of them to have the chance to shine, both individually and as a group,” he explains.
This should bring back memories for both academics and fans. Many of them had actually applauded them on their first tour in the summer of 2003; It performed to sold-out audiences throughout the summer, including 13 performances at the Bell Center.
“It was so intense; We knew something like this couldn’t last forever, so we made the most of every moment. And I know that when the first notes of the song “And it’s not over” sound, we will all feel the same thrill as we did back then,” says the singer.
- The show And it’s not done will be shown at the Bell Center in Montreal on January 12th and at the Videotron Center in Quebec on January 19th. Tickets go on sale starting today.