Solène Delinger 6:29 p.m., February 6, 2024
Pierre Garnier still can't believe it. Saturday February 2, this young 21-year-old from Normandy, who was making music in his bedroom, won the eleventh season of “Star Academy” against Julien. His first single, “Ceux qu’on été”, will be released this evening at midnight. A waking dream for Pierre, who had never imagined going this far in the adventure. For Europe1.fr, he looks back on the notable moments of his adventure and says more about his future musical projects.
There were 13 of them who dreamed of winning the
Star Academy.
.. And it was finally Pierre who won the trophy! The 21-year-old won the telehook final on Saturday evening against his comrade Julien with 55.6% of the viewers' votes. During the prime, Pierre moved the teachers by singing
Shallow
in a duet with his accomplice Héléna then by performing his own composition
Those we were
with Dadju. After his victory, Pierre recorded this single, which he will reveal to all his fans this evening at midnight. For Europe1.fr, Pierre looks back on his incredible journey within the castle of Dammarie-les-Lys. Interview.
Do you realize what is happening to you?
I don't yet realize what's happening. I feel like I'm in a little dream and like I left the castle only a few hours ago. It’s crazy, all this excitement around me! I was not excpecting that at all.
Did you imagine yourself winning
Star Academy
?
At first, absolutely not! It was already a victory for me to join
Star Ac,
and I lived each week as if it were the last. From the semi-finals onwards, there were only four of us left so we all said to ourselves that we could potentially win.
What are you going to do with the 100,000 euros you won?
These 100,000 euros are above all an advance for my music. They will allow me to invest
in the preparation of the album, the filming of the clips and my single which will be released in not too long. I'm also going to buy some equipment.
You sang your single for the very first time during Prime Saturday night, even before its release. What did that do to you?
Dadju gave me a great surprise! No one knew that he was going to start singing my song
Those We Were
, not even Nikos! When Dadju said "stop, let's cut the prime" while we were singing together, I told myself that I had done something stupid because you don't interrupt a prime like that. I was a little panicked because it wasn't planned but the public supported me. He covered my song as if he had known it for years. It was a very strong moment.
Your first single comes out tonight at midnight. Are you anxious?
This is a great first! I am very happy with the result. This is really what I wanted and it came from me so I can't be disappointed. I just can't wait for it to come out.
How did you write this song?
I composed it before arriving at
Star Academy.
I had no idea and thought about complicated love stories, that inspired me! I love writing songs and I have a lot of them lying around on my computer.
Those We Were
was the latest and that's why I sang it at
Star Ac.
I didn't expect such enthusiasm at all. A lot of people already know the lyrics, it's crazy!
What did you learn about yourself at
Star Ac
?
I learned a lot of things. When I returned, I wasn't really sure of myself, I was happy to be accepted but I wondered if I deserved my place, if I had legitimacy. The adventure gave me a lot of self-confidence. I realized that I could do all that and that maybe I was a little good at it.
You were not at all competitive, unlike Julien for example. Do you think this mindset pushed you to victory?
Certainly yes. Above all, I wanted to live experiences, meet artists and make music every day. And I wanted to stay as long as possible to continue doing it and not to win. I'm very glad I had this mentality and it got me to the end!
What is your best memory of Star Ac?
I have a lot of good memories because I spent three months at the castle. My first duet with an artist particularly marked me because it was an event and because I sang with James Arthur, an international star whose universe I adore. I also loved sharing the stage with Woodkid because I freed myself. At the castle, I have lots of memories with the students but also with the artists who gave us masterclasses. Lara Fabian unlocked things buried inside me.
And the worst ?
When I had to make a choice for the semi-final because this decision was going to have an impact on my friends and on the rest of the adventure. I chose Héléna and looking back I have no regrets because the prime was great.
Which teacher had the most impact on you?
We're not going to lie to each other but I came from a very long distance in dancing so I would say Malika! She made me understand that I could do it and it gave me confidence in myself and my body. Now I'm no longer afraid to move on stage!
Were you surprised
to see lots of rumors about your relationship with Héléna?
I learned this very recently and yes I was surprised because we are all very close in this castle. With Héléna, we are the same age and the same musical tastes so that obviously linked us. We also had the same sense of humor and we teased each other a lot, but all in pure and simple friendship.
How do you imagine your first album?
I really like everything acoustic, guitar-vocals and American pop put into French. It's a style that sticks to me. But I also tried lots of things at
Star Ac
and I think that will give me ideas. I'll think about it as soon as I have time and have rested before the tour (Laughs)!