Solène Delinger 4:08 p.m., February 6, 2024

Saturday February 3, Julien lost to Pierre during the “Star Academy” final. The 24-year-old young man from the South West is nonetheless very proud of his career at the Château de Dammarie-les-Lys. For three months, Julien impressed teachers and the public with his vocal technique and his talent as a performer. For Europe1.fr, he looks back on the notable moments of his adventure and confides in his return to normal life. 

Julien wanted to see the adventure through to the end and he did! At 24, the young man from Pau managed to secure his place in the

Star Academy

final against his great friend Pierre. Despite his defeat on Saturday evening at the end of the bonus, Julien does not feel any bitterness but rather pride. That of having stayed three months at the castle and of always surpassing himself. For Europe1.fr, he talks about his best moments at

 Star Ac, 

his little failure that became cult on

Le Temps des Cathédrales

and the preparation of his single. Interview. 

How do you feel ? 

I feel great! It’s still a great adventure that has just ended. There are lots of beautiful things that are coming up and I am happy to have found my loved ones. I missed them so much during the adventure. I need to take care of those around me and I had no opportunity to do that. So I'm taking advantage of it, it's absolute happiness!

Are you proud of your latest bonus?

Yes ! This last bonus was even my favorite of the whole adventure because we surpassed ourselves with Pierre. Our last week at the castle was crazy. A full bonus rested on our little shoulders so we were swamped with work. We were very tired physically and vocally. The same day, we said to ourselves: “But what are we going to do?” And finally, we did it and it's satisfying. 

What did you and Pierre say before Nikos announced the name of the big winner?

We said to ourselves: "I'm so proud to have shared this bonus with you, this week with you, this adventure with you. And no matter who wins, we'll hug each other." 

Did you feel any disappointment?

No, above all there was a lot of pride in having shared this adventure with Pierre. I said to myself: “We arrived three months ago and we’re here tonight, it’s magnificent!” 

Were you dreading your exit from the castle?

I was slightly apprehensive because I had gotten used to this super intense life at the castle and I wondered what it was going to be like outside. There was a fear of the unknown. In the end, everything went very well! 

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Star Academy: Pierre is the big winner of the 2023 season

What did you learn about yourself at

Star Ac

?

So many things ! The

Star Ac

is an adventure that amplifies everything we experience and all our emotions. I realized that I was having difficulty managing some of my reactions. I was incredibly hard on myself and I put a lot of pressure on myself. For example, when we were announced an artist, I said to myself: "I'm not singing with him because I wasn't good enough." I was finally able to become gentler and manage my anger at myself. And it was from that moment on that I took advantage of the adventure. 

So you didn't have a bad experience with your second failure on

Le Temps des Cathédrales

during the final?

I just said to myself that it was already incredible to have managed to perform all the prime even though I was weak vocally. But I'm really cursed with this song (laughs)!

With which academician have you formed the strongest bonds? 

I fell in love with Candice during the adventure. I consider her my little sister. We have created a relationship that is very strong, close-knit and fraternal. I am extremely grateful for this. 

What is your best memory of

Star Ac

? 

I loved the moments of exchange with the artists who came to visit us at the castle. Patrick Fiori was lovely to me, Lara Fabian too. But the one that impressed me the most was Woodkid. He took time with each of us to give us his advice and debrief his own creations. He's a great man.  

And the worst ?

My evaluation of the song

My old man

. I knew the song by heart and I forgot the lyrics because I let myself be overwhelmed by emotion and my previous failures. It's not a pleasant memory but this moment allowed me to question myself and then move forward in a positive way. 

How is the preparation of your single going?

Alright ! I listened to it with the Sony teams and it should be released in the coming days. I'm eager to ! 

And then there is also the tour that is looming...

It's a childhood dream to go on the roads of France and Belgium with all your friends and meet our audience. Until then, I'll try to rest!