Solène Delinger / Photo credits: TF1/ITV/Bureau233 11:30 p.m., February 17, 2024
The blind auditions for the thirteenth season of “The Voice” are in full swing on TF1. Saturday February 17, talents from all over France gave everything to convince Zazie, Bigflo and Oli, Vianney and Mika to turn around. Olema, 27, marked the evening with her haunting cover of “Mad World” by Tears for Fears. How did she experience her audition? What does she expect from her adventure? Interview.
INTERVIEW
"I don't know who you are but you are perfect", "You have bewitched us", "This voice is about to do a lot of songs"... Like us, the coaches of
The Voice
were captivated by the performance exceptional performance by Olema during the blind auditions this Saturday evening. It's hard to imagine that the 27-year-old doesn't have years of experience behind her. And yet, she left her job as an industrial engineer only a few months ago to devote herself to her passion. Part of Mika's team, Olema now hopes to go as far as possible in the adventure to make a living from music. Interview.
Do you realize what is happening to you with
The Voice
?
No way ! I don't even know how to define what I feel. This is the first time that I have been listened to and seen by so many people.
How did you experience your blind auditions?
I was in my little bubble. I chose a song that I love so I tried to interpret it in the best way possible. I was completely unaware of what was happening around me.
You impressed the coaches, who all turned around and praised you... What did that do to you?
I was not excpecting that at all ! It really touched me, and I was super happy at the same time because I was finally seeing the coaches in real life. I was like a child! Afterwards, they were talking to me and there were silences... It was a bit of a weird moment (Laughs). And to tell you the truth, I don't really remember what they said to me. My sister had to tell me everything when I came backstage. I was totally stunned.
Before the auditions, did you know which coach you wanted to experience the adventure with?
I was hesitating between Zazie and Mika because I love them both. But after my performance, I listened to all the coaches convincing me and I had huge doubts. It took me a long time to choose. I finally chose Mika and I'm so happy!
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What tipped the scales in Mika's favor?
I chose him because I still have a lot of childhood memories with his music. I also learned to sing with his music like
Happy Ending
or
Relax, Take It Easy.
Why did you decide to participate in
The Voice
now?
I quit my job as an industrial engineer five months ago to devote myself to music. I released my first album, called
Marlène
, in 2023. It was the perfect time to get into music and do it 100% because I love it.
Why this album title?
Marlène is my real first name. I chose Olema as my stage name because it is a name that echoes not only my childhood but also water, which for me is a symbol of freedom.
Where does your passion for music come from?
It's something I've always had in me. No one in my family plays music. I grew up in Cameroon and arrived in France ten years ago to study. That’s when I realized it was really made for me.
What do you expect from your
The Voice
adventure ?
I hope this show will allow me to make my music heard and convey my message!
What is this message?
A message of acceptance of difference. I love this phrase: “To be crazy is divine”. It's a way of making people understand that extravagance is a strength. I've often been told "but you're crazy!" because I liked different things. For me, there is beauty in that too. There is also a real question of identity in my work because I left my native country.