Lucie Bernardoni and Fanny Delaigue are returning this year as coaches for Star Academy on TF1. Their mission is to determine which students will perform a duet with the live show’s guests. But do the artists have any say in these pairings? They answer.
Since 2022, Lucie Bernardoni has been a coach for Star Academy on TF1. After sharing this role with Marlène Schaff , the former finalist of season 4 (who competed against Grégory Lemarchal) has been working alongside Fanny Delaigue since 2024. Together, they are responsible for assigning the songs for the live shows to the students.
To determine which students will sing with which artist, Lucie Bernardoni and Fanny Delaigue audition them and select only one. This choice isn’t always easy for the two coaches. During the press conference for the 2025 graduating class, they shared some insights on the subject.
“We don’t have a choice of tones when the artists come.”
Lucie Bernardoni, who participated in a famous show this summer, explains: “It stems from a technical consideration that we are already asked to consider as a basic requirement. When we test them, some students are able to sing, for example, with Josh Groban because they have a more lyrical vocal range, and others less so.”
Fanny Delaigue, who criticized the students last year, adds: “We don’t get to choose the keys when the artists come. It’s their key, period. So we have to find a student who can do it technically.”
“That’s not the spirit of the show.”
Furthermore, can artists insist that the production team sing with a student? Fanny Delaigue asserts: “That’s not the spirit of the show. I was surprised last year because I didn’t know how it would go, but they really play along. They’re delighted to share a moment with young people who are just starting out and discovering everything. And they’re happy to pass on their songs.”
Lucie Bernardoni gave the same answer: “No, at least not to our knowledge. That’s not the idea behind Star Academy.” She did, however, acknowledge: “Some artists have favorites and continue to follow the students, even if they didn’t sing with them at the time. Last year, Clara Luciani loved singing with Franck. They have preferences, that’s normal, but they don’t forget the others.”
Lucie Bernardoni also shared a word about this new season: “This year, we are very lucky to have two superb godparents: Ed Sheeran and Charlotte Cardin. They might have some favorites, they really follow the show. It’s always a good time.”
Star Academy airs every Saturday in prime time on TF1 (except during the first three weeks of November, when the prime-time show will be broadcast on Fridays). The daily show airs Monday to Friday at 5:30 pm, Saturday at 5:15 pm, and Sunday at 4:05 pm.
