In a tribute to the legacy of Star Academy, newly eliminated contestants Elija, Antoine, and Morgan appeared on Quotidien to pay homage to the show's most iconic figure, Grégory Lemarchal. The three students, who recently exited the competition during Season 14, shared their perspectives on the program's history and identified the 2004 winner as a enduring symbol of strength and inspiration. [1]
Elija, the first eliminated contestant of the season, joined her peers Antoine and Morgan on the set of Yann Barthès' talk show, Quotidien, on Monday, November 9, 2026. The trio, who had previously benefited from a week of reprieve due to the cancellation of the first elimination, reflected on their accelerated departure from the castle in Dammarie-les-Lys. Despite the brevity of their stay, they expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love from fans, which they revisited upon regaining access to their social networks. They also participated in a predictive exercise, selecting what they considered the strongest talents of the current season: Maud for Elija, and both Cameron and Isabella for Antoine and Morgan. [1]
When asked by host Yann Barthès to identify the hero of Star Academy across all seasons, the three alumni unanimously chose Grégory Lemarchal, the winner of 2004 who passed away three years later from cystic fibrosis. None of the participants had witnessed the show's debut in 2001, and Elija was not even born during the fourth season, which Lemarchal won. Nevertheless, they cited him as a monumental figure in the franchise's history. [1]
Elija described Lemarchal as an icon and a symbol of force, praising his incredible voice. Antoine compared his inspirational impact to that of cultural figures like Coluche and France Gall, emphasizing that such figures are remembered not only for their professional excellence but also for their generosity and heart. Morgan highlighted Lemarchal’s tremendous strength in facing illness and noted the lasting impact of the association bearing his name, which has helped numerous individuals beyond the immediate scope of public memory. [1]
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