To mark the 20e anniversary of the first edition of Star AcademyAcademicians found themselves on the initiative of Suzie Villeneuve to record the song From dream to realitywhich is accompanied by a clip and interviews on the YouTube channel of the singer and entrepreneur.
Two decades ago, on February 16, 2003, musical competition made its appearance on the TVA grid, becoming a real phenomenon and a breeding ground for unearthing new vocal talent.
Photo QMI Agency, Joël Lemay
The winner of this first cohort, Wilfred LeBouthillier, now 44, is part of this project, which also includes the voices of his friends François Babin, Jean-François Bastien, Émily Bégin, Maritza Bossé-Pelchat, Dave Bourgeois, Pascal Nguyen Deschênes, Élyse Robineault, Martin Rouette, Suzie Villeneuve and Marie-Élaine Thibert.
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Marie-Elaine Thibert
It was Suzie Villeneuve who, last November, had the idea of bringing together her comrades from
Photo QMI Agency, Joël Lemay
Suzie Villeneuve
Star Academy to sing with them on the occasion of the 20e anniversary of tele-hook. She composed the lyrics and the music (with Guy Tourville) of From dream to reality, a piece celebrating the friendship that was woven through this incredible experience. The song, a new earworm that stays on top alongside the 2003 theme song, And it’s not overis available on streaming platforms and will certainly play on commercial radio stations.
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Dave Bourgeois
“The song is used to say thank you to the public, because people have made this completely crazy experience change our lives,” said Suzie Villeneuve in an interview with the QMI Agency.
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Emily Begin
The clip, which includes archival footage and recordings made during the recording of the song at Studio Tangerine, in Montreal, is available on Suzie Villeneuve’s YouTube channel, where the curious can also watch various interviews.
Absence of Marie-Mai and Annie Villeneuve
However, two Academicians from the first season are missing, namely Marie-Mai and Annie Villeneuve, Suzie’s twin sister.
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Francois Babin
“Marie-Mai and Annie chose not to be there for their own reasons, I don’t even have to give you any, it’s a matter of career choice. Everyone received the invitation,” said Suzie Villeneuve who, during the interview, held her son Édouard, born almost eight months ago, in her arms.
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Elyse Robineault
The singer and entrepreneur, who is writing a new album and continuing to tour the show A certain memory dedicated to the great successes of Michel Louvain, left Star Academy of her own accord following five weeks at the Academy, a choice she assumes.
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Pascal Nguyen Deschenes
“I have never regretted. In fact, I regretted for a split second when I saw them leave for Vegas on a private jet the following week to see Celine Dion. I was looking for myself a lot, but life gave me the opportunity to make choices and today, I realize that this experience was the richest humanly speaking. And it’s much clearer […] why I didn’t feel well. Perhaps the interview on my YouTube channel will soothe the dramatic side that people received at the time.
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Jean-Francois Bastien
She put music aside for years, before returning to the forefront by participating in the 8e season of The voice. She then climbed to the final in the Garou team. Since then, the projects have been linked for the one who will celebrate her 40e birthday next May.
Suzie Villeneuve’s lecture-show is also available on her website. She also launched her first book last fall, From head to heart.