As usual, it was (too) long, with the tidal wave for the young singer from Saint-Nazaire, who won four trophies out of her five nominations.
Of this 39th edition of the Victoires de la Musique, a quick lexical assessment is necessary. The most pronounced word: “emotion” – we stopped counting the number of occurrences after the first half hour. The most frequent mistake: nom.es, instead of nom.es The most beautiful slip of the tongue: that of Léa Salamé on the name of Nuit Incolore, which becomes colore (sic). The most refreshing punchline: “I’m starting to get snot” from a very moved Zaho de Sagazan upon receiving her first trophy of the evening, which, unsurprisingly, crowned her four times. Hardly surprising on the part of the Victoires who often balk at a balanced division to designate at all costs, and it is true to say it, a “big winner”. Even if, obviously, we love you Zaho!
Let the drums sound, let the fireworks (on the big screen) light up the stage: the TV show opens with great fanfare, before giving way to Zazie, president of the 39th ceremony, singing Peace Street“a world where everyone would finally love each other”. If it is not won, we appreciate this irreducible faith in humanity, unfortunately underlined by confetti thrown in all directions. But seeing Édith Fambuena experimenting with riffs is always a pleasure…
After a speech where Zazie recalls the eclecticism of French music via an aquatic metaphor (flooding of the neighbor, water damage, white water, etc.), the ceremony takes place under the eye of the president of the Victoires de la Musique, Vincent Frerebeau, director of the Tôt ou Tard label. Wisely, he managed to ensure that several rappers were nominated this year. For the inaugural prize of the evening, that of audiovisual creation, we are delighted to see Shay win, for the fabulous clip of Commando. But she is conspicuous by her absence, just like Damso, winner of the Victoire du concert, and Aya Nakamura, female artist of the year but currently traveling to Mali. After the response of the Flames ceremony last year, it was time for the Victoires to deign to raise their ears to the public success of French-speaking rap and R&B. However, we will probably have to wait until 2025 for certain chairs to be (re)invested…
On the program, a multitude as incalculable as it is incomprehensible of memory sequences. Dedicated to the missing like Tina Turner, Jean-Louis Murat or Jane Birkin, we understand that but to the winners of the previous edition… why? He may not be appointed in 2024, but we have the right to Orelsan optional. The show goes so far as to quote itself after two hours of broadcast by recalling its “exceptional moments” carried out since 9:10 p.m. Sigh.
Let’s not be grumpy. We loved the tears of Lavilliers in front of the tribute paid by Terre Noire, Jeanne Cherhal Catherine Ringer & co; the hovering Symphony of Lightning by Zaho de Sagazan; the superb and oh so topical Gentle by Clara Ysé; THE Virus X discoid of our national Daho, which leaves (once again) without reward and without us understanding why given the beauty of Shoot the stars at night and his recent French tour. The prize for male artist of the year will therefore be awarded to Gazo… and Vianney. A tie (the second since the history of the Victoires) officially symbolizing the recognition of two musical genres popular in France, but above all, and undoubtedly unconsciously, the fact that the new French variety is rap.
The winners of the 39th edition of the Victoires de la Musique
Male artist Gazo et Vianney
Female artist Aya Nakamura
Male revelation Yâmé
Female revelation Zaho de Sagazan
Revelation scene Zaho de Sagazan
Album The Symphony of Lightning by Zaho de Sagazan
Original song (category subject to public vote) The Symphony of Lightning by Zaho de Sagazan
Concert Damso
Audiovisual creation Commando de Shay