Star Academy 2026: Internets Criticize Song Choices in Latest Semi-Final Prime

The latest semi-final prime of Star Academy, broadcast on Saturday, January 31, 2026, was quickly met with online commentary – and not all of it focused on the performances. As Ambre and Victor prepared to compete for a place in the finale alongside already-qualified Léa, viewers on X (formerly Twitter) began to voice a recurring frustration with the show’s musical selections.

A Promising Start Tempered by Concerns

The evening began positively, with Ambre and Victor opening the show with a performance of Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now. The energetic start was well-received by the audience, creating a lively atmosphere. However, technical difficulties – including microphone issues – and perceived nervousness from the contestants quickly became points of discussion online. Despite a well-received duet between Ambre and Christophe Maé, the criticisms persisted.

The Issue of Repetitive Song Choices

The core of the online discussion centered on the feeling that the song list was unoriginal. Numerous viewers expressed the belief that the show relies too heavily on a limited repertoire, recycling songs from previous seasons. One user commented, “They have a playlist of 20 songs and they recycle them every season,” while another stated, “They recycle too many songs from previous seasons and it’s getting a bit tiresome.” Some viewers even claimed the repetition has been ongoing for four years.

Did You Know? The semi-final prime featured performances with renowned musicians including Mentissa, Christophe Maé, Sofiane Pamart, Esther Abrami, and Feu ! Chatterton.

Expert Insight: The recurring criticism regarding song selection highlights the delicate balance reality competition shows face between honoring musical history and providing a fresh experience for both contestants and viewers. A reliance on familiar tunes may reduce production costs and simplify licensing, but it risks alienating a dedicated audience seeking novelty.

The performances themselves included Victor performing with pianist Sofiane Pamart on an Alicia Keys song, and Ambre collaborating with violinist Esther Abrami on an intense piece. Léa, already secured a spot in the finale, also participated with a performance alongside singer Zélie. The prime was designed to be a challenging and emotional showcase for the contestants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the Star Academy semi-final?

The semi-final prime features the remaining contestants performing alongside established artists, with the goal of convincing the public to vote them into the finale.

Who are the guest artists appearing in this semi-final?

Mentissa, Christophe Maé, Sofiane Pamart, Esther Abrami, Feu ! Chatterton, and Zélie all appeared as guests during the semi-final prime.

What is the main criticism being leveled against the show?

Viewers are expressing frustration with the perceived repetition of songs used in the primes, claiming the show relies too heavily on a limited playlist from previous seasons.

As the season progresses, it is likely that producers will face continued scrutiny regarding their song choices. The show could respond by introducing more original material, or by focusing on unique arrangements of familiar songs. Alternatively, they may maintain their current approach, hoping that the strength of the contestants’ performances will outweigh the audience’s concerns. The final outcome will likely depend on how viewers respond in the coming weeks.