“I had completely forgotten that I had applied!”: Montpellier's Maureen in the Star Academy adventure

Maureen: “If I can make a living from music, I will.” Midi Libre – Sipa-L.V.-TF1-Endemol

The show is back for a new season this Saturday, at 9:10 p.m., on TF1. Maureen, who was born and raised in Montpellier, is part of the adventure.

Even though you are part of it, you are presented as the Montpellier resident of the new season of Star Academy. What is your background??

I am 23 years old. I was born in Montpellier, I attended middle school at Frédéric-Bazille, in Castelnau, and at the Pompidou high school, also in Castelnau. In Montpellier, I took singing lessons for two years when I was 13-14 years old. Then, I went to study in Lyon, to become a press attaché in luxury and fashion. And I have just moved to Paris.

What does music represent for you ?

It is my greatest passion. Even though I don't play an instrument, I've always had that in me. At family gatherings, we do karaoke, and when I was very young, my parents had to fight to take the microphone away from me. When I was 13-14, I also took singing lessons for two years.

How did you end up in the Star Academy ?

I applied by chance at the end of last season. I wanted to do it but I didn't take the plunge. My boyfriend helped me get through it. I had completely forgotten  that I had applied for but I was called to audition and I passed the stages.

What are your ambitions for this show ?

I go to learn and to enjoy, not especially to win. Star Academy is something I always wanted to do and if I can make a living from music, of course, I will. Fingers crossed.

What is your style of music ?

I am a very young artist. Today, I listen to everything, from American pop to French variety or old French songs. In fact, I like it when there are things to transmit. But I want to explore a lot of themes.

Do you want to sing with particular artists ?

When I thought about it, I had a lot of ideas: Lara Fabian and a lot of others, that would be great. But looking back, I think: it doesn't matter who the artist is. I have so much to take in and I'm so happy to do it…

How do you feel on the eve of the first show??

This will be my first real stage. I have never had such a large audience. There will be 1,500 people in the studio, I never thought I would sing in front of so many people.

1,500 spectators in the studio… but many more in front of the TV!

I don't think about it! And I mustn't think about it (laughs). I have to think mostly about positive things and not forget to enjoy myself.

Have you ever sung in front of an audience ?

When I was 16, I sang in the straw huts, in the summer, in La Grande-Motte but people weren't very attentive, they were eating or having a drink. There, people will be focused on me.

Have you had other experiences since?

I have a period where I lost confidence in myself. Young people are hard on each other. I was bullied. I forgot about music a bit, it was no longer a moment of pleasure for me.

This Saturday, you will be able to live one of your dreams. What do you expect from this show??

I tell myself that I shouldn't stress, that I should enjoy myself. And I want to go as far as possible in the adventure.