The students of the Star Academy sang a song written by Grégory Lemarchal before his death on Saturday.
“We have not forgotten you.” At the Star Academy, the memory of Greggory Lemarchal is omnipresent. On Saturday 23 November, on the occasion of the weekly TF1 tele-hookup bonus, the students of the twelfth degree revealed a new song with the singer. Baptism And if you feelwritten by Grégory Lemarchal before his death in 2007 who wrote this piece.
In notebooks, he had left several songs. Pierre and Laurence Lemarchal, parents of the former academic, decided to offer one to the students of Dammarie-les-Lys, almost twenty years after his death. Advantages of the song And if you feel to donate to the association created in his memory to fight against cystic fibrosis, from which he died.
This week in the Star Academy, musician – and ex-academic – Quentin Mosimann was together with the show’s coach – and also ex-academic – Lucie Bernardoni to reveal the new song to the boys student, which Grégory Lemarchal had written only two weeks before his disappearance.
“We wanted something universal”
“Gregory died on April 30, 2007. He wrote this song on March 15, 2007, in the hospital. He was waiting and is not yet registered on the transplant list. He wrote a song in which the words will be all resonate for all of you “, explained to the academics Lucie Bernardoni, unfortunate competitor against the singer in 2004.
And he said: ”We talked a little about it with Gregory’s parents, because it was important for us to know why he wrote this song and when.”
Interview at the magazine GalaGregory Lemarchal’s mother explains that they had sent several texts to TF1, before the choice of And if you feel do not do. ”It’s a text that definitely spoke to Gregor, but these are words that can speak to everyone,” she says, “We wanted something universal.”
How can music initiatives help raise awareness for social issues like cystic fibrosis among younger audiences?
Interview between Time.News Editor and Music Expert
Time.News Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today! It’s heartwarming to see how the legacy of Grégory Lemarchal continues to resonate after all these years. The recent performance by the Star Academy students, singing his song ”And If You Feel,” certainly stirred emotions. Can you share your thoughts on the significance of this moment?
Music Expert (ME): Absolutely! Grégory Lemarchal’s impact on French music and culture was profound, and moments like this are a beautiful homage to his talent. His story is not only about his music but also his fight against cystic fibrosis. The students honoring him by performing a song he wrote before his untimely death brings back his spirit and showcases how his legacy is still alive today.
TNE: It really is touching! The song “And If You Feel” was written before his passing in 2007, yet it took nearly 20 years for it to be performed publicly. Why do you think it took so long for this song to come to light?
ME: It often takes time for an artist’s unreleased work to be realized, especially when it’s tied to someone’s personal story or emotional journey. In this case, his parents, Pierre and Laurence Lemarchal, are instrumental in preserving their son’s legacy. Their decision to share this particular song with the Star Academy students speaks volumes about the enduring love and memory they hold for Grégory. It’s also a way to raise awareness and funds for cystic fibrosis research through his foundation.
TNE: Yes, the charitable aspect of this performance is crucial, too. By linking the song to the association created in his memory, it provides a dual benefit: celebrating his art while contributing to a worthy cause. How effective do you think such initiatives are in engaging younger audiences with social issues?
ME: They are incredibly effective! When music and charity come together, it creates a compelling platform for awareness. Young audiences often connect with emotional narratives, and using familiar formats like a talent show helps bridge the gap between the message and the audience. The nostalgia for Grégory’s music, combined with the contemporary setting of the Star Academy, ensures that his battle against cystic fibrosis reaches new generations.
TNE: That’s a powerful insight! Speaking of the students, how do you think performing this song influences them personally and professionally in their journey as artists?
ME: Performing a piece with such deep personal significance can be transformative for these young artists. It challenges them to connect emotionally with the material, fostering a sense of vulnerability that is essential in music. Professionally, it also builds their repertoire and public image; being associated with a cause can enhance their credibility and connect them with fans who admire their support for important issues.
TNE: Powerful points. As we look to the future, what do you think the next steps should be to continue paying homage to Grégory Lemarchal’s legacy?
ME: Continuing to promote his music, share his story, and support the fight against cystic fibrosis is key. Events like these performances should be recurrent. Also, leveraging social media to raise awareness can keep his legacy alive. The more artists who draw inspiration from him, the richer his legacy becomes, inspiring both creativity and compassion.
TNE: Definitely! Thank you so much for sharing your expertise today. It’s inspiring to see how music can transcend time and continue to foster meaningful conversations.
ME: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to discuss such an important topic. Let’s keep celebrating and remembering the impact of great artists like Grégory Lemarchal.