France Has Incredible Talent: A Night of Surprises and Debate
The latest edition of “France Has Incredible Talent” delivered a mix of impressive performances and unexpected moments,sparking both keen applause and online debate.
The show opened with 35-year-old magician-comedian Clément Blouin, whose participatory show and sharp wit, reminiscent of Éric Antoine, earned him a standing ovation and four “yes” votes from the jury. Following him, the AirFootWorks group captivated the judges with a synchronized display blending bodybuilding, hip-hop, and gymnastics.
However,not all acts found success. Alain, 54, attempted an imitation of a seagull (emphasizing the distinction, he noted, from a seagull) but received four “no” votes for his high-pitched vocalizations. Despite a fall during her balancing act on champagne bottles, 34-year-old acrobatic dancer ashlee Montague moved the jury with her commitment and ultimately received four “yes” votes.
The evening took a surprising turn between scheduled auditions when driver Eric brought several young pianists onstage, including 25-year-old Jayde, an English teacher from Normandy. Jayde initially performed an impromptu piano and vocal rendition of Whitney HoustonS “I Want to Dance With Somebody,” prompting the jury to invite her to join the casting. She then followed with a French song,”Popcorn salé” by Santa,also in a piano-vocal format,receiving a standing ovation from both the audience and the judges.Sugar Sammy quipped, “I think we can continue the casting like this, who can dance?”
The jury was effusive in their praise. Marianne James remarked on the authenticity of the moment, stating, “In life there are those who registered 3 months ago with stage fright until the day they pass and there is the violence of today, quiet, stupid… You didn’t have time to make your voice,I’m amazed.” Éric Antoine added, “There is something of a high-level performer,” while Hélène Ségara concluded, “It’s a rough diamond, it’s spontaneous and that’s what we like.” Jayde, who initially believed she was simply an audience member, left with four “yes” votes, a surprise orchestrated by her companion Antoine in collaboration with the show’s production team.
Though, the seemingly spontaneous nature of jayde’s audition drew skepticism online. Viewers on X (formerly Twitter) questioned the authenticity of the moment,with one user writing,”I find it hard to believe that it wasn’t planned,eh…” Another questioned,”So you’re going to tell me that by chance,she popped out of the audience like that?” A third user expressed disbelief that Jayde was unaware of the plan,asking,”M6 thinks we’re stupid for telling us that it was her boyfriend who surprised her? Not us,the girl herself knew about it!” The debate centered on whether the performance,despite its quality,was genuinely impromptu or a carefully staged event.