TF1 launches new Star Academy season

On Saturday, October 10, 2026, TF1 began its 14th season of Star Academy, a reality singing competition. The launch episode was hosted by Nikos Aliagas, a well-known French television presenter.

Isabella's emotional performance

Isabella, a 20-year-old contestant, performed the song "Louis" by Barbara Pravi. Her moving rendition brought tears to the new director, Mosimann, and earned her the first immunity of the season, meaning she cannot be eliminated in the upcoming episodes.

Contestants perform in live episode

The first episode of Star Academy 2026 took place live from Studio 217 on TF1. Seventeen new contestants performed songs of their choice, including Amel, Antoine, Brieuc, Cameron, Elija, Félix, Khalil, Kylian, Leeloo, Maud, Mélina, Morgan, Noémie, Tracy, Ydriss, Zoé, and Isabella.

Isabella gains favor and attention

Isabella has already drawn attention for making Mosimann cry and winning the favor of the professors, including Sofia Morgavi, Jonathan Jenvrin, and Lydia Bouchard. She is immune and will not be nominated or eliminated during the prime time episode on Saturday, October 17.

Isabella's prior TF1 experience

Isabella was not new to TF1 before joining Star Academy 2026. In 2022, at the age of 16, she gained recognition in season 8 of The Voice Kids, where her performance of "Mr/Mme" by Loïc Nottet turned the four judges' chairs.

Isabella's acting roles on TF1

Isabella also appeared in two fiction series on TF1. She played a minor role in the episode "Chanter sa vie" of Joséphine, ange gardien, alongside Bastiaan, a contestant from the 13th season of Star Academy. She also appeared in the police series Flashback, starring Michaël Youn, where she played the character of Kelly.

Public reaction to Isabella's performance

Isabella's performance of "Louis" by Barbara Pravi, the first song written by the artist, sparked reactions on social media. Many viewers questioned whether the selection of contestants for Star Academy 2026 favored those already familiar with TF1's productions.

Barbara Pravi's response

Barbara Pravi shared a detailed message on Instagram about Isabella's performance. She mentioned a special connection she has with Mosimann since their meeting in 2017, when they discussed the song "Louis."