The French song will occupy a prominent place this year in the repertoire of The Voice, whose twelfth season will soon be broadcast on TF1, announced ITV Studios France on Tuesday, January 17. More than in past seasons, there has been a "real momentum" on the part of the candidates towards French song, according to Pascal Guix, artistic director of the talent competition. He specifies that a "trend" has emerged in the titles chosen, and with it a "willingness to tell stories."
For singer Zazie, who is returning to the jury alongside Vianney, Amel Bent and rappers Bigflo & Oli, it's a way for talents to "put meaning into what they sing," more than with the English behind which they sometimes "hide." And that leads to "more interesting and moving" coaching work, she added.
Nearly 50,000 voices auditioned, a record
“Young people are listening to more and more French music,” recalled Bigflo, announcing that there would be “a bit” of rap among the interpretations this season. Since 2021, it is indeed the album of the French rapper Orelsan which has been at the top of the best sales in France, while the Marseille rapper, Jul, has been the most listened to artist of 2022. "It's also a way to support French song as a whole, especially when they are recent titles, and even to sometimes discover things that are not very well known but current, or even old texts," stated Matthieu Grelier, Director of Programs at 'ITV Studios France which produces the show. “And most of the time, those who are going to have a career after the show are going to do it in French,” he continued.
The production promises a "very spirited and dynamic" new season, this time with nearly 50,000 voices auditioned, a "record." The blind auditions, the first stage of the competition, should be launched "soon."