The 40th Victoires de la Musique celebrated the artists who shaped the past year, with an unexpected Olympic touch. From rising stars to established icons, the ceremony showcased the diversity and richness of French music.
One of the biggest surprises of this anniversary edition was the Concert of the Year award, given to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies. Under the artistic direction of Thomas Jolly and the musical leadership of Victor Le Masne, these grandiose events became a vibrant showcase of French culture.
"The Olympic ceremonies represent a shared narrative—standing together, not against one another," Jolly stated in his acceptance speech. Le Masne, meanwhile, highlighted France’s incredible musical diversity, which resonated throughout the Games. These performances were almost excluded from the nominations due to industry regulations, but their impact was undeniable
From July to September 2024, the ceremonies featured a star-studded lineup: metal band Gojira performed with opera singer Marina Viotti, R&B sensation Aya Nakamura shared the stage with the Garde Républicaine, and Santa led a final performance alongside 24 electronic music composers, including Jean-Michel Jarre and Kungs. With nearly 59 million viewers in France alone, their success was undeniable.
Gims Wins Best Male Artist
A defining moment of the night was the crowning of Gims as Best Male Artist. Known for hits like Bella and Sapés comme jamais, the Congolese-born artist received recognition for his influence on Francophone music.
"Being honored by industry professionals, by people who have watched me grow in this world, is an immense privilege," he said.
Zaho de Sagazan Named Best Female Artist
Two years after her breakout success with La Symphonie des éclairs, Zaho de Sagazan continued her meteoric rise, winning Best Female Artist.
"You bring me so much joy, and if I can give you even a little of that back through my music, I’m truly happy," she told the audience. With her commanding voice and mesmerizing stage presence, she has captivated international audiences and even launched a US tour. Her ten upcoming shows at the Olympia in Paris are already sold out.
Pierre Garnier: From Rising Star to Confirmed Talent
After winning Star Academy in 2024, Pierre Garnier has quickly established himself as a major force in French pop. At the Victoires, he took home two awards: Best New Male Artist and Original Song of the Year for Ceux qu’on était, the only category decided by public vote.
"This song has become yours, and that’s something I never could have imagined," he said backstage. His debut album, Chaque seconde, has already sold over 100,000 copies in just four months. With a sold-out concert at Accor Arena in December and a role as an Olympic torchbearer, his momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
Santa Triumphs with Recommence-moi
The most nominated artist of the night, Santa, took home the award for Best Album for her debut record Recommence-moi. "I wanted this so badly, I really did!" she exclaimed upon accepting the trophy.
Released in spring 2024, the album has held a spot in the top 20 best-sellers of the year, a remarkable feat given the dominance of rap and established artists. With a vocal range that shifts from tender to fiery, Santa is carving her own niche, drawing comparisons to icons like Michel Berger and Véronique Sanson.
She had already made a lasting impression at the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games with her moving rendition of Vivre pour le meilleur by Johnny Hallyday. Always one for bold performances, she opened the Victoires show suspended upside down in mid-air.
A Night of Tributes for a New Era
Presided over by Alain Souchon, who performed Foule sentimentale with his sons, the ceremony also honored Sylvie Vartan and Eddy Mitchell, both receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Following years of criticism over lack of diversity, the Victoires have revised their voting system, introducing a smaller jury to prevent the dominance of industry power players. While an improvement, the changes haven’t fully addressed the underrepresentation of rap, a genre that remains one of France’s most popular.
Despite these ongoing debates, the Victoires remain a crucial platform for artists. "This is an incredible career accelerator—it can change everything," said Vincent Frèrebeau, president of the Academy.
With a blend of groundbreaking performances and historic wins, this 40th edition proved that French music, in all its forms, continues to evolve and inspire.
With AFP
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