French singer Vianney will be the celebrity godfather of the new class of "Star Academy," the singing competition set to return soon on French broadcaster TF1. He announced the news from a maternity ward, where his partner is expecting.
The announcement follows DJ Quentin Mosimann's reveal last week that he is the show's new director, taking over from Michael Goldman after four seasons. Last year's godfather role was shared by singers Charlotte Cardin and Ed Sheeran.
Message from the maternity ward
In a message posted on Instagram, the 35-year-old singer said he would have liked to find a more creative way to share the news, but that his mind was elsewhere because he was writing from the maternity ward. He said he would throw himself fully into the role, but that before then came the most beautiful priority of all, adding that he was taking one joy at a time.
"Star Academy" is a long-running French reality television format in which aspiring singers live together and train before performing live each week, with viewers voting to decide who stays. Vianney previously served as a coach on the French version of "The Voice."
Vianney's family life
Vianney has been in a relationship with violinist Catherine Robert since 2016 and married her on 14 July 2020. In November 2021, he announced the birth of their first child together, a boy named Edgar. The couple is also raising a daughter from Robert's previous relationship, to whom Vianney dedicated his hit song "Beau-papa."
New music on the way
After a break from the media spotlight, during which he built a cabin in a forest, Vianney unveiled a new track titled "D'or et d'étain" in late August. The song was mixed by American engineer Ryan Hewitt, known for his work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and points to a new album he is preparing ahead of a tour that is set to begin next spring.
