Star Academy: 4 Days Until Premiere — Production Drops Major Surprise

There are just three days left until the premiere of Star Academy 2026. On October 10, TF1 will launch the new season and introduce the incoming students — but ahead of that kickoff, the show’s producers revealed some noteworthy developments.

Star Academy: the 14th season arrives with plenty of changes

This 14th installment of Star Academy brings several fresh elements. First off, Michael Goldman will not serve as director this year; instead, Mosimann — the winner of season 7 (2007) — has been chosen to take over. He says he wants to act as an older-brother figure to the contestants while enforcing firm rules. For example, he won’t tolerate tardiness: habitually late students may be summoned to his office. That room, he explained in an interview with Télé-Loisirs, won’t be a stiff, traditional space. “I didn’t want a classic institutional office. I wanted a place where people can come, hang out, sit on a couch, make music, maybe dance. I’m in the middle of decorating; I’ve seen the first photos. It’s modern, contemporary, understated, not too colorful. It’s nice,” he said. The château has also been refreshed, featuring, among other additions, a dedicated evaluation room and new decor throughout. On the teaching side, longtime faculty members — Sofia Morgavi, Papy, Jonathan Jenvrin, Ladji Doucouré and Fanny Delaigue — are joined by Philippine Lavrey, who replaces Lucie Bernardoni, and Lydia Bouchard, who steps in for Marlène Schaff. With all these updates, viewers are even more eager to see what this edition will bring.

Star Academy: tour dates are already out

Before the season even begins, the production shared great news for longtime fans: as in past years, some contestants will hit the road on the Star Ac Tour, bringing performances to audiences across France. Tickets are already available for purchase. On October 6, the show’s official account announced the schedule and invited followers to comment which city they plan to attend.

ANNOUNCEMENT: The #StarAcTour2027 is back on the road. Comment the city where you’ll come see the cast

— Star Academy (@StarAcademyTF1) October 6, 2026

Thirty performances are on the calendar, including March 13, 2027 in Brest; April 30 in Grenoble; and June 13 in Bordeaux. There will also be a special show on April 3 to mark the program’s 25th anniversary at the Plénitude Arena. Tickets go on sale starting October 12 at 12:00 PM — a date fans won’t want to miss.