Star Academy 2026 faces casting criticism following TF1 launch

The 14th season of Star Academy, which premiered on TF1 on October 10, 2026, is facing scrutiny despite a strong launch that attracted 3.5 million viewers and a 21.5% audience share.

Media personalities Shana Loustau and Cyril Hanouna have publicly criticized the new cohort of contestants. During a broadcast on W9, Loustau stated she did not connect with the casting, while Hanouna described the lineup as “rincé” (exhausted/washed out).

In contrast, TF1 and the production team defend the 17 candidates—referred to as the “Mosimann promo”—as a creative and ambitious group. This season features students aged 18 to 25 from France, Guadeloupe, Belgium, and Quebec. The season has already encountered internal tension, including an unprecedented suspension of nominations and a contestant, Khalil, expressing a desire to leave the competition early.