Cameron Struggles with Performance Anxiety on Star Academy

Students at the Star Academy 2026 residence in Dammarie-les-Lys have been navigating a rigorous schedule of vocal, dance, and theater training designed to push them beyond their comfort zones. However, for contestant Cameron, the pressure of the competition recently manifested as a difficult personal challenge during a specialized workshop.

On Thursday, November 5, stage expression instructor Lydia Bouchard led a session aimed at fostering artistic autonomy. She challenged the students to descend the academy's staircase while imagining they were performing for a live audience. While other students embraced the exercise, Cameron found himself unable to participate, expressing clear distress at the prospect of the performance.

When prompted by Bouchard, Cameron admitted that his hesitation was not related to the music selection itself, but rather a deeper internal conflict. "It is scary. I do not like it," he stated, later clarifying that he felt blocked by the weight of being observed by others. Bouchard, choosing to support the student's emotional well-being, allowed him to step aside, suggesting they revisit the task at a later time.

In a subsequent interview, Cameron reflected on the incident, describing it as a long-standing struggle with self-acceptance and the fear of falling short of expectations. He noted that these mental barriers have persisted for a significant amount of time and expressed a strong desire to overcome them. "I would really like to break down those barriers once and for all and be able to truly accept who I am, even if it is not the best," he shared.

This moment of vulnerability comes as the academy prepares for a major milestone. The upcoming broadcast on Friday, November 6, is set to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the program. The event will feature historical winners of the competition returning to the stage to perform alongside the current class of students, adding a layer of professional pressure for the remaining participants.

Despite the recent setback, Cameron continues to work toward his goals within the academy. His journey has already garnered attention from past participants, including Raphaëlle Ricci, who recently visited to debrief the students. Ricci praised Cameron's interpretive abilities, describing them as a significant strength, and encouraged him to continue developing his unique presence on stage.