Marlène Schaff, a former contestant on ‘The Voice,’ has transitioned into a mentor role, sharing her extensive experience with young artists. As a vocal coach for ‘The Voice Kids’ and a rehearsal coach on ‘Star Academy,’ she emphasizes the importance of authentic interpretation and personal connection to songs. Marlène fosters a supportive environment for her students, aiming to enhance their skills without judgment. Her recent guidance of Paul for a performance showcases her unique teaching methods and dedication to nurturing talent.
Marlène Schaff: From Contestant to Mentor
Marlène Schaff first captured the attention of TF1 viewers during the blind auditions of ‘The Voice’ twelve years ago. Her stunning rendition of ‘Vancouver’ by Véronique Sanson earned her a spot on Louis Bertignac’s team, although her journey ended during the first live prime. Undeterred, this talented artist from Strasbourg has been gracing the stage since she was just 16 years old. With versatility that knows no bounds, she performs with her rock band, participates in the musical ‘Holiday,’ and brings to life the flamboyant cabaret character known as Petra.
Empowering the Next Generation
Marlène is now dedicated to sharing her diverse experiences with emerging talents. In 2014, she took on the role of vocal coach for ‘The Voice Kids,’ nurturing young contestants mentored by M Pokora, Soprano, Mika, and Julien Doré. When ‘Star Academy’ made its comeback in 2022, she sought the position of stage expression teacher but was initially overlooked in favor of Laure Balon. Instead, she became a rehearsal coach, teaming up with Lucie Bernardoni, a former finalist from the show. Recently, she expressed gratitude when offered the chance to succeed Cécile Chaduteau for the upcoming season.
“My focus is on observation to foster improvement, never on judgment,” Marlène explained. “I was surprised by the new role, but I understand its importance.” She elaborates on the vital connection between theater and singing, stating, “Stage expression bridges the two art forms. While theater teaches students to embody different characters, in this context, they must connect with their own identities.”
Marlène emphasizes that while students may not have written the songs they perform, they must still interpret them authentically. “They are young and may lack experience,” she acknowledges. “My role is to equip them with tools that help them resonate with the lyrics on a personal level, ensuring a deeper interpretation.”
Following the first prime, Marlène demonstrated her expertise during a debriefing session, which is often a challenging moment for contestants. While some students were emotional, it stemmed from the thrill of seeing themselves on television for the first time, rather than any harsh criticism.
“Above all, I see myself as an artist,” she affirms. “As a teacher, I aim to create a nurturing environment that promotes learning. The saying goes, ‘You catch more flies with honey than vinegar!’ (smiles) Nonetheless, I maintain high standards. My goal is to observe and enhance, never to judge.”
This week, viewers were impressed by her unique approach as she guided Paul in preparing to perform ‘Mistral Gagnant.’ “Think of your favorite candy!” she encouraged him as he tackled Renaud’s classic tune. She even demonstrated how to infuse greater emotional depth into the performance. Whether Paul will successfully implement her advice remains to be seen, but the anticipation will surely keep audiences tuned in until 11 PM.