Lohi, a 19-year-ancient Parisian originally from the Basque Country, captivated audiences and coaches alike during the latest round of blind auditions on “The Voice” this past Saturday, March 21st. His emotionally charged performance of Pierre Lapointe’s “Je déteste ma vie” prompted turns from three of the four judges – Amel Bent, Florent Pagny, and Lara Fabian – and ultimately led him to choose Fabian as his coach. The moment underscored a full-circle journey for Lohi, who first appeared on the TF1 singing competition as a 13-year-old contestant on “The Voice Kids” in 2020.
The choice of song, a poignant ballad about heartbreak, wasn’t accidental. Lohi revealed that he was navigating a personal breakup at the time of his audition, and the lyrics resonated deeply with his own experience. This vulnerability, combined with his mature interpretation, clearly struck a chord with the coaches, particularly Lara Fabian, who was visibly moved by his performance. The audition also brought back memories of his earlier run on the show, with footage from “The Voice Kids” being shown during his appearance.
Lohi’s return to “The Voice” stage wasn’t simply about revisiting a past experience; it was about confronting and overcoming self-doubt. He explained that after his initial appearance on “The Voice Kids,” where he reached the semi-finals with Jenifer as his coach, he experienced a period of insecurity as his voice changed during puberty. He briefly stepped back from singing, focusing instead on theatre and cinema, before deciding to audition again.
“The production contacted me, surely thinking I had some unfinished business,” Lohi told Télé-Loisirs. “I accepted to overcome my fear. I tended to compare my new voice to the one I had during ‘The Voice Kids.’ I wanted to know if it would still please people.”
From “The Voice Kids” to a New Chapter
Lohi’s journey on “The Voice Kids” was a formative experience, but not without its disappointments. He recalled feeling devastated when he didn’t advance to the finals, despite receiving positive feedback. “On the moment, you’re very disappointed. I went on stage with the feeling I had only received good feedback, so I didn’t understand,” he said. Though, he credits his parents and the show’s psychologist with helping him process the setback and maintain a positive outlook. He also acknowledged that being exposed to public scrutiny at a young age was challenging, particularly as his voice began to change.
The images from his 2020 audition were replayed during Saturday’s show, a moment Lohi described as surreal. “I’ve already rewatched them quite a bit. My father watches them about three times a year (he smiles), and so do I, due to the fact that that adventure was incredible. But seeing it again on a huge screen with four stars of French song watching you… that was something else!”
A Song Born of Heartbreak
The decision to perform “Je déteste ma vie” was deeply personal. Lohi explained that he was going through a breakup at the time and found solace in the song’s lyrics, particularly the refrain: “C’est long ma vie sans toi. Je sais trop que ma place est dans tes bras” (“It’s long my life without you. I know too well that my place is in your arms”). He saw the song as an opportunity to showcase his growth as an artist and reveal a new side of himself.
The emotional weight of the performance was evident, culminating in Lohi breaking down in tears at the conclude of the song. He attributed this to a combination of stress, fatigue – the audition process is a long day, beginning with vocal warm-ups at 8:00 AM and often lasting until 11:00 PM – and the intensity of revisiting his emotions through the music. “It’s a mixture of stress and fatigue. It’s very intense. It’s also everything I was singing about that came back to me. I am very sensitive, so I let it all travel,” he explained.
Why Lara Fabian?
With three coaches turning their chairs, Lohi faced a difficult decision. He chose Lara Fabian, a singer he considers an icon. Fabian’s words resonated deeply with him, offering a validation that went beyond technical skill. “Lara told me a phrase that I consider is the most beautiful phrase anyone has ever said to me musically: ‘You do us good by singing your sadness,’” Lohi shared. “So I naturally went with her.”
Looking back on his experience, Lohi feels a renewed sense of confidence in his voice and artistry. “I have no doubt about my voice. Even if my voice has changed, it can still please people. No matter if I have a high or low voice, I always want to interpret the texts and sing with my soul,” he said. He expressed no regrets about returning to “The Voice,” an experience he believes has brought him only positive growth.
As Lohi moves forward in the competition, his journey serves as a testament to the power of vulnerability, self-discovery, and the enduring impact of music. The next stage of “The Voice” promises to be an exciting one, as Lohi continues to share his talent and connect with audiences through his heartfelt performances.
What do you think of Lohi’s audition and his choice of coach? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
