"I think it's the time when I'm most nervous
," said Xavier Polycarpe facing the camera before going on stage at "The Voice" for his battle against Charline.
Yet the singer already has a long career in music.
His first rock group, Gush, allowed him to sing with Johnny Hallyday, to tour, albums which earned them a nomination for the Victoires de la Musique.
During his duel broadcast this Saturday, the musician stood out for his energy and let go of Queen's
Don't Stop me Now
.
If the artist admits to having been reluctant to participate in “The Voice”, he associates the show with his first great solo adventure.
The one
“who feels more mature to say and do things without compromise”
reveals himself as an artist with as many faces as musical styles.
Serious but above all laughing not without a touch of sarcasm, rocker, follower of pop and electro, Xavier Polycarpe draws his new eclectic career.
Read also“The Voice” upsets the Battles: the coaches confide in this great first
THE
FIGARO.
-
What memory do you keep of your Battle?
Xavier POLYCARPE.
-
A good memory!
If it was a real physical challenge, I have the impression that we managed to have a good battle.
What was your reaction when you learned that you would be against Charline?
Before the rehearsals, we are shown the hearing of our
“opponent”.
When Charline told me that her passage ended the Blinds stage, I was impressed by her patience and her energy!
The idea of singing with her on
Don't Stop me now
by Queen appealed to me.
This title corresponded to our slightly rock style!
Charline pointed out that she was a letter carrier and you were a musician. Do you think you had better luck?
Yes, I did stage.
But Charline also sings in many café-concerts.
You might think that I have an advantage, but this battle was quite a challenge for me.
How did the rehearsals go?
Even if the Battles oppose singers, I tried to instill a collective spirit to offer a great performance.
This is what will remain in the end.
So we worked together.
This very technical piece has a lot of nuances, our challenge was not to be better than the other but to deliver a performance to match.
“At first, I thought I would choose Zazie”
Xavier Polycarpe, at Bigflo and Oli, looks back on his choice of coach
After your visit, we see you whispering something in Charline's ear. What did you tell him?
That we had succeeded, that I was happy with us and to have shared this moment with her.
What were the comments of the other coaches before the choice of Bigflo and Oli?
Vianney preferred Charline because he had found it thoroughly from the beginning to the end, that she held the trick.
Conversely, Zazie and Amel Bent judged that I left a little quiet like a diesel, cool before giving it my all (laughs).
They liked it.
It's true that I had this idea in mind, to build an evolution, start slowly and then let go of the calves.
How did you react to the verdict?
Some contestants enter “The Voice” to win.
Even if I have a bit of a sense of competition, I make sure to keep a certain perspective.
Certainly I was happy but I especially thought of Charline.
Read also "It's very rare to see such chemistry between two talents": Méa and Prischia join forces in "The Voice"
How was your participation in The Voice decided?
The production had contacted me.
At first I had refused because I was fully concentrating on my solo project.
There had also been small upheavals in my personal life so I didn't feel emotionally strong enough to participate.
I must admit that I also had this a priori of tele-hook.
When I talked about it around me, I heard two versions.
Those who encouraged me and those who encouraged me not to go.
What finally convinced you?
At first, I felt a real weight on my shoulders.
If I accepted and screwed up, all the people in the business might have asked me what I had done there.
Finally I saw it as an additional experience and a real springboard to launch into my solo career.
I benefit from good visibility to show my different facets.
I felt like I was going to coal and building myself!
I do not regret for a moment to have participated in the show, on the contrary!
Some accuse you of cheating because you are a professional singer and musician. What do you answer?
The production came to get me.
They are the ones who make the rules!
"The Voice" is open to everyone, its strength is reflected in the varied cast.
I am not a celebrity, we have already seen candidates better known than me in this contest!
There will always be comments to be made.
I only keep the many very positive feedbacks.
Why did you choose Bigflo and Oli as coaches?
At the beginning, I thought of going to Zazie for her long career, her wisdom, she is the dean of the show.
Thinking about it, I found it smart to go to Bigflo and Oli.
They are not singers, I knew it would be fun and they would take me somewhere else.
How are they as coaches?
I felt it was the first time for them, they discovered a bit of everything at the same time as us.
But they are really nice, benevolent, respectful.
Their approach and their advice, particularly in relation to television, were very relevant.
How are you approaching the next stage of Cross Battles?
I will sing in French.
I hope to show my heartstrings.
What are your plans for the future?
I'm releasing my first single on May 4, which will be followed by an EP on June 2.
I'm also going to do a concert at the Café de la Danse in Paris as well as two opening acts for Matthieu Chedid.