Charles Aznavour, Nino Ferrer, Edith Piaf... Since her earliest childhood, Kiona has been rocked by artists from another era. It's hard to imagine that this singer with vocal maturity and vintage air is only 16 years old. However, in "The Voice", his coach Vianney reminded him not to want to grow too fast. During her battle, hard-won against Marilyne Naaman, Kiona took the words of her mentor who warned her about the very essence of "The Voice".
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For the high school student, this misunderstanding between her intentions and the image she sent back bothered her a lot. This Saturday, her Cross Battle against Zoé changed the game. His interpretation of Piaf's title, L'Hymne à l'amour, allowed him to qualify and, better yet, to feel at home. With Vianney whom she moved to tears, the young singer has forged a very strong bond and feels ready for the rest of the adventure.
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LE FIGARO. -How did you experience this stage of Cross Battles?
Kiona.- . Since my Battle had been a bit complicated for me, I experienced this new stage as a discovery, I would even say a real beginning of adventure. Despite the stress, I found myself and felt myself with this song that suits me and touches me. It was a way for me to find my feet. It turned out that I was able to move the public and the coaches.
Why did you choose L'hymne à l'amour by Édith Piaf?
Vianney proposed it to me. I always grew up with French songs that were a bit old. Édith Piaf is part of my musical culture. With this song in my style, I was able to play with my voice and put the emotions that was needed. I gave 100%.
How was this coaching with Vianney?
Before working, we talked about the Battle. Vianney had told me things that bothered me. His words about humility, the desire to shine and be a star did not suit me. I was sorry to pass on that image. There was a misunderstanding, which allowed us to start again on a good basis. We had a real rehearsal between us. From the first coaching, I felt proud and reassured. Vianney told himself that he had not made the wrong choice and that I had my place.
What memories do you have of this Battle?
I was very happy to continue the adventure but I didn't feel I deserved 100% this victory after Vianney's speech. I knew I could have done better.
"My dad was worried that I would be discouraged if 'The Voice' didn't work."
At 16, Kiona talks about signing up for "The Voice."
What kind of coach is Vianney?
He's me. I'm the youngest in the competition so he showed me that I still had a lot to learn, that I shouldn't get into bad habits. I see him as a mentor. Thanks to him, without making me grow too quickly, I move forward quietly and learn to show who I am.
What was your reaction when you came face to face with Zoe?
I fell from above. Of all the talents still in the running, I never thought I'd be up against her. We do not have the same style at all. Zoé chose the title Hurt by Christina Aguilera, a technical song, American style with a big instrumentalization. My arrangement was softer, simpler, even cute. When I saw him "send heavy", I told myself that I was singing for the last time at "The Voice" and that I had to take advantage of it so as not to regret anything.
During your visit, Vianney was moved to tears.
I remember that before my visit, Clem candidate at Zazie, had moved him and I hoped to touch him too. Yet when I went on stage, that goal dissipated. I no longer thought about adventure or competition but about singing, quite simply. I am the type to interpret with the heart but here, I put my soul into it. Seeing him so moved upset me. I felt that we had forged a very beautiful bond. That was the main thing.
How did you react to your victory with 76% of the vote?
I was overwhelmed. Zoe was one of the biggest voices of this season. In addition, she has so much life and experience. Music may be my refuge, my cocoon, I could live as if I died, I was afraid of not being able to show it. This victory, I keep it preciously and maybe I should not doubt myself so much!
Why did you decide to sign up for "The Voice" this season?
I didn't think I'd be participating in "The Voice" this year specifically. I talked a lot to my father about it but at first he wasn't up for it. He feared I would be discouraged if it didn't work. Then one day, I came to him with credibility and determination in my words (laughs). When I heard that he had enrolled me, I was surprised. But life is well done because one thing leading to another I can really see my evolution. Despite my 16 years, I am determined, the sooner I sing, the better I will be afterwards.
"For the next step, I will dedicate a song to my mother"
Kiona
What does it mean to be the youngest in the competition?
I'm very proud to see where I've come through my work and a little luck in a way. Even if I am facing more experienced and confident artists, I do not worry about it and take everything there is to take. If this continues, so much the better, if not, so much the better. "The Voice" will remain a great adventure.
What do you hope to show at Super Cross Battles?
I will sing for my mother with whom I share an incredible complicity. Unfortunately, since the beginning of the adventure, she can not accompany me because of her work. I know she's bothering for me and it's hard for both of us not to be able to experience "The Voice" together. It will be a beautiful thought for her.
What are your plans for the future?
I pass my baccalaureate of French this year, I find it very difficult to stall "The Voice" and my studies but I work, make sleepless nights. It's a real hassle (laughs). The baccalaureate is very important for me, I will finish my studies, it is non-negotiable, especially for my parents! But I sincerely hope that "The Voice" will not be the only adventure of my life and that this is just the beginning.
