Alizée Jacotey won the fourth season of Danse avec les stars in 2013 alongside her professional partner Grégoire Lyonnet. Her victory was a pivotal moment that transitioned her from a pop music icon into a respected dance professional. As of 2026, the win remains the foundation of her current career as a dance studio owner in Corsica.
The Context of Alizée’s Participation in 2013
When Alizée Jacotey joined the cast of the fourth season of Danse avec les stars (DALS) on TF1, she was at a professional crossroads. Known globally for her 2000 hit "Moi... Lolita," her subsequent music career had experienced various levels of success, but she struggled to shed the "Lolita" image that had defined her teenage years.
Participation in the show was not merely a celebrity appearance; it was a strategic move to reintroduce herself to the French public. The competition required intense physical commitment and emotional vulnerability, qualities that Alizée had previously kept guarded behind her pop-star persona. In 2013, the stakes were high as the show had become a cultural phenomenon in France, attracting millions of viewers and demanding a high level of technical proficiency in ballroom and contemporary dance.
Entering the competition, Alizée was often perceived as shy and reserved. This personality trait initially posed a challenge for high-energy dances like the Cha-Cha-Cha or the Jive, which require exuberant performance. However, her background in dance—she had taken lessons since the age of four—provided a technical foundation that her professional partner, Grégoire Lyonnet, would eventually mold into championship-winning performances.
The Partnership with Grégoire Lyonnet
The chemistry between Alizée and Grégoire Lyonnet was immediate and palpable, becoming one of the most discussed aspects of the season. Lyonnet, a specialist in Latin and ballroom dance, recognized Alizée's potential early on and pushed her toward a more expressive style of movement.
Technical Synergy and Training
The training regimen for Season 4 was notoriously grueling. Couples were expected to practice for upwards of 40 to 60 hours per week to master a new dance style every seven days. Lyonnet’s choreography for Alizée was noted for its complexity and its ability to highlight her grace while masking her initial lack of confidence.
As the weeks progressed, the technical synergy between the two improved. They moved beyond basic steps into advanced lifts and intricate transitions. This evolution was critical because the judges—Marie-Claude Pietragalla, Jean-Marc Généreux, Chris Marques, and Shy'm—were particularly stringent in Season 4, looking for more than just "celebrity effort"; they demanded professional-level execution.
The Development of a Real-Life Romance
Public interest in the pair skyrocketed as it became clear that their connection was not limited to the dance floor. Their real-life romance blossomed during the rehearsals, which added a layer of authentic emotion to their performances, particularly in the Rumba and Contemporary routines. This narrative arc—a shy star finding both her voice and love through dance—resonated deeply with the voting public, providing them with a massive "fan-vote" advantage that complemented their high scores from the judges.
Key Performances and Competitive Milestones
Alizée’s path to the trophy was paved with several "perfect" performances that have since become iconic in the history of the French version of the show.
The Contemporary Breakthrough
In Week 4, Alizée and Grégoire performed a Contemporary dance to "Carry You Home" by James Blunt. This routine is often cited as the turning point of the season. The choreography required Alizée to portray a sense of loss and recovery, themes that allowed her to break down her emotional barriers. The judges praised her for her "fluidity" and "honesty," awarding her some of the highest marks of the competition up to that point. This performance shifted her status from a "strong contender" to the "one to beat."
The Rumba and the "Danse de l'Amour"
The Rumba, often called the dance of love, was where Alizée and Grégoire’s chemistry peaked. Performing to "Treasure" or romantic ballads, they showcased technical control of their "leg lines" and "hip action," which are the hallmarks of the style. Jean-Marc Généreux, known for his "Et ça, j'achète!" catchphrase, frequently used his platform to celebrate the precision Alizée brought to the Latin disciplines.
The Final Showdown
The final took place on November 23, 2013. Alizée faced off against Brahim Zaibat, a world-class breakdancer who was technically superior in terms of athleticism and power. However, Alizée’s emotional connection with the audience and her versatility across different styles gave her the edge.
In the final, she performed three dances:
- A Waltz: Showcasing her elegance and "frame" in the standard ballroom category.
- A Rumba: A reprise of her most emotional style.
- A Freestyle: A high-energy routine that combined elements of all she had learned, finishing with a dramatic sequence of lifts.
Alizée won the competition with 55% of the public vote, cementing her comeback and her status as a multi-talented artist.
Technical Performance Summary
The following table outlines the key metrics and performances that led to Alizée’s victory in Season 4.
| Week | Dance Style | Song | Notable Score/Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Waltz | "Video Games" (Lana Del Rey) | Top of the leaderboard |
| Week 4 | Contemporary | "Carry You Home" (James Blunt) | 35/40 (Judges' technical score) |
| Week 6 | Charleston | "Puttin' on the Ritz" | High praise for synchronization |
| Week 9 | Rumba | "Pas toi" (Tal cover) | Perfect "10" from Pietragalla |
| Final | Freestyle | "One Day / Reckoning Song" | 55% of Public Vote (Winner) |
The Impact of the Win on Alizée’s Career (2013–2026)
Winning Danse avec les stars was not just a temporary boost for Alizée; it fundamentally altered her career trajectory. While she did release a follow-up album, Blonde, in 2014, her professional interests began to shift heavily toward the world of dance.
Transition to Professional Dance
Following her win, Alizée participated in several Danse avec les stars national tours. These tours allowed her to perform in major arenas across France, Belgium, and Switzerland, proving that her victory was not a fluke of television editing but the result of genuine athletic and artistic development. Working alongside other professionals on the tour solidified her identity as a dancer.
The Lyonnet Dance Studio in Corsica
By the mid-2010s, Alizée and Grégoire Lyonnet had married and settled in Alizée’s native Corsica. In 2017, they opened the Lyonnet Dance Studio in Ajaccio. This marked her formal retirement from the mainstream music industry to focus on teaching and choreography.
As of 2026, the studio has become one of the most prestigious dance academies in the region. Alizée serves as both an administrator and an instructor, specializing in contemporary and lyrical styles for younger students. This career shift is a direct result of the confidence and technical skills she acquired during the 2013 competition. The studio frequently hosts workshops and remains a testament to the lasting impact of her DALS win.
The Cultural Legacy of Alizée’s Victory
Alizée's victory is often used as the "gold standard" for celebrity transformations on reality television. She successfully navigated the transition from a child star to a mature professional, using the platform to pivot her career rather than just prolong her fame.
Her win also solidified the "romance narrative" as a powerful element of the show's format. Since Season 4, viewers and producers have often looked for similar chemistry in subsequent pairings, but few have matched the authenticity of Alizée and Grégoire, who remain a prominent "power couple" in the French entertainment landscape as of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Alizée and Grégoire Lyonnet stay together after the show?
Yes. Unlike many reality TV couples, Alizée and Grégoire Lyonnet remained together following the 2013 season. They married in June 2016 in a private ceremony in Corsica. As of 2026, they continue to live in Ajaccio, where they raise their family and manage their dance business together. Their relationship is considered the most successful "success story" in the history of the French Danse avec les stars.
Has Alizée released any music since winning Danse avec les stars?
Alizée released the album Blonde in 2014, shortly after her victory. The album featured a more pop-centric, upbeat sound compared to her previous work. However, following the lukewarm commercial reception of the album and the growing success of her dance career, she pivoted away from the recording studio. In interviews leading up to 2026, she has stated that while she still loves music, her primary passion and professional focus remain the dance studio and her students.
Who was Alizée’s main competition during her season?
Her primary competitor was Brahim Zaibat, a professional dancer and choreographer who had worked with Madonna. Zaibat was consistently at the top of the technical leaderboard. Another strong competitor was actress Laetitia Milot, who was a fan favorite. Despite Zaibat's technical edge, Alizée’s artistic growth and her partnership with Lyonnet allowed her to capture the majority of the public vote in the final.
How did the judges influence Alizée’s win?
The judges played a crucial role by providing constructive but firm technical critiques. Marie-Claude Pietragalla, a former prima ballerina, focused on Alizée’s emotional expression and "interiority." Chris Marques, known for being the "tough" judge, pushed her on her technical footwork in Latin dances. Their high scores in the later weeks gave her the necessary momentum to enter the final as the favorite.
Where can I see Alizée’s winning performances today?
Many of Alizée's most famous routines, including her Contemporary dance and her Final Freestyle, are available on the official TF1 YouTube channel and the Danse avec les stars archives. These clips continue to garner millions of views, serving as a reference point for new contestants on the show.
Final Recommendation for Fans and Aspiring Dancers
For those looking to understand the technical and emotional requirements of competitive ballroom dance, Alizée’s Season 4 journey serves as a comprehensive case study. Her success was built on a foundation of early training, emotional vulnerability, and an intense partnership.
If you are an aspiring dancer, the primary lesson from Alizée’s win is the importance of "storytelling" through movement. Technical precision is necessary, but the ability to connect with an audience on an emotional level is what ultimately secures a victory. Those interested in her teaching methods can visit the Lyonnet Dance Studio website for information on workshops and classes currently offered in 2026.
