the daily updates and weekly "Prime" on Fridays. The focus for this season was expected to shift from traditional songs to the "nouvelle chanson francaise" style made popular by singers like Benabar, Benjamin Biolay and former Star Ac 1 contestant Olivia Ruiz. Contestants Marina and Jean-Charles reflected this new musical style and Marina, in particular, was allowed to sing her own compositions on the "Prime". Gael, whose musical style resembled that of the Gipsy Kings, eventually quit on 13 November, allegedly in relation to the refusal of the producers to allow him to record with the Gipsy Kings, whom his musical style clearly owed an allegiance to. There was also controversy over remarks made by Raphaelle Ricci following the eviction of fan favourite Nicolas Charvillat, suggesting that her fellow "profs" had decided to evict him before he even sang a note. In the end Cyril, the first black person to win Star Academy or any singing contest in France, triumphed by 67% of the vote over Dominique (33%) on 22 December to become the sixth Star Academy winner in France. This year was unusual as only seven students went on the tour: Cyril, Dominique, Cynthia, Jean-Charles, Brice, Marina, and Ludovic. Season 7 Contestants include Quentin Mosimann (winner) (will also participate in the Tour) Mathieu (finalist) (will also participate in the Tour) Claire-Marie (semi-finalist) (will also participate in the Tour) Bertrand (semi-finalist) (will also participate in the Tour) Jéremy (will also participate in the Tour) Lucie (will also participate in the Tour) Pierre Alexia Sevan Maureen Antoine Eva Claudia Noémie Dojima Yaëlle Alexandra Maureen, the favorite, walked after 7 weeks. Mathieu had been nominated 8 times over Star Academy 7, but each time was favored by the public to continue. Until finally, improving his show greatly, ending up in the final where Quentin, the favorite of most spectators with 0 nominations, won by the close margin of 52.6% to 47.4% for Mathieu. Season 8 The eighth season debuted on Friday September 19, 2008. The students are no longer in the chateau, but in a private hotel in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, located at 12 rue Charlot () The contestants in season 8 are: Top 2 (the finale aired on 19/12/08) - Mickels Réa (winner) Alice (runner-up) Eliminated (in order of elimination) - Laure Cappellini (eliminated on 26/09/08) Gaëtan (eliminated on 3/10/08) Ana Palomo-Diaz (eliminated on 10/10/08) Julia Jean-Baptiste (eliminated on