Yseult delivered an exceptional performance at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The 29-year-old French artist powerfully performed the classic “My Way,” originally by Frank Sinatra and adapted from Claude François’s hit “Comme d’habitude,” in front of a global audience. Here’s a look at a personal and professional journey marked by exemplary resilience and a strong self-assertion.
Yseult’s beginnings: A rise marked by disillusionment
Yseult Onguenet, born to Cameroonian parents in northern France, began her career in 2014 when she reached the final of the “Nouvelle Star” talent show at just 20 years old. Although this experience opened doors in the music industry, she quickly encountered the reality of a highly formatted field. Her debut album, released in 2015 after signing with a record label, did not achieve the expected success. Constrained by the industry’s expectations, Yseult felt alienated by a project that did not fully reflect her, plunging her into a period of doubt and self-questioning.
Yseult’s rebirth: freedom, independence, and self-assertion
In response to this disillusionment, Yseult made a radical decision: to take complete control of her career. She even created her own label, Y.Y.Y., becoming her own manager, producer, and artistic director. This choice of independence allowed her to redefine her image and music, aligning with her identity as a “black and curvy” woman.
In 2019, Yseult made a notable return with her mini-album “Noir.” Gone were the conservative outfits and hairstyles; she now sported an afro and appeared in videos where her body was fully embraced. This artistic renewal was a rebellion against the beauty standards imposed by the music industry and a bold assertion of her identity.
The turning point with “Bad Boy” and music awards
A turning point in her career came in 2020 with the release of the “Bad Boy” video, where Yseult explored intimate and provocative themes such as shibari, a Japanese bondage art. In this work, she showcased her fantasies, asserting her willingness to take risks: “I wanted it to ooze boldness, vulnerability, passion, sincerity, and eroticism.” She described this work as a “love letter to the French music industry,” a call to push creative boundaries and excite the public’s gaze.
In 2021, Yseult was awarded the Female Revelation Prize at the Victoires de la Musique. In her acceptance speech, she emotionally shared the challenges faced as a black and curvy woman in an often harsh industry: “The road is long as a black woman, as a fat woman.” These words, filled with sincerity, made a lasting impression and resonated beyond the stage.
Global success and a new artistic direction
Despite this success, Yseult’s journey has not been without hurdles. In 2022, she faced a media slump following a backlash from social media criticism. Nevertheless, Yseult persevered and made a strong comeback in 2024 with the track “Alibi,” an international collaboration with Brazilian drag queen Pabllo Vittar and Dutch-Iranian singer Sevdaliza. This reggaeton track achieved rapid success, comfortably entering the Top 50 on Spotify.
In addition to “Alibi,” Yseult continues to explore new musical horizons with tracks like “Bitch You Could Never,” an audacious techno piece, and “Suicide,” a pop song previewing her upcoming project, “Mental,” scheduled for release in September 2024.
By closing the Paris Olympics, Yseult offers more than a stunning musical performance. She also embodies the struggle for the recognition of black women in the music industry, the celebration of body diversity, and the affirmation of a strong and independent identity.