Émile Dubois: From Hockey Rink to La Voix Stage

Émile Dubois, a 20-year-old from Blainville, is pursuing a career in physical education, but his heart beats to the rhythm of two passions: sports and music. While hockey is a significant part of his life, Émile has nurtured a love for classic French songs since childhood. Unlike many of his peers, this aspiring athlete finds himself drawn to the timeless melodies and poignant lyrics of artists like the legendary Charles Aznavour.

This unique appreciation stems from his maternal grandfather, Michel Frappier, whom Émile affectionately calls his “number one fan for both music and hockey.” It’s a connection that has shaped his artistic sensibilities and fueled his journey on La Voix.

A Surprise Message and a Powerful Audition

During the recent blind auditions, Émile received a heartwarming surprise. After several friends had already been selected, a video message from none other than Ivan Demidov, the Montreal Canadiens’ star player, wished him the best of luck. “Demidov, everyone loves him in Montreal, so I was surprised, and it’s amazing that a Canadiens player sent me an encouraging message,” Émile shared. He had previously auditioned for both La Voix in 2024 and Star Académie in 2025, making this season a turning point.

When Émile took the stage, only Roxane Bruneau had an open spot on her team. He delivered a captivating rendition of Jacques Brel’s “Amsterdam,” showcasing his distinctive, raspy voice and confident stage presence.

Embracing Emotion and Authenticity

Émile’s performance wasn’t just about vocal technique; it was about raw emotion. He allowed himself to be vulnerable, and tears welled up as he received feedback from the coaches. “The coaches’ comments touched me, but it was mostly the pride that made me cry. I’m a very emotional person, so that’s often how it comes out when I have a surplus of feeling,” he explained. This moment shattered the stereotype of the stoic athlete.

“I love telling stories and understanding the emotion to share. I prefer to put too much emotion into my performance, even if my voice cracks sometimes, rather than just focusing on my voice and being unable to convey the message I want to deliver.”

Balancing Passions: Teaching and Music

Émile is set to begin a teaching internship at a high school in Sherbrooke, and he anticipates that students will recognize him from his television appearance. “I want to share my passion for sports,” he said, adding that he has “a lot of energy to expend.”

But what about the possibility of music taking center stage? “I would be 100% ready for music to take a bigger place in my life. But I’m just starting out, so we’ll see.” He’s currently focused on defining his artistic identity, recognizing that he has plenty of time to explore his creative path. “I’m strongly trying to create my artistic identity. Right now, when I sing, it’s often songs I know by heart, so I have a tendency to stick to the original version,” he admitted, adding that he also wants to develop his songwriting skills, with the help of his French-teaching mother.

Other Contestants

Other notable contestants this season include:

• Roxane Bruneau
• Nicolas Dorion, 30, from Gatineau
• Valérie Garon, 52, from Baie-Comeau
• Corneille
• Anissa Essalihi, 17, from Sainte-Catherine
• Sami Hmdi, 24, from Montréal
• France D’Amour
• Gabrielle Nessel, 31, from Montréal
• Mario Pelchat
• Isabelle Goulet, 23, from Mascouche