Put words and sounds on things that cannot be explained.

Lucille Dracius, originally from Saint-Bauzély, in Gard, is one of the five finalists of the Young Talents Award 2026. Just two days before the grand final at Paloma, the singer opens up about her journey, influences, and ambitions.

With a mix of vulnerability and creative energy, the young artist from Gard, Lucille Dracius, is gearing up to step on a real concert stage for the first time this Saturday, April 11th, on the occasion of the final of the Young Talents Award at Paloma.

“How did you enter the musical universe?” – “I started with music when I had to make a choice in high school. I was completely lost after doing a S diploma. I asked myself, ‘What do I really want to do?’ I loved singing, I was in the choir… And I thought, ‘This is what I want to do.’ After a design degree, during Covid, I composed, wrote… and I knew. Then I did a musicology degree to get the basics. For the rest, I learned everything on the go.”

“What excites you about music?” – “Putting words and sounds into things you can’t explain. It’s the only way I found to express what I feel. Performing on the Paloma stage is a milestone. I’ve already sung at the Music Festival or in bars, but this is my first real stage. I’m really looking forward to sharing this moment with the audience.”

“How would you describe your style?” – “My first singles were more pop, French chanson variety. Today, my EP “Enchantée” is more acoustic: piano, violin, voice. The lyrics remain central. I’ve been listening to Daniel Balavoine and Barbara since I was a little girl. Their sensitivity, their writing… That’s what I keep in my art: something real, sincere. It’s very introspective, raw, intimate. The message is: ‘Go for it!'”

“The Young Talents Award, a decisive stepping stone” – Winning the award would mean a lot. My EP was recorded 100% in my room. I want to take the next step, go to the studio, and for that, I need funding. Winning the 10,000 euros for the winner or the 4,000 euros for the hope prize would allow me to propose “I Leave You”, a second project of better quality. The idea is to tell a love breakup story in reverse: starting from the breakup to the meeting. It will be a reflection on love, on personal transformation. It will be quite psychological.

“How are you preparing for this final?” – “I can’t sleep anymore! We rehearse with the pianist, violinist, sound engineer, and even four dancers. We haven’t brought everything together yet on D-Day. When I see the competition, I think there are some talented people. Etane has incredible grace and sensitivity. Mokda is a bit more classic. I know Lutèce from the conservatory, but since she doesn’t share her works much, I don’t know what to expect. And Yunha Foster is more pop, very polished. I’m a bit of an outsider in the YTA, but we will surprise them!”

(The final of the Young Talents Award will take place this Saturday, April 11th at 7 pm at Paloma, in Nîmes. A free concert, open to all, to discover the emerging talents of the region.)