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Invited to Fréquenstar, Julien Lieb reflects on a dark period of his life. The Star Academy 11 finalist, who lost to Pierre Garnier, opens up about his depression and inner struggle. Speaking to Eric Jean-Jean, the singer who also appeared on DALS describes his anxieties and intrusive thoughts. Amélie’s sweetheart also explains how love played a key role in his recovery.
A brutal descent marked by mourning and isolation
Before the glare of television, Julien Lieb faces difficult trials. At the age of 14, he loses his father to cancer. This tragedy deeply affects him and instills a constant fear of losing loved ones. Over time, this anxiety intensifies. Then, a few years later, he falls into severe depression. During his interview, he describes a very dark mental state. He admits that he didn’t think “about anything, except dying.” Furthermore, he experiences up to fifteen panic attacks a day. He feels completely lost, asking himself, “What is keeping me here?” This period illustrates a profound distress, where hope seems absent.
In this fragile context, his personal life does not help. He is in a relationship that, in his words, does not “make him happy.” Gradually, he sinks into a form of inertia. “For months, I vegetate,” he explains. However, a meeting will change everything. He falls in love with the person who now shares his life. He then decides to leave his previous relationship. But this choice leads to difficult consequences. Indeed, he loses his home and finds himself homeless. A friend hosts him for several months, but in the meantime, he sometimes sleeps outside. Despite this precarious situation, he feels a troubling paradox: having concrete reasons to feel bad slightly relieves him.
Love as a turning point towards recovery
Despite the seriousness of his situation, Julien Lieb gradually finds a new balance. His romantic relationship becomes a pillar, even though everything is not simple at first. In fact, he initially hides his depression and precariousness from his partner. He explains this fear with sincerity: “I thought to myself: ‘If she sees how much I am in trouble, will she stay?'” This concern reflects his lack of confidence and vulnerability. However, over time, he opens up more. Their relationship strengthens and becomes an essential support. Thus, love and emotional stability gradually help him break free from this negative spiral.
Subsequently, his participation in the Star Academy marks a decisive turning point. Even though he loses in the final, this experience offers him significant visibility. Since then, he has been involved in various artistic projects. He released his first album in 2025 and performed on stage, including at the Olympia. He has also participated in Danse avec les stars, showing his determination to excel. This evolution demonstrates a real journey. Indeed, he goes from a period of great distress to an active professional life. Today, his journey illustrates a progressive reconstruction, driven by resilience, love, and a passion for music.
