Published on April 26, 2026 at 20:41
Invited to Fréquenstar, Julien Lieb reflects on a dark period in his life. The Star Academy 11 finalist who lost to Pierre Garnier talks about his depression and inner struggle. Speaking to Eric Jean-Jean, the singer who participated in DALS describes his anxieties and obsessive thoughts. The boyfriend of Amélie also explains how love played a key role in his recovery.
A brutal descent marked by mourning and isolation
Before the TV spotlight, Julien Lieb faces difficult trials. At 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 “thought of nothing, just dying”. Additionally, he experiences up to fifteen panic attacks a day. He feels completely lost and wonders, “What is keeping me here?” This period illustrates deep 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 state of inertia. “For months, I vegetated,” he explains. However, a meeting will disrupt everything. He falls in love with the woman who now shares his life. He decides to leave his old 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 outdoors. Despite this precarious situation, he feels a troubling paradox: having concrete reasons to feel bad slightly relieves him.
Love as a turning point towards reconstruction
Despite the seriousness of his situation, Julien Lieb gradually finds a new balance. His romantic relationship becomes a pillar, even if everything is not simple at the beginning. 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’m in trouble, will she stay?'” This worry reflects his lack of confidence and fragility. However, over time, he opens up more. Their relationship strengthens and becomes an essential support. Thus, love and emotional stability help him gradually break free from this negative spiral.
Subsequently, his participation in Star Academy marks a decisive turning point. Even if 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, notably at the Olympia. He also took part in Danse avec les stars, showing his determination to surpass himself. This evolution demonstrates a true transformation. 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 passion for music.
