Christophe Willem is making his comeback. The 42-year-old singer revealed this Friday, May 22 Systaimea pop single which will appear on his new album, scheduled for release in fall 2026. The one we call the Turtle is also planning a major Zéniths tour starting in the fall of 2027, which will end with a visit to the Accor Arena in Paris on December 9, 2027.
A return with fanfare for the man who took his first steps twenty years ago, in musical tele-hook New Star. But long before winning his victory in 2006, the interpreter of Double I had forged strong links with one of the most popular singers in France: Jenifer Bartoli, first winner of the Star Academy in January 2002.
How did Christophe Willem and Jenifer meet?
Questioned in the columns of Gala, on newsstands this Wednesday, June 10, Christophe Willem explains: “Even before Zazie and New Star, ça a été Jenifer. I had participated in a musical film with Maxim NucciAlive. It was her partner at the time, she was pregnant with their son and constantly pursued by fans and paparazzi.” he remembers. To escape the photographers, the mother of Aaron, Joseph and John had found a solution.
“She came to see us on the set in Belgium because she was calmer there“, explains Christophe Willem. The beginning of a great story of friendship: “We became very friends. She even introduced me to her family. Seeing her deal with her post-Star Ac helped me a lot later, when I won Nouvelle Star”, he continues.
Jenifer talks about her artistic crush on Christophe Willem
For her part, Jenifer had already mentioned her crush on Christophe Willem, in an interview given to TV 7 days: “Twelve years ago, in 2003, I was pregnant with my first child. It was at the ICP studio in Brussels, while he was recording the soundtrack for the film Alive, in which he starred. It was from that moment that we started to build a bond. I adored him, I loved his voice… she confided in March 2025.
Since then, the two artists have appeared regularly together on stage, during the annual Enfoirés concert. A real moment of sharing and complicity: “Christophe and I are like two kids in a class. We’ve known each other for a very long time and we’re really good friends. Sometimes, without wanting to, we find ourselves side by side.” confirmed the singer of the tube In the Sun chez TV 7 days. A solid and rare friendship, far from the media frenzy.
