Nolwenn Leroy

Chanteuse Nolwenn Leroy was one of a generation of French pop luminaries who rocketed to overnight fame via the television amateur showcase Star Academy. A fan of the fledgling TV series, in 2001 Leroy signed up to study under program judge and music teacher Armande Altaï, who encouraged her new pupil to audition for the show's sophomore season. Leroy's faith was rewarded on December 21, 2002, when she was crowned champion in viewer voting. Her self-titled debut LP followed in March 2003, launching the hit singles "Cassé" and "Suivre une Étoile." The album reached number one in France. While frequently revisiting the Top Five with subsequent releases, she returned to the top of the French album chart with her fourth LP, 2010's Bretonne. ~ Jason Ankeny