Christophe Willem
| Christophe Willem | |
|---|---|
Willem in March 2012
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Christophe Durier |
| Born |
3 August 1983 Enghien-les-Bains, France |
| Origin |
 France
|
| Genres | Chanson, Pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Labels |
Columbia Sony Music |
| Associated acts |
Zazie Jenifer Kylie Minogue Jennifer Ayache |
Christophe Durier better known as Christophe Willem (born 3 August 1983 in Enghien-les-Bains, Val-d'Oise), is a French singer and the winner of the fourth edition of Nouvelle Star (French version of Pop Idol) in 2006.
Christophe spent most of his life in Deuil-la-Barre (Val-d'Oise), where his parents run a driving school. As a child, he learned figure skating and to play the piano. Later he learned to sing as part of a gospel choir "Young Voices". He also was composing songs at the age of fourteen.
Before deciding to study to become a lawyer and calculus professor, he continued to practice music and in 2004 he appeared in a Richard Anconina film, Alive, where he played the role of Henri, a young man with a golden voice who is, nevertheless, not considered suitable for the lead role in a musical. Since his film career continued after this, he returned home, where he studied communication while working a number of part-time jobs, such as babysitting and helping in a theatre.
Pushed by his family and friends, he decided to try out for the 2006 edition of Nouvelle Star. With an initial audition performance of Strong Enough by Des'ree, he surprised the judges, who did not expect such a quality voice from an admittedly ungainly-looking man. Nicknamed "La Tortue" (The Turtle) by Nouvelle Star judge Marianne James, he proved to be a popular contestant, and on 8 June, was crowned the fourth Nouvelle Star.
His debut album Inventaire was released on 16 April 2007, while the first single, Élu produit de l'année premiered in March.
In May 2007 he released the second single Double Je, which went directly on the #1 in France and Belgium. The third single, Jacques A Dit came out in autumn 2007. The album was well received and sold double platinum in France and gold in Belgium and Switzerland. So far, the album has sold over 1 million copies. Willem started his first tour on 15 November 2007 and it ended on 20 July 2008. He toured France, Belgium, Switzerland and the Overseas departments and territories of France, such as Réunion, Mauritius and even New Caledonia. He also sang several times in Paris at L'Olympia and Zenith, which are the most prestigious concert halls in Paris.
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