Sofia Essaïdi

Sofia Essaïdi, born on August 6, 1984, in Casablanca, is a prominent French-Moroccan singer and actress. She is the daughter of a Moroccan father, Lhabib Essaïdi, and a French mother, Martine Adeline Gardelle.

Essaïdi gained national recognition as a semi-finalist in the third season of Star Academy France, which aired from August 30 to December 13, 2003. She showcased her talent throughout the competition, ultimately securing the second position behind Elodie Frégé.

Following her success on the show, she embarked on a tour from March 12 to August 7, 2004, which included performances in Morocco and Papeete, Tahiti, where she celebrated her 20th birthday. During this period, she released her debut album, *Mon cabaret*, marking the beginning of her music career.

In 2009, Essaïdi expanded her artistic repertoire by starring in the musical *Cléopâtre, la dernière reine d'Égypte*, directed by Kamel Ouali, which premiered at the Palais des Sports in Paris.

Her versatility as a performer was further highlighted when she participated in the inaugural season of the French adaptation of *Dancing with the Stars* in 2011. Partnered with Maxime Dereymez, she impressed audiences and finished as the runner-up, receiving 38% of the public votes. Sofia Essaïdi continues to be celebrated for her contributions to music and theater, earning her a unique place in the French entertainment industry.