Amaury Vassili

Born on June 8, 1989, in Rouen, France, Amaury Vassili Chotard, widely recognized as a talented French tenor, embarked on a musical journey that has taken him from the quaint streets of Montville to the grand stages of international fame. His early life, imbued with a natural aptitude for singing, saw him gravitating towards music despite an initial inclination towards a career in baking.

Vassili’s tryst with music began at the tender age of nine when his mother enrolled him in “Le P’tit Ouest,” a musical comedy school in Rouen. This early exposure to music and stage performance laid the foundation for his future career. By the age of 14, he had already begun to turn heads, winning his first singing contest with a stirring rendition of Jacques Brel’s “Amsterdam.” His performance in the “Coupe de France de la chanson française” at 15, where he skillfully combined singing with live sign language interpretation, marked him as a talent to watch.

A pivotal moment in his early career was his television debut on Pascal Sevran’s show “Chanter la vie” on France 2, where at just 15, he performed “Tout donné, tout repris” by Mike Brant. This appearance paved the way for the release of his single “Nos instants de liberté” in duet with Liza Pastor in 2006, and subsequently, his first albums “Vincero” in 2009 and “Canterò” in 2010. These albums, especially “Vincero,” which achieved double platinum status in France, established Vassili as a significant presence in the French music industry.

Vassili’s career took a significant turn when France 3 selected him to represent France at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011. With the song “Sognu,” sung in Corsican, he brought a touch of French charm to the contest in Düsseldorf, Germany, finishing in a respectable 15th place. This performance further amplified his fame, making him a recognized face in the European music scene.

In the years following Eurovision, Vassili continued to expand his musical repertoire. 2012 saw the release of “Una Parte Di Me,” followed by significant appearances, including on the M6 talent show “Un air de star” in 2013 and at various high-profile events like the Armada 2013 in Rouen. His tribute to Mike Brant in 2014 through the album “Amaury Vassili chante Mike Brant” showcased his versatility and respect for classic musicians. His participation in the Pierre Bachelet tribute album in 2015 further solidified his standing in the music industry.

In a stunning victory, Vassili claimed the title in the fourth season of “Mask Singer” on TF1 in 2022, under the costume of the Turtle, becoming the first male winner of the show. This triumph was a testament to his enduring popularity and versatility as an artist.

On a personal note, Vassili’s life has been as eventful as his career. He experienced a brief romantic liaison with Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins during the recording of “Endless Love.” In 2013, he faced a setback with an arrest for drug possession, specifically cannabis. Since 2011, he has been in a relationship with Stéphanie, who features in his “Crescendo” music video. The couple welcomed their son Anatoly in July 2021, marking a new chapter in Vassili’s life.