Aya Nakamura has established herself as a prominent fashion icon and international star, recently shining at Paris Fashion Week and as a Lancôme ambassador. Despite facing backlash for her Olympic performance, she navigated the controversy by choosing to sing her own song instead of a classic, highlighting her resilience. Embracing her identity as a Black artist from Aulnay-sous-Bois, she celebrates her achievements while acknowledging the emotional challenges of public scrutiny.
Aya Nakamura: A Fashion Icon and International Star
More than just a talented vocalist, Aya Nakamura has emerged as a true fashion icon. Last September, she stole the spotlight at the Dior show during Paris Fashion Week, but it was her role as a Lancôme ambassador that brought her to the set of *C à vous* on Thursday, November 28, 2024. Although she no longer holds the title of the most-streamed Francophone song globally, Aya’s international renown continues to grow, particularly for her unique style. She made waves at the exclusive Met Gala dinner, where she was among the select few French women in attendance.
Her star power surged during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she lit up the opening ceremony. However, her participation was met with a barrage of hateful and racist messages, particularly following the announcement of her performance featuring a song by Edith Piaf. Critics took aim at her lyrics and her urban aesthetic. Today, **she shares the untold story behind this event**.
Aya Nakamura Shares Insights from the Olympics
During her appearance on *C à vous*, Aya Nakamura candidly discussed the events leading up to the Olympics. On June 22, 2024, she performed for Vogue World at Place Vendôme, an event that stirred controversy regarding her involvement in the Olympics. “*Before doing that event, there was a bit of a mix-up with the Olympics because I was supposed to give an exclusive (…) because it was in Paris*,” she explained. Initially, the Olympic organizers were hesitant to allow her participation, which prompted Anna Wintour from *Vogue* to intervene on her behalf.
“*I wasn’t supposed to do that thing at all!*” the singer admitted, revealing further details. “**Originally, I was supposed to sing Edith Piaf**,” she said. Following the backlash, she opted to perform one of her own songs instead, reasoning that it was “*that way, for the Olympics, everyone is happy*.” She noted that the decision was made to avoid further controversy surrounding the performance of *La vie en rose*. Ultimately, she chose to sing *Formidable* by Charles Aznavour at the opening ceremony, delivering a powerful response to her critics.
Overcoming Controversy and Embracing Identity
Later in the *C à vous* broadcast, Aya Nakamura reflected on the impact of the controversy: “**Of course, I was affected (…) It’s my passion, they touched something that makes me vibrate**.” Initially, accustomed to criticism, she perceived it as just another attack, but soon realized the emotional toll it had on her family and acknowledged the widespread nature of the debate and the support she received. She recognized the situation as not just serious, but also ‘international’ and ‘extraordinary’.
Today, she embraces her journey: “**I am the first from my background to do what I do**.” As a Black artist from Aulnay-sous-Bois performing at the Olympic Games—an event that occurs only once every century in her country—she proudly asserts, “*I did it anyway*.” “*I sang!*” she emphasizes with pride, celebrating her achievements amidst the challenges.