Esme (“Voice”) suffering from Gilles de la Tourette syndrome: “My illness, I love it”

His journey is amazing. Esme decided to face her fears and transcend herself by appearing this Saturday at The Voice’s blind auditions. The 21-year-old, who hid her singing talent from her family for a long time, chose a strong title to convince coaches: Camille Lelouch’s “Don’t Judge Me”. A song that fits him like a glove.

Suffering from Tourette’s Syndrome, a disease that causes the muscles in her eyes, back, and abdomen to contract, Esme suffered throughout her youth. Esme put on a touching performance, which you can see in the MYTF1 preview. Meeting with a bright young girl.

Was participating in The Voice really a dream for you?

Yes. I showed up secretly for 6 years, never telling my parents. I thought I didn’t have enough talent to do my job and be more than just a chamber singer!

You explained that you have Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. What is this ?

It is a disease whose origin is not well known. It may be due to an emotional upheaval or it may already be in our body and start suddenly. I was diagnosed at 7 years old. In fact, to sum up, the brain will give the body information for no particular reason to move, it is like a mistake that manifests itself in tics. But not only. The illness also causes things that don’t show up, such as insomnia or depression.

We often think of untimely hurt feelings when we talk about this syndrome. But that’s not always the case, right?

No, it’s very rare. We are talking about this because the media always show the most extreme and impressive cases. It is the same for all diseases. I, because of these ideas received, have been accused by some people of lying about my illness because I don’t offend people.

Billie Eilish and Lewis Capaldi have also revealed that they have the condition…

Yes. It’s funny because Billie Eilish is one of my favorite artists and I started singing her songs even before I knew she had La Tourette. But it’s nice to tell yourself that even if you’re sick, you can still succeed. People may appreciate you for your talent.

Was the fact of participating in blind auditions and not being judged because of his illness important?

In fact, I didn’t even think about it, because my illness became something so natural that I accepted it and even fell in love with it. For me, The Voice was just a childhood dream. Today I accept myself and love myself for who I am. It took me a while, I drooled, but I wouldn’t change my course for the world.

Was it important to talk about it openly?

Yes. I wanted to talk about this to show that no matter who you are, you can make your dreams come true. No one has the right to tell us what we should do and who we should be.

When you sing, your syndrome disappears. Does music heal you in any way?

I have actually found that my tics go away when I sing and also in the summer thanks to the sun and dopamine. Music brings me so many benefits that everything disappears!

Was the choice of title Camille Lelouch’s “Don’t Judge Me” obvious?

Not originally, no. In fact, it was the production that invited me to sing in French. When looking for names that could fit me, it seemed obvious to me when I heard it.

Zazi was very touched when she turned around. Did his reaction affect you?

In fact, I don’t even remember! My brain completely shut down. I’m waiting to see the photos again, but I didn’t even react when she turned around. I did not understand what was happening to me, everything was blurry. Looks like I crashed into a bus and passed out! But I’m happy to be with Zazi, she’s the boss, she’s the queen. She is so sweet, she is an exceptional person.

Participation in the adventure “Voice” is the beginning of a new life for you?

Yes, this marks the end of all the harassment I have experienced due to my illness. I don’t like to say I got my revenge because what I really thank people for putting me through this. I would do everything the same, even my illness, I would keep it, because that is what makes me a person today. I want to say to those who offended me: “You criticized me, harassed me and even called me a monster. But I’m not helpless, I’m here on the Voice stage, and I will shine!