Singer Anisha Jo will perform at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on September 25 during a major youth event held for Pope Leo XIV.
The 2022 winner of the French television music competition Star Academy will sing before an expected crowd of 80,000 spectators aged 17 to 35 during an evening vigil led by the pontiff.
Anisha Jo announced her participation on her Instagram account on Friday, August 28. Writing to her followers, the Madagascar-born artist said she would have the honor of performing at the national stadium alongside other musicians, describing the concert as an opportunity to unite voices and share light, love, and unity.
Reflecting on her career, she expressed her joy at fulfilling a dream of transmitting a message of hope and love, adding that her voice, singing, and music had been gifts from God that accompanied her and brought her hope.
She stated that she had discovered her voice nearly 13 years ago, without knowing that 13 years later she would sing before 80,000 people at the Stade de France to put her voice at the service of that message.
Papal Visit Schedule and Concert Lineup
Pope Leo XIV will visit France from September 25 to September 28. The head of the Catholic Church will begin his official journey with a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron before celebrating vespers at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Later that evening, the pope will host the prayer vigil at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
Anisha Jo is the fourth artist to officially confirm her participation in the concert. Singer Monroe, who represented France at the Eurovision Song Contest last May, announced her presence a few days prior. They will take the main stage alongside Canadian singer Natasha St-Pier and French Christian music artist Grégory Turpin.
Career and Background
Born in Madagascar, Anisha Jo moved to France after earning her high school baccalaureate diploma at the age of 15. Nearly four years after her victory on the TF1 network show Star Academy in 2022, the upcoming stadium performance marks a major return to the spotlight.
Following her television victory, she published her debut studio album, titled Lumière, a few months later. Last June, she participated in the ninth season of TF1's entertainment show Mask Singer, performing in the costume of the Bouquet and finishing in third place.
