Léo Vita’s Inspiring Journey on The Voice France After Battling Cancer
The blind auditions continue on The Voice France, with compelling stories unfolding alongside impressive vocal talent. Léo Vita captivated coaches and viewers alike with his performance of Ycare and Zaz’s “Fragile Animals,” securing a spot on Amel Bent’s team after a battle for his chair with Tayc. His journey to the stage is particularly poignant, marked by a recent battle with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
A Second Chance at The Voice
Vita was initially contacted by the show’s production team during the previous season, but a cancer diagnosis forced him to postpone his audition. “Production had already contacted me last season,” Vita explained to Télé-Loisirs. “I was ready to take the castings but in the meantime, I had been diagnosed with cancer. The treatments had impacted my voice.” The casting manager remained in touch, and Vita was encouraged to reapply once his health improved.
Battling Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Vita was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes, which manifested in his chest, compressing an artery and creating a life-threatening situation. “For months it grew without any symptoms,” he shared. “But one of my arteries ended up being significantly compressed. At that moment, I almost died since the blood was circulating very badly from my head to my body.” He is now in remission, having completed treatment a year and a half ago.
Reclaiming His Voice
Cancer treatment significantly impacted Vita’s vocal abilities. “There were more complicated, high notes that I could no longer reach,” he said. “We always have a bit of a dry throat because of the treatment. The doctors couldn’t give me 100% assurance that I would regain my ability to sing.” Through dedicated retraining, he successfully restored his vocal range and quality.
A Performance of Gratitude
Vita’s audition wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was as well a tribute to fellow musician Ycare. He had the opportunity to open for Ycare at a concert after sharing his song, “I see it now,” with the teams organizing a gala against cancer. Singing “Fragile Animals” during his audition was a way to express his gratitude for Ycare’s support.
Choosing Team Amel Bent
Both Tayc and Amel Bent turned their chairs for Vita, but he ultimately chose to join Team Amel Bent. He explained that he grew up listening to Bent’s music alongside Lara Fabian’s, making the decision a full-circle moment in his musical journey. “I learned to sing on his records like those of Lara Fabian,” Vita stated. “There, I join his team in The Voice so the circle is closed.”
Looking Ahead
Vita is embracing the learning opportunities presented by The Voice, focusing on refining his guitar technique and vocal skills. He emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, applying the lessons learned to every song he performs. His story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of music to overcome adversity.
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