Why Shy’m Had to Quit the “Chicago” Musical Due to Health Issues

A Collision of Demanding Schedules

French singer and actress Shy’m has revealed that a grueling professional workload forced her to abandon her role in the musical Chicago. The artist, born Tamara Marthe, told Télé-Loisirs that the decision was a “crève-cœur” (heartbreak), necessitated by a physical collapse caused by the simultaneous demands of filming the second season of the TF1 series Cat’s Eyes and performing on stage.

The Cost of Overextension

“Enchaîner les deux n’était peut-être pas une bonne idée,” she admitted to the publication. Her health deteriorated after a motorcycle commute triggered a severe cervical strain. This injury was compounded by two consecutive, debilitating sinus infections.

The exhaustion left her unable to keep pace with the musical’s troupe. The frustration was compounded by the fact that she had previously turned down a role in Drag Race France specifically to prioritize her commitment to Chicago, making her eventual departure feel like an abandonment of her colleagues.

Confronting Phobias on Fort Boyard

Despite the medical setbacks of the past year, the singer is returning to the screen. She is scheduled to appear on the French adventure game show Fort Boyard on July 18, 2026. This marks her third time on the program, following previous stints in 2007 and 2025.

The filming process forced her to navigate her personal phobias: claustrophobia, a fear of heights, and a discomfort with water. She remarked with characteristic humor that if the production team had hoped these challenges would discourage her from returning, they were unsuccessful.

Prioritizing Recovery and Family

Following this period of intense professional strain, Shy’m has pivoted toward recovery and her family. Social media posts from July 10, 2026, document a season of rest, largely spent with her son, Tahoma. Her current public presence reflects a transition toward a more sustainable schedule, acknowledging a point where her body could no longer maintain the pace.

Summary of Key Developments

• Health Impact: Shy’m withdrew from the Chicago musical due to cervical injuries and recurrent sinus infections caused by overexertion.
• Career Trade-offs: The artist explicitly noted that she declined an opportunity with Drag Race France to focus on the Chicago production, making her eventual exit from the show more distressing.
• Ongoing Projects: She remains active in television, with a confirmed appearance on Fort Boyard airing July 18, 2026.
• Work-Life Balance: Following a period of professional intensity, the artist has publicly prioritized downtime and family life throughout the summer of 2026.