Esme, a young candidate for “The Voice” 2023, has a very disabling neurological disorder. At 21, she suffers from Tourette’s syndrome.
She participates in The Voice to finally live his dream. At 21, Esmée, a young woman from Cogolin (83), wants to sing to tell her story and put “an end” to her past. As she confides in her portrait, the disorder from which she suffers prevented her from participating in the program for ten years. Besides, no one in her family knew that she sang. “I hid this for ten years because of my illness. At 7 years old, I was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. Me, it’s in my eyes. I have muscle contractions in my back, my stomach also… Sometimes I make little noises. People think I’m laughing or coughing. I wasn’t too confident in myself.” she explains.
Indeed, Tourette syndrome causes tics defined as repeated, sudden, rapid and non-rhythmic muscle movements including sounds and vocalizations. Because of her illness, Esme was harassed. “I found myself more or less alone.” adds Esme. Fortunately, the young woman has always fought. “I had a long job of accepting myself. Singing is still in the process of confidence.” she specifies.
Esme with Tourette’s syndrome: what allows her to manage her disorder
For her blind audition, Esmée sang “Don’t Judge Me” by Camille Lellouche. A song that reflects his journey well. Zazie, the only coach to have turned around, noticed it. “Can I ask you what it is?” asks the star. “I have Tourette’s syndrome. With the years it’s fine” Esme replies. In her impetus, she specifies that she never comes out with insanity. “No, it affects 0.25% of people who have it. Me, it’s tics. When I sing it goes away.” adds the young woman. She also points out that she has a lot less seizures in the summer thanks to the presence of the sun. “The sun provides endorphins. I have less than the others.” she concludes.
