Yseult Onguenet, known mononymously as Yseult, is a French singer-songwriter and model whose career has evolved from a promising reality TV contestant to a versatile and influential artist. Born on August 19, 1994, in Tergnier, Aisne, France, to Cameroonian parents, Yseult discovered her musical talents at a young age. Despite initial opposition from her father, who discouraged her from pursuing music, Yseult’s passion led her to audition for the French reality television show Nouvelle Star in Paris, where she ultimately became a runner-up in the tenth season.
Yseult’s journey on Nouvelle Star began in October 2013 and culminated in the final competition in February 2014. Throughout the show, she captivated audiences with her powerful performances of songs such as “Roar,” “Feeling Good,” and “Wasting My Young Years.” Her impressive run on the show led to a signing with Polydor Records, where she prepared her debut album with French composer and singer Emmanuel da Silva.
In May 2014, Yseult released the lead single “La Vague,” which gained significant attention, and its music video has amassed over one million views as of December 2020. Her debut album, simply titled Yseult, was released on January 5, 2015. The album, which featured singles like “Bye Bye Bye,” “Pour l’impossible,” and “Summer Love,” peaked at number 69 on the French album chart. Despite the modest commercial success of the album, it marked a significant step in Yseult’s career.
Following the release of her debut album, Yseult decided to part ways with Polydor Records due to the album’s disappointing performance and the creative differences that arose. Her final single with the label was a cover of Blondie’s “Heart of Glass,” released in March 2017. During the same period, she participated in a writing seminar for the Black Eyed Peas, which further influenced her decision to end her contract with the label later that year.
Embracing independence, Yseult founded her own label, YYY, and relocated to Brussels, Belgium. Her new phase began with the release of her debut extended play, Noir, in January 2019, which featured the single “Rien à prouver.” The music video for this track garnered over 1.9 million views by December 2020. Yseult followed up with another extended play, Rouge, released as a surprise project in May 2019. Describing Rouge as a project marking a new phase in her career, Yseult chose not to promote it extensively.
In 2021, Yseult’s impact extended beyond music when L’Oréal Paris selected her as an international spokesperson. Her role emphasized using her songwriting and personal journey to inspire others, aligning with L’Oréal’s message of authenticity and empowerment.
Yseult made her acting debut in 2022 with a role in Maïmouna Doucouré’s film Hawa, showcasing her versatility as an artist. The following year, she featured on the viral song “Alibi” by Iranian-Dutch artist Sevdaliza, alongside Brazilian singer and drag queen Pabllo Vittar, further highlighting her expanding influence in the global music scene.
With a career marked by resilience, innovation, and artistic evolution, Yseult continues to captivate audiences and push boundaries in both music and modeling, establishing herself as a prominent and multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.
