Larusso
Larusso (born Laetitia Serero; 11 October 1979) is a French pop singer who rose to prominence in the late 1990s with her energetic performances and chart-topping singles.[1][2] Best known for her breakout hit "Tu m'oublieras" (1999), which sold over two million copies and held the number-one spot on the French Singles Chart for several weeks, she has become an iconic figure in French pop music.[3] Born in Paris to a Moroccan father and a Tunisian mother, Larusso displayed an early passion for music, beginning vocal training at age 11 and recording her first demos by age 13.[1][4] She launched her professional career in 1998 with the single "Je survivrai", a French adaptation of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive", which marked her entry into the music industry.[2][4] Her debut album, Simplement (1999), achieved gold certification in France for sales exceeding 100,000 copies and featured additional hits like "On ne s'aimera plus jamais".[5] Follow-up releases included the self-titled album Larusso (2001) and My Box (2010), contributing to her overall record sales of more than five million albums and singles worldwide.[3][5] Larusso's career experienced a resurgence in 2020 when she won the second season of the French version of The Masked Singer, performing under the alias "Manchot" and captivating audiences with her powerful vocals.[1][6] She is also the cousin of prominent French television host Arthur (Jacques Essebag), though their familial connection has occasionally sparked unfounded rumors of nepotism, which she has publicly denied.[7][8] In recent years, she has remained active on the live circuit, participating in major nostalgia tours such as Stars 80/Stars 90 and RFM Party 90, and releasing singles like "Salama" (2022).[3][9] Her sold-out concert at the Olympia in Paris underscores her enduring popularity and fiery stage presence.[3]Early life
Family and upbringing
Laetitia Serero, known professionally as Larusso, was born on October 11, 1979, in Paris, France, to a Jewish family of North African descent.[4][1] Her father, of Moroccan origin from Fès with Spanish ancestry, worked in finance before transitioning to the textile industry, while her mother, born in Tunisia to a French family with Turkish roots, worked in the clothing sector.[4][10][11] The family maintained traditional Jewish practices, including keeping kosher, observing Shabbat discreetly, and celebrating all major holidays, fostering an environment of cultural openness and respect for diverse traditions.[10] Raised in Paris, Larusso grew up in a multicultural household that emphasized values such as tolerance, politeness, and gratitude, shaped by her parents' introverted yet elegant influences—her father being reserved and her mother embodying Tunisian sophistication.[1][10] She spent formative summers vacationing in Morocco, her father's homeland, where she created lasting memories with extended family, including stays at her maternal grandmother's house followed by trips to Moroccan destinations; these experiences were described by Larusso as "incredible" and deeply enriching. Her close-knit family also included notable relatives, such as her cousin, the prominent French television host and producer Arthur (Jacques Essebag).[4][12] This upbringing in a blend of French urban life and North African heritage profoundly influenced her sense of identity and cultural appreciation.[10]Introduction to music
From a young age, Serero developed a profound passion for singing, influenced by her multicultural upbringing that exposed her to diverse musical styles.[1] Growing up in a multicultural Jewish family in Paris's 13th arrondissement before moving to Plaisir in the Yvelines, she was raised with strong values of tolerance, politeness, and family ties, including observance of kosher dietary laws and Shabbat.[11][10] Her parents worked in the textile and clothing sectors, providing a modest environment that emphasized respect and gratitude, which shaped her grounded approach to life and later career.[11] At the age of 11 in 1990, she was scouted by Stéphanie Fugain and joined the children's group Kid Bazar, inspired by Michel Fugain's Le Big Bazar.[13][1] With the group, she contributed vocals to their debut single "Fastoche," a lively track tied to Disney promotions, marking her first professional recording experience and igniting her commitment to music.[14][15] As a teenager, Serero honed her skills by performing at family events such as bar mitzvahs and weddings, where she sang covers and originals, gaining practical stage presence and vocal technique.[11] She later reflected on these gigs as formative: "C’est dans les mariages que j’ai tout appris. J’ADORE."[11] Her early troupe experiences and event performances built the foundation for her breakthrough at age 18, when she auditioned for and secured the role of recording a French version of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" as "Je survivrai."[11][1] This progression from childhood enthusiasm to teenage proficiency underscored her natural talent and determination in pursuing music professionally.Music career
Debut and breakthrough
Larusso made her musical debut in 1997 with the single "Je survivrai", a French-language cover of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive", released by EMI Music France under the production of Didier Blanc. The track introduced her energetic pop style but garnered limited commercial attention, entering the French Singles Chart in March 1998 at number 60 and peaking at number 51, charting for 16 weeks overall.[16][17] Her career breakthrough arrived with the follow-up single "Tu m'oublieras", released on October 26, 1998. This infectious dance-pop anthem, co-written by Larusso with music by Marc Hillman and lyrics by Eric Chemouny, rapidly ascended the charts, debuting at number 34 in France before reaching number one on January 30, 1999, and holding the position for 12 weeks. It amassed 42 weeks on the French Singles Chart and topped the Wallonia chart in Belgium, earning a diamond certification from SNEP (over 750,000 units) on May 4, 1999, with sales exceeding 1,300,000 copies. The song's massive radio play and vibrant music video propelled Larusso to national stardom, establishing her as a prominent figure in late-1990s French pop.[18][19][20] Capitalizing on this momentum, Larusso released her debut album Simplement on October 8, 1999, via Odeon/EMI. Featuring 14 tracks blending pop, R&B, and urban influences, the album peaked at number 7 on the French Albums Chart, where it spent 15 weeks, and achieved gold certification from SNEP on November 16, 1999, for over 100,000 copies sold. Key singles from the album, including "On ne s'aimera plus jamais" (peaking at number 11) and "Il suffira" (reaching number 22), extended her chart presence and underscored the breakthrough success of her early career.[21][22][23]Peak success and tours
Larusso achieved her peak commercial success in the late 1990s following the release of her debut single "Je survivrai," a French adaptation of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive," in 1998, which gained moderate airplay and positioned her as an emerging pop artist. Her breakthrough came with the follow-up single "Tu m'oublieras," released later that year, which topped the French Singles Chart for 12 consecutive weeks and sold over 1,300,000 copies, making it one of the best-selling singles in France at the time. The track's massive radio and television exposure, including performances on major shows like Hit Machine, propelled Larusso to national stardom, with it also topping the Wallonia chart in Belgium. This success marked her as a prominent figure in French pop during the era of teen idols and dance-pop hits.[24][25][26] Building on this momentum, Larusso released her debut album Simplement in 1999, which peaked at number 7 on the French Albums Chart and sold approximately 150,000 copies, earning gold certification for its upbeat pop-dance tracks. The album featured additional singles like "On ne s'aimera plus jamais," which sold approximately 150,000 units, and "Il suffira," further solidifying her chart presence. At the height of her fame, she performed a sold-out solo concert at the Olympia in Paris, a milestone venue that underscored her rapid rise. Internationally, the album's lead singles garnered attention, leading to live appearances in the United States, Canada, Réunion, and the Philippines, expanding her fanbase beyond France.[25][27][11] Larusso's peak touring period aligned closely with her chart dominance, highlighted by her role as the opening act for Johnny Hallyday's "JH Tour 99" summer stadium tour, which comprised 34 concerts across France from June to August 1999. During these high-profile shows, she joined Hallyday onstage for duet performances of "L'Envie," exposing her to massive audiences and rock audiences alike. This tour, one of Hallyday's most successful, amplified Larusso's visibility and contributed to her status as a live performer capable of engaging large crowds with her energetic stage presence and vocal range. Following the tour, she capitalized on the buzz with additional promotional appearances, cementing 1999 as the pinnacle of her early career before shifting focus to subsequent releases.[28][11][29]Later albums and singles
Following the success of her debut album Simplement (1999), Larusso released her second studio album, eponymously titled Larusso, in 2001. The album featured singles such as "Tous unis" and "Entre nous", but it failed to replicate the commercial impact of her earlier work, marking a significant downturn in her career.[30][31] After a prolonged hiatus from the music industry, during which she largely stepped away from recording, Larusso staged a comeback in 2009, adopting her full name Laetitia Larusso for the release. She reemerged with the single "Comme Toi", followed by "Elle" later that year, both precursors to her third studio album, My Box, issued in 2010. The album blended pop and contemporary R&B elements, with additional singles including "Pas de Chichi" and "Juge-moi", though it achieved modest reception compared to her 1990s output.[30][32][33] Subsequent years saw Larusso focusing on sporadic single releases rather than full-length projects. In 2012, she collaborated with B-Real of Cypress Hill on the track "Untouchable", which incorporated hip-hop influences into her pop style. By 2019, she issued a series of independent singles: "Crois-moi", "Monopoly", and "Indivisible", reflecting a more personal and introspective lyrical approach amid evolving production. Her most recent release as of 2022 is the single "Salama", an upbeat pop track released under her stage name, signaling continued activity in the French music scene without a new album announcement.[31][34][35]Recent tours and revival
Following her victory in the second season of The Masked Singer France in 2020, Larusso experienced a significant career revival, marked by renewed public interest in her 1990s hits and opportunities for live performances.[36] This exposure led to the release of her single "Salama" in 2022, an engaged track calling for peace, which further signaled her return to music.[37] The show's success helped perpetuate her presence on stage, allowing her to reconnect with audiences through nostalgic 1990s-themed events. In 2023, Larusso participated in the inaugural edition of La Kermesse Festival, performing alongside artists like Fatal Bazooka and Billy Crawford in Nice, where the event drew large crowds celebrating 2000s and 2010s hits.[38] She reprised this role in 2024 across multiple stops of the festival's tour, including Nice (June 28–30), La Seyne-sur-Mer (August 2–4), and Toulouse (September 13–15), sharing the bill with performers such as Colonel Reyel, Lou Bega, and Priscilla.[39] These appearances highlighted her enduring appeal, with setlists featuring staples like "Tu m'oublieras" and "Je survivrai," evoking strong nostalgic responses from fans.[40] Building on this momentum, Larusso joined the RFM Party 90 tour in 2024, a showcase of 1990s icons including Ménélik and Princess Erika, though she was ultimately replaced by Indra for the December 13 concert at Arkéa Arena in Bordeaux due to scheduling conflicts.[41] In 2025, she continued her resurgence with performances at events like the Fête de la Musique in Miramas on June 21, alongside Francky Vincent, and the Beach 90 concert at Biarritz Surf Festival on July 15.[42][43] A major highlight of her 2025 schedule is the Stars 80/Stars 90 tour, where she returns to larger arenas, including a show at Decathlon Arena in Lille. Larusso has described the tour as tapping into audiences' "doux souvenirs" of the 1980s and 1990s era, emphasizing the emotional connection her performances foster.[44][45] Additional dates include a September 20 concert at Salle Des Fêtes in Montbartier, underscoring her active touring presence into late 2025.[46] This phase of her career reflects a sustained revival, driven by collaborative nostalgia-driven productions rather than solo endeavors.Television career
The Masked Singer participations
Larusso participated in the second season of Mask Singer, the French adaptation of The Masked Singer, which aired on TF1 from October 17 to November 28, 2020.[47] Disguised as the Manchot (Penguin), a costume featuring ski goggles and a red hat with an orange pompom, she advanced through the competition by performing a variety of songs that showcased her vocal range.[48] Her performances included energetic covers such as "Dance Monkey" by Tones and I in the premiere episode and "On the Floor" by Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull in a later round, earning consistent praise from the panel and advancing her to the finale.[49] In the season finale, Larusso delivered an emotional rendition of "Tous les cris les S.O.S." by Daniel Balavoine as the Manchot, which brought her to tears and highlighted her passion for animal welfare causes.[48] Competing against Daniel Lévi (disguised as the Robot) and Issa Doumbia (as the Dragon), she emerged as the winner, marking a significant comeback after years away from the spotlight.[47] The victory, which she described as a "true liberation" after the nerve-wracking experience of the costume, led to the release of her single version of "Tous les cris les S.O.S." on December 1, 2020, featuring the Manchot on the cover.[48] The season finale drew over 5 million viewers, underscoring the show's popularity.[48] Larusso made a return appearance in the Mask Singer Christmas special, broadcast on TF1 on December 20, 2024, where former contestants reprised roles in new costumes.[50] She performed as the Singe (Monkey), a costume previously worn by Alizée, and was unmasked during the episode after delivering her performance.[50] Although she did not claim victory in the special— which was won by Véronic DiCaire as the Caméléon— her participation added to the nostalgic lineup of returning celebrities, including Laurent Ournac as the Dragon and Laurence Boccolini as the Mariée.[50]Other television appearances
In addition to her participation in The Masked Singer France, Larusso has made numerous guest appearances on French television, primarily as a performer and interviewee promoting her music career. During the late 1990s peak of her fame, she performed her hit "Tu m'oublieras" on popular variety shows, including an appearance on La fureur du samedi in 1999, where she joined a special episode themed around 1980s music alongside other artists.[51] In the 2000s, Larusso continued to feature on talk and music programs, notably as a guest on On n'est pas couché in 2009, during which she performed her single "Comme toi" hosted by Laurent Ruquier on France 2. She also appeared on Chabada in 2011, a France 2 music show dedicated to French chanson, where she paid homage to classic songs through live performances. Following a period of reduced visibility, Larusso's revival in the 2010s brought more frequent TV spots. In 2014, she participated in Les 30 ans du TOP 50, a celebratory special marking the chart's anniversary, performing her signature tracks.[52] In 2019, she featured on De quoi j'me mêle!, a France 3 talk show, discussing personal stories and singing selections from her discography.[53] Her television presence intensified in the 2020s amid renewed popularity from tours and singles. In 2022, Larusso was a guest on Génération Hit Machine, a W9 prime-time event revisiting 1990s hits, where she reflected on her breakthrough success and expressed interest in hosting roles. She also appeared on Télématin's "L'invitée du jour" segment that year, promoting upcoming concerts. Later that year, she guested on Les Enfants de la télé, reminiscing about her early career with host Laurent Ruquier.[54] In 2025, Larusso returned to Télématin for another "L'invitée du jour" interview, sharing emotional reflections on her 25-year milestone, and appeared on C'est bien ici on France 3, performing alongside Patrick Hernandez.[55][56] These appearances have helped sustain her visibility, often focusing on nostalgic tributes to her 1990s hits while highlighting her ongoing artistic evolution.Personal life
Legal incidents
In September 1999, Larusso was accused of physically assaulting a female motorist after the driver did not start her vehicle quickly enough at a traffic light.[57] The incident led to charges of violence and non-public insults, resulting in her conviction in October 1999. She received a two-month suspension of her driver's license and a fine of 250 French francs.[58]Family connections
Larusso, born Laetitia Serero, was raised by parents of North African descent. Her father, of Moroccan origin from Fès with Spanish roots, worked in finance before transitioning to the textile industry.[4] Her mother, of Tunisian origin and born in Tunisia to a French mother, served as a homemaker.[10][4] The singer shares a familial connection with prominent French television host Arthur (real name Jacques Essebag), who is her cousin through their fathers' shared Moroccan origins. Despite their relation, Larusso has described their interactions as infrequent but marked by mutual respect and affection, with no professional collaboration due to Arthur's deliberate distance to avoid perceptions of nepotism.[59][8][7] Larusso is married to an unnamed partner whom she regards as her best friend, confidant, and protector. The couple has no children as of 2025, though she has expressed a desire to start a family when the timing feels right.[4][60][61]Discography
Studio albums
Larusso, born Laetitia Serero, released her debut studio album Simplement on October 18, 1999, through Odeon Records, a subsidiary of EMI France. The album marked her breakthrough in the French pop scene, featuring 14 tracks blending dance-pop and Europop elements, with production by Dr. Swing and Luke Le Men. Key singles included "Tu m'oublieras," which topped the French Singles Chart and achieved diamond certification (500,000 units), "On ne s'aimera plus jamais," and "Je survivrai," a French adaptation of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive." The album sold over 100,000 copies in France, earning gold status, and its energetic tracks like "Il suffira" and "Come Back to Me" showcased Larusso's vibrant vocal style and urban influences.[62][63] Her second studio album, the self-titled Larusso, followed on January 22, 2001, also via EMI France. This 12-track release shifted slightly toward more mature pop with R&B undertones, produced by a team including Christophe Deschamps and Larusso herself contributing to songwriting. Standout singles were "Tous unis (Give Me Love)," peaking at number 82 on the French charts, and "Entre nous," emphasizing themes of unity and romance. Tracks such as "Habibi" incorporated Middle Eastern musical motifs, reflecting her North African heritage, while "Danse la nuit (Dance All Night)" maintained the danceable energy of her debut. The album received mixed commercial success, selling around 100,000 copies, amid Larusso's evolving artistic direction post her initial fame.[64] After an eight-year hiatus, Larusso returned with her third studio album My Box on February 1, 2010, independently released through Robenji. Comprising 14 tracks, it adopted a contemporary R&B and pop fusion, with Larusso co-writing and co-producing alongside Alias LJ. Prominent singles included "Comme toi," released in 2009 and charting modestly, "Elle," and "Pas de chichi," which highlighted her personal growth and resilience. Songs like "Juge moi" and "Je refuse" addressed empowerment and relationships, blending French lyrics with English phrases for an international appeal. The album, while not achieving mainstream chart success, represented her independent phase, with limited sales but positive notes for its cohesive sound and vocal maturity.[65]| Album Title | Release Date | Label | Key Singles | Certifications/Sales (France) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simplement | October 18, 1999 | Odeon Records | "Tu m'oublieras," "On ne s'aimera plus jamais," "Je survivrai" | Gold (100,000+ copies)[62][63] |
| Larusso | January 22, 2001 | EMI France | "Tous unis (Give Me Love)," "Entre nous" | ~100,000 copies[64] |
| My Box | February 1, 2010 | Robenji | "Comme toi," "Elle," "Pas de chichi" | Independent release, modest sales[65] |
Singles
Larusso's singles career began in the late 1990s with dance-pop tracks that achieved significant commercial success in France, particularly through her debut album Simplement. Her breakthrough came with covers and original songs blending Eurodance and pop elements, leading to multiple top-charting releases. Subsequent singles from her second album and later comebacks were less commercially dominant but marked her evolution toward more mature themes and collaborations.[31][30] Her most iconic single, "Tu m'oublieras" (1998), a French adaptation of Régine's earlier track, topped the French Singles Chart for 12 weeks and achieved diamond certification (500,000 units), establishing her as a major pop artist. It was followed by strong performers like "On ne s'aimera plus jamais" (1999), which peaked at number 11 and spent 22 weeks on the chart. "Je survivrai" (1997), her debut single and a cover of "I Will Survive," introduced her style and reached number 51. These early hits emphasized empowering lyrics and upbeat production, contributing to over 2 million combined sales from her initial releases.[66][67][68][69] Later singles from the 2001 self-titled album, such as "Come Back to Me" (2000) and "Tous unis (Give Me Love)" (2001), received moderate airplay but lower chart peaks, with the latter at number 82. Her 2009 comeback via the album My Box produced "Comme toi," peaking at number 28, and "Elle," which gained digital traction without entering the top 50. Subsequent releases like "Untouchable" featuring B-Real (2012) and "Monopoly" (2019) reflected a shift to urban influences and independent distribution, though they did not replicate early commercial peaks. Recent singles, including "Salama" (2022), continue her output on streaming platforms.[70][71][31]| Title | Year | Peak Position (France) | Weeks on Chart | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Je survivrai | 1997 | 51 | 16 | Simplement |
| Tu m'oublieras | 1998 | 1 | 49 | Simplement |
| On ne s'aimera plus jamais | 1999 | 11 | 22 | Simplement |
| Il suffira | 1999 | 22 | 13 | Simplement |
| Come Back to Me | 2000 | — | — | Larusso |
| Tous unis (Give Me Love) | 2001 | 82 | 4 | Larusso |
| Comme toi | 2009 | 28 | 20 | My Box |
| Elle | 2009 | — | — | My Box |
| Pas de chichi | 2010 | — | — | My Box |
| Untouchable (feat. B-Real) | 2012 | — | — | Non-album single |
| Crois-moi | 2019 | 102 | 1 | Non-album single |
| Monopoly | 2019 | — | — | Non-album single |
| Salama | 2022 | — | — | Non-album single |
Awards and nominations
Television awards
{| class="wikitable" ! Year ! Award ! Category ! Result| ! Ref. |
|---|
| 2020 |
| The Masked Singer France |
| Winner (season 2) |
| Won |
| [1] |
| } |