I felt like nobody loved me
Direct from the Universe, the crowd-favorite Quebecois show hosted with flair by France Beaudoin recently delivered a grand season finale. True to its magic formula, the concept remains unchanged: a marquee guest takes center stage without knowing the night’s lineup, while family, friends, and fellow artists come together to celebrate through songs that marked their life. Laughter, tears, and memories are always on the menu.
The Great Ginette Reno
For this grand finale, it was none other than the Québécois icon Ginette Reno who was honored. A legendary voice, a radiant presence, a woman of heart and character, Ginette has illuminated the Quebec artistic scene for decades. At 80, she remains as entertaining, moving, and authentic as ever.
Among the many surprises of the evening, one moment stood out: Shirley Théroux stepping onto the stage to pay tribute to the woman who has shaped her life. An emotionally charged moment that gave Ginette the chance to open up about a memory both surprising and deeply human.
The Past
She was much better than I was
“Shirley, you’ve got a whole history with Shirley, you know. Because you went to the same school?” asked the Saturday-night host.
“Yes, she was my rival,” Ginette replied.
“Your rival?” the host pressed.
“In school, yes, she was my rival. She was much better than me. And then I resented her, I envied her. I was jealous,” the great singer, whom we adore, honestly admitted, and she says that today that feeling is behind her.
“Because you were in the same class?” adds France.
“No, it was because she sang as well. And I had the sense that no one loved me. She was the one everyone loved, and I wasn’t. I held onto it for a long time, but those are the jokes of yesterday,” the beloved singer reflects, now sure that those feelings are in the past.
A finale worthy of this great lady of Québécois song.
Céline Dion 
Let’s also note that during this memorable evening, Céline Dion herself took a moment to offer tender words to Ginette, adding a layer of emotion to an already moving universe.
“Dear Ginette, as you’ve so beautifully sung, the essential thing is to be loved. So I join all those who love you—and there are many—to wish you a happy birthday. Happy 80th. I love you,” Céline spoke with warmth.
We wish Ginette Reno—and all those who love her—many more years of happiness, health, and light. May her voice continue to resonate for a long time in our Quebec homes and in our hearts.
Created by humans, assisted by AI.
