A French R&B performer named Mathieu Edward entered the music scene in 2008, having first risen to prominence across the country by reaching the finals of Star Academy on television. His birth occurred as Mathieu Edouard in Cergy-Pontoise, France, on January 2, 1987. During the seventh edition of Star Academy, which ran from 2007 to 2008, he placed as the runner-up, coming in just behind the victor Quentin Mosimann when the finale aired on February 15, 2008. Following this, a recording agreement with the major label Universal Music came his way, leading to the release of his initial solo full-length project, the 2008 album Entre Toi et Moi. This effort achieved Top Ten status on the French album charts and delivered a pair of successful singles, including the Trak Invaders-produced "Comme Avant," which reached the Top Five and featured a collaboration with Sheryfa Luna—herself the champion from the 2006-2007 edition of Popstars—alongside the Top Ten track "Entre Toi et Moi."
