Nayah

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Nayah, born Sylvie Mestres in 1960, is a French singer. The singer is known for her powerful voice and engaging stage presence. She launched her music career after six years of study at the Perpignan Academy of Music and Drama. In the late 1970s and 1980s, she performed in local galas and singing contests, honing her talent. Nayah released her first album Elohim in 1988. Notably, Elohim drew on themes from the Raëlian philosophy, reflecting her early interest in the controversial movement that would later spark debate. By the 1990s, Nayah was gaining recognition: she even took part in the 1990 Swiss Eurovision selection, finishing second with the song “Dîtes à vos enfants”.

Eurovision 1999 and Raëlian Controversy

In 1999, Nayah’s career hit a high point when France selected her to represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest in Jerusalem. She performed the uplifting ballad “Je veux donner ma voix” on the Eurovision stage. However, the excitement of her selection came with unexpected controversy. Shortly before the contest, the French press revealed Nayah’s past involvement with the International Raëlian Movement (IRM). IRM was a controversial sect that believes life on Earth was created by aliens. This revelation led to intense media coverage and public scrutiny. Anti-cult associations in France were concerned that a Eurovision victory for Nayah could give the Raëlian movement positive exposure. However, Eurovision officials did not bar her from competing.

Nayah initially attempted to downplay the issue. She stated in 1999 that she had left the Raëlian movement in 1996 to focus on her career. However, the controversy did not subside. The following year, during a press conference, Nayah admitted that she was still a member of the Raëlian movement. Despite the media storm, Nayah went on to perform at Eurovision 1999. She finished 19th out of 23 contestants, earning 14 points for France. While her song briefly appeared on the French music charts, the Raëlian controversy overshadowed its success. It even led to some of her contracts and TV appearances being canceled in the aftermath. This period was challenging for Nayah, but it also showed her determination to keep pursuing music despite public pressure.

Tribute to Céline Dion and Continued Performances

After Eurovision, Nayah pivoted to a new chapter in her career. A Las Vegas producer, impressed by her vocal talent and resemblance to Canadian superstar Céline Dion, offered Nayah a five-year contract as a Céline Dion impersonator. Nayah embraced this opportunity enthusiastically. She developed a live tribute show called Tribute to Céline Dion, performing around 17 of Céline’s biggest hits in both French and English. The show, which she began touring in the 2000s, featured authentic costumes and looks inspired by Dion’s 1999 Stade de France concert. Audiences across France were delighted by Nayah’s faithful renditions of songs like “My Heart Will Go On” and “All By Myself”. Her natural charisma and powerful vocals made the tribute act a success. In fact, Nayah became known as one of Europe’s top Céline Dion tribute artists, touring nationally and abroad with her show. 

Nayah’s prowess as a tribute performer also led to notable television appearances. In February 2010, she took part in a special impersonators edition of the French TV show Un dîner presque parfait (“Dinner Party Contest”), where contestants also cooked dinner for each other. Nayah impressed not just with her cooking but with her performances. She won that week’s competition. In 2013, she appeared in the reality TV program Les Sosies à Hollywood, which followed French look-alikes in the entertainment industry. She continued to be active on stage and screen, sharing her passion for music. In 2016, Nayah discussed her unique career on an episode of C’est mon choix (a talk show) themed “Impersonator in spite of myself,” where she reflected on life as an unlikely celebrity look-alike. Throughout these years, Nayah remained dedicated to entertaining audiences, whether she was singing as herself or channeling Céline Dion’s spirit on stage.

Later Career and Activities Outside Music

In recent years, Nayah has shown her versatility by engaging in new ventures both in and out of music. In 2019, she served as a member of the jury on Together, tous avec moi, a musical game show on French television, where her experience in performing helped her judge new talents. Always eager for a fresh challenge, Nayah stepped back into the spotlight as a contestant on The Voice France in 2021. She gave an emotional blind-audition performance of Édith Piaf’s classic “Hymne à l’amour”. Unfortunately, none of the coaches turned their chairs for her, and she did not advance in the competition. However, the appearance introduced her to a new generation of viewers. In addition, that same year she tried something completely different by entering a television baking competition, Mon gâteau est le meilleur de France (“My Cake Is the Best in France”). This foray into reality cooking shows demonstrated Nayah’s adventurous spirit, even though she was eliminated by the jury.

Nayah continues to pursue her love of performing. In 2024, she became one of 12 contestants on Voix de stars, France’s first televised singing contest dedicated to vocal impersonators. This marked yet another full-circle moment in her career, allowing her to compete using the tribute talent she honed over years. Outside of competitions, Nayah has also devoted time to charitable causes. For example, in 2010 she released a single called “Enfant Rêve”. She donated the proceeds to the Rêve charity, which helps fulfill dreams of seriously ill children. Through all these endeavors, Nayah has maintained an optimistic and engaging presence.