This is one of the flagship programs of the PAF hosted by Michel Drucker. On January 16, 1982, the host presented the first issue of Champs-Élysées, the variety program broadcast on Antenne 2. At the time, shot live from the Espace Cardin then at the Pavillon Gabriel, located along the most beautiful avenue of the world, it was the unmissable event on Saturday evening.

For the 40th anniversary of the show, France 3 is broadcasting to viewers this evening Once upon a time on the Champs-Elysées, the new documentary to discover in two parts. A first evening (from 1982 to 1985) where the most nostalgic and other curious are invited to rediscover “the musical and cultural world of the 1980s during which the show experienced its golden age over its 300 shows”, we indicates the synopsis of the report. More than 10 million faithful gathered in front of their screens to see their favorite stars.

Among the 3,000 stars who walked the famous Champs-Élysées red carpet, we find stars of French song like Dalida, Daniel Balavoine, France Gall and Mireille Mathieu. But also new artists who started in the song, like Mylène Farmer, Francis Cabrel and Jeanne Mas. Without forgetting the international stars who also arrived by limousine like Tina Turner, Barbra Streisand and Romy Schneider.

For nearly a decade, Michel Drucker has experienced great television moments that have marked the public. It was on her show that the French discovered the voice of Céline Dion, with her hit Love or friendship in 1983. A first television appearance in France which brought luck to the young Quebec artist who became famous through the whole world.

But the program was also the scene of live skids. Like that Saturday night in 1986 when singer Serge Gainsbourg created controversy (and above all unease) by declaring to Whitney Houston: “I want to fuck her”. A statement that had scandalized the American star and caused embarrassment to Michel Drucker. “A terrible scandal that I am still told about today”, remembers the octogenarian in Le Parisien.

Before discovering the first part of the documentary on the history of Champs-Elysées on France 3, Planet invites you to review five highlights of the show in the slideshow.