Grégory Bakian opens up to Monaco Life about his journey from motorsport to music, his charitable work in Monaco and France, and his dreams for the future.
Had things turned out differently, the name Grégory Bakian might be one we associate with the adrenaline-fuelled world of motorsports and Formula 1 racing. Indeed, for much of his early life, this was exactly the destiny that Bakian was chasing.
“Motorsport was the first step in my career,” he shares with Monaco Life. “20 years ago, I was a regional champion in go-karting alongside an incredible generation of drivers, like Sebastian Vettel and Jules Bianchi.”
He reached the finals of the French Championship three times, but his ambitions to advance into Formula 4 in 2005 were ultimately curtailed by financial constraints.
“In motorsport, talent is just one piece of the puzzle. Financial backing and sponsorships are equally critical,” Bakian explains. “This time in my life—motorsport—was significant to me. It shaped who I am today and set me on my path. Though I ultimately took a different direction, I’m grateful for everything it taught me.”
Switching gears
When his motorsports career came to an end, Grégory Bakian made the unusual transition from the competitive world of motorsports to the glamourous life of a singer and performer.
“My new life on stage began to take shape as I started winning song contests across France,” says Bakian.
But this journey had started much earlier, almost unexpectedly. In 2003, a school friend signed him up for the singing contest Graine de Star, which he won.
“At that point, music was more of a hobby,” Bakian explained. “My real focus was still on motorsport—I wanted to be a Formula 1 driver.”
When his racing aspirations were put on hold, Bakian pursued formal training in lyrical singing, studying under renowned tenors Pascal Aubert and Jean-Pierre Blivet. Step by step, his focus shifted, and by 2010, he had arrived in Paris, where he met Charles Aznavour, the legendary French-Armenian singer and songwriter known for his passionate lyrics and distinct voice.
“He was the most famous French music artist in history, a great mentor to me—a true legend,” says Bakian, recalling the impact of their meeting.
This connection led to collaborations on three songs, including L’Adolescence, which Bakian performed in 2017 at the Armenian Europe Music Awards at the Zénith Paris – La Villette.
“I consider myself lucky to have had this talent to fall back on after motorsport,” he says.
The world of racing wasn’t done with him yet though. For the video for his song Ce Qui Ne Tue Pas Nous Rend Plus Fort (What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger), Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo made a special appearance, blending Bakian’s two passions on screen.
Music with impact
In 2021, Grégory Bakian rebranded himself as Bakian and embraced a more pop-electro style. His single Changer, released that October, came with a music video filmed in Monaco. He later received attention from the French press for his tracks Tout Emporter and Le Premier, which tackled contemporary themes such as the influence of social media.
Bakian describes his musical influences as diverse, drawing on the sounds of Imagine Dragons and Coldplay, and taking lyrical inspiration from life and society.
“I like weaving philosophical messages into my songs,” he explains. “I sing about love too, but it’s not my main focus—there are already plenty of love songs in French music.”
Bakian’s music centres on tolerance, hope and determination, which is the message he aims to convey: “In life, nothing is ever over—keep pushing forward,” he says.
Fueling hope
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Bakian is committed to a great number of charitable causes, including the World Stars Football Match with the Star Team for the Children Monaco. Founded in 1993 by Prince Albert II of Monaco and Mauro Serra, its primary mission is to raise funds to support children in need worldwide. Bakian has been a member of the Star Team for the Children of Monaco for nine years.
In June 2023, he was elevated to Grand Officer of the Universal League of Public Good, an NGO recognised by the UN and UNESCO, and was appointed Head of the Youth and Sports Commission in France.
Bakian is also deeply involved with C’est Eux les Champions, or They Are The Champions in English, a charity led by Philippe Demanet that focuses on supporting vulnerable children. This organisation unites athletes, artists and other public figures to advocate for and assist at-risk youth, offering them vital resources in education, healthcare and social support.
“When I learned more about C’est Eux les Champions, I felt an immediate connection,” he tells Monaco Life. Their mission to protect vulnerable children really fits with my personality and values. They need organisations like this to stand up for them, to ensure they have the support they need to thrive.”
With over 171,000 followers on Instagram, Bakian regularly uses his platform to raise awareness for causes close to him and shared his highlights of the charity’s recent event in the Var on social media. Click here to watch the video on YouTube.
“I feel proud to be a small part of an organisation like C’est Eux les Champions. My priority is to give my time to these children,” he adds. “Seeing joy and hope in their eyes—that’s what matters most to me.”
See more: They Are The Champions hosts adrenaline-filled day for disadvantaged youth
Path Forward
Looking ahead, Bakian hints at a possible return to motorsport.
“It’s possible that next year I’ll come back for two or three races,” he shares, though his main focus remains on music. “I’m planning a tour across France next year, and maybe even in other countries, like Asia.”
His ultimate dream, however, is to perform at the legendary Olympia in Paris, a venue that has hosted icons like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles.
“One day, I’ll take the stage at Olympia,” he says with solid determination.
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