We’re into the top 15 now, and it’s fair to say we have really reached my favourite songs of Eurovision 2018. It’s been a long while since we’ve had a big 5 country, and France is proving to be a huge fan favourite with their electropop song about the European migrant/refugee crisis. France have done well in the last couple of years, and signs are that this year will also bring success. But can they win for an elusive sixth time – they have been waiting since 1977 – the year before I was born!
I suspect many eurofans will think I have placed this too low, but I will dispute that, this is definitely in the top group. I’m not perhaps quite as huge a fan of it as some seem to be but it’s an incredibly worthy song and I am a fan of electropop and songs in French. I will be honest, I have preferred the last two French entries more, but I guess the message of this song precludes it from being as bouncy or as pop-py as Alma and Amir’s efforts.
I don’t think there is any doubt that this is another very high quality entry from France. The duo really do bring the audience along with them as well when performing live and live audiences really do seem to respond well. The OGAE fanbase is also going for this in a big way.
Can it actually win? Well, in some ways I think this actually has a better chance even then Amir did in 2016 when he was one of the favourites going in to the contest. If the connection they and the subject of the song have made with eurofans is replicated then they have to be in with a shout. On the other hand, eurofans tend to know more about the story and messages surrounding the songs, whereas 95% of the voting public will only see the three minutes in the grand final on the Saturday night. That’s where I don’t know if it will make that connection – it could, or it might not. I think this will be solidly supported by many juries. Either way, I think a top 10 result is very likely.
On a side note, Madame (Émilie Satt) was ill just before Eurovision in Concert and the UK’s SuRie took her place at the concert with less than a day to learn and rehearse another country’s song – it’s what Eurovision is all about, and made me love SuRie even more! Be sure to check out that Anglo-French performance.
Official music video:
Live performance at London Eurovision Party:
France at the Eurovision Song Contest:
First entered: 1956
Appearances (excluding this year): 60
Best result: Winner 1958, 1960, 1962, 1969, 1977
Last year’s result: 12th