🇫🇷 Road to Basel: France

Road to Basel: France. We cannot wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel. Therefore, we take a closer look at one of the contestants each day. Today, we highlight France.

Louane

Louane Emera, known simply as Louane, is a beloved French singer-songwriter and actress whose heartfelt music and captivating stage presence have earned her widespread acclaim. After rising to fame through her participation in The Voice: la plus belle voix in 2013, Louane quickly established herself as one of France’s most promising young talents. Subsequently, her debut album, Chambre 12, became a chart-topping success, showcasing her ability to blend emotional depth with accessible pop melodies. Furthermore, known for hits such as “Avenir,” Louane effortlessly conveys vulnerability and strength in her music. Consequently, her performances are praised for authenticity and warmth, qualities that resonate deeply with audiences across generations. Additionally, Louane’s diverse talents extend to acting; notably, she received a César Award for her role in La Famille Bélier.

Maman (what does AI say?)

Louane’s 2025 release, “Maman,” is a heartfelt and introspective ballad that elegantly captures the emotional complexities of motherhood, memory, and identity. Co-written by Louane and Tristan Salvati, the song is deeply personal, drawing inspiration from Louane’s own experiences of loss and becoming a mother. Moreover, with delicate melodies and poignant lyrics, “Maman” reflects the powerful bond between parent and child, bridging the past and the future. Additionally, Louane’s vulnerable yet powerful vocal performance enriches the song’s universal appeal, profoundly resonating with listeners. Through “Maman,” Louane explores themes of love, reflection, and generational continuity, showcasing her artistic maturity and emotional authenticity.

Internal selection

In 2025, France Télévisions opted for an internal selection process to choose their Eurovision representative. Consequently, on January 30, 2025, they announced Louane as the chosen artist. Subsequently, Louane unveiled her song “Maman” during a live performance at the Stade de France on March 15, 2025, coinciding with the halftime show of the Six Nations rugby match between France and Scotland. As a result of being a member of the “Big Five,” France automatically qualifies for the Eurovision Grand Final, scheduled for May 17, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland.

France in the Eurovision Song Contest

France has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since its inception in 1956. Soon after joining, the country achieved its first victory in 1958 with André Claveau’s “Dors, mon amour.” France subsequently won four more times: Jacqueline Boyer with “Tom Pillibi” (1960), Isabelle Aubret with “Un premier amour” (1962), Frida Boccara singing “Un jour, un enfant” (1969, a four-way tie), and Marie Myriam’s “L’oiseau et l’enfant” (1977), which remains their latest victory.

Moreover, other notable entries include Amina’s “C’est le dernier qui a parlé qui a raison,” which tied for first place but finished second after a tie-break in 1991, and Barbara Pravi‘s “Voilà,” which achieved second place in 2021. Consistently, France competes as part of the “Big Five,” granting automatic qualification for the final.

A random French entry

We let the website random.org select a French entry from Eurovision history. It is the 1958 winning song, “Dors Mon Amour”, sung by André Claveau. With the money, he didn’t buy a car or a yacht. No, he bought a cow!

Betting odds

Currently, France takes a third place in the betting odds for winning the Eurovision Song Contest. That means only two entries make more change to win the whole thing. If this comes true, it would be one of the better scores for France, especially in the last few years.

We can not wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel.