claudio capéo eurovision 2017 france

He’s a former star of The Voice in France. And now it’s emerged that Claudio Capéo could have been France’s Eurovision 2017 act as well.

On Wednesday the 32-year old singer spoke with French outlet 20 Minutes on Facebook live. During the chat, Claudio revealed that he was asked to represent his country at Eurovision 2017, but turned the opportunity down.

“It’s too dangerous for me,” he said. “I’m too nervous for such a big thing. I fear to disappoint. If I fail I would fear a tough backlash.”

Not only that, but Claudio’s schedule would not have worked with Eurovision either. “I saw the amount of work it was for Alma…I already had so much work.”

Alma certainly put in the hours ahead of Eurovision, appearing at nearly all of the Pre-Party events — including London, Amsterdam, Madrid and Tel Aviv. We don’t blame anyone for being daunted by that kind of schedule!

It’s no surprise that the French team were interested in Claudio, though. The singer — well known for his accordion playing — appeared on last year’s edition of The Voice: la plus belle voix.

Though he didn’t make it far in the contest — he lost in the battle round — it didn’t stop the French public from taking him to heart. The video for his debut single “Un homme debout” has clocked up nearly 75 million views, with the song charting in the top ten in both France and Belgium.

Not only that, but his self-titled debut album went to number one in France and is now 3x Platinum. His star is only on the rise!

Y’all: we would not have wanted to pick between Alma and Claudio! The fact the choice even included these two rising acts shows how far France has come in the last couple of years at Eurovision. They are taking it seriously!

Do you think Claudio would have been a good choice for France? Or was Alma always the best option? Let us know all your thoughts in the comments section below!

Follow all of our France Eurovision news here

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Charles
Charles
6 years ago

Now here’s a young man echoing in his own way the true soul and colour of the traditional french chanson in this day and age … this is musically significant and artistically speaking too much advanced for the “pre-intermediate-levels” of eurofans who can only be thrilled with Imri-wannabes and europop dance tunes …

Loin de La Bas
Loin de La Bas
6 years ago
Reply to  Charles

“imri,wannabes, and europop dance tunes” haha. Spot on.

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

I’d love to see Claudio at Eurovision! He’s great! “Un homme debout” is a wonderful song! I love it! His brand new single “Riche” (Rich) is really sweet! It’s diffiucult to take all these Eurovision responsibilities when you have already full schedule. Ok, if you’re nervous, you can’t handle this with ease. And I understand what he’s saying about being afraid if he fails. I would have thought that too. Hope when he’s more ready for this, he’ll make his attempt. But, don’t participate just to be there but also have a good song. When you have it, it represents… Read more »

pp
pp
6 years ago

In past in 60 ties, 70 ties many stars in that time go to Eurovision to sing for their countries. Now they don t want to that , only maybe want to that star from past like some singer from UK 2012,2013

Fatima
Fatima
6 years ago

It’s an interesting story. Sobral proved you didn’t need parties or even rehearsals to win. Perhaps the EBU need to look at the schedules imposed on Eurovision acts. On top of the rehearsal and red carpet commitments, all the acts are under scrutiny from the likes of us. I easily see why Capéo would be put off.
But do we really want a contest with bigger names who turn down interview requests and won’t connect with fans in the same way as a Slavko or a Jimmie?

jordanbul
jordanbul
6 years ago
Reply to  Fatima

Thanks to that mistery and story about his illnes he won. In Portugal people want Viva la Diva trio and trio 2 time won televote and beat Salvador in his own country.

Loin de La Bas
Loin de La Bas
6 years ago
Reply to  Fatima

At the end it’s all about the song. Bigger names can succeed, but if they’re song is bad, it will be bad.
Salvador didn’t need rehearsals yes, But again, his song did NOT require any of that either. If it’s say, Imri, God knows he needs all of that rehearsals to reach perfection.
And no, Salvador didn’t win because of his illness and mystery. Emmilie de Forest and Jamala won without promotion AND without “sickness” story.

Loin de La Bas
Loin de La Bas
6 years ago

I don’t get those who says that this is too French. BRING the Frenchness! If people don’t get it, a Rihanna and Beyonce wannabes no longer stand out in the contest these days. Alma is very French yet she appeals to alot of people pre-contest. Plus, this year we have unusual music and they clearly had great impact (Hungary, Belarus, and of course Portugal) If he has a GOOD song (at the end that’s what’s that come down to), he could stand out, especially being a sexy young French man with an accordeon. The FRENCHness is a brand, if the… Read more »

Twisted French
Twisted French
6 years ago
Reply to  Loin de La Bas

I agree!!! I would advise the delegation to choose something very French, because I think that’s what Europeans want to see from France. BUT not just the Eiffel Tower as a staging, it has been over over and over used. Even though Alma gave a very good image of France this year, they didn’t have to include English lyrics, nobody except Portuguese understands Portuguese, but everyones praised the song and singer, that doesn’t matter. If people want a translation, they know where to find it. So I agree with you, you have to be the most French you can be.… Read more »

Fatima
Fatima
6 years ago
Reply to  Twisted French

You’re right, not just the Eiffel Tower. Let’s put him in a stripy jumper, beret, and string of onions round his neck. And on a bicycle.

Twisted French
Twisted French
6 years ago
Reply to  Fatima

You forgot the veil. Another very good symbol of France.

Étoile
Étoile
6 years ago
Reply to  Loin de La Bas

Thank you for your comment because I was shocked to read it was “too French”. I think it’s some kind of mark. I don’t want to hear bland artists with zero personality in them and their songs. So to all countries Bring your Frenchness, your Italianess, your Spanishness, your Greekness etc. 🙂

Loin de La Bas
Loin de La Bas
6 years ago
Reply to  Loin de La Bas

Hey guyss, wow some comments lol YES I mean. enough is enough with the wannabes! If you send a heartfelt and GENUINE song and present it well. it could sell!
As an example look at Patricia Kaas! she finished 9th in the sea of crazy Eurovision acts..that’s impressive! Cause she has that unique cabaret jazz voice and delivered it with that class and a certain élégance a la Française!
The French delegation better step up their game: good song with good artist, stay genuine and for god’s sake; STAGING. Present it with a strong concept. That’s all.

Qoojuice
Qoojuice
6 years ago
Reply to  Loin de La Bas

I whis france send simple modern song mix with (Harpsichord) or ( 17th18th centuries instrument) its morden;classic;unique; distinctive; special something new never heard before in ESC history.

Qoojuice
Qoojuice
6 years ago
Reply to  Loin de La Bas

I wish france send simple french modern song mix with (Harpsichord) or ( 17th18th centuries instrument) its morden;classic;unique; distinctive; special something new never heard before in ESC history.

Twisted French
Twisted French
6 years ago

I do think he would have been a good choice!! Though I’m not a big fan, he is very French, and his music too. Other artist have been approached, like Tal, I thing her song “Are we awake” or something like this would have worked well at Eurovision.

Étoile
Étoile
6 years ago
Reply to  Twisted French

Si vous faites référence au commentaire qui dit que c’est trop “French” laissez tomber, on peut l’analyser comme on veut pour moi c’est limite une certaine “forme de xénophobie”. Encore une fois chacun le prendra comme il veut! N’ayez pas honte de notre pays. Pour Claudio il ne l’aurait pas fait l’Eurovision, il est trop émotif et timide. Tal peut-être l’année prochaine ? C’est trop long l’attente, en plus je ne sais pas si ce sera interne ou une finale. Vivement! 🙂

Twisted French
Twisted French
6 years ago
Reply to  Étoile

Ha, je n’ai honte de rien moi 🙂 Il est normal et logique que chaque pays ait envie d’apporter quelque chose de son pays, plutôt que de se fondre dans la masse. Quitte à donner une fois par an une image de la France aux Européens, autant que ce soit bien pensé, et bien français. Sinon ça n’a aucun intéret!

Étoile
Étoile
6 years ago
Reply to  Twisted French

J’adore votre commentaire, vous avez dit tout ce que je pensais. J’aime la positivité Bel après-midi. 🙂

Alex
Alex
6 years ago

well the pre-show parties are not compulsory to attend, Salvador didn’t attend any of these.

Claudio would have been a better choice, i love Alma but i think Claudia has something special!

Quel dommage!

Stan
Stan
6 years ago

Do you think this is ‘international’ enough? It sounds very french, not sure what kind of appeal this has on someone in Armenia or Estonia…

Belgium12points
Belgium12points
6 years ago
Reply to  Stan

Do you think eurovision songs should be “international”? I don’t know, I think they can also reflect the real music of their country, I surely would prefer it that way, sometimes when I watch eurovision I feel like I watch an american program.

Catherine
Catherine
6 years ago

Belgium12points. Agree. That’s what I want from Eurovision. Real music from different country with examples of real artists’ work

Stan
Stan
6 years ago

It doesn’t have too… But I think to crack the top 5, it’s necessarry. Remember Amir, Franscesco.. They just came a bit too short. And France wants to get into the top 5… And no, Salvador is jazzy, a bit of bossa nova… It could have come from anywhere, performed in any language

Yossarian
Yossarian
6 years ago
Reply to  Stan

“Amar pelos dois” didn’t sound very international either, and yet… 🙂

Stan
Stan
6 years ago
Reply to  Yossarian

It’s musically very anglo-saxon, though. Only the language makes it portuguese

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  Stan

How is it “Anglo-Saxon”?

Twisted French
Twisted French
6 years ago
Reply to  Stan

Armenia is definitely not a good example to choose, French songs at Eurovision will always appeal to Armenians. Armenia is the only country always giving points to France, except in 2014. And we do the same too. There is a special bond between our two countries, France can send any kind of song, it will always appeal to Armenians, unless the song is ridiculously bad.

Étoile
Étoile
6 years ago
Reply to  Twisted French

Yes you’re so right, it’s such a bad example, we have an excellent and beautiful relationship with Armenia. Lots of love to them <3

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago
Reply to  Stan

I don’t think songs should always be “international”. Songs should reflect the music culture of the country,not necessarily folk music though.
For example, I remember the balkan ballads a decade ago, especially from Serbia but also Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia etc… Beautiful songs!

For me, countries should showcase their music in Eurovision but in a more modern way. Nowadays, a good production and a current sound are important. Not to mention the language, countries should use their native language if it fits the song better, not always change it to English (ex. Albania)

Marc
Marc
6 years ago

He’s amazing. Too good for Eurovision probably. And he doesn’t need to. Un Homme Debout is a masterpiece. Also doing all the pre-parties event might be too much for some artists. It’s always the same interviews and stuff, and it must be really tired, even boring. Also they have that hard week with all the rehearsals at Eurovision. It’s important to get fresh and full energy at the big event for the crutial moment. Look at Salvador, Il Volo, Emmelie, Loreen, Lena, Rybak. ( Sergey only did Tel Aviv). They didn’t do any promotion and get fresh at the big… Read more »

Siranush
Siranush
6 years ago

WHAT?!? Claudio Capéo is one of my favorite French singers only second to Indila! I mean Alma is amazing, but I am kinda annoyed that he didn’t take up the offer!
Btw France really should send Indila next year <3

Twisted French
Twisted French
6 years ago
Reply to  Siranush

Indila will NEVER do Eurovision. That’s not the image she wants to give and she’s too reserved for that. Plus, she doesn’t need to boost her careeer. She would be a huge chance for France to win but she will never go. Eurovision is like the opposite of what she’s doing with her music.

Fatima
Fatima
6 years ago
Reply to  Twisted French

Don’t be such a snob, Twisted French. If you are on this site then you should know that any type of music can succeed at the contest

Twisted French
Twisted French
6 years ago
Reply to  Fatima

I’m just saying that Indila will never go to Eurovision. It’s not being snob, it’s being realistic.

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago
Reply to  Twisted French

I’d love to see Indila at Eurovision! I really like her! But I can’t imagine her at Eurovision, maybe it’s so recognizable and successful she doesn’t really need that.

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago
Reply to  Twisted French

Speaking about Indila, what she’s doing at the moment? Is she up to sth, any new song, cd, concerts etc? I have the impression she’s lost lately. Anyone who knows, please tell me. I’d appreciate it!

Twisted French
Twisted French
6 years ago
Reply to  AngieP

Nothing new about her. She kind of disappeared from the music scene. She wrote a couple of songs for other artists in 2015 but that’s all. She’s not doing any promotion or concerts anymore. For now. Even in France we haven’t seen her since 2015. But she has always been very discrete and reserved about her life so…. nothing since 2015

Davve
Davve
6 years ago

The pre-parties are a fun part of the experience for the singers. But it does not effect the results at ESC… At least not more than gaining more fans ahead of the contest.

Ethan W
Ethan W
6 years ago

I don’t feel the pre-parties are necessary. Although he had a reason, Salvador Sobral didn’t attend any and he won! Also, I believe Loreen didn’t attend any during her year? And she also won so I feel he could still do well without attending.

Justin K.
6 years ago

Maybe if they really want him next year, they’ll reduce the amount of pre-parties he’ll need to attend *or* help accommodate his schedule to allow him to take it on. It’s a great sign that they’re not rejecting ESC because it’s not their cup of tea, but rather just how daunting the task is–it goes to show even the artists approached are taking the contest as seriously as the broadcaster. It’s only a matter of time before France cracks the Top 3 again with these attitudes!

James
James
6 years ago

I don’t think it’s even necessary to show up in all the pre-parties just so he could promote himself and his song to ESC fans.

Out of all the acts who went to all those events, how many made it out of their respective semi’s and/or earned a respectable place in the final?

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago
Reply to  James

No, it isn’t. Jacques didn’t appear at any Eurovision pre-party and he came 13th.

The important thing is to work hard before the contest in order to have the best result. All this pre-stuff don’t really help sometimes. Viewers watch the actual shows.

Jeremy Cornec
Jeremy Cornec
6 years ago

Claudio would have been a great choice. Honestly, I was hoping he would represent us in 2018. He has a recognisable voice and style. He is very likeable and down to earth. Hopefully he’ll change his mind. Otherwise I’m hoping that Tal, Yseult, or Eugenie will represent us. Nevertheless, Alma did a fantastic job, deserved top 10 in my opinion and her album is brilliant! Well done Alma ?

Yellowman
Yellowman
6 years ago
Reply to  Jeremy Cornec

She was top 10 (10th) with the Televote like Amir (9th)

Bambi sato
Bambi sato
6 years ago
Reply to  Yellowman

In old voting system before 2016 . France and the Netherlands were in top 10 . Australia and noway were out of top 10.

4li3n
4li3n
6 years ago

The pop/r&b beatings are weird with song! But I like the way he sings!

Bambi sato
Bambi sato
6 years ago
Reply to  4li3n

In old voting system before 2016 . France and the Netherlands were in top 10 . Australia and noway out.

Darren
Darren
6 years ago

He would have been a great choice for France definitely would have equaled or bettered Amir

He’s also very sexy, so I wouldn’t have minded him gracing the stage. Hopefully he changes his mind. Loved Alma too though, so either way France still would have been One of my favourites.