After months of waiting and weeks of build-up, France’s Destination Eurovision finally exploded on our TV screens (and Facebook live streams). During the first semi-final Pheno Men brought Motown to Paris, Noée oozed French authenticity with her dreamy ballad and Masoé seemed to struggle with his nerves, despite having a song full of swagger. Enea brought some form of tropical house (deemed a caricature of a pop song), while Elha got the crowd clapping with a mid-tempo number that showed off that lovely voice. And in the end none of them made it.

The four qualifiers for the grand final are: Malo’ (“Ciao”), Lisandro Cruxi (“EVA”), Louka (“Mamma Mia”) and Emmy Liyana (“OK ou KO”).

Destination Eurovision: Semi-Final 1

The pre-recorded show unfolded in a setting large enough to generate buzz and to induce adrenaline, but intimate enough to create a family feel: France is in this together.

The judging panel consists of Francophone luminaries AmirIsabelle Boulay and Christophe Willem. Sitting opposite the stage and getting plenty of face time, they took their roles very seriously, with Amir mastering innuendo and delivering blows softly, Isabelle providing the sweetness, and Idol winner Christophe keeping it real. Their hilariously honest facial expressions (while at rest) were a highlight of the evening.

Sweden’s Christer Bjorkman and the heads of delegation from Italy and Belarus — Nicola Caligliore and Olga Salmakhe — awarded 12, 10, 8, 6, 4 and 2 points to their favourite six songs of the evening.

The international jury put Lisandro on top with 34 points, followed by Emmy Liyanna with 30 points, and Noée and Malo with 20 points each. They ranked eventual qualifier Louka fifth with 14 points.

Sweden

Belarus

Italy

Two of the French jurors — Isabelle and Christophe — put Malo’s “Ciao” on top. Amir bucked the trend, giving his top marks to Lisandro’s “Eva”. Amir was also responsible for saving Louka from elimination, ranking him second. Those 10 points pushed him past Noée and sent him to the final.

Destination Eurovision: SF1 Final results

At various points in the evening, the show trended on Twitter, reaching #1 in France, #3 in Belgium, #4 in the U.K. and #5 in Spain (among other countries). Perhaps most exciting, it even reached #4 globally.

What do you think of tonight’s results? Did your favourites make it through? Is France on to a good thing with Destination Eurovision? Let us know in the comments box below.

READ MORE DESTINATION EUROVISION NEWS

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Rich
Rich
6 years ago

Lisandro gave the best overall performance in my opinion. My top four went through. I am very happy!! All four songs are on my playlist. I am looking forward to semi final 2.

vangelis vt
vangelis vt
6 years ago

Unfortunately nothing that can get France a top-10 result in this semi. Lisandro is very good on stage but the song is completely unremarkable. Malo’s interpretation of an interesting song was atrocious. Emmy Liyana is a force to be reckoned with but ther song is Amandine 2.0 and nothing that foreign televoters or juries will get behind.

Shame on the french jury for leaving behind Noée for being too “french” and passing Louka’s atrocious interpretation of a Maître Gims song. I guess they didn’t want to frustrate all the big-name songwriters that sent songs this year…

Azotman
Azotman
6 years ago

Bonsoir Lisboa, Salut William, voici votre canard monsieur ! Avant de voir le direct j’avais choisi (basé sur les extraits): 1. Louka 2. Emmy Lyanna 3. Noée 4. Pheno Men Après la diffusion : 1. Noée (Chanson magnifique et pour moi la plus belle interprétation lors du direct. Serait qualifiée avec le vote du jury international seulement !!!) 2. Elha (Rythmée, efficace, un peu mélancolique, j’aime beaucoup mais je ne peux pas expliquer) 3. Lisandro Cuxo (Peut-être le favori en attendant la 2nde 1/2 finale. Prestation de qualité, maîtrise de la voix, manque un peu d’originalité, beaucoup de chansons semblables… Read more »

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

I think they made the right decision. All four songs are the best for ESC in this SF. Louka’s performance needs some polishing, but the song is still great and he has time till ESC. OK ou KO is my fav. I’m not a big fan of Eva, find it a bit generic. Ciao is a good option too.

Daan
Daan
6 years ago

FRANCE NO. HOW COULD YOU! Omg, Noée would have won you this entire contest! The moment I heard L’un près de l’autre I knew this would do SO well, The same feelign I had with Salvador and Conchita. This is such a gem.. France… please.. I would love for you guys to win, but most of the songs you picked yesterday are the soulless boring pop stuff Bjorkman/sweden loves. I mean, Mamma mia is a great song but clearly he isn’t fit to sing it live. How that made it in over Noée is just.. frustrating. Emmy didn’t really grab… Read more »

desfolhada
desfolhada
6 years ago

France don’t be dumb! Malo is so good! Indie in french sounds so good!
Also Madame Monsieur – Merci and Igit – Lisboa Jerusalem sounds good but my choice is Malo, but I’ll wait for 2nd semi final.

desfolhada
desfolhada
6 years ago

France don’t be dumb! Malo is so good! Indie in french sounds so good!
Also Madame Monsieur – Merci and Igit – Lisboa Jerusalem sounds good but my choice is Malo, but I’ll wait for 2nd semi final.

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

Is it true that someone already leaked the qualifiers of the second semi? I mean, waiting for over a week after filming it is basically begging for spoilers, but I would love to find out when it’s transmitted, not before. Then again, if true, I would prefer watching a spoiler video to finding out via comments.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Easy solution: Don’t read spoiler comments until after the show is broadcasted. 😉
Spoilers can be wrong or misleading, anyhow.

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

As if it was easy. I would have to avoid all ESC forums, as people often seep spoilers all over the place unannounced. And it takes a second or two of less focus to absorb the info. For instance, I spoiled myself two key infos from the latest Star Wars film while browsing Facebook.
If people were respectful in that regard, I wouldn’t be concerned.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Well some of us are respectful. At least, I try to be. 🙂

The advice is not to read anything about “Destination Eurovision” until the next broadcast. That advice still stands. If others spoil the result on unrelated forums then, yes that’s annoying, but not (yet) against the law. Hugs. x

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

Well… I missed it, and I can’t even watch the performances till next weekend. So much to catch up…

CyxCy
CyxCy
6 years ago

Few years ago Christophe Willem could be our french contestant for Eurovision with a song wrote by David Guetta. But finally Willem doesn’t like the song and don’t accept the chalenge. At the last moment, the delegation replace him by Jessy Matador and his different song. We never known the score Willem could made, but he’s really a great artist with good song and last night he was a good judge too. And even if Lena was a great and wonderful winner, I think that Matador was very underrated in 2010 (in the middle of results but first on Itunes… Read more »

Lola
Lola
6 years ago

Lisandro : Amazing singer and great stage presence but the song isn’t very great. The probability that another country sends a similar song is big *cough* Sweden Emmy : Great song, she looks amazing but for me the stage presence is missing. I understand the lyrics they have a strong message but I don’t think she could transmit the message with this performance. Hope she will work on that for the final 🙂 Malo’: From the 4 he’s the one with the full package for me. Amazing song Check Voice Check Stage presence Check .. so ya He’s my favourite… Read more »

Bibiana Viveiros
Bibiana Viveiros
6 years ago
Reply to  Lola

OMG I had the same feeling when I’ve Louka.. Andalouse for shore..
And I loved that song by Kendji..

James
James
6 years ago
Reply to  Lola

“Andalouse” has a lot more bop though compared to this one. A Kendji Girac-like track, yes, but I think it sounds more similar with “Sonrisa”.

indarisinda
indarisinda
6 years ago
Reply to  Lola

I love Malo two.. my favorite this semi final

indarisinda
indarisinda
6 years ago
Reply to  Lola

I love Malo’ too.. My favorite this semi final, I hope he can be the winner..

Chiara
Chiara
6 years ago

Honestly, I really don’t get the hype around Emmy. No doubt she has a good voice and a personality but the song does nothing for me. The performance was just boring imo and if she wins (what probably will happen if Lisando doesn’t) I don’t see France being high in my top :/

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

What a night! Wonderful show! I really enjoyed it! Deserved qualifiers except one for me! The surprise of the night was Malo! I was curious to watch the live performance and he didn’t dissapoint. It was amazing! He presented a story with his distinctive voice and he definitely delivered the message. While he was singing I though that if this goes to Eurovision it will be unique. There’s no way to compare it to any other song. However, I’m not sure if it has the international appeal for such a competition. I expected nothing less from Emmy! I have to… Read more »

Irish Fan
Irish Fan
6 years ago

If they want to keep up their left side of the leaderboard streak, they have to send Emmy. If they send Lisandro I’m afraid they won’t do well as “Eva” is quite generic. It’s almost like the other countries want France to do bad so they’re voting Eva higher.

shlanderous
shlanderous
6 years ago

France Itunes

Lisandro Cuxi – “Eva” – 6
Emmy Liyana – “OK ou KO” – 7
Malo’ – “Ciao” – 17
Noée – “L’un près de l’autre” – 20
Louka – “Mamma Mia” – 67
Ehla – “J’ai cru” – 54

shlanderous
shlanderous
6 years ago
Reply to  shlanderous

NEW

Lisandro Cuxi – “Eva” – 5
Emmy Liyana – “OK ou KO” – 7
Noée – “L’un près de l’autre” – 11
Malo’ – “Ciao” – 13
Ehla – “J’ai cru” – 50
Louka – “Mamma Mia” – 59

sleep
sleep
6 years ago

If they send Emmy it will probably be the first time in very long that a big 5 entry gets top 5 on my top

shlanderous
shlanderous
6 years ago

France will be at the bottom this year.

Sentzo
Sentzo
6 years ago
Reply to  shlanderous

I think so too. Everyone is freaking out but i bet it’s gonna be either Italy or an eastern europe country winning. I’m betting on Romania.

AndersP
AndersP
6 years ago

For all the stick that Christer Bjorkman gets on these forums, I think he got the rankings spot on. I love Emmy, with a bit more direction and dynamism in her performance she could wipe the floor. Lisandro was OK, but it became a bit indulgent and tacky in the last 60 seconds. I couldn’t help feel the ‘single mother’ angle has been done much better by Clean Bandit. I didn’t connect with Louka’s song at all, I found his performance self-centred rather than bringing the audience along with him. I was desperate for something to change in the song,… Read more »

James
James
6 years ago

Masoe -While the song required him using his falsetto, I guess the nerves took over and next thing you know he couldn’t control his voice well enough to hit the right notes. This was one of my fave snippets beforehand so I was really disappointed with his live. Lisandro -The song was okay but his charisma on stage was really helped sell the song to the jurors. Also, come finale time, you can factor in recency bias as he has just came off from winning the adult French La Voix so he has a fanbase to back him which is… Read more »

Adam
Adam
6 years ago

Good results. But as much as i loved Louka’s voice and song, combined they don’t work. So I don’t think he should’ve qualified.

I love the hype with Malo and Ciao. Definitey the best *song*, but I’ll admit his voice seemed a bit weak and there wasnt enough *oomph* where there shouldve been

Andy
Andy
6 years ago

Lissandro and Noée were actually the only ones who brought up the same energy from their snippets and ‘Eva’ deserved to win the SF. Emmy Liyana’s song was my favorite from this semi, but the performace seemed to fall flat. I don’t get the hype around Malo. He sang the entire song through his nose and it gets tough to listen to after a while. Ehla performed well, Louka’s song was my Top 3, but not anymore, his vocals are too weak to present a good show in Lisbon. The rest were meh. Also, I want to point out how… Read more »

Ola
Ola
6 years ago

Lisandro at no 6 and Emmy at no 7 in the french Itunes.
It´s obvious what the viewers want…;)

Any of the two would be fab in Lisbon imho…

Steve
Steve
6 years ago

Louka is my favourite. Wish him a victory and a ticket to the Grand Finale.

ArmRus
ArmRus
6 years ago

Emmy, Lisandro and Louka – all my favourites from this semi got through. France is really doing a great job this year. Hope to see Madame Monsieur and Igit in final and I’ll be satisfied )))

Mark
Mark
6 years ago

Interesting that the French jury would have put Ehla into the final and the International Jury would have put Noee into the final.

However when you combine the two Louka gets into the final.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago

Lisandro, Emmy and Malo really pulled out ahead so they secured their positions in the final real quick; with Louka, Ehla and Noee all competing for that fourth position in the final. Ehla missed out by two points and Noee missing the final by four points. To be honest, I’m surprised Noee scored so well. I was a little disappointed by Masoe’s performance. I really liked his song and I fear the song was strong enough to go through had he gave a strong performance. Sad Enea and Pheno Men didn’t receive any points. I understand that they were the… Read more »

Lazarevfan95
Lazarevfan95
6 years ago

Would of rather Ehla and Noee qualify over Louka’s horrible vocals. Ciao is absolute perfection!
For me
1. Malo
2. Lisandro
3. Noee

Nickc
Nickc
6 years ago
Reply to  Lazarevfan95

I agree. Of the four, I pick malo. Lissandro is a great performers but I think the song is not strong enough to stand out.

Lazarevfan95
Lazarevfan95
6 years ago
Reply to  Nickc

Completely agree on Lisandro!! The song just isn’t his level.

Kaz
Kaz
6 years ago

For me the four I would’ve put through were: 1. Emmy (She killed it! The song is memorable and her style is so distinct, I just love it all!) 2. Lisandro ( Even if the high note was dodgy the song is incredibly catchy and between Eva and Mamma Mia I’d definitely pick Eva any day.) 3. Noée (The performance was plain but I suited her song and I still think she should’ve gone through!) 4. Malo (I didn’t think this would work live but i really liked it. Very Coldplay-esque. Plus he’s an Aussie haha) For me Louka’s song… Read more »

Nikos
Nikos
6 years ago

Overall very strong turnout from France this year, great performances tonight, and great show! I would have swapped out Malo for Noee. Her performance was very sweet and endearing. The song was perhaps too obviously French with that (waltz)? like rhythm. 1) Emmy – This feels like an epic bond opening theme song, I love it. And I think it will work very well with the pared back Lisbon staging we are aware of. 2) Louka – Trying too much to copy Kendji Girac’s “Andalouse” but I love that song and I really like this one too. Verses are not… Read more »

Pablo
Pablo
6 years ago

Masoe: Disappointing. And I was so mad cuz I had his snippet on my head for days now. Not only a weak live, but also weak verses. It died on stage 😕 Noée: Very France from the 60s. Beautiful woman, beautiful voice and presence. But for me… it wasn’t enough. It needed more to stand out. Lisandro: Perfect. The underlying beats in there are very much my sound, the voice and the big WOW moment blew me away! This might win and I am all for it! Malo’: (first of all, random ‘ is random). For me he tried to… Read more »

MTD
MTD
6 years ago

Lisandro Cruxi has that pop-fast-food-track that goes nowhere and it’s bland after the 2nd listen.

And those dance moves…I mean, Michael Jackson is long dead now. Stop it.

As per my fave – Malo’s “Ciao”. Oh…that’s sooooooooo good.

Thanks France for introducing him as an artist, already got his album. Hope he would win the whole thing, that’s pure music – in line with Salvador Sobral’s “legacy” which is a total contrast to the “favorite” Cuxi and his blandness.

Oh, well…

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

Lisandro’s song was well-delivered. I really did not like Malo’s. I find his vocals underwhelming and a little uncomfortable.
Not a bad standard overall but not worthy of the hype.

John
John
6 years ago

Their rendition of “Waterloo” that Amir posted on his Instagram account is really fun.

Ali
Ali
6 years ago

Go emmy and lisandro

Sasha
Sasha
6 years ago

Lisandro just seems to be the same song and performance France sent last two years. Sure the formula was successful so far but something new would be nice.

Alex
Alex
6 years ago
Reply to  Sasha

Those three songs have nothing to do with each other!

Jordan
Jordan
6 years ago
Reply to  Sasha

Lissandro song do not sound like song from France 2016 , 2017. For me is better version of song Norway 2013 plus song from MGP 2014 Heal from MO. Nassi “Rêve de gamin” sound like song male version of song from France 2017.

SebastienXavier
SebastienXavier
6 years ago

Noée: so robbed 🙁

Louka: HE IS SO FREAKIN CUTE but he should work on the vocal. The song itself is really good. Maitre Gims is such a genius.

Emmy: Actually disappointed. She sounds a bit plain. It is supposed to be a powerful song.

Masoe: I don’t know if he’s nervous or that just the way he is, he sounds so sharp, almost strident. But he deserves better 🙁

Valou
Valou
6 years ago

As a french eurovision fan, I must say that i’m quite proud of that NF so far. Didn’t expect it to be that good. Even the songs I don’t like are okay ^^
Would have chosen Noée instead of Louka but i’m happy with the other qualifiers 😀

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

IMHO, I believe that all four songs are better than anything from Belarus and mostly everything from Malta, with the exception of Breaking Point and Song for Dad.

irish esc
irish esc
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

agree colin

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

We are in agreement, again.
This is becoming predictable. Haha. 😀

kitty
kitty
6 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Spain could use some of these french songs.

Gigi
Gigi
6 years ago

Eva and ok ou ko are in the top 10 itunes charts france!!! Lets goo

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

What a night!! Malo’s performance was amazing! Although I don’t know if “Ciao” will have an international appeal it was well performed and it tells a story. The surprise of the show for me! Totally deserved! However, I was disappointed Louka qualified instead of Noee. She was wonderfull and the song had a french touch. Louka wasn’t so good and it sounded messy. Amir made the difference here. Nothing less from Emmy. Though I think it wasn’t as powerfull as I expected she still slayed! Lisandro can do anything. Sing and perform with the same ease. He’s great. I agree… Read more »

KE2018
KE2018
6 years ago

I’m the only one who think that France with Lisandro will be flop in Lisbon? From this semi they should choose OK ou KO or wait till 2nd semi.

Jane
Jane
6 years ago
Reply to  KE2018

No. He will definitely flop. Looks like a walmart version of african-american pop singers.

MTD
MTD
6 years ago
Reply to  Jane

Ahahahah…indeed.

xup
xup
6 years ago
Reply to  KE2018

No. You’re right. If France sends “Eva” they will end up on the right side of the screen. I don’t get the hype. It’s so middle of the road for me. “Paridis” was way better, cooler, and more contemporary. My fav is still “Mamma mia”. If “Mamma mia” doesn’t win, I won’t be able to get excited about France at Lisbon.

KE2018
KE2018
6 years ago
Reply to  xup

Mamma Mia could be ok only if he will work on vocals.

MTD
MTD
6 years ago
Reply to  KE2018

I think that Melo’s “Ciao” would be the one that can obtain the highest ranking for them.

As per Cuxi, you are right! I predict something like Austria/Australia last year – voted by the juries, but dead last among the televoters. 😛

Alex
Alex
6 years ago

http://gph.is/2AXCTN1

Amazing show and great winners <3

esc1234
esc1234
6 years ago

We have to admit it. all 4 of the songs going to the final are excellent. Melfest never had such a great competition. I think they are going to win sooner than we think. Vive la france!

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago

I loved Malo and Lisandro. Emmy was also good, but louka was kind of a let down. Would have prefered Noee to pass through, her song is so sweet and she delivered it that way. :/

Gigi
Gigi
6 years ago

Eva is already in top 20 on itunes france 😉

Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago

I really don’t understand the hype about Lisandro. He’s a decent singer, good looking guy, the song is OK, but I don’t know, the whole package sounds generic to me. Maybe the fact that I hated his rendition of Billy Jean is affecting how I see him. I think he deserves to be in the final, but I don’t think he should win the semifinal. I loved Malo, I think he was the big surprise of the night. But at the same time I can understand that some people may think he’s annoying. Picking him wouldn’t be playing safe, but… Read more »

KESC
KESC
6 years ago

I’m speechless, Emmy was sooo good. She slayed. With a good staging, she could bring a TOP 10 or even TOP 5 place.

Ay Jo
Ay Jo
6 years ago

resting b*tch face hahaha

Coolhand
Coolhand
6 years ago

Wow what an amazing show! I really think this is Lissandro’s to lose. Louka was one of my favs going in but honestly thought Ehla gave a better performance.

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

Yup, Lisandro was really good. He definitely deserved to qualify!