Tonight the grand final takes place for France’s brand new national final Destination Eurovision. Over the past week, the Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — has been ranking and reviewing the eight finalists who’ll be competing tonight. But who do we think should win the ticket to Lisbon?

The Wiwi Jury was tied for a favourite. We liked Lisandro Cuxi‘s modern R&B number “Eva” just as much as we liked Emmy Liyana‘s attitude-packed “OK ou KO”, both with 8.12/10. But to break the tie, Lisandro nudges ahead as more jury members gave “Eva” a higher score than “OK ou KO”.

1. Lisandro Cuxi – “Eva” (8.12)

Positive: “The boy practically owns the stage, the audience and not to mention the song! “Eva” is power through and through, from the very beginning.” (Kristin, 9.5/10)

Negative: “I’m totally buying into it….until the final 30 seconds when we learn that Eva, woman of strength and passion who doesn’t show her face, is a single mother. It’s a total mood killer, which is a shame as the rest of this is so, so strong.” (William, 8/10)

2. Emmy Liyana – “OK ou KO” (8.12)

Positive: “Emmy Liyana is one of the few Destination Eurovision semi-final singers who gave a flawless performance. She oozes talent and professionalism and seemed at home both on the stage and performing to the cameras.” (Robyn, 9.5/10)

Negative: “The song could use a revamp for the chorus which lacks a bit of power that could take it to the next level. In its current state, this isn’t the best song in France.” (Antranig, 7/10)

3. Madame Monsieur – “Mercy” (7.88)

Positive: “There is a beauty in the simplicity of “Mercy”. The staging echoed that and brought the song to life. Madame Monsieur are doing everything right and this could go far for France.” (Antranig, 9.5/10)

Negative: “The lead vocalist has a stunning voice and great stage presence, but on stage in Lisbon — and mark my words — this will get lost in the crowd and will not place top ten.” (Josh, 7/10)

4. Malo’ – “Ciao” (7.31)

Positive: “At Eurovision, there is a possibility that he’ll pull a ByeAlex and just quietly sneak into top ten, without hassle. I’m head over heels in love with this song and Malo. I want to see great things for him in the future, Eurovision related or not.” (Kristin, 9.5/10)

Negative: ““Ciao” does not sit well with me. Probably because it reminds me too much of Passenger and Lukas Graham, who I am not a particular fan of. It does have its appeal, but its lack of originality fails to impress me.” (Jovana, 6/10)

5. Igit – “Lisboa Jérusalem” (7.08)

Positive: “What the hell did I just watch? And why do I like this so much?! I’ll tell you why. The quirkiness, the throwback sound, Igit’s retro and approachable style and not to mention his charisma.” (Kristin 10/10)

Negative: “The song has too many awkward gaps and stop-pauses that not even likeable Igit can fill. Adding insult to injury, this comes just months after Salvador Sobral’s victory in Kyiv.” (William, 6/10)

6. Max Cinnamon – “Ailleurs” (6.88)

Positive: “Max is one solid performer live. He seems comfortable on stage and that is his biggest asset, along with his steady voice. “Ailleurs” runs smoothly and is a very approachable song.” (Kristin, 8/10)

Negative: ““Ailleurs” isn’t much different to what we hear in the radio nowadays and despite that being a formula for success to get a radio hit, it doesn’t bring anything new to the table in Eurovision. It falls in the average category”. (Bernardo, 6/10)

7. Nassi – “Rêve de gamin” (6.85)

Positive: “Upon first listen of the snippet of “Rêve de gamin”, I just about screamed. The studio cut was a surefire way to get France to the top of the scoreboard in Lisbon.” (Josh, 7.5/10)

Negative: “The childish element of the song doesn’t quite come across on the stage, bar the overgrown school kids outfits. On Spotify, the song pops, but when live, there’s just too many issues at the moment.” (Chris, 6/10)

8. Louka – “Mamma Mia” (6.35)

Positive: ““Mamma Mia” has a catchy hook — I’ll definitely be humming the eh eh eh part all day. The song as a whole is really enjoyable and would come alive on the Eurovision stage with some grand staging.” (Antranig, 7/10)

Negative: “His live performance, in general, was not particularly captivating, which left the song feeling rather one-note and monotonous. It’s telling that even the judges were talking during the song rather than focusing on the performer.” (Jonathan, 6/10)

DESTINATION EUROVISION 2018 – REVIEWS AND RANKINGS

  1. Lisandro Cuxi – “Eva” (8.12) *
  2. Emmy Liyana – “OK ou KO” (8.12) *
  3. Madame Monsieur – “Mercy” (7.88)
  4. Malo’ – “Ciao” (7.31)
  5. Igit – “Lisboa Jérusalem” (7.08)
  6. Max Cinnamon – “Ailleurs” (6.88)
  7. Nassi – “Rêve de gamin” (6.85)
  8. Louka – “Mamma Mia” (6.35)

What do you think? Do you agree with the Wiwi Jury? Who would you like to see represent France in Lisbon? Tell us your favourites below!

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Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

Devastatingly good so far. We shall move to the “results poll” post now, since Wiwibloggs just posted that. See you there. x

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

Ohhh. This final is so good! 🙂

MrBrightside
MrBrightside
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Emmy was FLAWLESS! What an awesome performance!

Nickc
Nickc
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I agree. Musical orgasm

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Oh, yeah! Emmy was breathtaking, Igit was magical, Louka was very good. The better they are, the calmer I am, for adding a good song to my list tonight.

Velma ESC
Velma ESC
6 years ago

Can I watch the show live somewhere? Can someone send a link?

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Velma ESC
Sabrina
Sabrina
6 years ago

I just hope french people vote for the song that they LOVE and not based on predictions that are quite ridiculous to make when we only know one song in the contest so far. Even more after Ukraine and Portugal had big wins with songs that weren’t supposed to be that competitive by the eurofans bubble standards.

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

100% agree. Always vote with your heart.

Ron
Ron
6 years ago

If France sends Eva it will be my favorite French entry since their majest 2009 entry with Patricia Kaas.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Ron

It would be my favourite French entry of all time.

oli
oli
6 years ago

Mandame Monsieur, Malo and Max Cinnamon are my top 3. Elegant songs and in french! a language that I love. They might not be Top 3 material in Eurovision, but France should be very proud if they get represented by one of them. Actually, by any of these songs. This is a really good selection of songs.

Coco
Coco
6 years ago

I’m hoping for Mercy to win! Lisandro would be a good second choice, but I’d still be disappointed if Madame Monsieur wouldn’t win. Am I the only one who doesn’t feel OK ou KO? Imo, the song is kinda meh and Emmy lacks stage presence.

AzeriChico
AzeriChico
6 years ago

Even though I like Lisandro’s song, I don’t think he’s going to win tonight. I expect Madame Monsieur to get the ticket to Lisbon. I like both of the songs, so it doesn’t really matter to me. Let’s see what happens. 🙂

AzeriChico
AzeriChico
6 years ago
Reply to  AzeriChico

My top 8 for tonight:
1. “Mercy”
2. “Eva”
3. “Lisboa Jérusalem”
4. “OK ou KO”
5. “Rêve de gamin”
6. “Mamma Mia”
7. “Ailleurs”
8. “Ciao”

Rich
Rich
6 years ago

What a fantastic final we have in store. Truly a difficult choice, i believe all the songs are reasonably of high quality, some are no doubt better sung live than others and some i have related better with On the whole collectively on audio, they are enjoyable to listen to. Congrats to France! You have done yourself proud. My dream result tonight would be for Lisandro to win with “Eva” (I still believe he is the better performer and live vocalist and therefore more of the complete package) the one who i think is the most ready for the Eurovision… Read more »

NickC
NickC
6 years ago

My favorite is Igit, but I understand that humanity has not evolved enough to appreciate the complexity and the beauty of this timeless masterpiece. Mercy is a safer choice. It has ‘ESC winner’ written all over it. It is modern, it is relevant, and France 2 can have their best result in decades with a little investment. Malo and Nassi are OK, The former would be a jury favorite, latter would kill the televote. Both would most likely make it to TOP 10, possibly do worse than Amir but better than Alma. OK ou KO needs extra staging effort if… Read more »

let's do this
let's do this
6 years ago
Reply to  NickC

-quote-”My favorite is Igit, but I understand that humanity has not evolved enough to appreciate the complexity and the beauty of this timeless masterpiece.”

You evolved human, I guess your ego is too evolved.

-quote-”Mercy is a safer choice. It has ‘ESC winner’ written all over it”

You believe too much in your evolution. Mercy will go nowhere above the bottom of the scoreboard in Lisbon.

Milla
Milla
6 years ago
Reply to  let's do this

Agree.

NickC
NickC
6 years ago
Reply to  let's do this

Obviously you have no sense of humor my friend. Exaggeration is a literary tool.

Stephanie
6 years ago

Yes, Lisandro would be a safe choice, but there could be other countries that may send songs similar to “Eva” thus it could get lost in the crowd. “Mercy” would be the best chance the French have, even if people outside of Europe don’t understand the language, the song could still have an impact on them – look at what Salvador did last year. I hope the French people choose wisely today

Silvia
Silvia
6 years ago

Some people just hate this song for no reason. He says ”single mother” only 3 times, and backing vocals say it as an echo each time. Is not repetitive song.

Milan S.
Milan S.
6 years ago

If a song is about a single mother, it’s a mood killer and thus a minus. I don’t believe what I’ve just read.

skandar
skandar
6 years ago

To be honest, I do not feel “Eva”, I do not feel the vibe and hype. I think it’s generic and forgettable. My personal top three (in random manner) are “Mercy”, “Ciao”, and “OK ou KO”. But sending one among those three will be too risky since many people considered them as too boring and flat. So I will understand if “Eva” wins, because it is the safest choice.

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

Lisandro or Madame Monsieur for the win!

Lara
Lara
6 years ago

I don’t get the OK OU KO song.
I don’t see a clear rhythm or anything. The song is just very vague to me, I don’t like it.
For me, Mercy is the best, by far!!!

filipko54
filipko54
6 years ago

However it will end I hope it will end up better than our presidential elections in Czech Republic 😉

TheDrMistery
TheDrMistery
6 years ago

Nassi by far! Stands for all the right reasons. It’s French but not hermetic. Catchy but sophisticated. Memorable but not repetitive. The only one I wanted to listen on repeat.

Marc
Marc
6 years ago

Lisandro is the best choice to score well. Specially with televote.
Mercy might as well but I’m not really sure. I know French fans are hyped but I’ve played it to some of my friends and nobode felt wow by that song/performance.
France needs to have in mind that Eurovision is not only about a song or what is “quality”. You need to connect with the audience at home.

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
6 years ago
Reply to  Marc

I played both Eva and Mercy to my non-ESC following family, and every single one loved Mercy. Everyone has different experiences, but I think Mercy would resonate with Europe.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago

Wow! Kristin is such a positive person

Hippolyte
Hippolyte
6 years ago

” this will get lost in the crowd and will not place top ten” … ??? How could you know that when you didn’t even have a llok at the possible staging + the other acts? This is really weird to say such a thing at this stage… I am French and I will vote for Mercy tonight and I consider a boycott if Lisandro wins…

Andy
Andy
6 years ago
Reply to  Hippolyte

It’s a song with a rather flat beat that gets repetitive. It will most likely follow or be followed (or both) by an upbeat song that will cast a shadow on Mercy.

Hippolyte
Hippolyte
6 years ago
Reply to  Andy

But many songs like this did very well at eurovision the common linnets for example

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Hippolyte

Mercy has no shot at scoring well.

Lisa Angell had a better song.

Matthieu
Matthieu
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

Lisa Angell ??? Mercy is better ???

Hippolyte
Hippolyte
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

Lisa Angell Please even French People hated this song

heidi
heidi
6 years ago

btw, the name Eva means Life
I want Lisandro, Nassi or Max
If you think this is a strong selection, then I don’t know what you will say when the overrated Melodifestivalen will start.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  heidi

The Australian Broadcaster is looking to Melodifestivalen for inspiration for their national selection next year.

tomi
tomi
6 years ago
Reply to  heidi

what makes Melodifestivalen overrated? that is bit strong claim.

to be clear, I don’t even watch most of pre-selections, and that includes this Swedish show, however, it is for good reason called “Eurovision before Eurovision”.

Hada
Hada
6 years ago

I know it won’t happen, but I would love to see Igit in Eurovision. In a weird way, he reminds me of Stromae and I love Stromae.

oldschool
oldschool
6 years ago

NO matter this ranking, I keep supporting Nassi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NASSI FOR THE WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cannibal
Cannibal
6 years ago

I can’t believe people say that Eva is something we’ve heard before, generic etc and praise Mercy when it is just the extra boring version of If I Were Sorry. sorry not sorry.
I usually love the French entries but I’m not really feeling these songs however I think the best option is Eva, as Lisandro is an excellent performer and the song is catchy enough.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Cannibal

‘Eva’ is the best.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago

Kristin sure loves the French songs

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

To be honest, I don’t see anything very strong in this selection. Many good songs indeed, but the strongest ones will struggle to get into the final Top 10, I think. My favourites are “Mercy” and “OK ou KO”, but I believe Eva has a better shot at ESC.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

I have the same top three but with the second and third spots switched. Lisandro is the best choice for Lisbon and I don’t think it is even that close.
Sidenote: Nice to see how many positive comments were Kristin’s!

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

I literally have commented the same thing

Sami
Sami
6 years ago

I kind of feel myself stupid now. When the song snippets were released, I thought that Mamma Mia would 100% win Eurovision and become the number one hit all over the world. At this point it doesn’t seem that likely =(

up!
up!
6 years ago

He will probably win, he has enough followers and as a big plus all of the 14 years old “Voice”-fan girls voting for him.
For me, this will rather be a sad evening, as I loved to see Madame Monsieur or Malo’ in Lissabon. But then, I’m happy that France pulled of such a great selection this time and brought so many good artists in the focus. Well done!

Kir
Kir
6 years ago

If OK ou KO doesn’t win, I’ll be immensely dissappointed, it’s simply the most unique song, with the most unique singer

kol kol
kol kol
6 years ago

So much passion for France NF, I can’t imagine what will be next…Germany, UK, Italy, Hungary, Sweden. I can’t wait to be over, it’s hell.

Stoffel
Stoffel
6 years ago

Please France go for Madame Monsieur or Malo.
Madame Monsieur needs te right staging and the right lighting and definitely a 100% sound in order to make it till the higher regions.
As to Malo: I am in love with this song. Where the studio sound is mysterious and captivating, the live performance is one bit of dynamite.
Lissandro has a great song, but a little too Eurovision. Remember that mainstream Eurovision is not doing it too well the last couple of years.
Emmy Lyana is too flat for me.

Steve
Steve
6 years ago

Louka and Nassi.

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

I would choose Lisandro too. That one was the one who stood out in a very strong field. I feel it could do very well for France. He owns the song, the stage, the audience. That is very important!

NickC
NickC
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

Who cares if the song is a complete dud….

kol kol
kol kol
6 years ago
Reply to  NickC

Why don’t you like the song? Is it so bad to sing about single mothers? It is better to ask for mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy…oh stop it already. Somebody should make them stop but they go on…mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy mercy PLEASE MAKE THEM STOP!

NickC
NickC
6 years ago
Reply to  kol kol

It is just my personal taste. It does not wake up anything inside me, and I was raised by a single mother, so I do not have anything against single mothers.It is just a generic pop song without any real originality. I think many people share the same opinion with me (I know Padraig feels the same)

Denis
Denis
6 years ago
Reply to  NickC

ESC is defined by generic. Most of the songs are generic and sound like other songs. It is about finding the best generic song that appeals to the masses.

Bogdan Honciuc
6 years ago

My money’s on Igit or Malo’

Hada
Hada
6 years ago
Reply to  Bogdan Honciuc

I would be on cloud nine if Igit won!

NickC
NickC
6 years ago
Reply to  Hada

Me too!

Colin
Colin
6 years ago
Reply to  Bogdan Honciuc

As in your wishes or you really expect one of them to win, despite Mercy and Eva being the expected forthrunners?

I would LOVE to see Malo win, TBH, and I wouldn’t be disappointed if it’s Igit either.

Nora
Nora
6 years ago

Anything but Lisandro or Igit please!!

NickC
NickC
6 years ago
Reply to  Nora

Igit is wonderful. I would be on the clouds if Igit or Madame-Monsieur wins, I would be happy if Nassi or Malo wins, I would be sad if any of the other 4 wins.

Nora
Nora
6 years ago
Reply to  NickC

MERCY all the way!!!

Ola
Ola
6 years ago

My prediction:
After the juries: 1. Eva. 2. Ciao. 3. Mercy.
Juries + viewers: 1. Eva. 2. Mercy. 3. OK ou co.

Fair enough if Eva wins, but Mercy is the masterpiece tonight. Truly love it!

NickC
NickC
6 years ago

Your top choice is my 6th choice. I feel completely disconnected from you guys.

Aufrechtgehn
6 years ago

Not an easy job for the French and the jury tonight. There are at least three songs that just MUST pass to Eurovision, namely ‘Eva’, ‘Mercy’ and ‘OK ou KO’. Where’s Luxembourg and Monaco when you need them?

Colin
Colin
6 years ago

Whatever France picks, the chances are they are going to be in the better half on the songs. Every song is well polished, comes off as done with taste, talent and most of all, some kind of effort behind it. There is no other national finals of this season (so far, as we didn’t hear songs from Melodifestivalen, Dansk Grand Prix, Vidbir, Beovizija, Montevizija, ect.) who can claim that. I would pick Ciao or Mercy for the win. Both songs are masterpieces, from the writing to delivery. They have such an impact on me! OK ou KO is a close… Read more »

RTW
RTW
6 years ago

This song makes me cringe so bad every time he caresses his face when he sings the word “face”, and then that whole “she’s just a single mother” line repeated again and again. Cringy af.

Mercy France for wanting to be last
Mercy France for wanting to be last
6 years ago
Reply to  RTW

So it’s better to repeat again and again the word Mercy half of the song? Please France send Mercy, I want to see you last. You have no idea how Europe will hate the song Mercy. Please, 0 points are waiting for you.

Kris
Kris
6 years ago

Like that’s gonna happen!! Don’t underestimate the power of Germany

Cannibal
Cannibal
6 years ago
Reply to  Kris

this comment just made my day, thank you Kris!!! ???

RTW
RTW
6 years ago
Reply to  Kris

Sorry to break it to you, but Germany seems to be doomed to be displaced out of their oh so coveted persistent last place. Spain is the new Germany. One need only lend an ear to the current Spanish repertoire of songs. Sorry, Germany; perhaps you’ll still be able to nab a spot in the bottom 5.
¯\_(?)_/¯

T
T
6 years ago

France has several good songs to choose from this year. If you just listen to the song, Reves De Gamin is the obvious choice. Too bad Nassi is way too insecure on stage and let’s not even talk about the vocals.

Lisandro seems like the safest choice and his song is the one with most mainstream appeal. Mercy has a unique and different sound. It’s hard to tell if it will pull a Portugal 2017 or flop.

Pablo
Pablo
6 years ago

I think the live versions influenced the scores a bit too much fwiw, and it overshadowed of the package…

OK ou KO is brilliantly performed and strong all 3 minutes… but it falls a bit short and I am losing interest as time goes. It has no peaks or wows (outside her flawless personal style)

Rêve de Gamin is French Pop Perfection on studio. Live wasn’t hot, even if I loved the staging.

1) Mercy
2) Eva
3) Rêve de Gamin

Kwstas
Kwstas
6 years ago

Let them choose “Eva” and after that let France feel the right side of the scoreboard 😛 They have 2 choices for a good top-10 place: Mercy & Ok ou KO

Kris
Kris
6 years ago
Reply to  Kwstas

Exactly Eva is not the safest choice!! It’s the dumbest choice!! Since it has nothing new/special it will be a safe right side of scoreboard finisher!!

Mercy and Ok ou ko may finish 18th or whatever but they have the possibility of finishing 5th and higher too

Bb
Bb
6 years ago

There is nothing interesting or memorable in “Eva”. If Lisandro had gotten to sing Nassi’s song we’d have a deserved winner without question. The issue is that his song is so bland and generic… unsalvageable really, in my opinion.

Mercy is definitely the best and should win tonight.

heidi
heidi
6 years ago
Reply to  Bb

Nassi’s song is HIS and can’t be as REAL sung by anybody else.
Go Nassi, be the winner.