As we keep bouncing to Destiny’s catchy anthem “Not My Soul” and try to cope with our post-Junior Eurovision depression, good news is already pouring in: the Netherlands have confirmed their participation for 2016 and Bulgaria seems very likely to take part again next year too. Nothing very surprising, though, knowing how serious these countries take the contest. Instead it’s the growing possibility that France will return to Junior Eurovision in 2016 that has our mouths on the floor.
According to Télé Loisirs, who have been in touch with the recently installed French head of delegation, Edoardo Grassi, France Télévisions are interested in taking part in the contest again after an 11-year absence. The last time France participated in the miniaturized Eurovision was way back in 2004 when Thomas Pontier sang “Si on voulait bien” and finished sixth with a total of 78 points. A year later, France 3 withdrew from the contest, citing low viewing figures and lack of interest, and never came back. Our hearts sank and we were left as empty as a bottle of red wine on New Year’s morning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9ijlCPg9HY
A new attitude?
Things might change next year now that Monsieur Grassi has returned from Sofia, where he was observing Junior Eurovision. Speaking to Télé Loisirs, he had this to say: “It’s an event that interests us. Why not? However, I don’t think it would be possible to air it on a channel like France 2 because of the airing time. Anyway, in Bulgaria, they took things very seriously this year…”
Edoardo seemed completely at ease in Sofia, even cozying up to the most recent winners.
Les gagnants 2014 et 2015 de #VincenzoCantiello et #Destiny @EurovisionJr pic.twitter.com/ScnIYUFU05
— Edoardo Grassi (@EdwardoGrassi) November 22, 2015
He also caught up with wiwibloggers Deban and William at the afterparty. According to William, Edoardo is a breath of fresh air. “He’s open-minded, enthusiastic and understands the power of music and popular culture,” William tells me. “He had so many positive things to say about the show, so hopefully that will translate into an appearance. And if France does come back, they are in very good hands.”
So, do you think France is preparing a Junior Eurovision return? Would you be happy to see France back to the contest? Let us know in the comments section below!
France 4 would be the perfect channel for France to return. Currently, child performers in and near Paris are aged 9-14, but they’ll be aged 10-15 next year!
If they return they will not broadcast it on France 2, I heard that they probably broadcast it on France 4
He is pretty cool! He is very enthusiastic and is very young.
He so handosme 🙂
esc1234,
results are better in the junior contest.
I’m glad he’s our new HoD to be honnest. He seems really cool, and it looks like he has the interest in Eurovision that France has been lacking lately!
esc1234
I think in Bulgaria and Belarus , Junior Eurovison is more popular than adult Eurovision.
I would love to see nordic countries again at Junior Eurovision, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Belgium for me Belgium had better song than Netherlands.
That will depend on whether France can get their ship in order at the senior level. So long as their failures continue at Eurovision, the doubts as to whether they will send anyone to Junior Eurovision will continue.
Its intresting that Bulgaria is already thinking to participate in next jesc and spent 1,5 milion euros on this year event, but they cant afford to take part in the senior…