In a recent interview with Télé 7 jours, France 2 Entertainment Director Nathalie André sounded off on all things Eurovision — from last year’s failure with Lisa Angell to this year’s renewed hope to her fight for France to perform in the semi-finals. She also gave the world a little insight into how things are progressing for France regarding their participation in Stockholm. Color us optimistic!
France’s internal selection
Interestingly, France’s string of bad results didn’t discourage artists from sending their applications to the broadcaster. According to André, France 2 received a total of 280 songs. With the help of the new head of delegation Edoardo Grassi, they’ve been working since August to pick one that “suits our era” (in a way that Lisa Angell’s did not). So far they have identified four standouts. Although nothing is final, she says that the song will probably include English lyrics. That’s no easy feat in a nation obsessed with promoting its own language, but she’s already received approval from the boss of France 2.
Unfortunately, France’s major record labels seem uninterested in taking part in the contest. “Only 10% of record companies are interested and see the good side of 200 million viewers,” she said.
Quel stress… ! H-3 ? #Eurovision2015 @EurovisionF2 @France2_Presse @LisaAngell @FValencak @antoineboilley ??????? pic.twitter.com/O0LE8BVWiS
— Nathalie ANDRÉ??? (@NathalieANDREtv) May 23, 2015
Speaking of Lisa Angell’s abyssal result in Vienna, André says she’s totally owning her choice, as she believes Lisa’s voice is incredible and the song fit the circumstances at the time. However, she also says she would have gone with a more modern and fun song if she could redo it. We also learn how surprised she was when she discovered how enormous and global the contest is. It certainly contrasts with the dim and degrading views of the show that prevail in France. She’s also very happy to experience it again in Stockholm.
FRANCE 4 to broadcast eurovision semifinals:
For the first time ever, France Télévisions will broadcast the two semifinals live! Since the introduction of the two semifinals, France has only broadcast one semi per year — and on a rather secondary channel, France ô. But now things are changing and the two shows are moving to the more popular France 4!
André also revealed that the Big 5 countries pressured the EBU to perform in the semis, because she believes viewers make up their minds during the two shows and it would only be fair to have all finalists sing their songs twice.
Are you loving André’s approach? Let us know in the comments section below!
@Ajit Yes I am aware that not all of them participated since the first contest, I actually meant that they are the biggest financial contributors, thanks for the correction.
@SpirK just to clarify, the Big 5 aren’t the founding members of the EBU, or Eurovision. The EBU had 19 founding members, including the Vatican, Tunisia, and Lebanon. The first Eurovision in 1956 had 7 countries competing, including the Netherlands. Spain didn’t debut until 5 years later. The Big 5 refers to “the 5 biggest contributors to the ESC” (not that I know what is the basis or source that determines that).
I really hope Zaz or maybe Indila represents France one day, due to the unwillingness of France’s major recording studios I doubt this is that year…
Yaas. She’s definitely trying in France, and hopefully it pays off.
I wonder how did Germany won the contest in 2010 with performing in the semifinals? I think that the big five don’t take eurovision seriously because they always have a reserved spot in the final. It’s good to have them in the semifinals but if their songs aren’t good how can they hope for a good result? For example UK 2010, Germany 2008, Spain 2008, France 2014.
France was robbed last year in my book. N’oubliez Pas was incredible and moving, and Lisa gave a fantastic performance. “André also revealed that the Big 5 countries pressured the EBU to perform in the semis, because she believes viewers make up their minds during the two shows and it would only be fair to have all finalists sing their songs twice.” Personal correction: It would only be fair to have all countries compete in the semifinals. I understand that the big 5 are founding members of the EBU, but I don’t think the current situation even helps them. Many… Read more »
Mirko I thought Lisa was flawless. One of the best performances this year
Am I the only one who frankly liked the french entry and was shocked when it ended uo among the lasts?…
Sorry for getting lost in the middle of writing my previous comment. Let me try this again: This time they must make sure they don’t end up with a contender that has the potential to end up like Twin Twin.
France 2010 was there best one upbeat fun thats what I want france!!!
Excellent. Two semifinals? Now they must make sure they don’t end up with a contender that doesn’t have too much of a potential to end up with a result like Twin Twin’s! 😐
As much as I love taking the mick out of France, I really hope their luck changes because it would be a shame if they chose to leave over bad results.
I know France can pull a good result in Stockholm. Fingers crossed for greatness!