He’s going up, up, uuuup with the bookies and is currently listed as fourth favourite to win Eurovision 2016.
And on Thursday France’s Amir gave us even more reason to believe in him as he dazzled with an acoustic cover of Loreen’s “Euphoria.”
Strumming a guitar and looking straight into the camera, the 31-year-old singer made the electro dance track his own, transforming it into a soulful, almost meditative master work.
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Wearing a fitted V-neck sweater and blue trousers, he cut a casual figure as he worked his magic in a palatial five-star hotel, which befits a potential winner of Eurovision.
He rested his pert posterior on a Marie Antoinette arm chair, honouring France’s history while moving it forward with his take on modern pop.
The opening 35 seconds of the cover is pared back and down-tempo, keeping the focus on Amir’s resonant and welcoming vocals.
But then the pace picks up and Amir becomes decidedly animated, bobbing back and forth and feeling every single note and bar.
The acoustic performance comes just one day after France 2 uploaded a charming interview with the toothy singer, who previously studied dentistry.
Asked what his greatest assets are, the down-to-earth stunner pushed attention away from him and onto his entry “J’ai cherché”.
“I wrote this song with two very good friends of mine and we wanted to bring positive energy, and maybe something universal which mixes languages.”
“This song is happy. It brings joy and has a very positive message. I think that it speaks for itself and I really hope that people will like it as much as I do.”
Are you loving Amir’s cover of “Euphoria”? And are you as smitten with him as we are after watching his interview? Let us know in the comments box below.
France really deserves to win this year. The song is catchy, pop and actually good. The singer is extremely talented and cute a.f.. To me, the other favorites seem quite “common”. This song has something special!
“All of me” by Amir (the Voice France 2013)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhyZvzWfdJM?
Fantastic! His voice is crystal clear. It sounds so amazing. My second winner. I bet France or Armenia will be the winner. Still find the Armenuan lady more interesting so will vote for her, but Amir will get one vote from me as well. Well done! Go, France
France should be 3rd in the betting odds… Russia and Sweden are the frontrunners but France is surely the underdog to become a frontrunner.
Hopefully Europe will get this right… Cross fingers.
“Pert Posterior?” Good Lord William. I had to giggle at that one. Your articles are so interestly worded.
he is amazing and getting closer to being in my top 10 ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh love you amir.
I hope he makes his covers a regular thing. They’re really enjoyable and he’s also a really sweet guy. I hope he does well in the contest because truly, he deserves it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMiasQVZrH4
This song of his is also soooo good. I’m so happy to have discovered this talented guy.
The more I hear Amir’s song, the more I love it! I think he has given France its best chance to win in years!
Wouldn’t it be great if the most magical city in the world, Paris, were to host the contest next year? I can’t even… Oh dear.
Nina Kraljic has done Lighthouse live, but only 10 sec with bad sound 🙁
She also covered “Ghost” and “Wild Dance”
Listen her https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-IsaFwQ0Xg
I cant, I just can’t deal!
I love Amir ok! There I said it!! He actually seems like a nice guy in person too, the interview was very relaxed! Definitely hope he brings victory to France! #Paris/Marseille/Lyon/Bordeux 2017
I’ve fallen in love with Amir this year like I did last year with Nadav. I hope France wins this year, the song is catchy and Amir’s an amazing artist.
He is sooo cute and nice!!! Oh Gosh, that naughty smile drives me crazy. Big kiss from Spain
Oh, this is the year of dentists.
Guess who, the other dentist is…
well, Serhat is a dentist too.
Wiwi please publish the video where he does an acoustic cover of his own participating song!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uz0iDlEMXM
He is extremely likeable and that is the biggest weapon France possesses this year.
I would be happy for Amir & France to win even though it is not my favourite song. It is in my Top 10 though.
I almost don’t dare to say it…. but… I have a gut feeling… The French broadcaster should seriously start to save up some money and looking for various opportunities because… Well… This song has all the elements of a hit. It is universal, popish and simple in the most perfect way. Amir is such a raw talent. I hope I’m right! As long as they don’t mess this up with a bad performance this can seriusly be in contention. The song is really STRONG. Sweden and France have without competition the most current songs of the year. One of us… Read more »
J’adore Amir
Je t’aime
He’s not my favourite, but I still want him to win! Is that weird….?
I really hope the juries and televoters will support France, support Amir. The song’s not my favorite, though it’s in my top five so I still love it. But a huge part of me wants him, wants France to win.
I JUST LOVE HIM!! He’ll be a great winner, and France will really deserves its victory!