Yesterday the Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — travelled to France. With just one song left to review, we headed to the south of France, to relax on a sunny Mediterranean beach. While we were there, we discussed Amir‘s song “J’ai cherché”. Was he what we were looking for? Or were we left feeling lost? Read on to find out!
Amir – “J’ai cherché”
“J’ai cherché” reviews
Tobias: I just love this! I’m glad that France finally has stepped up and taken this contest seriously. Well done! The song is a great radio hit, it works well in Eurovision and gets stuck in your head immediately. I didn’t expect much from France (due to their recent Eurovision history) but this totally blew me away! The mix of French and English works well and I’m glad Amir doesn’t sing the whole song in French. This is my personal winner in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016. I hope we will head to Paris in 2017.
Score: 10/10
Angus: France are in it to win it and are finally bringing a winner to the contest! J’adore. Amir’s vocal is sick, the song is slick and the production is crazy amazing. The franglais is tdf, the lyrics are beautiful and the beat thumps along irresistibly. I deny anyone across the continent to not be tapping their toes by the end of it and begging for more.
Score: 9.5/10
Bogdan: France did a 180 and chose the polar opposite of Lisa Angell’s ballad. Amir is the perfect representative of the multicultural hot pot that is France and his upbeat song is as happy-go-lucky as his persona. The bilingual lyrics will also help the charismatic singer bring a lot of smiles and hopefully votes from the viewers. All in all, after a very serious selection last year, a very smart one this year for France. Bravo!
Score: 9/10
Deban: #BuildingBridges #ComeTogether beautifully in Amir’s multi-cultural background. He encapsulates a narrative which holds strong significance particularly in the wake of the recent Paris attacks, and Europe’s refugee crisis. However, “J’ai Cherche” feels average to me. I like it, but I am not in love with it. The bilingual lyrics facilitate an easy singalong happy-clappy vibe, and for a change, France has justified its automatic qualification.
Score: 5/10
Mike: Sacrébleu! An up-tempo English pop song is something we really did not expect from France. After trying to hard not to win in recent years France finally sends a contender who can really expect to end up on the left side of the scoreboard in Stockholm. Amir looks like a really relaxed singer who loves to perform and the song is so easy that everybody can sing the youOUouOUou part. This song has vive la France written all over it.
Score: 9.5/10
Padraig: Throughout national final season, we have to react to a lot of songs. And sometimes that causes one to over think matters. “J’ai Cherché” is a case in point. My initial reaction was so muted, that I almost feel like screaming “bah, humbug” at my past self. For while France’s entry might not be the most sophisticated or meaningful of songs, it does possess the all important fun-factor. Easy to remember lyrics, an energetic tempo and a memorable hook all make for a feel-good classic. Add in Amir’s Gallic allure and France could be on course for its best placing in years.
Score: 8/10
Denise: Who would have thought than France would have one of my favourite entries this year. Listening to this song is making me happy and the handclap sound is so catchy. Oh and watching the live performances of Amir are making me melt. The smile he has all the time — he’s enjoying every second of it and so am I.
Score: 9.5/10
Judit: I’m in love with Amir and his song. He’s like the boy next door, and the song is modern. A happy song with a boy who’s always smiling. I would put it in the top 10 and hopefully France will be on the left side of the scoreboard this year. They deserve it!
Score: 10/10
Kristin: I always like French entries, but this time I love it! This is my other absolute favourite this year. An upbeat, catchy tune, combining everything I love about France. And don’t get me started on the huge bundle of charm that is Amir (I totally do NOT have a crush on him, shut up! *giggles*). But seriously, if Europe gives France the cold shoulder this year, like so many times before, I’ll cry. No joke. I plea, nay, I demand that France finally gets the respect they deserve in this great contest. If not now, then when? Europe, I’m counting on you.
Score: 10/10
Mario: For a former dentist, Amir is a veeery good singer and performer, and “J’ai cherché” showcases his persona very well. It’s a welcome change of pace for France to add some English to spice it up — and unlike in Spain — people seem not to have issues with it. It’s safe to say that if this was in the semi-finals, France would be a sure qualifier. The final result is harder to predict, though.
Score: 6/10
Robyn: This isn’t just a good song for France, it’s a really good song, period. Amir is a ridiculously charismatic performer and, ok, I am totally feeling his loveable, scruffy aesthetic. The super catchy English chorus anchors the song, giving Amir the freedom to deliver the verses en français. All France need to do is come up wth some decent staging and they should be looking at a placing far from their usual position.
Score: 10/10
William: Ladies, prepare your ovaries! This dad-next-door is ready to tantalize with his looks, his voice and most of all his über-catchy, feel-good song. Thoughtfully mapped out, it builds beautifully, guided by piano, drums, and a recurring hand-clap motif that becomes the heartbeat of the song. The inclusion of English works surprisingly well. This is feel-good and celebratory. Depending on his live vocals and staging, it would also be a deserving winner.
Score: 9/10
In the Wiwi Jury we have 40 jurors but only have room for 12 reviews. The remaining 28 scores are below.
Anthony: 8.5/10
Antranig: 7.5/10
Bernardo: 9.5/10
Chris: 9/10
Cristian: 7.5/10
David: 9/10
Dayana: 8/10
Diego: 7/10
Edd: 9/10
Forrest: 9.5/10
George: 9/10
Gökhan: 8/10
Jason: 9/10
Josh: 9.5/10
Liam: 10/10
Luis: 8/10
Marek: 9/10
Maria: 7.5/10
Max: 9/10
Mikhail: 8.5/10
Patrick: 8/10
Renske: 8/10
Rezo: 7/10
Sami: 10/10
Sinan: 8.5/10
Steinunn: 8.5/10
William C: 9/10
Zakaria: 4/10
The highest and lowest scores are dropped prior to calculating the average score. This is to remove outliers and reduce potential bias. We have removed a low of 4 and a high of 10.
This song is very radio friendly but to me this is not very original. I kinda see the same of last year’s winner, basically in essence. Very similar message, another good-looking/charming guy. Same singer’s features, same recipe. Is this a clear case of: “I don’t have a clue what it takes to triumph at Eurovision, so I will send a very similar product of what europeans chose last year and may I satisfy them again”? He’s going to need a very good staging to give that step forward from last year and that’s gonna be difficult, considering that Heroes’ strength… Read more »
@Crazy D
Your lack of tact is frightening. Wiser people know how to remain silent. You don’t.
If we are talking about the favourites… This song is definitely more modern and more classy than Sergey’s song. But also less entertaining (almos boring), and just lacks energy. It’s guaranteed that Russia (even if it’s going to be very cheesy) will put on a big show in Stockholm, but I’m still wondering what will France do on the stage…. It’s still an open race. Amir is closing on Sergey (according to the odds…), so I’m not attempting to predict the winner. I don’t really care anyway. My favourite acts seems to be far from winning position. The overall quality… Read more »
So according to Wiwibloggs “You are the only one” is better than “J’ai cherche”… Hmmm…
@MS
Talking about hospitality and stuff: I’m still praying for Paris,
Review: France were so excited by their song this year that they actually leaked it to the public early, before its official release. They were right. This is easily the best French entry in a very long time, possibly the best of the 21st century so far. A very long analysis follows: The song begins with an A-B verse structure. Part A of the verse has a melody that spits out lyrics at around double the stated tempo, whereas part B has a melody that matches the stated tempo (so it has the effect of calming the song down at… Read more »
Just two simple points:
1. If France wins, they will host competition at A level, like they will do for the European Football championship (with David Guetta)
2. France will welcome you even If you don’t like France or its song or both;
@Daniel E: I’ll accomodate you in the UK if you wanna come here to vote instead? 🙂
I should probably review France now..
Just two simple points:
1. If Russia wins, they will host competition at A level, like they did olympics couple years ago.
2. If you don’t like Russia or its song or both, so just don’t go, no one is going to drag you, stay at home, save your money.
And please have a little respect for people’s job, juries reviewed over 40 songs.
This has sooo much potential……. to flop…… so fkin hard.
I just don’t understand why people like this song, chorus is so annoying, and lyrics are so cheesy. Amir is a good singer, I can’t deny that, but song on the other hand…
N’oubliez pas >>>>>>>> J’ai cherche
I was looking forward to vote for this song in the final (and for Armenia), but I can’t do it anymore, since I’m from Romania… But I’m sure Europe will give this the high placing it deserves. Come on, Europe (and Australia)!
For this to score lower than Sergey’s is blasphemy. Actually there are 5-7 more songs that are sonically better than Sergey’s. Sis wiwis, are you hearing what you’ve been saying in your vids? Please. Anyway, as I’ve said before, I love Sergey & I actually buy his music, but his Eurovision song is just his weakest output. I guess it is proven that the wiwi juries voted using their eyes (ie look at those big biceps, lol). Best of luck to France & Italy, i hope your songs trump that dated bs. Special mention to Spain, Latvia, Estonia & Australia
@Loo; Everything is fake in Eurovision, even the ‘spontaneous’ chitchat in the greenroom; fake applause is about the only thing that’s missing. What Sweden being a democracy (Western democracies are fake too, we’re run by a bankers mafia) has to do with Russia winning Eurovision, is a little beyond me though. Sorry, but I can’t stand this ‘everything Russian is bad’-attitude. About France, nice song, not really my taste. I think it will end no higher than number 6 or 7.
I am surprised. I thought this would have been rated higher. A couple of the Wiwi jurors seem to be trying to make a point here instead of giving an honest rating (a 4/10? Seriously? I am all for different opinions but just, no.). This, for me, is the best French Eurovision song ever. I do not think that the Eurovision edit is as good as the original as it sacrificed the best bit of the song (the repeating French bridge towards the end) for another chorus in English, which to be honest, had already been played out at this… Read more »
This is the song i loved from the first audition. And it says a lot. Amir’s song is great and him, well, he’s genuine, very charismatic and knows how to “speak” to camera. And Paris 2017 would be great. And for those who are saying is a bad performer, well, i don’t know… maybe you should go to doctor and have an ear examination. PS: I don’t get it why all the buzz about Russia’s song. We can be gay and witty, and not fooled by a good-looking guy with an East 17 sound. That was 10 years ago. And… Read more »
This years contest will be nothing but a blood bath. If Russia wins in Sweden, I believe that the beautiful night in May will turn into disaster. Russia is NOT popular in Sweden for number of reasons and as Sweden is a fully democratic country we will NOT use fake applause during the show. It will be a horrible night. I personally think that this scenario is wrong and that politics should stay out of this but it will be hard. I just want our contest to end with happiness. I’m so excited!!! Sweden vs. France vs. Russia 😉 Come… Read more »
France and Spain are two countries whose songs I think often get underrated, this year they’ve both sent songs I really hope end up winning. Top 5 at least!
Replying to Timo, who are you for talking about a song by saying this is trash ? In response to Eisenstadt1 : the video is not about gender theory but about fighting prejudices and reaching one’s dream. Dear Beppa, thank you for insulting a whole country (…mentally burnout and out of ideas…) ! That’s true that some old french entries were not serious like Fatals Picard or Twin Twin. Were there the only ones ? What about Lordi, Buranovskiye Babushki (the russian grannies)… Esc hasn’t been a serious contest for a long time ! General quality began to increase last year. About the creation of a… Read more »
“Et s’ il fallait le faire”
Viva la France.
France’s best entry since 2009, but Patricia Kaas is still so much better.
@Angelos
Relax, it’s just their opinion!
P.S.: I’m from Greece, too!
It`s very good song. In my opinion Amir would be in top 3 but not win. Beautiful smile and catchy – it`s recipe for success;)
I’ve heard it 10 times, but I still don’t quite see why everyone likes it. So far I am with Deban, but that could change.
You are pathetic wiwibloggs!!!
Really???
You play the ”only one” of Russia like noone lives in Russia and ”i am the best” one more score than Amir and the French song???? I am from Greece and i don’t care about the Greek rating whitch was too low (at least 5) but do not do this to France!!! I always have problems with your ratings!!!
And for the end the guy that gave the 6/10…i didn’t find an excuse about it!!!
And the average 5 it was pathetic!!!! JUST SAYIN!! <3
You gave that miserable Russian song a better score. Are you all drunk or something?
You ou ou have the best song this year France so, with your permission, let’s go to Paris in 2017 yay yay yay xD
@Eisenstadt1
Are you serious? What are you talking about? Have you ever heard of gender equality?
I just don’t get the hype this entry gets! I can’t feel this song & I genuinely think it’s an average pop song.Amir is also not so good looking.He’s nothing compared to Freddie and some other guys from this year.Might do well in Stockholm, but win? I don’t think so.They will be a lot better than 2011 (when France was bookies fave), top 5 possibly but not a winner. And I love France as a country, want it to win so badly but with an epic song! Indila doesn’t want to do esc but she is an artist and CAN… Read more »
My top 10 (I hope the winner is somewhere here and that all will be attending the grand finals):
1) Estonia
2) Czech Republic
3) Croatia
4) Iceland
5) Germany
6) Norway
7) France
8) Netherlands
9) Austria
10) Hungary
Our winner! 12 points shtem esrei nekudot from Israel to FRANCE This year!!
He looks quite clumsy on stage and his live vocals are lacking power compared to the studio version, like two different stories. Let’s see what he can do in the final day. All eyes on him.
7,8 song. 5th position.
I love this song, can’t stop listening to it. Russia and France are the two best songs this year but personally I would love to see Amir win Eurovision
So with France’s Amir all the ladies have to have their ovaries on point to ovulate once he starts singing on stage. I presume then that with Sergey all the guys need to have their genitals checked to make sure all the orgasms are as deep and intense as possible, so that no anti-booing technology is required during the semi-finals and final. What a wonderful world Eurovision can be.
I hit the like button when I first watched the music video on YT. But is it because of the song or the music video? I thought the song had nothing to do with the music video — I don’t understand French — but it was overall a nice experience for me. But when I listen to this song again on Spotify and play the song side by side with other songs from Eurovision and mainstream charts, the song is a bit underwhelming. I find that Amir’s voice (studio) is nice but it’s not powerful enough compared to other artists… Read more »
@Nicky91
Oh sorry now I understood
Amir must win this. Not that festival of pure cheesiness from Mother Russia. GO FRANCE!
@Nicky91
No I ask you about your profile….I know her profile and I also follow her
@esc2016
well Ira’s profile is public, so i can watch without needing a profile myself 🙂
@Vladimir P
nice list, and I wish Serbia the very best of luck 🙂 🙂
9.5/10
3rd/43
Hide yo voters Sergey because Amir is coming for them. So much more charismatic, better song, I have no doubt Amir is going triumph over Sergey.
If ladies need to prepare their ovaries for Amir… what do the guys have to prepare for Sergey? LOL
One of the best songs this year. My top 10:
1. Malta
2. Norway
3. Russia
4. France
5. Iceland
6. Estonia
7. Cyprus
8. Czech Republic
9. Bulgaria
10. Croatia
Greetings from Serbia!
I lived in Paris for a year in 2014. I became very aware of the lack of passion for the contest among the french. It’s sad because France is a fantastic music nation with so much talent. But FINALLY they sends something good. Really good even. Fantastic if you like. France television is also one of the best in Europe when it comes to productions and they would make a magic show next year 🙂 Amir is the ultimate winner. As the slogan is “Come together” it would be really fitting for a multicultural man like him to win. Combined… Read more »
Paris 2017. My absolute favorite of the year.
the best French entry in a long time? seriously? I agree with all those saying that it’s a great song but let’s be honest, L’enfer et moi is so much better. anyway, I hope Amir or Dami wins, and not the overrated Russian song…
@esc 2016
I also want it 🙂
@Nicky91
Both countries have great song for me….I forgot to ask you…Whats your name in instagram..??
Agreed with the general consensus that this is without a doubt the best French entry in a long time! It’s extremely catchy, something that puts a smile on my face every time I hear it… AND it’s a message everyone can relate to – looking for the one thing in your life that brings you happiness as Amir mentioned in his interviews. A good song like this doesn’t need flashy staging like I think Russia will do, the French team really needs to let Amir and the song be the main focus. I have no doubt that they will get… Read more »
@Layla
I also agree that Cyprous is underated….I think that its worth more than to qualify to the final…I want to see them in top 10-15 (like Greece but propably no)
@Loo
thank you 🙂
@esc2016
thank you for your vote to Greece, and also a vote for Ira, i would rather see a winner coming from the south 🙂
@nn absolutely I agree with you! All countries that you mentioned are overrated. All, but no Cyprus. Cyprus is underrated.
As for the songs of France, Sweden and Spain, I have a feeling that both have already heard somewhere. Nothing special, sorry.