Could The Voice deliver another French success at Eurovision? It could be on the cards, as speculation mounts that France are deciding between two acts to be Amir’s successor. On the one hand is Slimane, who won The Voice: la plus belle voix in 2016. His apparent rival: Florent Mothe, musical theatre star and, most recently, contestant on Dance avec les stars.
Back in December, France 2 confirmed they had received “around 300” entries to represent the country. That number was set to rise, especially as the broadcaster was poised to approach record labels independently as well.
Journalist Thierry Moreau recently revealed the two proposed names on Touche pas à mon poste — the same show where Amir was announced (ahead of schedule) as the French representative. Could they have nearly spoiled the surprise once again?
TPMP, C8 : encore un ancien de The Voice pour l… by telestar_video
About Slimane
If Slimane does prove to be the French representative, then it would have to be seen as a huge coup. After winning The Voice, Slimane’s first album “À bout de rêves” went straight to number one in both France and Belgium. He’s had two top 20 hits on the French charts as well.
Could fellow Voice alum Amir’s success post-Eurovision be a reason for Slimane to want to go Kyiv? If so, Head of Delegation Edoardo Grassi must be commended for making Eurovision seem so attractive to French singers again.
Not everyone would be so happy with Slimane being chosen, however. On Touche pas à mon poste, the host Cyril Hanouna criticised France 2 for choosing a Voice contestant yet again. He wondered whether it would be a Voice contestant “every year”. Another criticism is that the show is broadcast on TF1, the rival broadcaster to France 2.
About Florent Mothe
Florent Mothe comes from a much different background to Slimane. An accomplished stage star, Mothe originated the role of Salieri in Mozart, l’operá rock in 2009. For the role, he won the NRJ Revelation Award — the same award Amir picked up last year.
Whilst he has flourished on stage, his studio career has not had comparative success. His latest album “Danser sous la pluie” charted at just 73 on the French album chart. He did, however, successfully compete in the latest series of Dance avec les stars, where he finished in 5th place.
Florent would perhaps be the safer choice for France of the two acts. He would certainly be dependable and could bring something different year-on-year.
What do you think of France’s options? Would you rather see Slimane or Florent on stage in Kyiv? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
I really like both artists. Slimane was amazing in “the voice” last year. I generally watch the french version of “the voice”, great talents every year. And I loved that guy. He’s already successfull in France, it would be a great choice, with the right song of course. But, as I read that he’ll be busy with touring, maybe in the years to come, he should be concidered as a representative for France. He’s really talented. Though, I have to admit that maybe his songs don’t fit ESC, as someone pointed out in the comments. Florent Mothe is an established… Read more »
Slimane already say is it not interested, and his songs no fit the contest.
Florent Mothe, why not ?
Alma can be good…
Hope for something great after the amazing 6th place of Amir, we are wainting for 40 years now!!! i don’t want to be disapointed.
They’d both be awesome, wow.
I like Alma – ”Requiem”, it remindes me of Indila – ”Derniere dance”.
Stop dreaming, it will be none of those. France 2 always hides the candidate until the official release of the name. It will probably be someone not quite well known such as Amir before the eurovision.
Slimane would stand out and he’s big now so more interest for Eurovision!!
Good to see a BIG 5 country getting interested in Eurovision! Jai cherche was one of the biggest hits last year in France! First time since maaaaaaaaaaaaaaany years for a ESC song to be a hit in France!
I strongly believe Kendji would be a winning material but he wouldn’t do it unfortunately.
So… Why on hell do you think they are on France 2 cards? Florent said he would take the risk, but it doesn’t mean he applied.
It will be none of them. Today, a press article explain that Slimane will not represent France at Eurovision because he is to busy with his musical tour : http://www.programme-tv.net/news/tv/105877-exclu-eurovision-2017-pourquoi-slimane-a-refuse-de-participer/
As always, it depends on the song of course, but I’m not thrilled by these two…
Slimane’s style works very well in French, not sure his way of half rapping, half singing and half talking (that’s 3 halves but who cares) would appeal to other countries. Florent Mothe has pipes, but it would again be a “has been” candidate for France, just like Amandine Bourgeois, Angunn, etc. (All these singers are talented, they just don’t enjoy success in France).
TPMP is a terrible show that makes audience on humiliation and persistent criticism of everything. Their opinions doesn’t reflect anything and you shouldn’t take care of it.
Slimane already said it is not him. And Florent Mothe may have sent a song but for sure he is not on the final run.
But we have to take a look about Alma and her song “Requiem”, produced by the same staff as “J’ai cherché”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nMAnHRC4iE
I don’t think Slimane is interessed for an Eurovision participation. He is very busy currently in France and he “belongs” to TF1 as a the Voice winner. TF1 is the direct opponent of France 2 the evening of Eurovision (they always shedule the final of The Voice which is very popular in France the same evening than Eurovision) and if, like last year, in 2013 and 2014 TF1 shedule The Voice final the same evening than Eurovision final, Slimane can’t sing in Kyiv because he will have to sing at The Voice final because he’s the winner. I think France… Read more »
I wouldn’t take what TPMP says too seriosusly. The information given in the video is really vague. It only says that Slimane and Florent Mothe are in the shortlist but that doesn’t mean they are the only ones. Florent Mothe has expressed its interest in the Eurovision a few weeks ago and the info went all around the internet. But we know that Edoardo Grassi would not let a serious contender talk about Eurovision publicly before participating. As for Slimane, he said recently that he didn’t want to participate. My guess is that these two names were in the consideration… Read more »
Both are quality acts and top 10 potentials. It’s great to see France is taking Eurovision serious again.