France is one of at least five countries who will be returning to a national final this year. Now broadcaster France 2 has confirmed the start date of new national final Destination Eurovision — and there’s not long to wait!
The broadcaster confirmed that the new series will begin on Saturday, January 13, broadcasting at 20:55 CET.
The dates of the other two shows have not been confirmed, but fans are expecting they will be broadcast on the following Saturdays. The second semi-final would be on January 20 and the grand final on January 27.
?? Quelle sera LA chanson qui représentera la France à l’#Eurovision2018 ? C'est vous qui choisirez ! #DestinationEurovision, 3 soirées évènementielles à partir du samedi 13 janvier à 20H55, présentées par @Garou_officiel, sur @France2tv ! pic.twitter.com/HVh32my8JZ
— Eurovision France ?? (@EurovisionF2) December 26, 2017
What will be THE song that will represent France at #Eurovision2018? It’s you who will choose! #DestinationEurovision, 3 evenings from Saturday January 13th at 20:55, presented by @Garou_officiel, on @France2tv!
Earlier in the month, France 2 confirmed details of the new Destination Eurovision. The show will be hosted by French-Canadian singer Garou, and will feature a local judging panel of France’s 2016 star Amir, French-Canadian chanteuse Isabelle Boulay and French Pop Idol winner Christophe Willem. They’ll be joined by an international judging panel of Eurovision experts Christer Björkman (HoD Sweden), Nicola Caligiore (HoD Italy) and Olga Salamakha (HoD Belarus).
Nine songs will compete in each of the two semi-finals. From there, four acts from each semi will progress to the grand final. While the two finals will be pre-recorded and the qualifiers determined by jury vote alone, the grand final will be decided by 50/50 televote and a larger international jury vote.
The competing songs will be revealed in the days before each semi-final. Organisers aren’t saying who is competing, but have revealed some details of who is behind the songs. Many big-name French stars are involved as songwriters. Artists Zazie, Maitre Gims, Vitaa and Grande Corps Malade are among those who have a songwriting credit.
The two semi-finals will be recorded on January 8 and January 9. Audience tickets are available for fans who can make it to the Paris studio on those dates.
With the French national final expected to be held on January 27, this will be the next scheduled artist and song to be selected for Eurovision 2018.
What do you think? Who would you like to see competing in Destination Eurovision? Who should represent France in Lisbon? Share your thoughts below!
If only Garou would just enter himself! Oh the gravelly goodness!
… Cause the HoD of Belarus is supposed to help them pick a good song? How about they try to pick a good song for Belarus, for once?
Naviband’s was good, imo.
The last French entry chosen via national final was TWIN TWIN, and they came dead last in 2014. Hopefully whoever France sends in 2018 will do a lot better.
Looking forward to the songs!
France has done really well since 2015 and I really want them to continue this path. Hope for some good songs!
But… France came third last in 2015?
I really like this French song that was released in October!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGyThu7EAHQ
I LOVE THIS SONG ! But actually the artist is from Belgium T_T
The only thing I don’t like is the fact that the semis are pre-recorded and the audience can’t vote.
Other than that, I’m excited. Might just watch the final however.
This is the first year I’m excited for all the Big 5’s entries! France has come such a long way the last two years. Italy always bring quality. Operación Triunfo looks like it could bring something exciting with big support from the Spanish public, and finally the UK and Germany look like they are putting more money and effort into their national selections. I only fear that my hopes are too high.
I have high hopes for The Big Five every year; but then the scoring happens and I’m disappointed.
On the positive side, three of the Big Five did well this year. Germany looks like they are learning from their mistakes.
The only real question mark is Spain.
Hey Wiwiblogs! Depi Evratesil just released participating artists (I think) on their Instagram! https://instagram.com/p/BdMsVaRj8zE/
Kendji Girac please.
Vianney and Eugénie also.
Is Amir holding the Croatian flag!? <333
Yes; he is also holding the Union Jack.
Amir is bae and he can hold which ever flag he wants.