As we get closer to the first semi-final of France’s national selection Destination Eurovision, another competing artist has been revealed. The next singer to be introduced is Louka, who will be singing “Mamma Mia”.
And there’s a big name behind the song. When details of Destination Eurovision were presented earlier in the month, it was revealed that Maître Gims had written one of the songs in the national final. It turns out that his contribution is “Mamma Mia”.
Gims and Louka have history. The successful rapper and singer signed Louka to his record label last year. Gims mentored Louka as he released his debut single “Gamin” (Kid) late last year.
The French singer VITAA and Maître Gims’ frequent collaborateur Renaud Rebillaud have also been involved in the production of the song.
Louka’s involvement in Destination Eurovision was announced in the usual video profile clip. He talks about his background in sports and the honour of being able to represent his country at Eurovision.
While the song is in French, it does have a rather Italian title, “Mamma Mia”. Louka — born Lucas Bennici — explains it is a nod to his Italian roots. But with Malo’s song “Ciao” also in the lineup, it’s looking like a very French-Italian song selection.
“Mamma Mia” is a slice of modern French chart pop. In the excerpt, the song features a minimalist backing with both folky guitar and electronic accents. The song seems to be building to something big, but with less than a minute of the song heard so far, it’s hard to guess what might be coming.
#Louka ?
Quel est son univers ? Que va-t-il interpréter ? Découvrez-le en exclu, avant de le retrouver dans #DestinationEurovision, à partir du 13 janvier 2018 sur @france2tv ! @LoukaOfficiel pic.twitter.com/JPJSdbm8fZ— Eurovision France ?? (@EurovisionF2) December 31, 2017
What is his universe? What will he perform? Discover it exclusively, before finding it in #DestinationEurovision, from January 13, 2018 on @ france2tv! @LoukaOfficiel
Louka also shared the good news with fans on social media:
C’est enfin officiel, j’ai le plaisir de vous annoncer ma participation à #DestinationEurovision avec mon nouveau titre #MammaMia ??? https://t.co/BDo3uLqwVc
— LOUKA (@LoukaOfficiel) December 31, 2017
It’s finally official. I am pleased to announce my participation in #DestinationEurovision with my new song #MammaMia
Destination Eurovision – known competitors
- Malo’ – “Ciao”
- June the Girl – “Same”
- Louka – “Mamma Mia”
- IGIT – “Lisboa Jérusalem”
The remaining competing songs will be revealed over the coming days, in the build-up to the first semi-final. The first semi airs on 13 January 2018. Nine songs will compete in each of the two semi-finals, and four songs from each semi will go to the grand final.
What do you think of “Mamma Mia”? Would Louka make a good candidate for Eurovision? Tell us what you think in the comments section below!
I have to say the phrase “Mamma Mia” bothers me a bit. However, I like the song. And it gives me Maitre Gims vibes.
We keep listening to interesting tracks from France.
Charming song with handsome french guy. how amazing .love it.
Igit has been revealed as France’s 4th hopeful! Amir should know who he is because they competed on the same season of “The Voice” in 2014 (he on Jenifer’s team, Igit on Garou’s team). Igit made it all the way to the semifinal
Bravo la France! This is getting better and better!!! It‘s gonna be the best NF this year!
Thanks for doing an article on each acts guys. The next reveal is today at 4pm!
This is getting better than MelFest to be honest…:) And it’s so cool it’s not in February so I can watch it without missing any other NF.
The second fact is what I´ve thought too… 😀 haha and it´s on a saturday, good to watch !
OMG I love it! Sounds amazing, international and like a chart hit!
Can´t wait to hear the full version! Still get excited about the french national final.
My fave from this three so far so easy!
The three artists so far are all very good, and the songs are all different from each other, I think Destination Eurovision will be stunning, with a lot of diveristy in the songs! I’m so proud to see how my country has improved in the contest!
Watch out Europe! Paris 2019 is coming!
This sounds really good!
France showing why they are a powerhouse in the music industry. Always stunning productions and strong identity. Amazing.
Good Job France !!! ESC 18 season will be absolute epic <3 , the best one ever , i m sure 😀 .
Can’t wait!!
Starting today 2 portraits are revealed so 2 songs. 🙂
France wants to win, all the songs they’ve release clips are beautiful. Wouldn’t be surprised if we got to Paris in 2019.
Nothing to say, I really love it !! Good job France !
Me too ! It’s my prefered even if the two others seem to be good too.
O know I may sound as a broken record this year but I was hoping yhat Kendji Girac is the one connected to Maitre Gims because he aced his blind audition in the Voice with one of Maitre’s tracks in 2014.
But the artist selection is shaping up quite well, I must admit.
Love his style, and love the clip! High hopes for France this year.
Wow, France have really pulled out the stops this year!! Maitre Gims is a HUGE name to pull in to write a song.
The standard of those three songs so far is insane. It’s so awesome to see a country pull a Bulgaria/Belgium and sort themselves out. ALLEZ LA FRANCE!
*next year.
By a day. 😀
I totally agree though! France = wow for 2018.
Wow. France’s National Selection is gonna be epic in 2018! 🙂
It’s amazing what a bit of effort can do. Can’t wait to watch it.