He rose to fame in 2014 when he made it to the semi-finals of The Voice: La Plus Belle Voix as a member of Garou’s team.
And on Sunday France 2 confirmed that IGIT — real name Antoine Barrau — will sing “Lisboa Jérusalem” in the semi-finals of Destination Eurovision.
Born in northern Paris, IGIT has a deep and resonant voice and a classic style — all of which feature in the snippet of his track. It sounds like it belongs on the soundtrack to a French blockbuster and conjures up French greats like Serge Gainsbourg. Color us excited!
#Igit ?
Qui est cet artiste ? Que veut-il faire ? Ouvrez grand vos oreilles et regardez son portrait en exclu, avant de le retrouver dans #DestinationEurovision, à partir du 13 janvier 2018 sur @france2tv ! @IGITOFFICIAL pic.twitter.com/uJSk2OjlDs— Eurovision France (@EurovisionF2) December 31, 2017
The song, which very obviously discusses travel and trips to far away lands, seems perfect for IGIT, who has himself journeyed around the world. He studied business administration in Ottawa, Canada and later lived in Slovenia, where he tried his hand at electronic music.
On The Voice he silenced the judges with his cover of Little Willie John’s “Fever”. He showed off his stunning voice and emotional connection to the music — twisting and contorting his face as he worked his lower register with ease.
His styling there — and in France 2’s Twitter video — suggest a bohemian artist with a distinct point of view and natural flow. From the choice of songs to the open shirt to the visible scruff, everything seems very organic to him.
And apparently he has some friends in very high places.
His album Jouons, released earlier this year, includes a duet with French film legend and Oscar-nominated actress Catherine Deneuve.
His single “Des Conséquences” is among his more contemporary tracks. It nods to his classical style, but the production and selected instrumentation give it a more modern vibe.
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.
You can follow the official Eurovision France 2 Facebook page for the latest updates.
Are you feeling IGIT’s sound and song clip? How does he compare to the previously announced artists in France? Let us know in the comments box below!
OMG! I remember Igit from the Voice! He’s excellent! Love him!
Really interesting song. At first listen it doesn’t seem exceptional, but I believe a live performance could elevate it! I can’t wait to watch it in the semi!
sounds very benjamin biolay
i cannot WAIT to hear these things in full omg
High quality entry again. This is going to be soo difficult for France to choose!
At this rate, they might as well send their three runners up to some neighbouring countries! :p
Go borrow one of their runners ups, Switzerland
Man, France is slaying…
He reminds me of Jason Mraz, but less casual.
I am french and amazed by the quality of our selection so far. It will be difficult for him to qualify but it smells radio success in France (like the 3 previous acts). Very Claudio Capéo/Jacques Brelesque
This selection is going to SLAY! Hope you hear all of their tracks on the radio afterwards!
First one I don’t like.