The first semi-final of France’s Destination Eurovision airs on Saturday. But there are still two acts to reveal. The second-to-last artist to be revealed is upcoming singer Ehla who will be singing “J’ai cru” (I thought).
Ehla got her start in 2013 on the French version of the reality show Popstars. Under her birth name Léa, she was part of the girl group The Mess, who won the series. They had a number of singles, including “Au top” (At the top), but split a year later.
By chance, Ehla was connected with a music producer looking for a singer to perform covers of recordings by the successful slam poet Grand Corps Malade. Ehla recorded a number of songs, including a cover of his 2008 track “Les Voyages en train”.
Ehla released her debut single “Demain encore” (Tomorow again) in August.
Ehla has also talked about her shyness, and her inability to hide behind a bold stage persona. What you see is what you get — and that may be a little timid.
In her introduction video, Ehla talks about the importance of music in her life notes that anything is possible.
The video also features Grand Corps Malade, who is one of the co-writers of her track.
#Ehla ?
Quel est son univers ? Que va-t-elle interpréter ? Activez le son et découvrez cette artiste en exclu, avant de la retrouver dans #DestinationEurovision, à partir du 13 janvier sur @france2tv? ! @ehlamusic pic.twitter.com/HxFGjS724H— Eurovision France ?? (@EurovisionF2) January 7, 2018
The short preview clip of Ehla’s song “J’ai cru” (I thought) reveals a slightly melancholic sounding song, with a soaring chorus delivered in French. Destination Eurovision has a 70% French lyrics minimum, but as we’ve seen with many of the other entries, there’s not a lot of English in the mix.
DESTINATION EUROVISION – KNOWN COMPETITORS
- Malo’ – “Ciao”
- June the Girl – “Same”
- Louka – “Mamma Mia”
- IGIT – “Lisboa Jérusalem”
- Emmy Liyana – “OK ou KO”
- Madame Monsieur – “Mercy”
- Sweem – “Là-haut” (Yonder)
- Noée – “L’un près de l’autre” (One close to the other)
- Pheno Men – “Jamais sans toi”
- Lucie Vagenheim – “My World”
- Enea – “I’ll Be There”
- Sarah Caillibot – “Tu me manques” (I miss you)
- Masoe – “Paradise”
- Max Cinnamon – “Ailleurs”
- Nassi – “Rêve de gamin” (The dream of a child)
- Jane Constance – “Un jour j’ai rêvé” (One day I dreamed)
- Ehla – “J’ai cru” (I thought)
The first semi-final airs this Saturday, 13 January. Nine songs will compete in each of the two semi-finals, and four songs from each semi will go to the grand final.
In the meantime, vote in our poll for your favourite of the first nine acts.
You can follow the official Eurovision France 2 Facebook page for the latest updates.
Another good song.
We’ll watch two very interesting semis the next two Saturdays!
I’m quite disappointed…
It’s my opinion but I think the song misses something that we have in “Walk on water” from Ira Losco or “In Too Deep” from Tijana Bogisevic.
The song would have been much better with an impression of speed
I don’t know if you understand XD But what I mean is that she sings pretty fast and the instrumental is modern and great but it misses an instrument that makes the song faster
The lineup is set, the final artist revealed is recent Voice winner Lisandro Cuxi performing the song “Eva”
This sounds goooooood
one singer remaining to discover and tomorrow they record the first semi-final, thursday the second, with 3 french jurors and three international jurors, 😉
FRANCE GALL RIP
Sad news: France Gall (Eurovision 1965 winner) passed away this morning. Her song is still one of my favourite Eurovision tunes ever! RIP.
What Melodifestivalen?
Destination Eurovision it’s THE THING now.
Calm down, the line up is high quality but wiat for the show…
We don’t know many for this.
Ans Melodifestivalen is a big thing since many years now…
Wait and see. And i tell you that as a french.