Over the past two weeks, 18 competing acts have battled it out for just eight spots in the grand final of Destination Eurovision. But who should win the national final and go on to represent France at Eurovision 2018? We know what the juries think, but what do you think? Listen to the eight finalists and vote in our poll!
Since 2015, France has internally selected their acts for Eurovision. But for 2018 — spurred on by successful results from Amir and Alma — broadcaster France 2 has launched a new national final.
Destination Eurovision has been praised by fans for the quality of the acts. The 18 semi-finalists represent a range of different styles of music and include some very strong Eurovision contenders.
The semi-finalists battled it out in the finals, where a French jury and international jury voted. Four acts from each semi-final will go on to compete in the grand final this Saturday, 27 January.
But who should win? Listen to the eight competing songs and vote in our poll. As always, you can vote for as many acts as you like, but you can only vote once — so make it count!
Top 8
1 Lisandro – Eva
2 Madame Monsieur – Mercy
3 Emmy Liyana – OK ou KO
4 Nassi – Reves de Gamin
5 Malo – Ciao
6 Max Cinnamon – Ailleurs
7 Igit – Lisboa Jerusalem
8 Louka – Mamma Mia
( Madame Monsieur could’ve won if they weren’t performing 4th)
This Saturday, viewers will be surprised not to hear the voice of Amir to comment on the finale of Destination Eurovision, which will designate the grand winner who will represent France at the European singing competition. This one will be absent for “personal reasons”, without one knowing more about it. It’s the singer Alma, who participated in Eurovision last year, who replaced him at short notice
I know I am in the minority here, but for me Igit is by far the best song and overall act. The guy has come with his own universe not making any compromises. I love the song. I must say, I am bit disapointed overall with the set in the final and I don’t see any winner coming from France this year, most unfortuntaly. Also, both Lisandro and Madame Monsieur are for me overrated (especially Lisandro). After Igit, the best choice for me would be Emmy, but could maybe be re-worked a bit.
They all need some work. I think Lisandro, Madame Monsieur, and Malo’ have the best chances. I think some of the others could do well, but their voices or annunciation need work. Max Cinnamon, for example, seemed promising but I couldn’t figure out when he was singing in English or French most of the time.
I really want to like Madame Monsieur, but the end is a real let down. Malo has potential but something is missing. Eva’s lyrics are goofy, but he’s a great pop star.
Yeah, you’re not alone who points out weakest part in Mercy. That ending should be upgraded, for real.
Igit is the best, I don’t know what you see in Mercy. It would be borderline in the Final…
I live amongst a Francophonic community, listening to all the songs, Mercy by Madame Monsieur is a beautiful song. Those who speak French can identify that the song has the most touching lyrics. Those who don’t speak French are touched by its melody. Will the French public go for this at their final?, I hope so. 41 year wait for a win is a long time. Time for France to win. This is the only one that can do it for them. Please France vote for Mercy. ?
So, it’s gonna be “Mercy”. Nothing against it. But… France will miss the opportunity to win Eurovision 2018 by not choosing Malo’.
I have now thought about my top four songs based on their semi-final performance aswell as their audio track.
There are a few who really need to improve on their vocals and stage presence before the final.
My top four who i believe are ready to perform on the Eurovision stage as of now are………
IGIT
Madame Monsieur
Malo
Lisandro
These comments about Mercy are very strange and it reminds me the comments about Salvador Sobral and Jamala. With their songs, the eurofan audience was really divided in 2 groups : The people who absolutely dislike / hate their song and though it was boring and outdated and the people who were in love and amazed by the quality of their song. I have the feeling its the same for Mercy today. Just see the reactions here and you will find these 2 groups of people
I agree. And I’ve also noticed that calmer songs are despised quite angrily by some eurofans. Mercy, Amar Pelos Dois, Esamiba and Black Bird are completely different songs from each other, but get the same reaction from this group. Of course the competition needs its share of pop, uptempo and club bangers, but there’s quite space for everybody.
Well, it certainly wont happen a third time. At least not this year, most people are fed up. There was a lot of hype concerning Israel and Italys francesco. We’ll see…
I hope Mercy have the same luck with Jamala and Salvador Sobral! Beautiful song, great performance and amazing message plus it’s time France to win again!!!!
Are you a huge (Junior)Eurovision fan? Do you like listening to national final songs? Do you like listening to foreign music? Are you an active Snapchat user? If you are, add foreignmusicx on Snapchat! I am gonna create a Snapchat group so we can discuss our favorite songs, share our opinion and exchange songs!!
I can’t believe how dated the music of Mercy is. If it was another song/message/country it would have been slaughtered. Is so much more dated than Modern Talking/Lost in Verona, can’t you see that is a song for 80’s discoteque?
true
That’s exactly the word i was looking for, dated. People must be fascinated by the lyrics. I can’t believe it’s getting so many votes.
Honestly, France will make another mistake if this gets chosen. I agree with you entirely but if they wanna repeat the same past mistakes…so be it. They should give one of the other songs to Iceland or S pain, because these two countries will need it.
Dated like Savaldor Sobral last year ^^
pfff
borald, can people stop bringing Salvador to every conversation. You think things like that can happen always? it’s once in a lifetime, because they were unique. If it keeps appearing, people will get bored. Not to mention he was a special ‘character’, not a random contestant.
Hallo borald,
Merci beaucoup ! I agree with you. I don’t want to take advice how to vote because, someone will always disagree. Doesn’t matter how modern or dated sounds a song since is it good. I wanted Noée to qualify, the most dated but the most beautiful in my opinion. Que le meilleur gagne ! Cordially yours
The number of viewers who watched the second semi-final of Destination Eurovision, has fallen by 402,000 viewers compared to last weekend’s first semi-final.Market share for the contest fell from 12.4% of viewers for semi-final one to 10.7% for the second semi-final.
“Mercy” or “OK ou Ko” pour LA Victoria!???
*pour la victoire!
There is a quote from the book/movie ”Doctor Zhivago” about men like 2017 winner, S. S.
When Komarovsky tells Lara Antipova :
”There are two kinds of men and only two. And that young man is one kind. He is high-minded. He is pure. He’s the kind of man the world pretends to look up to, and in fact despises. He is the kind of man who breeds unhappiness, particularly in women. Do you understand?”
”There’s another kind. Not high-minded, not pure, but alive.”
Ugh, i quite like Nassi but his vocals live must be improved. I’m glad his song has a message as well, trolls wont certainly whine about it being another beta male crying this time, how ironic. I also like Malo, his falsettos didn’t sound very good though. Emmy would be a safe choice, her song is radio-friendly.
“Ciao” or nothing
1. Malo’!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. Nassi
3. Madame Monsieur
4. Emmy Liyana
5. Max
6. Louka
7. Lisandro
8. Igit
As Eurofans, we have the chance to listen to the ESC song multiple times before the actual show. Nevertheless, the people who vote in the Grand Final would only have had listened to the song at most twice. So In my humble opinion, Ok Ou Ko, Ciao, Eva, and Mercy have high chances of making the Top 10 through different reasons. Ciao is a song that is trending with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles, and in my opinion has by far one of the best stage presentation and love everything about Malo’. Ok Ou Ko by Emmy… Read more »
I hadn’t listened to any of the songs before the semi finals and I still think Mercy is the best song by far. Lisandro’s “she’s just a single mother” line repeated over and over made me cringe. He might be a good performer but it’s an aweful song.
The problem with Mercy is that it does not have a hook to hold on to and if it is placed in the middle it will have the chances of being forgotten as the night progresses and yeah I also agree that the song is weak the performance alone and the beat is what makes this song stronger.
Amir gave 2 points to Mercy!!! But these French Esc fans are childish or what? Lots of them say here that « yes I agree that Eva would give a better score or top place, but I vote for Mercy because I’m French and the lyrics touched me. I know we want win but I vote for this »… This is sooo ridiculous and unreal. What’s wrong with you French, do you want to loose like always? When you finally have a chance to stand out… It’s like in Spain, it’s disgusting. To vote for a weak song when you have the… Read more »
You need to get a reality check. What is the point of music if not to feel something ? I feel absolutely nothing when I hear “Eva”. It’s generic and dated.
And how is “Mercy” a weak song ? Because it’s not up tempo enough for you ?
I hope thay my people will make the wise next week. Art over disposable music.
I tend to agree with Mercy beaucoup.
I am not French, I don’t understand the lyrics, but Mercy makes my body move. Eva? There are about 3548068095 other generic songs like this one. It’s a typical Eurovision fan’s cliche.
Make no mistake about it – I love trash and pop music, and I think that disposable music can be great, I also think that Salvador’s remark about “fast food music” is dumb and mostly project on his character, making him a douchebag. However, pop music needs to be done correctly. Eva is just pure nothing.
I love trash and pop music too. But “Eva” is the typical Eurovision upbeat song that we hear every year. How is it possible to like “Eva” over “Mercy” ? I don’t get it.
Anyway, I will vote for Madame Monsieur next week. Hope that will be enough.
I will vote for madame Monsieur too ^^ Let’s hope the cuxifans don’t spoil the televote result 🙂
Then you should definitely check lyrics for Mercy to get why it goes well.
You are so right mate ..Lisandro is better and Eva is a strong song.. I think that Mercy is a weak song and France will be robbed.. French just liked the lyrics.. Its not about what they like but what Europe likes. At youtube Eva has amazing comments by non French and in Mercy comments i see only French! Why?
All of these are good …. but …
Mercy is a potential winner in Lisbon.
Ciao is a likely top ten
Ok ou KO could go left on the board.
The others . – while all good ( including Eva ) just won’t stand out. Thats the thing. We can all have our favourites but of these songs there is really only one that has a winner feel – Mercy
Totally agree with you!
Mercy is a strong contender for 20 to 26 place in final.
No Mercy is a strong contender for top 10
Eurovision NEEDS Mercy. It has a powerful social message, great melody, a real history behind the creation of the song itself, experienced performers and the staging could be very emotional if well done.
I think because that powerful social message Mercy will get 24 points from Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria…
Funny, Viktor Orban will spend all his money to vote for Mercy.
It will flop. It amuses me that yall are crazy for that boring song. There will be other songs with power social messages, she’s not special.
Nobody needs to like “Mercy”, but some “arguments” here are just childish. Maybe those who do that are too young to understand that you don’t need to hate something that you don’t understand why other people love. I love Wiwibloggs, but reading the comments section can be stressful sometimes. Too bad, because I really like to talk about Eurovision and don’t have any friend who shares the same passion.
The first sensible thing I’ve seen all evening… Thank you! Someone who can talk about Eurovision like a grown up and not throwing a tantrum if people like something else! 😀
I’m young and I understand :p I agree with you, If I don’t like a song I’m not gonna say “Don’t get the hype behind this it’s the worst song ever”
I don’t feel “Ailleurs” from Max and it’s my opinion if people like whatever ! ^^
Nevertheless I have to say that I don’t see why “Mercy” gets overrated, it’s a great song, being French I can say that the lyrics are meaningfull but I’m quite worried about the fact that it wouldn’t stand out at a final of ESC…
Thank you Jordan. 🙂 I understand that some people want to help their favorites to win, but there’s no reason to be rude, reduce all the other songs to trash or even to mock people that care about refugees like I’ve seen here. It’s a matter of taste and people should focus more on talking good things about the songs they like.
Raf, I totally understand your concern about Mercy not being able to stand out. It’s my favorite along to Ciao, but I see it as a risky choice (by the way, I think picking Malo also would be risky, since many people think he’s annoying or over the top). Many people will like it because of the message, others because is classy, but many won’t pay much attention, because you need to create an impact on 3 minutes and things can get pretty crazy on Eurovision night. I respect when people have reasonable arguments like yours to prefer other songs.… Read more »
I honestly don’t get the hype with Mercy… I get that it’s quite a deep message but the performance bored me. I think Lisandro would be the best choice for Eurovision. He is one of the only acts who can sing amazingly live and I think the live audience would really get behind him at the contest itself. This is my top eight and what I think of them 8. Igit – Lisboa Jerusalem – He has an amazing voice and of this genre he is very strong but this genre does nothing for me what so ever so the… Read more »
Eva is a trash. It would be on the right side on the scoreboard.
It’s typical europop song.
Well that’s a matter of opinion isn’t it? I personally love the song and think it would do at Eurovision. Calling it trash isn’t very fair at all in my opinion. It won it’s semi final for a reason…
So did Mercy, but you don’t seem to understand why or respect that.
I completely respect the fact some people like Mercy but I don’t personally. I find it boring. It’s just not to my taste, so if you can’t understand or respect that then the joke’s on you I guess! 😉
Some people doesnt like Eva and some people doesnt like Mercy its a fact . Just respect people who like a lot Mercy
I respect your opinion completely, but as a non-French speaker “Mercy” moved me even without knowing any of the context or meaning behind the lyrics. Lisandro on the other hand is a hype I don’t get. I didn’t think his vocal was anything spectacular, and his song is the most generic of all of the finalists bar Max Cinnamon to my ears (reminds me of Jason Derulo, late 2000s Chris Brown or in the ESC world a weaker version of Hungary’s 2014 entry). But again I respect your opinion. 🙂 I think it’s good to have a civil discussion and… Read more »
I guess it just comes down to personal taste at the end of the day. My taste in music is notoriously different to most people’s. I don’t think I will ever live down the abuse I got for putting Manel Navarro as my number 1 last year!
Great to see that someone actually understand’s people have different tastes. Thanks a lot. I respect you for that! If Mercy wins then fair enough but I personally feel that Lisandro would be the best fit for Eurovision. I guess we will find out next Saturday. 🙂
I agree with you. It’s overrated but remember lots of people were crazy for requiem by Alma and Israels ‘ i feel alive’, so…im not surprised.
Malo or Madame Monsieur. If I have to chose one definitely Malo because I think he has everything that you need to stand out at ESC. Song, unique voice, stage presence. With him I think France has a chance at Top 10 or even Top 3 depending on the others songs of course 🙂
If France wants to improve their last rank they ve three options :
– Mercy : possible winner
– Ciao. : definitly top ten
– Ok ou Ko : chances for a top ten
The others are quiet cool but they ll never be high ranked
Mark my words
Anything but “Mercy” France you are blind if you think this is your best option. Amir was right to only give 2 points. France will end on the right side of the scoreboard, please do not screw yourselves.
trolll
Why should he be a troll? Some people DON’T like Mercy. Get over it, idiot.
I love Mercy, but i think it could be the next Blackbird :((
Blackbird is so much better song then Mercy
I love Mercy too and I’ll probably vote for them during the final (I’m French). But I agree, it could be a potential winner or the blackbird of 2018. But even if we end in the 20-26 zone, I would be proud that my country is represented by this song.
The number of viewers who watched the second semi-final of Destination Eurovision, has fallen by 400,000 compared to last weekend’s first semi-final.
LOL
maybe people think SF2 was boring..
It’s because others tv shows offered better choice to the french audience like exclusive fiction in France 3 and new show in TF1…
IMO, the best and more competitive song of Destination Eurovision was eliminated in the first semifinal: I’m talking about Ehla’s J’ai cru.
That being said, Lisandro and Emmy Lyiana’s entries could be good choices for ESC: I have more doubts about Igit and Madame Monsieur, even if I like both.
Malo’s song is not bad, but I don’t like his voice in some parts of the performance; I’d be disappointed if one of the remaining 3 entries were chosen.
Greetings from Italy. 😉
No idea how well it could do in ESC, but Mercy gave me shivers… Con – how much of its power relies on knowing what the song is about? Pro – the singer has charisma in spades and I think that counts for a lot on the ESC stage.
What’s the hype with Madame Monsieur – “Mercy”? I find it bland, common and boring. The only decent choice for France I find to be Lisandro Cuxi – “Eva”. He’s got the best package: looks, voice, live singing abilities, the song is uptempo, he can dance…
And he has a hook ‘ She’s just a single mother’ ….great dance Anthem….duh!!
Since the snippets came out, I was sure it would be a strong selection in France. But the semi finals made it even harder to choose. There are songs I considered out of the question that made a good impression on me. Real quick: Emmy has a strong song and she has attitude. Igit’s song is different with a strong french sound. The good thing is that it’s unique. Lisandro has the momentum and the talent. He won “The voice” and he can do everything. He comes with a well produced song which gives him the opportunity to show his… Read more »
My vote went to Madame Monsieur, “Mercy” was the song I connected to right from its initial snippet and the full version didn’t disappoint me either. It’s a simple yet effective song that really draws you in and makes you feel something – with the right staging if chosen it could really make an impact in Lisbon. Though I wouldn’t mind Emmy Liyana either
Another bad fact about Mercy is that it charts only in France.
Both Lisandro and Emmy were on charts in Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland…
I think Emmy’s entry has the most musical power behind it. Which, Salvador’s entry aside, I think is absolutely necessary for success with a song not in English.
France has a pretty good final line-up. I specially like 4 of them and I think they could play well in Lisbon too: 1. Malo’ – “Ciao”. He wasn’t my fav at first, but his performance was dope. I don’t like his voice too much, but the emotion he put lifted it up. “Ciao” is also catchy and has a recognizable French sound, while being modern too. Overall, I think it could place top 10 in May, just like Italy 2011 or 2013. It could pull an Austria 2015, hope it doesn’t. 2. Madame Monsieur – “Mercy”. Would bring something… Read more »
Your point is moot regarding language given the tele-vote and jury vote success of Salvador Sobral last year! Sorry!
Boa canção lisandro! Todo Portugal apoia você!
I wont
Mercy is boriiiiiiing … ZzzZzzz
A song for the well-meaning rich
Merci is a nice song but its sound too long. After the first chorus its so repetitive.
Please France! Just choose Nassi! His song literally plays on my phone 24/7! It’s very current, club, dance and with an improvement of Nassi’s vocals and a great stage performance, it can be in Top 5 in the Eurovision! If it comes to other options: – Ciao – I don’t understand the hype about it! For me it sounds…. awful! It’s a type of singing that I’ll never understand… – Eva – It’s okay I guess but it doesn’t have that WOW factor… – Mercy – Ugh… please don’t make Eurovision 2018 boring just as Portugal last year! It has… Read more »
“Mercy” is by and far my favorite song on the bunch but just because it’s my fave doesn’t mean it’s the one that would likely get the best results. The best result would likely come from “Eva”. Lisandro is a very charismatic performer, and he carries the song well.
The final is very strong the lbmh song I don’t like in it is “Ailleurs” and that’s down to my own personal tastes (it’s really not a bad song I just don’t like it).
1-Malo 2-Madame Monsieur 3-Igit
Oh and “Mercy” is currently #2 in iTunes. French people seem to really like this.
Lisandro’s peak was 5.
Hi had you attended the live recording of the semi? What was wrong with June’s performance?
Idk. Maybe she was anxious ?
French guy here ! I will definitely vote for Madame Monsieur next week. Their performance was spectacular. It left me speechlees.
I don’t see how people can think that this song is political. “Mercy” celebrates life !
polls mean nothing … occidentalis karma ^^
Lisandro’s the best
Lisandro’s the worst. He has a Mo-Heal type of song from Norwegian 2014 National final. Recycling works, but not at the ESC
If polls mean nothing, how much does your comment mean?
and yout mother ?
Looks like the French ESC fans are playing anti-Lisandro… it’s dreadful because he has the best chances to give a top result for France. Madame Monsieur was weak live, especially the vocals, and will be a flop in Lisboa. The French vote for Mercy because of the lyrics and they don’t seem to understand that the rest of Europe doesn’t understand a word… or yes mercy or merci… It’s a big pitty to end a great national selection like this… the French are not used to think further, to pic a song that actually works abroad and not in only… Read more »
Lisandro has an average entry, in fact, his song is similar to Mo-”Heal” from Norwegian 2014 NF which flopped. He is a floption, he has zero chances, maybe he can get to 12th-13th with the right staging and being last in the order like Alma but that’s his ceiling.
+1 Thomas !
I agree with you Thomas about french people’s opinions and madame monsieur but I would send Nassi to Lisbon, others countries seem to like his song a lot.
Nassi would be good if learns how to sing. He has a pleasant tone but he can’t hold a note.
People don’t have to understand the lyrics to like a song. Music is universal. Look at Salvador last year.
I really hope that my people will choose this jewel.
Mercy sil vous plait, merci beaucoup
My Top 8 for the final! Such a strong final! So happy for france. 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4RNcXX_HlA
I would be happy if any of my top 6 would win, but I think that everyone has a good chance in Portugal to make a great result for france.
Well after that Dog’s Breakfast of a jury vote, it appears Lisandro is the only real option.
Lisandro has an average entry, in fact, his song is similar to Mo-”Heal” from Norwegian 2014 NF which flopped. Lisandro is a floption, total wreckage.
Any other song is better
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDQzWIA6hN4
Yessss extented version of Mercy….. 🙂
I think Mercy will win but Ciao is the only song I actually retain in my head despite knowing it splits the audience.