They’re back for yet another semi final, but will we see the winner from this bunch? Semi-Final 2 of Destination Eurovision 2019 started with another bang – with Eurovision 2018 winner Netta Barzilai performing “Toy” and yet another stage invader.

Nine acts sang, but only four could advance to the grand final. And they are….

Seemone – “Tous les deux”
Emmanuel Moire – “La Promesse”
The Divaz – La Voix D’Aretha
Doutson – “Sois Un Bon Fils”

We almost saw a clean sweep from Seemone and her haunting track “Tous les deux”. She won the jury vote in a landslide and almost topped the televote – just three points behind Emmanuel Moire. This should come as no surprise, as she topped the leaderboard in our Destination Eurovision Semi-Final 2 poll.

The jury and public disagreed with other acts, however. Tracy de Sa‘s banging ode to alcohol “Por aqui” finished last with the jury with 2 points, but managed to finish joint fifth with the public. Self-emblazoned Ugo finished second with the jury and seemed a shoe-in for qualification – only to come second-last in the televote. He missed qualifying by one point.

Jury results

Televote results

  1. Emmanuel Moire – “La promesse” 56
  2. Seemone – “Tous les deux” 53
  3. The Divaz – “La voix d’Aretha” 28
  4. Gabriella – “On cherche encore (Never Get Enough)” 18
  5. Doutson – “Sois un bon fils” 15
  6. Tracy de Sá – “Por aqui” and Philipelise – “Madame la paix” 13 (tie)
  7. Ugo – “Ce qui me blesse” 8
  8. Noémie – “Ma petite famille” 6

Final results

Gabriella – “On cherche encore (Never Get Enough)”

Bring on the explosion of colour, and take out your fiddle. Gabriella brings all the shades and all the sass to open the semi final, in the most mic-drop and “hold my beer” way possible. Full of confidence and full of personality, it’s Melodifestivalen’s “Don’t Worry, It’s Alright”, done for 2019. What a diverse, musical talent Gabriella is.

The Divaz – “La voix d’Aretha”

One word, seven letters. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. A beautiful ménage à trois of voices, by three powerhouse women that meld so well it sounds like they’ve been singing together since the womb. The Divaz were absolutely stunning in matching red – and even though it did feel a bit ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ catwalk, they knew to keep it about their vocals. Combined with the minimalist staging, the combination of black and red really added to the oomph of the trio. These women know their genre, know their audience, and know how to sell it. They’re a tribute act in the best form.

Ugo – “Ce qui me blesse”

Don’t let his age take away from his experience – Ugo was confidently strutting on stage in front of orange hues reminiscent of The Lion King. Joined on stage by a giant motif of a woman, Ugo had the control and stage presence necessary to keep our eyes on him. He hit the falsettos with ease, and worked the stage and smoke screen. While it may be forgotten amongst the line up and while sandwiched between two powerhouse female acts, he did hold his own.

Tracy de Sá – “Por aqui”

Crack open the alcohol cabinet and let’s get draaaaanking. We are living for Tracy de Sa. She was described by the experts as ‘Party Girl International’, and we can’t disagree. She knew how to bring attitude and life to the crowd, and to the camera. Flanked by dancers and a giant glowing sound system, this pocket-rocket French rapper brought Caribbean realness to the stage. It could have been messy. It could have been sloppy. But she holds her alcohol well – she’s obviously a pro. Pour us another one, bartender.

Emmanuel Moire – “La promesse”

This is a winning performance. “La promesse” showed an emotional journey and serious tension – both within Emmanuel and between the dancers. He sings without falter, but with so much power. And while topless male dancers were more or less distracting in last week’s semi final, this week they added to the beauty of this almost haunting rendition. Tricky camera work added to the turmoil and disorientating mental state “La promesse” intended to evoke. Definitely one to watch.

Noémie – “Ma petite famille”

In such a strong semi-final, there’s always one that doesn’t quite match the same level as the others. While Noemie’s voice is cute, soft and easy-listening, “Ma petite famille” did not lend well to the big stage. At times, she was overrun by her more exuberant back-up singers, which made her fade into the strawberry flavoured background. An X Factor winner’s level explosion of confetti also seemed unnecessary to the performance. This could have been amazing if it was stripped back to Noemie only, – as she is a star. But our eyes were ultimately distracted.

Seemone – “Tous les deux”

When I think France, I think Seemone. Her performance was emotional and intimate, yet somehow still disconnected. But the distance between the listener and Seemone was intended, making them feel a very juxtaposed pleasant unease for three minutes. Executed exquisitely by simple staging, the in-studio crowd were right behind her and no doubt gave her the best reception of the night. This has Salvador Sobral written all over it, but with a French flair that makes it uniquely different.

Doutson – “Sois un bon fils”

This has its own flavour and appeal. Doutson knows how to work the stage, and while the child is a cool edition to the performance (although not allowed to be brought onto the Eurovision stage as per the rules), it failed to keep your attention for three minutes. Points to Doutson’s killer style, and finding miniature clothes to match his miniature back up dancer. In any other national final, this would have garnered more attention. But in such a strong semi, “Sois un bon fils” was a pleasant thank you, next.

PhilipElise – “Madame la paix”

She rocked the pant suit and filled the stage with her animated personality. PhilipElise’s strength lies in her exuberant persona and her ability to get the crowd moving and shaking with her. “Madame la paix”, ultimately, is a bit of a fizzer song that failed to grow and develop across the three minutes. But PhilipElise should be commended on her ability to keep your eyes on her. Girl knows how to work a stage with minimal effort.

Did your favourites make it through? Do you think that Seemone has a chance to win all of Destination Eurovision? Is Bilal still a front runner in your eyes? Let us know in the comments box down below!

Read more France Eurovision news

Total
133
Shares
174 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Giles
Giles
5 years ago

Where’s my comment? It hasn’t been published. Something wrong ?

AngieP
AngieP
5 years ago

Noemie looked nervous and Tracy De Sa was really energetic but it wasn’t enough. PhilipElise was so excited but the song was a mess. Ugo had good vocals but the overall performance was not good. And now Gabriela. I was sure this would go through. A great starter, she was on point, full of energy. I really don’t know what happened. I’m still in shock. Doutson had to follow Seemone, which didn’t help him. The song was ok, but the performance wasn’t the best. I don’t know why he’s in the top 4. The Divaz, on the other hand, had… Read more »

Giles
Giles
5 years ago

Bonjour à tous, here are a few anecdotes we heard about the 4 performers who qualified last night and some personal thoughts. Last night was Seemone’s first ever TV performance which must explain why she was so emotional.She’s a newcomer with a very personal song.I Last night, she was the artist with the smallest experience.Her tears were not fake and I wonder how most of us would have reacted under such nerve-racking circumstances, sorry! Emmanuel Moire’s song is about being true to yourself as a gay man and coming to terms with self-acceptance, something anyone could relate to, gay or… Read more »

Reguili
Reguili
5 years ago

Sorry guys, Seemone has a great voice but she’s also an actress ! The false emotion at the end of the song seem overrated . I think french public has made the difference between the sincerity about Emmanuel’s staging and Seemone’s false tears .

Loin dici
5 years ago
Reply to  Reguili

Honey, everything in the stage is staged.

Reguili
Reguili
5 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

I agree. In my opinion the stage would have been stronger without “crying”.

AngieP
AngieP
5 years ago
Reply to  Reguili

If Seemone faked the cry at the end then she’s a really good actress. Personally, I didn’t see anything fake in her reaction.

Reguili
Reguili
5 years ago
Reply to  AngieP

Ok but that is not my feeling 😉

CyxCy
CyxCy
5 years ago
Reply to  Reguili

Thank you Reguili. Everything was so staged and predictable that I wrote word for word five days ago on this site what was going to happen. And I’m not Nostradamus. Except that singing competitions in France, I saw a package, “Nouvelle Star”, “The Voice”, etc. And you know what? Every year we are introduced to a pseudo Adele, with the piano, and at the end she cries … If you want an example, Luce with “La vie en Rose”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOUrLoRuv4g

NickC
NickC
5 years ago

Comparing tous les deux to blackbird is like comparing a lamborghini to a fiat…Yes they are both Italian cars.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  NickC

In this case, I respectfully disagree. Fiat sells millions compared to Lamborghini’s thousands, yet Fiat is considered a standard road car to Lamborghini’s fast sports car. Now onto the songs: “Blackbird” won its National Final by a clear mile, but then failed to qualify for the ESC final. The emotion of the song failed to capture the bigger ESC audience. “Tous les deux” is also a contender to win its National Final. It too relies on emotion, and as such it may fail to capture the wider ESC audience. Time will tell on that. But there is no “road car… Read more »

Sasha
Sasha
5 years ago

SEEMONE SERVES QUALITY! I hope she wins in the final

stan
stan
5 years ago
Reply to  Sasha

boring ballad with absolutely no originality = quality. NO.

Maxim
Maxim
5 years ago

I really think that France has a strong selection this year and I enjoyed both shows. However, I don’t know if Seemone or Bilal will get a top 10 result in Tel Aviv… Their songs are very well-written but, personally, I don’t think that they are memorable enough to compete against 24 other entries. But I can be wrong ofcourse

CyxCy
CyxCy
5 years ago
Reply to  Maxim

Honestly, since I know that Sheppard may be representing Australia, I think it’s going to be very, very difficult to do better, no matter who the candidate is

dutchie
dutchie
5 years ago

Seemone has a beautiful voice, quite literally a rough diamond, and although her song is a bit clichéd and nothing new, it has a very simple message and a very simple emotion that everyone will recognize, and it will translate well at Eurovision. I can already see the 12 points from the Netherlands and Belgium go to this, people over here love this stuff, and certainly the juries do.

Bilal could be picked just for who he is and what he stands for, but his song is so poor that once it gets to Eurovision it won’t do much.

José
José
5 years ago

I can’t believe that Emmanuel won the televoting over Seemone. That’s just insane, France.

CyxCy
CyxCy
5 years ago
Reply to  José

No, it’s just logic.

James
James
5 years ago
Reply to  José

By three points.

West
West
5 years ago

In the first semifinal I was a little bit upset with one qualifier out of three (and only because how high their score was, not because they qualified). This time I only like one of the qualifiers – The Divaz. The rest either bore me to sleep (Seemone and Emmanuel Moire) or I didn’t like their performance (Doutson and Emmanuel Moire). I would rather see any of the non-qualifiers instead of those three. If I had to rank the finalist (based on their semifinal performances): 1. Silvàn Areg (before the nf he was my no.2-but since Ugo is out –… Read more »

Dave
Dave
5 years ago

I really hope that Seemone will win it. Honestly that song/performance is much better than all the entries in 2018 combined. There’s so much emotion.

Loin dici
5 years ago

To add, even if I’m happy Seemone got the scores she deserved, I’m still predicting Bilal will win in a landslide. He’s got the fame, numerous publicities, army of fans, big names supporting him from Madame Monsieur to the accounts, and LGBt exposure, even if he didn’t get the song. I also feel the juries supporting Bilal’s ‘Roi’ more because it fits the idea of a typical Eurovision tune.

It is interesting to know if these factors are the correct ones helping Bilal to win. My favorite is still Seemone or Aysat but, isn’t this too obvious?

Serge
Serge
5 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

Emmanuel is a much better representative of the French gay community than Bilal. His voice is weak and his performance is too cheap and trashy.

Loin dici
5 years ago
Reply to  Serge

We can’t deny that, but seeing how Bilal is everywhere in the media, and also seeing the pattern of televoting in the contest, it would be more possible for Bilal to win, whether if we hoped for it or not. Who knows, Moire might be the suprise winner of DA’19.

Toinousse
Toinousse
5 years ago
Reply to  Serge

you don’t need to trash a contestant to support another one

Lolek
Lolek
5 years ago

Favourites for the finals… oh wait they were practically all eliminated. Well, with what I have left to work with then : 1) Seemone (touching, if somewhat soft song and a lovely unique voice) 2) Cheemene (Amazing voice with an alright song.) 3) The Deevas (Amazing voices as well but a rather old school song) 4) Aysat (Could become my #1 or 2 if she can improve the vocals/audio quality improves) 5) Bilal (Kind of overhyped I find but defs not the worst out of what’s left) 6) Emmanuel (Great voice, horribly boring and unoriginal song despite the theme) 7)… Read more »

Oh I've been waiting for this Russian Fla-la-lag
Oh I've been waiting for this Russian Fla-la-lag
5 years ago

At this point, anyone of them can be good entrants to be sent in Tel Aviv. I will just reserve my final judgment in the grand final as I will wait for some of them to improve and give their best next week (I am looking at Bilal and Aysat).

olvrfin
olvrfin
5 years ago

Praying for Seemone to.beat Bilal…

Bilal Fan No.1
Bilal Fan No.1
5 years ago
Reply to  olvrfin

Can you not be so boring. Bilal is far superior. Get new taste in music…

Pancake
Pancake
5 years ago

After seeing all the performances, all I can say is that the winner is someone from SF1, and it’s gonna be either Bilal, Chineme, or Silvan.

Escfan
Escfan
5 years ago

My top 8:

1) Chimene (8/10] I know it won’t win sadly
2) Seemone (8/10) Might win
3) Bilal (7/10) It would be much lower but loads of my favs which I preferred to roi were knocked out by the tasteless juries
4) Aysat (7/10) The televote hate her but I’m glad she made the final at least
5) Sylvian (6/10) Grown on me
6) The divas (5/10) Meh
7) Doutson (4/10) Didn’t deserve to qualify
8) Emmanuel (3/10) So it won the televote because he’s had a career in France, unfair af

James
James
5 years ago
Reply to  Escfan

8) perhaps because fans can back up that he has churned out a lot of good songs throughout his career and this one, having been out in the market months ago, is no different. His qualification is well justified courtesy of both his career and the merit of his song, which the international jury and the panel both lending their support for it.

MikolasFan
MikolasFan
5 years ago

ok can i just say it, Emmanuel is hot is hell , very charismatic and confident artist, i think i;m in love with him a bit lol
glad he made it, anyway, i guess the battle is between Bilala and Seemone now .
Great show France, i think DE becoming one of my favorites NS along with Melfest and Vidbir, i really enjoyed the show tonight:))

Serge
Serge
5 years ago
Reply to  MikolasFan

Seemone will win because everyone knows that she stands a much better chance with the jury from the east European countries.

stan
stan
5 years ago

Why does france send boring ballads every year with tragic messages???? last year MM and now this. Cant you send an uptempo BOP FOR ONCE?? a happy song?? im so tired. I wont even watch the final, it’s too boring. Thank you, next.

Loin dici
5 years ago
Reply to  stan

2010, 2012, 2014, 2016. Results vary.

stan
stan
5 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

Yeah, just like i said, none of those are a bop. And all of them had a mediocre/boring staging.

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago
Reply to  stan

TWIN TWIN YEAH YEAH

stan
stan
5 years ago
Reply to  Jo.

is that the french chant when they get bottom 5?

Pandaman
Pandaman
5 years ago
Reply to  stan

I think you might’ve forgotten about Alma in 2017, Amir in 2016, Twin Twin in 2014, Amandine Bourgeois in 2013 (not upbeat, but not “tragic” either), Anggun in 2012… yeah. A boring ballad with tragic message every year.

Also, they send whatever they want, because it’s the song that’s going to represent THEM.

stan
stan
5 years ago
Reply to  Pandaman

Yeha NONE OF THOSE are catchy or a BOP like the ones that sweden sends every year. Boring songs, boring ballads, no difference. France can send whatever they want, just like i can SAY whatever i want. Oh and their staging is always terrible. xx.

Loin dici
5 years ago
Reply to  stan

Oh, a Swedish trash lover. Cool.

Rose
Rose
5 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

Since when was the song Amir had not catchyÉ Just asking. (Also, the question mark on keyboard does not work, hence the French e where there should be a question mark.)

Toinousse
Toinousse
5 years ago
Reply to  stan

Guess what we are NOT Sweden and even if I love swedish songs it would be sooo boring if we had 26 Robin Bengtsons every year in the final. Staging can be improved yes but no need to be rude about it.

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
5 years ago

If I understood it right, Seemone is singing her song for her father, right? And you know, I am from Germany and our Michael Schulte became 4th with a song about his dead father last year. And that is why I have mixed feelings about Seemone. It was a great and touching performance! But I don’t need another “father song” at Eurovision. It feels like a copy. You can downvote me for this, lol, but my heart is not fully with Seemone… 🙁

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
5 years ago
Reply to  ESCFan2009

It’s alright if you have different opinion – why would anybody downvote you? I see your point, but I think “Tous les deux” has different mood than Michael’s song. Hungary’s song from last year was also about death of a father, but I wouldn’t call it a copy of “You Let Me Walk Alone”.

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
5 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

Do not come for me!

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
5 years ago
Reply to  ESCFan2009

@mycopycat: Another “ESCFan2009” here? Come on, we all see that the avatar is different due to different email-adresses lol. Nice Try! 😉
@Skiwalko: Thank you very much for your reply! 😀

Meh
Meh
5 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

I noticed that on this website people love to downvote almost everyone who doesn’t lobe something. If they have something negative to say or to critique appropriatly then they get downvoted.
Except if it is a topic that everyone hates

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago
Reply to  Meh

Downvote/upvote is a cancer in social media. We should ban these things.

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago
Reply to  ESCFan2009

Lots of people sing about love tho.

dutchie
dutchie
5 years ago
Reply to  ESCFan2009

No, Seemone isn’t singing for her father. It’s just in your imagination that she sings ‘papa’ 10 times during the song.

Paule
Paule
5 years ago
Reply to  ESCFan2009

And there are like 2000 Eurovision songs that tell you to be yourself and shine bright if you ignore the haters…

AngieP
AngieP
5 years ago
Reply to  Paule

True!

Serge
Serge
5 years ago
Reply to  ESCFan2009

I thought the same thing exactly so you are not alone!

AngieP
AngieP
5 years ago
Reply to  ESCFan2009

Imagine Laura winning in Romania, we’ll have two similar themed songs.

Here’s My Name
Here’s My Name
5 years ago

Seeboring is not the best option, its the worst song of the finalists, imo. France will be hyped by internet eurofans then struggle to reach the top 10 once again. Congrats!

Loin dici
5 years ago

Also congrats for Wannabe-Lal, Douche-son, Chimney Body, Emmanuel No-More, Ayshoot, Silvan A-Wreck, and The Doof-az.

Oh yeah, and one more thing, all of them are amazing in their own ways.

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

hahahaha Chimney Body, why did I laugh so much at this looool

DyGh
DyGh
5 years ago

I’m actually just glad the sound was better than last week

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

My prediction: Seemone will win the juries in the final, Bilal will win the televote, Emmanuel will come third. It will be up to the fact whether Seemone gets a bigger televote than Bilal does jury vote or vice versa.

My personal NF list:
1. Seemone
2. Silvan Areg
3. Chimene Badi
4. Aysat
5. The Divaz
6. Emmanuel Moire
7. Bilal Hassani
8. Doutson

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

My list:
1. The Divaz
2. Chimene Badi
3. Bilal Hassani
4. Emmanuel Moire
5. Seemone
6. Silvan
7. Aysat
8. Doutson
One of my Top 3 to Eurovision, the rest is too boring for me XD

NickC
NickC
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

So close to mine… crazy. I have Seemone then Chimene, then Sylvan.

yom124
yom124
5 years ago

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Here’s My Name
Here’s My Name
5 years ago

Tasteless france as usual.

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago

I’m very happy with Seemone winning the semi and The Divaz making to the final as they surely deserved. I like that Emmanuel moved forward, but I think the televote was too kind on him, especially when his staging was distractively over the top. I wasn’t expecting Doutson to qualify but, for some reason I can’t explain, Gabriella was harmed by the juries and Ugo by the audience. Overall, a better semifinal. Bilal, Emmanuel and Seemone got close results with the televote, so there’s a huge chance the juries will decide this one.

NickC
NickC
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Thank you, I was just about to say how over the top and cheesy Emmanuel was. Of the 4 faves, this is the only one that would push France down below 20th.

PP77
PP77
5 years ago

Gabriella was my 2nd favorite after Bilal before start semi finals. But both for me, not so good in live, they sound ok (and in staging of song). For me Gabriella dont have energy,charisma..to sold this kind of song to tv viewers and juries. Gabriella with simillar type song she sang in Destination (ballad with french charme) before her eurovision entry would won tonight. I m sad for Ugo, he deserved final, he needs only 2 points to that. For me Bilal and Semone are overrated in points with both juries,especially international juries. For me TOP 3 1.Chimène Badi “Là-haut”… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  PP77

I understand your point about Gabriella, but I don’t think she lacked energy or charisma. That was a hard song to perform live and she did a fine job. Just like Bilal last week, she wasn’t outstanding, but effective. Maybe the problem with both entries is that the staging is too calculated. Too many “go there, do that” moments, if you know what I mean.

Rome
Rome
5 years ago

WOW! I just want to congratulate Seemone for that fantastic performance. I got goosebumps. It was so emotional. I don’t even want to talk about Emmanuel winning the televoting over her. I disagreed with the televoting results of the first semifinal and I do disagree with the second semifinal too. There’s obviously a voting going on based on the artists’ fame.

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago

Well well well this semi did balance out the disappointment from the previous show.
France, for God’s sake, Seemone is the one and deep down you know it. I highly doubt that you’ll even get a decent result with “Roi”
Side note: The Divaz SERVED, they deserved their spot in the final and I’m SO glad they did.

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Kyna

I’m so glad that The Divaz got so much love from the French audience and that the same is happening here in the comments. Always great to see talent getting recognized.

Idksmth
Idksmth
5 years ago

OK, HUN, WTF. THANK GOD, I already left my thoughts on Gabriella’s video, but I’m still salty. Only 1 amazing and 1 deserved act went through, being Seemone and The Divaz, other ones are SHITTY. I’ll happily be in Supernova’s semi final’s live audience rather than having to seeing the subjectively undeserving performances outracious results – juries voting for crap so France wouldn’t be in their way of having good results and voting for weird stuff, where as televoters voting for the names – Bilal and Chimene (really deserved, the only “famous” ones that the televote got right) , but… Read more »

Lolek
Lolek
5 years ago

At this point I don’t really know if I care to watch the final live if it’s just to see Seemone. I’m ready for melfest now I think!

tato51100
tato51100
5 years ago

Guys, Seemone makes me tkink of Blackbird from Norma John (Finland, 2017) : everyone loves it, but it’s very very dark…

And Blackbird was much better than this one and we all know what happened !

When the performance is too dark, it always flops (Finland, 2017, Azerbaidjan 2017, Bulgaria 2018, Belgium 2018, …) : so Seemone will flop in May if she goes to Tel Aviv

Rome
Rome
5 years ago
Reply to  tato51100

And why don’t you talk about Ukraine 2016 or Portugal 2017? 🙂 They were dark too. And they won. 🙂 It’s not about being fun or dark. If your song is good and if you perform it very well, you’ll succeed. Finland 2017 was good, but it wasn’t memorable enough to get votes. “Tous les deux” is a very beautiful song, it’s melodic, emotional and the artist’s got a very beautiful voice. That whole performance was just pure perfection.

Alex
Alex
5 years ago
Reply to  Rome

Portugal 2017 was everything but dark xd

Loin dici
5 years ago
Reply to  Alex

It’s set in a warm tone, but gets really dark when you realized he got heart transplant.

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago
Reply to  tato51100

Blackbird was sabotaged!

Oh I've been waiting for this Russian Fla-la-lag
Oh I've been waiting for this Russian Fla-la-lag
5 years ago
Reply to  tato51100

Your analysis is bad and you should feel awful by it.

AngieP
AngieP
5 years ago
Reply to  tato51100

I believe the song has a clearer message most people would understand that blackbird. Blackbird may have been too complicated to understand for some people. (I loved it!)

CyxCy
CyxCy
5 years ago

Well, my prediction was good for two out of four. I said that Emmanuel would be the one to vote for the audience of France 2 (and indeed, he comes first votes, phew, finally a little common sense), and I also predicted Doutson because it represents a style musical that sells very well in France. For the Divaz, I had not bet on it because girls’ groups don’t work in France (usually these groups make a big hit, then disappear quickly). But the Divaz are pretty showgirls and they have fabulous voices, so it’s a nice surprise. (I am not… Read more »

Rumpelstiltskin
Rumpelstiltskin
5 years ago

I really hope Silvàn comes out as gay between now and the final so that the French public will vote for him and send him to Eurovision.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
5 years ago

Or Seemone (but she’ll win anyway)…

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
5 years ago

Better show than last week, but I’m so disappointed with the results. I’m glad that Seemone won, she slayed tonight, but jury prefering “Soi un bon fils” over Gabriella and public voting for Emmanuel mostly because of his fame really let me down. Why France?

Rumpelstiltskin
Rumpelstiltskin
5 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

Last week was a way better show. The songs were better.

James
James
5 years ago

Everyone sounded better than last week’s competitors so not everyone faltered, except for probably Tracy de Sá. Her singing was the song’s weak point but the stronger aspect was her rapping. I was pleasantly happy and surprised with Emmanuel and his result. The staging, for me, was able to translate the message of the song well onscreen. And having heard the full 3:40 version of “La promesse”, the shortened version didn’t feel off at all. I’m sad to see Gabriella not qualifying or else, we could have had a good strong set of qualifiers going into the final. It would… Read more »

AzeriChico
AzeriChico
5 years ago

I really hate the way the French public is voting. Emmanuel?? Seriously??? He was good and I agree that he should be a qualifier. But he was far from being the best. Seemone is the obvious winner. But at this point, I don’t really know what to expect because the televoting might ruin everything on the next Saturday. :/ Good luck!

James
James
5 years ago
Reply to  AzeriChico

Seemone was barely a few points behind Emmanuel so it’s not really that bad of a result.

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
5 years ago

A list of things:
– Seemone and The Divaz were vocally flawless and really deserve their spots.
– Ugo was criminally underrated.
– I’m very happy that the dreadful entry from Gabriella didn’t make it.
– Por Aqui and Madame La Paix were really fun and also underrated.
– La Promesse is extremely boring and I don’t see why it was first in the televoting.
– Aysat must still win but I hope Seemone takes it over Bilal because France Will flop if they send him.

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago

Aysat won’t win, she was last with the public vote in her SF.

Loin dici
5 years ago
Reply to  Jo.

I won’t be disappointed if Aysat didn’t win. With he circumstances of her being the least known in SF1 (and also in the final), I’m glad juries saved her and we’ll see her one more time in the final.

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
5 years ago
Reply to  Jo.

I know it probably won’t win Jo but I still love it to death.

PP77
PP77
5 years ago

Maybe La Promesse has strong message in lyricjs, and people rrom french speaking land connect to his song.

Yssy
Yssy
5 years ago

I am deeply sadden and disappointed. Gabriella purposely being sunk by international juries with the exception of Austria is both distasteful and incomprehensible. The international juries have proven to be a mistake and incompetent. Even the French juries had it right in their critique and rankings. And French voters voting just for somewhat famous artist and their persona. Is France deliberately wanting to do bad at ESC2019. Shout out to Gabriella for her determined spirit even after not placing. Stay strong girl! France is not ready for you but international Eurofans are. Looking forward to new album!

Rumpelstiltskin
Rumpelstiltskin
5 years ago

Chimène, Silvàn, or Doutson please!

Rumpelstiltskin
Rumpelstiltskin
5 years ago

What the hell is wrong with the French public? They picked Emmanuel Moire as their favorite in this semi and Bilal in the previous one. Really France? Horrible taste.

Ugo should have made the cut in this semi.

Still rooting for Chimène and Silvàn.

JohnMcFlame
JohnMcFlame
5 years ago

Not french public. Only fans sending 20 SMS for their artist

Yanis2Y
Yanis2Y
5 years ago

Still don’t understand how Doutson managed to qualify over Gabriella. I truly don’t.

Rumpelstiltskin
Rumpelstiltskin
5 years ago
Reply to  Yanis2Y

Because Doutson was way better than Gabriella. Gabriella’s song had that cringy English chorus.

Lolek
Lolek
5 years ago

Doutson has a terrible voice and the song is highly overrated. Clearly Gabriella beat Doutson in the popular vote.

Loin dici
5 years ago

Roi has that even more cringe of a Frenglish chorus.

Kristof
Kristof
5 years ago
Reply to  Yanis2Y

Because Gabriella was a weak song. Doutson had a really catchy tune …

tato51100
tato51100
5 years ago

I just can’t admit that Doutson goes to the final instead of Gabriella… She was amazing and he was just cool but nothing more… The public vote is so biased because the most popular singers always finish on the top : Bilal, Chimène, Battista last week and Emmanuel tonight, even if his song is bad… For the international juries : please stop voting with your eyes : Lautner last week and Ugo now. OK they’re all cute but their songs and their live performances did nothing to me I’m sad for Tracy De Sà even if her vocals weren’t perfect,… Read more »

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

1. Seemone – stellar, emotional, haunting, a well deserved winner 2. Ugo – very interesting song, unique arrangement 3. Gabriella – creative, well paced, catchy 4. The Divaz – the big growers of the evening, that sounded wow 5. Emmanuel Moire – bit overdramatic, but pretty solid ballad 6. Doutson – catchy, cute performance, but the song is just okay 7. Tracy – dynamic and cool, but her voice was not up to standard 8. Noemie – pleasant, but not that memorable 9. Philip Elise – nice instrumental, but so linear and repetitive Everyone was at least decent, but Seemone… Read more »

Navi
Navi
5 years ago

What a deception! OMG! Seemone is a great artist and she has got a nice voice but her song is so boring for me. It has got an important message but I don’t feel anything. Sorry but no sorry. I don’t undertans how the hell La Voix d’Aretha and Sois un bon fils could qualify to the final. Where are On cherche encore and Ce qui me blesse? Very bad.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago

This was a stunning Semi Final loaded with high quality acts and good songs. There was also varied choreography and staging. I loved it all. I’m most sad about Gabriella not qualifying – I think that was an oversight because she was first in the running order.
Ugo was very unlucky, and Doutson benefited.
But the runaway winner was Seemone.
Emmanuel winning the people’s vote is undoubtedly more about the artist himself than the song or the performance.

James
James
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

T he televote result for this SF could have gone either way for both Seemone and Emmanuel as they were only a few points apart.

Lolek
Lolek
5 years ago

How is that in both semi-finals the jury managed to mess things up for two quality acts (which, mind you, came in the top 4 in their respective sf’s). That is, Florina and Gabriella.

With all do respect, the french public also needs to stop concentrating their votes on celebrities (Moire, Bilal and Chimene – though granted Chimene had the best voice in her SF so I give her more of a pass) and at least vote for more worthy/quality songs.

GV Douze Points
GV Douze Points
5 years ago

I will never understand how Gabriella finished 6th, behind the generic songs from Doutson and Ugo. Incomprehensible, and the running order did not help her too, she should have finished in the top 2 with Seemone.

Lolek
Lolek
5 years ago

Doutson was not good. He wasn’t even the main singer whose vocals you could hear, it was the dude in the front.
And Ugo has a great voice but the song and the delivery was not so great.

There’s a reason they came 8th and 5th in the popular vote respectively. Yet one still qualified. Ridiculous.

Rumpelstiltskin
Rumpelstiltskin
5 years ago

Doutson’s and Ugo’s songs were bops. That’s why. I’m so bummed that Ugo didn’t make the cut. He was left out of the top 4 by one point! 🙁

GV Douze Points
GV Douze Points
5 years ago

Sorry but I felt like Ugo was whining all the song and Doutson’s song was feel good but like all random music we hear in bad French radios, nothing particular, he’ll probably finish last next week

Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago

Seemone’s song is literally O jardim 2.0… there’s no way it’s the best choice for France. The GP ain’t gonna buy into all that forced emotion.

T.J.
T.J.
5 years ago

Not at all. “Tous les deux” has a melody. O jardim hat random notes that were constantly repeated.

Lolek
Lolek
5 years ago

France won’t win with either Seemone or Bilal. They might get a decent placing with Seemone though, if her song is one of the few ballads in the final. Alas, rip top 15 finish for france this year.

Toinousse
Toinousse
5 years ago
Reply to  Lolek

I really don’t think top 15 is inaccessible, depending on the level of the year.

AngieP
AngieP
5 years ago
Reply to  Lolek

With most entries unknown a this point, we can’t say how France will do at Eurovision. For me, only Seemone can bring them a good result in the final, but it depends on what songs the rest of the countries will send.

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago

I disagree. With “O Jardim”, we had no idea about what was happening on the stage.
Seemone’s song has a clear message. However, I’m not expecting Paris 2020, but at least a decent result.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
5 years ago

As much as I love Seemone, I come here to defend “O jardim” – it’s a beautiful song with touching lyrics and cool groove. The simplistic staging and being home country’s representatives didn’t help, but it’s a good song anyway. With nice staging and running order “Tous les deux” might end up really high in May.

UGH
UGH
5 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

well, try listen to ‘JEM- it’s amazing’ and you will find what song seemone is the 2.0 version of…

Rose
Rose
5 years ago
Reply to  Skiwalko

Being after the UK did not help Portugal either, to be honest. Was not their fault.

Joe
Joe
5 years ago

Also, we getting any more updates from here about HaKokhav HaBa? Shalva Band appears to be sweeping it, and I think they’d be a terrific home act (kind of like a better version of what Finland tried to do in 2015. I steadfastly remain a fan of that one, though). As someone with a disability myself, it’s amazing to think they could represent Israel on home ground.