France’s Barbara Pravi has taken to the stage inside the Rotterdam Ahoy for her first rehearsal of “Voilà” ahead of Eurovision 2021. She stunned us during the French national final in January. Has she done so again? Let’s see…
France’s Barbara Pravi “Voilà” — Eurovision 2021 first rehearsal
Oliver: Astonishing. Barbara Pravi did something special on the Rotterdam Ahoy stage today. Her performance of “Voilà” here was mostly the same as that at C’est vous qui décidez but executed immaculately. Barbara is alone on stage, lit by various spotlights shining through smoke. She’s wearing a black bustier and high waisted trousers — a simple look cohesive to the simple staging. The moment where Barbara’s shadow explodes into a flock of birds remains, though now it’s perfectly smooth. And despite all these similarities, the French chanteuse is bringing something unique to the stage every time she performs. As the tempo shifts, Barbara swings her arms in dynamic upwards motions and delivers an impeccable display of emotions. Put simply, it’s captivating. Magnifique!
Padraig: Flawless. As if there was ever any doubt. Barbara Pravi was Eurovision ready back in January, so it’s little surprise that her staging has remained virtually unchanged. Her outfit has been tweaked, she has the same silhouette but the metal belt is gone, exposing her bare midriff. She’s also now wearing a lace top. The LED imagery is tighter, her shadow now bursts into a flock of birds even more vividly. The camera work is pretty much on point, although the lighting effect on the floor which worked so well during the national final isn’t as prominent. Barbara’s performance is perfection. We feel all her emotions and for three minutes we’re completely under her spell.
Reaction to France’s first rehearsal at Eurovision 2021
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What do you think? Did Barbara Pravi live up to your expectations? Let us know in the comments below.
Read more France Eurovision 2021 news here
Photo: EBU / THOMAS HANSES
Finally someone recognizing the immense quality in Belgium’s entry this year! It’s my favourite and I think jury will react more than just positively on it.
This is why France did not win any Eurovision Song Contests for a long long time.
I don’t understand how someone could like this. Everything about this song is boring. The music is boring, the lyrics is boring, the voice is boring, the stage presence is boring. This song could be in the competition 60 years ago. I know that die-hard eurovision fanboys would kill for it but I think that most of simple televoters at home will find it boring. It’s gonna be a huge flopp.
I dont understand how someone could not like this
If you have a beautiful song and a wonderful voice, no need for all these backdrop dramas. France delivered. I hope they will be rewarded. One of the entries I am rooting this year.
France is this years Salvadore Sobral ..it’s going to win..MARK MY WORDS
What a wonderful winner this would be. I can totally see this charting and succeeding around Europe after ESC… Not really.
I agree! Best winner since euphoria!
Dont even go there!Are you serious,comparing it to Euphoria.If it wins,we will never hear it anywhere,and thats why I don’t want it to win.Have nothing against it.
I love it coz I love Edith Piaf music
Simply beautiful. The French team came prepared this year! The staging doesn’t need much tweaking honestly. Its already worthy of being a winning performance since the French NF.
The only downside I see to France winning is that it will probably be hosted by Stephane Bern and that Broccoli woman.
Have some respect, her name is Boccolini.
I wouldn’t mind her hosting, she’s great. Though I don’t think Stéphane Bern’s English is good enough to be a host.
Barbara sings beautifully. The staging is nice and minimalistic. The only thing I would like to add is a little airiness, maybe a light outfit.
And I see no reason to believe that she is copying Edith Piaf.
I am a fan of Italy and wish them victory, but I will not feel negative to France if it wins.
The staging and song are definitely similar to Edith Piaf but i still love it coz I love that kind of music.nostalgic vibes
She said that it wasn’t her outfit for the final
It is good!
I hope Russian Manizha wins. Her victory will mean she scored against Kremlin xenophobia. Vote Russia and help her win! France is beautiful too but Manizha has a wider cause to fight for..
Let’s just vote for the song. Manizha has already won by being there.
Agree. It is not to diminish her talent as a singer too. So let the best singer win indeed.
Not sure I am looking for powerful message in the song or storytelling this year. This year I only need to be entertained, so I’ll give a bunch of votes for The Roop.
A very strange opinion.Of course, this song will be in the top 5.
That’s sad to see people trying to take Barbara down and disminish her song and work by any means. I’m also tired of people comparing her to Edith Piaf. They’re both different but some people here still need to link Barbara’s art to other artists. She stands out as herself, she’s not like the others. People needs to stop comparing everyone between them and especially women. That’s exhausting.
I think you are exaggerating and wrong about the women part. She is getting a lot of praise if you compare to others. And look at Switzerland everyone compare Gjon to Arcade, Finland to Linkin Park and so forth. In this case her style staging and song is in fact reminding very much of Piaf. It is not a fault for her but just natural. She might win but she still referencing to Edith Piaf.
Everyone was saying “anyone but Netta” this time in 2018 and look how that turned out. 🙂
I think it\’s now clear that France is going to win. This is ESC2007 all over again. A ballad in national language winning the contest. Also, kinda reminds me of 2015 when we had 3 big favourites to win and everything was so close.
I think France will win juries but not the televoting but it should be enough for her to win the whole thing.
Agree – I loved the winner from 2007! Barbara reeks of class and elegance and is pitch perfect! It’s time for the ESC to return to Paris (or hopefully Rome)!
You might be right I wonder if the fans at wiwibloggs will say that France did not win a fair win and continue for year to say that France only wins because of the juries….
France is superb! This is authentic. Barbara is selling a good song, and raw emotion. Despite our different personal preferences, and tastes, we have to acknowledge that she would be a worthy Eurovision winner. An exceptional artist, with a good song, who is not trying to find all sort of excuses to justify a message in her song. She just sings, and she looks and acts like she is a genuinely humble person. Bravo France. This is an honest take at Eurovision, and even though France is my 2nd fav (but it can soon become my 1st) it has to… Read more »
When Elena Tsagrinou copies Lady Gaga, then it’s so bad, but when Barbara Pravi copies Edith Piaf, then it’s so cool. Do they believe that nobody in Europe remembers the song “Padam padam” any more and will not notice the ressemblence in the refrain?
“When Elena Tsagrinou copies Lady Gaga, then it’s so bad”… Who said that? Cyprus is killing it in the betting odds and among the fans, so no one really cares that it’s a Lady Gaga rip-off. Also it’s nothing new: Eurovision usually copies a lot of songs/artists that are commercially successful.
Right ! Just because Cyprus isn’t 1st in the odds doesn’t mean it’s being penalized for copying lady gaga, France is just better.
In fact, I don’t mind their copying, both Cyprus and France are in my top 10, I’m only complaining about double criteria. Nevertheless, I’m not very convinced of France’s victory, especially when I remember Patricia Kaas who, in my opinion, had even a better song.
Being a French ethnic chanson singer with a strong memorable chorus doesn’t mean you’re an Edith Piaf copycat
Yes but this is very much like Edith Piaf with the whole styling and look. It is not very original.
I wanted Voilà to win ever since I’ve heard it for the first time but I’m really afraid of how such a song will end up in the televoting in times like this. For some reason I can’t explain I picture her winning the jury and then end up 5th overall because she only got 89 points from the viewers…
Betting odds are based on common punters reacting to what they think would win. In theory they should also be televoters. If a person hears a song and thinks “that sounds like a winner I will put a fiver on it” then it should be reasonable that the audience watching will send a text message in for it to win.
RIGHT ON , betting odds, especially for Televote, are a rough poll
Bravo France! Bravo Barbara. You are showing Europe what the ESC is or should be all about. No need for circuses, weirdness, LED extravagance or pyrotechnics. Just a singer showing off his/her craft and talent. After all a good song and a good singer does not need anything to sell.
She is not Edith Piaf. So it is a no for me. The original is so much more.
I don’t think she’s trying to be Edith Piaf, why does every French female singer get compared to her? Barbara is class act.
Even when we presented blonde singers like Patricia Kaas or Isabelle Aubret they were compared (by other countries) to Edith Piaf. It’s ironic when you know that for the French audience, the model that Barbara will have to match, the contest queen, the Everest, is Marie Myriam.
I did not compare them to Edith Piaf. In this case it is even the song that reminds me of “padam Padam.” Moreover her styling. The others were nothing like Edith Piaf. And believe me I love French chanson tradition.
Why do I get the feeling that France is hyped by fans but not winning.? Perhaps she will win the juryvote though. But I can see Switzerland or Bulgaria for the trophy. France and also Italy feels like the type of songs that won’t appeal to everyone. I like Italy but I can’t see my mother voting for them..
I feel Switzerland is in the same situation as Italy and France, though
Last time the public voted for Norway – not the winner Netherlands. The public seams to often love stereotype easy going music. Like I’m Volvo. This year it could be Cyprus or Malta.i foo time think it will be Switzerland.
I supposed to say I don’t think…
And Il Volo
I really want them to host the show in 2022 (if they win) in paris but i’m afraid that Lyon will host the show because Paris is hosting the Olympic Games in 2024.
Nice or Marseille would be good alternatives, bring it to the south please!
I mean I don’t think the french broadcaster is going to take the 2024 olympics into consideration for the 2022 eurovision. The broadcaster also won’t have to organize the olympics.
The eurovision may cost a lot but trust me it also makes a lot of money
Shouldn’t worry bout the city . France ain’t winning
I still want Bulgaria to win this year
Barbara Pravi is not that original either. Just listen to the song “Padam padam” by Edith Piaf.
Yeah it might be inspired by it, it’s French chanson. France is sending authenticity and something that represents France without using the Eiffel Tower.
You haven‘t obviously! Just repeating nonsense you somwhere picked up. This is unique!
Yes, I have. Have you heard it actually? I didn’t have to pick up anything, I have ears myself.
I mean, it’s not original but it works as a cool and fresh throwback to the times where french chanson was popular
And Edith Piaf’s first songs were inspired by those of Fréhel. (That you probably don’t know, a huge French singer at the end of the 19th century – early 20th century). So what are we being blamed for? To have a French singer who sings a French song? Sorry, Ariana Grande from Wish and Lady Gaga from e-bay, we don’t have these in stock.
agree
I would like to welcome everyone to France in 2022. Bye.
That’s why you were bitter about Malta on previous articles…. You’re from France…. Classical move from wiwi users. Trashing a country that was the favourite to win because the one you’re supporting is also a contender for the win…. Disappointing people.
Anyway that nasty attitude won’t make me stop loving Barbara’s song and wishing her to win despite my winner still being Destiny.
I love France, Italy and Switzerland so much this year. Hopefully one of them will be the winner
Or Bulgaria
I am planning on voting at least several times for Lithuania.
Can you guys confirm this is not the final outfits? I preferred the national final one.
She said it wasn’t
Thank god! Thanks for the response.
Georgia: the staging is too dark and too simple
France:
Joke’s on you, I loved Georgia’s staging (and the French one, obviously)
Well I suppose Barbara is bringing “diversity”.
You are the joke my friend.
A black staging can’t be diverse, Barbara can’t bring the dancers from the music video because they don’t fit a live performance full of emotion
So fans are rooting for another depressing song after Arcade. Next year the bops can stay at home.
Depressing song is from Bulgaria and Romania
Not everyone. I think it’s hard to predict who is going to win this year.
I agree Chris
Just because you don’t appreciate it does not mean it’s depressing.
yep, as i predicted she kept her original staging, and that’s fine since it worked great for her
I don’t think this one will win if only for my selfish reason of not struggling to understand anything next year.
Sorry, but Italy has left a better impression, even tho they are not even among my favourites this year. Expected a bit more from France, but yeah, will wait for the 2nd rehearsal.
Love the fact that the odds are so wide open this year. When we have a clear winner it’s not so much fun.
I really have no idea who will win this year. A couple of countries have nice songs (France, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Malta, etc.) but no one gives me the wow effect that a winner should have. Unless there’s a big revelation live on stage, I feel like it’s going to be like 2011 and the lowest common denominator will win.
My personal favorite is Italy, but even I recognize it’s probably not strong enough to win.
I hope for anything but Malta and Cyprus. Cyprus has like, that song that could have won ten years ago and Destiny’s song is like a “I’m not your toy” ‘s spinoff.. Italy, France, Switzerland, Bulgaria and even Iceland are so much more original, authentic and overall more suitable for winning the contest.
This staging was perfect already in the French final, so I’m happy they trusted what they had on their hands. The lighting is still there, the ellegance is still there, Barbara’s emotional delivery is still there, so please tell me that the frame rate change is still there too, it’s the only thing I can’t be sure that they kept based on the snippet and the pictures.
You can say the same about Sweden…
Sweden won’t make it to the final, though, don’t worry
I mean, I wasn’t defending France here. I like the song but, even with all the hype and its good reception, I’m concerned because it’s not the first time France delivers a nice and well-received song and then flops
Sounds simple. If it’ll look like the staging of the NF, I’m ok with that even if I would expect a little bit more from France.
Damn! I’ve just checked the odds and France is far ahead of the others. Go Barbara!!!
Looks like it’s gonna be a 3-race contest this year: France vs Italy vs Malta. That’s unexpected. Switzerland staging doesn’t match the song but I didn’t expect the country to go that low in the odds because of that. From I’ve heard, Gjon is still vocally slaying.
Winner vibes winner vibes winner vibes. It’s Barbara or Victoria.
Pretty strong Big 5 and host this year overall though.
They’re not bad.
Another reason i dont think france will win is because they are not in the best light right now, after theyre hijab ban i dont think many people want to vote for france
It’s now time to shut up, dear. You’re just ridiculous.
Hijab is not banned in France
i guess france will lose the votes of the 100 people who care
Well if you dont care about people being discriminated i guess that says alot about you
Let women wear what they want hypocrite
France = jury top 3 but lower in the televote (Switzerland & France will be battling for similar votes).
Italy = lower in jury vote but top 3 in televote.
This will be interesting!
It’s good and Barbara is stunning and of course I don’t mind if it wins, but I just don’t think it will.
Top 10 for sure, but I don’t think we are going to Paris for the next ESC.
Well…maybe some of y’all are going to JESC in November, I dunno.
Italy blew me away!! Bulgaria is my overall winner!
Basically, if it’s not Ukraine, Italy, Bulgaria, Russia …I will be asking questions
Paris 2022? I wish Italy more luck next year.
France and Portugal have my votes this year!!
What a class!!
Good luck France!
Portugal France and Italy…….
Seeing Barbara’s winning on the day of my 30th birthday will be a dream come true! I’m watching ESC since 17 years now and I never was as much in love for an entry from my country as I am this year. 44 years is enough, it’s time for twice Paris 2022! Barbara wrote Valentina’s song which won JESC and up next, her own victory!
I had that experience when Duncan won. It’s a great feeling, I hope it works out!
What a chance Zelenovi ! All my fingers are crossed ! Thank you !
Never in my life have I ever seen the odds splitting their predicted winner into 3 countries this far in to the contest! Prepare for the possibility of one of the most intense and close years of eurovision voting
There are high hopes for this one. Can’t wait to see how it looks on camera, but she sang beautifully, as always!
Winner vibes. She should however bring that metal belt back. It gave a powerful warrior vibe (not that I’m not appreciating her beautiful stomach though).
I’m honestly crying, I’ve been rooting for both Italy and France for SO long and it’s paying off, not like they were last on the bookies or anything but still, it feels great to see them do so well. Barbara reminds me to Patricia Kaas and her out of this world performance back in 2009, the first time I watched and fell in love with eurovision and I have not looked back ever since. This could very well be a Salvador sobral moment were the huge favourite, Italy then now malta, looses steam for the quiality intimate music to snatch… Read more »
That’s EXACTLY what is going to happen
France, Italy or Switzerland ! Bye Bye Malta.
Bye bye Doris
Okay so France is winning the jury vote, and Italy is taking the televote. Even tho Russia is still my fave, I would be really disappointed, surprised and angry if the winner is not one of those two. This is just…. incredible. Could France be the first country to win JESC and ESC back to back?