#ESC2016 FRANCE: SHY’M SAYS NON, MERCI

Sorry Shy'm fans.. there's bad news. Shy'm won't be flying the tricolour flag in Stockholm. When asked in a recent interview regarding possible participation in the contest, she said:

Given the success we have and how we received and the political reasons and geographies do we never manage to achieve good rankings, it would be a huge risk. I do not want to take it now.

Unfortunately, this isn't a surprise. Like she says, France has been extremely unsuccessful in recent years... why would she risk her career?

France: Internal selection for 2016, no oldies please!

The French entry is going to be decided by an open internal selection. France2 has made an open call for songs and anyone can enter. Well, only if you're under the age of 50. I guess after Lisa Angell's failure, the French want to send some young blood to Stockholm. I think this is so discriminatory... But hey, what do I know? The French broadcaster wants to have full power in the presentation and marketing etc. even though the artists record label has to pay for it all themselves.... Meanwhile, English or any other language can be used in the song however 80% of the song must be in French. I wonder who will represent them? TAL would be my choice.

France: Quel est le problème?

Lisa Angell only managed a disappointing 25th place in Vienna with her chanson - and France hasn't even graced the top 20 since 2011. They even came last in 2014. Quel est le problème? What's the problem? Why isn't France setting the scoreboard alight? 

France has an incredible music scene. There are so many fantastic French artists which would be more than suitable for Eurovision. No one can deny France isn't trying out different music genres. 2011: opera, 2012: dance pop, 2013: alternative rock, 2014: pop and 2015: a good old fashioned ballad. It's possible that singing in French is also a problem but I don't buy this. Il Volo sung in their native language and won the televote. Without sounding harsh - France just isn't sending good enough songs. Indila, Kendji Girac and Shy'm are arguably the biggest three names in the French music scene at the moment. All would be incredible representatives for France but big names just aren't interested. Indila has already said she won't participate. Apparently, the French broadcaster want to send a household name to Stockholm as this will increase interest in Eurovision. Time will tell who will get the honour but I hope it'll an act who can do France proud. Tal would be my pick. In hindsight, Lisa's song was just to dull and old fashioned even though this blogger always had a soft spot for it. I want to see France send a big name with a great song. Who knows if they will get it right next year....

REVIEWING THE CLASS OF 2015: FRANCE!

TWIN TWIN (Oh yeah!) finished in last place in Copenhagen so the French will naturally be hoping to do a bit better this year. Will Lisa's Chanson see France achieve a respectable position? Or are the French stuck in the past? Here's what we think about France's effort...

Ana: This song has grown on me since I listened to her singing it live but not enough to say that I like it. It’s not a bad song and her vocals are perfect but it’s very boring and forgettable. I think that only a little part of the audience will like it enough to vote for it. 3/10

Ilkar: Oldfashioned? Yes. But therefore also very refreshing and welcome. She sings well, she knows her role and the song is one of those real songs not composed by a computer programme. With added message. This needs no gimmick. All we need is Lisa on stage flawlessly belting out her song. 8.5/10

Jack: When Lisa was selected with this song, I did feel a tad underwhelmed as I know France can do better than this. Why couldn't they send TAL, Indila, Kendji Girac, Shy'm or someone like that? I guess France has the same problem as the UK though. Big names just aren't interested in Eurovision... anyway, it's not a bad song. Maybe a little bit boring but she does perform it brilliantly! And her voice is flawless live! I don't think France will reach the top ten in Vienna but she could do well. Maybe. Juries will like it but the spark just isn't there for me! 5/10

Jess: Lisa has a lovely voice, and I believe that the song suits her voice rather well.. 6/10

John: One of France's strongest efforts from the last decade or so is almost like a blast from the past. Not unlike the typical French "chanson" from the heydays of the 60's and '70's but with a contemporary feel, the song builds gradually to a very full and satisfying finish. 7/10

OUR VERDICT - 29.5/50

OVERALL SCORE - 5.9/10

France: Lisa Angell performs 'N'oubliez pas' live!

Lisa Angell has finally performed her Euroviion entry live. It was performed on The Grand Show some days ago although only broadcaster tonight. There's no doubt that she's a fantastic singer but I don't know how this one will fare in Vienna. See for yourself here..

France: Full version of "N'oublie pas" released!

Lisa Angell's Eurovision entry has been released in full moments ago. Listen to N'oublie pas here.

BUT WHO IS LISA ANGELL?

Lisa Angell (birth name Lisa Vetrano) was born in Paris in 1968. The 48 year-old singer has released a total of three albums to date, with her most recent one being in April 2014. It was entitled Frou-Frou although failed to chart in France. However one of her older albums, Des mots…, managed to reach #30 in the French charts. She's hardly a big name. France has already been criticized for selecting a relatively unknown singer. She currently has just under 6,000 likes on Facebook. J'Ai Deux Amours is one of her most popular songs. Her Eurovision song was written by Robert Goldman and the song is all about remembering World War 1. However due to the recent terror attacks in Paris, this song is even more significant. She is fantastic live! Watch her perform J'ai Besoin de Parler live here. Bonne chance :-)

LISA ANGELL TO REPRESENT FRANCE!

French TV announced their representative this morning. It's Lisa Angell with the song N’oubliez pas. The song translates to Don't Forget and is about remembering World War 1, although it also has a new significance and importance due to the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris earlier this month. Listen to a snippet of the song here. Lisa has released three albums and this is what she said regarding her upcoming participation in the contest:

It is my great pleasure to announce to you that I will represent France in the Eurovision Song Contest on 23 May in Vienna. I’m proud and happy!

NuVidz: Sergey Lazarev, Mrs. Greenbird, Indila, Tim Schou!

Sergey Lazarev has recently released 7 цифр. It's an awesome pop song. Sergey is tipped to represent Russia in Vienna with Breaking Away. This blogger think he would be a fantastic choice if selected but only time will tell if the rumours turn out to be true. Shine, Shine, Shine is one of the songs Mrs. Greenbird are aiming to represent Germany with. What do you think about their song? I think it's cute. Indila's Love Story is one of my favourite songs from her album Mini World. The official-video for Love Story was released a couple of months ago.. unfortunately, she isn't interested in Eurovision. Finally, Goodbye is Tim Schou's latest song and you can buy it on iTunes if you wish.

France: Anggun and Amandine Bourgeois condemn Charlie Hebdo attack!

Earlier today, three gunmen walked into the Paris offices of 'Charlie Hebdo', a satirical magazine and shot dead twelve people. Several more people have been injured. Naturally, France and the rest of the world have been left in utter shock following this dreadful attack. The attack, which took place this morning, has reportedly been linked to the magazine’s anti-religious stance - especially in relation to Islam. World leaders have condemned the attacks, and so have past French Eurovision representatives. Take a look at their messages below. It's all very sad.

France: Internal selection in 2015!

Following TWIN TWIN's (Oh yeah!) disappointing last place in Copenhagen and also thanks to low viewing figures, France 2 will now have the responsibility of selecting the French representative for Eurovision. The channel wants to change France's approach to the contest because of recent poor results. It has now been confirmed the French entry for Vienna will be selected internally - is this a good idea? Who will fly the French flag? It won't be Indila....

France: Indila isn't interested in Eurovision...

Following TWIN TWIN's (Oh yeah!) disappointing result in Copenhagen, this blogger reckons Indila would have been the perfect representative for France next year - although she's already said that Eurovision isn't on the agenda. Sobs! Indila gave an interview to Le Petit Journal and when asked about entering Eurovision, the singer said:

It’s flattering, thank you! And it is true that I have seen an upsurge of Eurovision interest in me recently. I was very surprised because it’s like an exclusive for me. I do not think I have the makings of an artist who can represent France. So I was very happy. But I think I would refuse a request like that because it is a lot of pressure, responsibility, and I do not want to disappoint France. And then the level of media coverage would not help things.

Indila biggest hit is Dernière Danse. Of-course there are a number of talented French artists, but I just feel Indila would have been perfect...

Introducing 2014: France!

I wanna have a moustache! France are represented by Twin Twin, after they won the French selection process. The French selection featured three songs. Destan's song was pretty weak - just another clean cut boyband. I did originally love Joanna's entry however after a few listens, it was rather boring and wasn't that strong. Joanna would have probably been bottom five in Copenhagen.. So after two rather pleasant but mainstream (and boring) songs, Moustache defiantly caught everyone's attention. Whether it be for the right or wrong reasons ;-)

Before the selection, Twin Twin were practically unknown - the trio consists of Lorent Idir, François Djemel and Patrick Biyik. The song itself has caused controversy though... "Moustache" has been accused of plagiarism however I don't think there are many similarities. I personally like the French entry! It's wacky, unique and very catchy indeed. In Copenhagen, I predict France will finish near the bottom of the leaderboard although it deserves more. I really hope Twin Twin do well. Bonne chance, France!

NuVidz: Elaiza, Amandine Bourgeois, Noemi, Cascada!

Fight Against Myself was Elaiza's second song in the German selection and I really like. The song has bags of personality. However, I prefer "Is It Right". Here's a stunning acoustic version. Aww I love Amandine Bourgeois! Her latest track is Ma Gueule. Very French - I could just imagine sitting in a cafe in Paris and hearing this song.. it's lovely! Oui! <3 Noemi is currently a coach on The Voice of Italy and last month, she took part in Sanremo with Bagnati dal sole. This song has been stuck in my head these last few days.. and if RAI didn't select Emma internally, maybe this would have been the Italian entry? Finally, we have a new single from Cascada! Blink could defiantly be a summer hit..

France: Twin Twin to Copenhagen!

We've been waiting for other a month and now the results are finally here. Twin Twin will represent France! This is the best choice - it'll stand out for sure in Copenhagen! Joanna and Destan were too boring and wouldn't stand out in Eurovision whereas Twin Twin defiantly will. Douze Points frm me. The first live performance.

France: Voting lines closed!

Voting lines have now closed in France, y'all! So, who's going to win? My favourite is Twin Twin and I hope they get the honour.. but I have a sneaky suspicion it could be Destan. I reviewed the songs a couple of weeks ago. The results will be revealed next Sunday!

Review: French National Final 2014!

Three songs are in the running to represent France in Copenhagen - and I've decided to review them! The result will be announced on Sunday 2nd March.

• Destan - Sans toi

This is probably my least favourite to be honest. It's not a bad song - just terribly outdated and boring... plus I don't really like the switch between French and English. The live performance in the national final was pretty terrible too. I'd be surprised if this was to win but if they did win, I'd predict France would be at the bottom of the leaderboard. 3/12

• Joanna - Ma liberté

Joanna's song is a big contender to represent France. "Ma liberté" is a strong solid ballad - but isn't it a little mainstream? Her voice is very good too and you can enjoy the official video-clip here. It's nice but there is nothing memorable or different here. This blogger isn't saying it's bad or anything however I feel France has more to offer.... 6/12

• Twin Twin - Moustache

I absolutely love this!! It's crazy yet fantastic. I would be so delighted if Twin Twin were chosen for Eurovision. The live performance wasn't great although they can improve on this... They would defiantly stick out if selected whether it be for good reasons or bad. The song is so entertaining and I could never grow tired of this - unlike Destan, and dare I say it, Joanna. 10/12

Please send Twin Twin! Or failing that, send Joanna. Although I don't think we'll be going to Paris in 2015.

France: "Moustache" accused of plagiarism!

Sigh! Following the presentation of the French hopefuls last week, one act has been attracting some negative attention. Twin Twin's song is being accused of plagiarism, as they have apparently copied Stromae, one of Belgium's most famous and well respected artists.

This has even made headlines in Belgium. Twin Twin have responded to this where they said:

"We have our own style, a mix of electro, hip-hop, rock songs. The resemblance with Stromae’s song is apparently because of the intro but be aware that the song was written a year before the release of his album! Therefore, there is no debate. This intro has a common pattern for an electro song. We are rather flattered to be compared to Stromae because he is a great artist but the word “plagiarism” is not right!"

This is the first, and probably not the last, plagiarism case of the 2014 national final season! Take a listen to Moustache and Papaoutai. Is this plagiarism?!

France: Listen to the competing entries here!

The three songs bidding to represent France have been released through a special televised show, which was actually recorded on 10 December. Special guests included Anggun, Marie Myriam and Amaury Vassilli.

If I had to pick a favourite, I would say Twin Twin. Their song is crazy - it's absolutely bonkers. Destan's performance was okay, but I'm slightly underwhelmed with the song itself but it is already growing on me. And Joanna's performance was very good too - she's a very strong contender. I believe they all have a strong chance of winning actually. Stay tuned for a review! Listen to them here.

The winner will be revealed on 2nd March.

France: 30 second snippets revealed!

Three acts are currently in the running to represent France and this morning we got to hear a 30 second snippet of each bidding entry. Listen to them hear here. However the full version of Ma Liberté leaked a few days ago...

My favourite is Joanna however I believe Twin Twin have a really strong change of winning. Their song sounds wacky and crazy - the French will probably like this and I can't wait to see what their live performance will be like. Joanna's song is nice however I feel it's a bit mainstream... and I think Destan is the weakest act. These tracks will be performed live on Sunday!