The French Final was held on January 30th in Paris (Eurovision France, c'est vous qui décidez!) hosted by Stéphane Bern & Laurence Boccolini. The winner was chosen in two rounds of voting. Eight of the twelve would qualify through to round two with the top 7 chosen by televoting and 1 song chosen by the jury. From there, the winner was chosen by a 50/50 mix of televoting and jury. The winning song was "Voila" (There it is) by Barbara Pravi.
This was, considering the current situation, a full blown production with a small but technologically forward set and well set back audience. Barbara is centre stage dressed in simple black bodice and trouser suit with a statement silver belt around the middle. All of the tension and drama is created not only by her physical performance but also from the unusual camera angles and the use of spotlights and smoke to create movement.
The first line is done without a backing track and then the piano comes in. The tune on the verses is quite staccato, almost spoken, and not particularly memorable. Many of the words, however, are highly recognisable to anybody with basic smattering of French, which in itself is very clever tactic. The verses are rather non-descript and slightly flat but in an odd way this helps the chorus fly and create several stand out moments in the song. The first chorus is shortened and almost temps us with what is to come. There is a slight pause before the third verse which slows the pace down but as the final chorus comes to a conclusion it slowly speeds up to a thrilling ending which, although sudden, is not unpleasant.
The song is sung in very stylised style; slightly jazzy, slightly cabaret and feels unapologetically French without feeling like a pastiche or an angry rant. The instrumental does have an "Amelie" type feel, something which Patricia Kaas' entry also tried to encompass. Her voice is exceptionally clear and the emotion of the song is abundant in every word and movement she makes. Many have already made comparisons with Portugal's winning song from 2017 but this emotion is much more raw, piqued and possibly more aligned to the present world mood.
For me, though, the staging of this song on the night was the real secret weapon. The positioning of spotlights from different angles, the use of the video floor and the slightly intrusive and jittery camera work created real mood and tension. Moreover, at a time when we do not know which scenario will be used to ensure Eurovision takes place, this particular setting is an evergreen. Wherever this performance takes place, this staging will work. It would work in a room full or half full of people or as a static recorded performance in an empty room. This is a very individual song and will work well on one listen. It is certainly a step up from last year's dirge.... Can Barbara make this a double - a French Junior AND Adult Eurovision win ...?
SONG - Voilà (Here)
WRITING CREDITS - Barbara Pravi, Igit, Lili Poe
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