France will long remember this 67th edition punctuated with controversy. Before the singer was chosen by Alexandra Redde-Amiel, an artist discovered in “The Voice” was expected to defend our country.
Stormy edition for France this year at Eurovision. Disappointments with La Zarra who does not honor his concerts planned by the organizationa low score that provoked a reaction from the singer, vulgar or misunderstood, depending on the version. However, the story could have been different…
The singer Slimane was considered for a time to represent France at the 67th edition of Eurovision. Last January, the singer discovered in “The Voice” had declared on RTL: “I have a bit of a playful side. I like challenges and represent France, I who love French song so much, maybe one day I will. I do not say no”. He had confirmed to Éric Dussart and Jade in “We redo the TV” to have actually been “promised”.
The singer Slimane Marshal Aurora
Alexandra Redde-Amie preferred La Zarra
Information corroborated in the columns of the Parisian this Monday, May 15. The French delegation had nevertheless been warned of the “unmanageable side” de La Zarra which owes its place to Alexandra Redde-Amiel, head of the delegation, but also director of entertainment and games at France Télévisions. “There was a possibility of taking a song from Slimane, but Alexandra preferred La Zarra”, say our colleagues. A choice that turned out to be a failure, both in the ranking of the competition only for the image of France in front of the televiewers. “I think all of this is a blessing in disguise, it’s going to put everything back on track for everyone,” declares a relative of the delegation on the spot who regrets the mode of selection varying from one edition to another. Some years, the choice of the artist was determined through the national competition “Eurovision France, it’s you who decide!”. This year, as for Amir in 2016 and Alma in 2017, the choice was made internally.
Read alsoEurovision: after the failure of La Zarra, France is at a time of great questioning
An insulting gesture
France finished 16th in the standings with a total of 104 points. 54 points were awarded by the juries of the 37 voting countries and therefore only 50 points were earned after counting the public votes. A low score to which La Zarra responded in a surprising way. The singer performed a toz, a gesture that can signify exasperation or an insult. Considered a middle finger, his reaction created controversy the day after the competition. “The gesture is absolutely not contempt or an insult,” tried to defend La Zarra in an Instagram post.