France opted against a national final this year, internally selecting Tom Leeb. However, it has been confirmed that he will not be taking part next year, with France returning to a national final format for 2021. So, how will they shape up in Rotterdam next year?
In today’s episode, we look at France in 2021. For a full review of their potential entry for 2020, check out this article on our partner website Eurovision Union. Check out our thoughts for next year below.
Key takeaways:
Unfortunately for France, it seemed as if their entry for 2020 was not exactly a fan favourite. Despite the inclusion of Eurovision alumni John Lundvik as a songwriter, ‘Mon Alliée’ appeared to be on track for a finish on the right-hand side of the scoreboard.
What was promising to see, however, was that the French delegation had a clear sense of the identity they wanted to portray. It was distinctly French, and time and money had evidently been invested in the presentation of their act for Eurovision 2020. An internal selection gave them the opportunity to craft their ideal entry.
Interestingly, ‘Mon Alliée’ initially had an English song title, but as the contest approached, their delegation opted away from ‘The Best In Me’. Feedback around this revamp and more ‘French’ version of the song was generally positive.
Proceeding sans Tom Leeb:
Tom Leeb will not be representing France next year in Rotterdam, with it also confirmed that France will opt for a national final selection format for 2021. Although their final placings in Eurovision 2018 and 2019 were not exactly where the French delegation may have hoped, many were surprised at their decision to return to an internal selection for 2020.
Leeb announced his intentions on the French talk show ‘Good Morning Week-end’, where he cited scheduling issues. It is understood that he would have liked the chance to represent France again, but it simply is not logistically possible. His decision to pursue other interests in 2021 now leaves the position to represent France wide open…
Exploring other options:
France has decided to return to a national final selection process for 2021. This announcement has sparked excitement, with their national final a fan favourite during its two-year run. It is also reported that France will not return to their ‘Destination Eurovision’ format, and will develop a new show.
Both ‘Destination Eurovision’ 2018 and 2019 were relatively strong competitions, displaying the diversity and quality of the French music industry. It is unclear what the new format will look like, but it is not likely to stray far from what we have seen before.
Jumping between internal and national selections is not always ideal, but it seems as if France has a renewed focus for Eurovision. If they use the past three years as a learning experience, they are definitely a country to watch out for in 2021.
About “Next Up: Eurovision 2021”:
In our series Next Up: 2021, we look ahead to the Eurovision Song Contest 2021. After the cancellation of Eurovision 2020, all participating countries now face the choice: Stick with their Eurovision singer, or come up with a new preselection or internal selection.
We make an analysis based on what we know so far. What will this country do, or most likely do? And is that the wise choice, looking at the fact that the Eurovision Song Contest remains a music competition?
