France’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest journey so far

On November 25th, Minsk Arena will host the sixteenth Junior Eurovision Song Contest. It will be the second time that the event takes place in the venue in Belarus’s capital. With Ukraine’s last minute confirmation, a record-breaking 20 countries will participate.

Therefore, it is the perfect time to look back at the journeys of all of this year’s participating countries in the contest. Today, let’s continue our journey and travel to one of the three returning countries: France!

Quick facts

• Country: France
• Broadcaster: France Télévisions
• Debut appearance: 2004
• Number of appearances: 1
• Highest finish: 6th (2004)
• Lowest finish: 6th (2004)

Back to the very beginning…

France made their Junior Eurovision debut back in 2004 in Lillehammer. It was 14-year old Thomas Pontier who first flew the country’s flag at the contest with his entry “Si on voulait bien“. Eventually, he finished the night in a very respectable 6th place with 78 points.

France’s Journey so far

Despite the strong start, France’s relationship with Junior Eurovision didn’t last very long. In fact, the following year the broadcaster decided to withdraw from the competition citing low viewing figures, lack of interest and that “too much Eurovision kills Eurovision” among the reasons behind their withdrawal. For many years, no news nor expression of interest to return came from France. However, in 2015 the former Head of Delegation of France, Edoardo Grassi, attended Junior Eurovision in Sofia and suggested France was looking to return at the contest in the future. Well, the future turned out to be 2018 as on Eurovision day France confirmed they would participate at the contest for the second time in Minsk! Let’s hope that they will continue to participate for many years to come!

Looking ahead to 2018

France internally selected 10-year-old Angélina Nava to be their representative in Minsk. She will singing the song “Jamais Sans Toi” (Never without you). Angélina is no stranger to big stages as at just 9 years of age she won the 2017 edition of The Voice Kids in her country. 

My favourite French entry!

So, just like Albania last week, I was trying really hard not to pick any 2018 entry as my favourite as I should first see them staged at the contest. However, in this case as well I just couldn’t.

I really like the 2004 entry as well though, really catchy and charismatic entry but 2018 is a.m.a.z.i.n.g. I am a piano and string lover so already the first notes are enough to sell the song for me and the whole uplifting, relaxing, energetic nature of the song are just my very cup of tea. Also, she is such an amazing singer and performer and I absolutely cannot wait to see her perform in Minsk (and I will be attending the final in person!). I really hope she will deliver a fantastic show and that she will give France their best result and encourage the country to continue to participate. I am very confident she will be fantastic in Belarus!

Every journey so far!

1. F.Y.R. Macedonia
2. Armenia
3. The Netherlands
4. Israel
5. Ukraine
6. Georgia
7. Russia
8. Malta
9. Italy
10. Azerbaijan
11. Serbia
12. Poland
13. Australia
14. Portugal
15. Ireland
16. Albania

Are you happy France are back? Which of the two songs is your favourite French entry at Junior Eurovision? Do you think they will be able to achieve their best result in Minsk? 

Let us know in the comment section below or on all social media platforms @ESCXTRA. 

And.. don’t forget to come back next Tuesday for another journey down another country Junior Eurovision memory lane! Only 4 countries left before it’s finally the contest time!