The official announcement was made this Thursday, and surprise: it is a Quebec singer named La Zarra who will represent France for Eurovision 2023. Revealed by the title “Tu t’en iras” released in 2021 (20 millions of plays on Spotify, the first music platform), the decision was made without going through a vote by a jury and the public as has been the case in recent years.
However, the head of the French delegation to Eurovision Alexandra Redde-Amiel refutes any revolution for the selection: “Each year, the history of Eurovision is different in France. External selection, by vote of a jury and public, is put on hold in 2023 but will return in 2024“, assures the one who is also director of entertainment and games of France Televisions.
The televised playoffs had brought out French representatives in recent years such as Barbara Pravi, second in 2021, or Alvan & Ahez, penultimate in 2022. But to hear Alexandra Redde-Amiel, the change in the method of designation has nothing to do with do with last year’s disappointment. According to her, he was induced by a “encounter” and an «conviction».
Winning bet?
La Zarra (stage name chosen in reference to “The kid”, nickname of Edith Piaf) cultivates an image between glamor and mystery. Even his age remains unknown. “La Zarra is full of characters: it is mysterious, iconic, extravagant, discreet, embodies French chic, is charismatic. Everything is in place for a very beautiful future winner”, justifies Alexandra Redde-Amiel. And it’s not with “You will leave” that she will defend France on May 13 in Liverpool (because if Ukraine won the last edition, it cannot host the competition this year due to the Russian invasion). The song will be unveiled soon.
Already in 2001, it was the Canadian Natasha St-Pier who represented France at Eurovision, winning fourth place. For his part, La Zarra, who goes back and forth between Quebec and France, and lives mainly in Paris these days, says he feels “a bit French”. “It is a pride to represent France”concludes the one who says she has “the French variety” in his «ADN».