On Saturday, March 15, 2025, French singer Louane captivated the audience at the Stade de France during the halftime show of the Six Nations rugby match between France and Scotland, as she revealed her song "Maman." This performance marks her representation of France at the Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place on May 17, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland.
Louane's song, inspired by the memory of her late mother, aims to capture both the heart and soul of the contest. Following her performance, she shared, "I am ready for you, for my daughter, and for my mother," expressing her personal connection to the song.
With the culmination of excitement surrounding Eurovision, Louane's selection as the French representative became public knowledge back in January. This was met with anticipation, especially after the previous year's entry by Slimane, who finished impressively in fourth place with his song “Mon Amour.” Louane's new song not only holds sentimental value but carries the weight of her family's legacy; from her sister's achievements as a rugby player to the memories of her mother's own dreams for her.
Reflecting on the emotional depth of her song, Louane described "Maman" as being deeply personal, stating, "This song is really me. It reflects me 100%." It serves as her homage to her mother, who passed away from cancer in 2014, and it features Louane's daughter Esmée, born in 2020, saying the word "maman" at the end of the track.
This premiere performance took place before 80,000 rugby fans and millions more watching via YouTube, creating an electrifying atmosphere akin to events like the Super Bowl. The significance of performing at such a high-profile event isn't lost on Louane, who grew up surrounded by the sport; as she noted, "Rugby has always held a special place for my family."
With France's last victory at Eurovision dating back to 1977 with Marie Myriam's winning song "L'Oiseau et l'enfant," the competition's pressure mounts each year. Louane's calculated approach, including the timing of her song reveal this year, distinguishes her strategy from prior participants, particularly Slimane's earlier reveal last year, which was criticized for being much earlier.
France Télévisions, who orchestrated this reveal during the rugby match, indicated their faith in Louane, emphasizing the hopes to return the Eurovision trophy to France after nearly half a century of waiting. Currently, predictions place Louane fourth among the favorites for the Eurovision title, showcasing her potential to make history yet again for French music.
Following her intimate performance, Louane took to social media, expressing the sheer importance of this moment, stating, "It's a moment that's very important and very significant for me." She remarked on the emotions swirling within her as she prepared to take the stage, reflecting, "My heart beats faster than ever. Every moment spent with you during my concerts and albums returns to me. This is the beginning of the adventure for me and my family."
Louane's determination to honor her mother's memory through her work is evident as she passionately prepared for Eurovision, making this endeavor not merely about winning, but also about personal reflection and familial pride. The singer recognized her mother's dream for her to compete on this illustrious platform and now aims to fulfill it.
With semi-finals scheduled on May 13 and 15, leading to the grand finale on May 17, Louane will face stiff competition but also arrives equipped with the love and backing of her dedicated fans, both at home and abroad. The overwhelming support and emotional charge surrounding the song "Maman" could potentially resonate with audiences worldwide, fueling her aspirations for Eurovision night.
The stakes are high, not only for Louane but for the entire French delegation, which now anxiously awaits the response of the European crowd as they hope to lift France's Eurovision spirit to new heights. Can Louane bring the trophy back home? Fans will find out on May 17!