Louane, the rising French music star, graced the stage at Stade de France on March 15, 2025, as she unveiled her heartfelt new song "Maman." This performance took place during the highly anticipated rugby match between France and Scotland, to the delight of 80,000 live spectators and millions of viewers tuning in from their homes. Engulfed by dramatic lighting and flames, Louane stood on a stunning 12-meter high platform, elevationally and symbolically delivering the emotional weight of her lyrics.
This touching song, dedicated to her late mother, who passed away from cancer when Louane was just 17 years old, resonates deeply not only with the artist but also with her growing audience. "It’s hyper important for me, this song... when I started writing, I knew it was time to reflect on who I had become and how I wanted to tell my mom about it today," Louane expressed during a press conference after her performance. The poignant lyrics navigate the multifaceted experiences of womanhood, motherhood, and loss.
The Eurovision 2025 final, where Louane will represent France, is set to take place on May 17, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland. Following her spectacular debut, speculation surrounding her chances has stirred excitement. Bookmakers have Louane ranking fourth as one of the favorites, sparking discussions among fans and critics alike about her unique ballad's potential to win.
Fans were instantly captivated as she performed "Maman" amid the grandeur of the Stade de France. Many were left enchanted, albeit with mixed reactions concerning the audio clarity during the live show. "I didn’t see or hear anything..." lamented a disappointed fan, highlighting issues with the sound system which obscured some of the lyrics’ emotional delivery.
Louane's daughter, Esmée, also plays a special role within the song; the end features her voice calling out "Maman," making the song not only reflective of Louane's past but also rich with her present experiences as a mother. "My daughter sings it every day," Louane commented, showcasing the intimate connection the song fosters within her family. This inclusion adds another layer of emotional resonance to the performance.
Louane’s mother had always hoped to watch her daughter shine at the Eurovision stage, and carrying this legacy forward gives Louane even more motivation. “I am so honored to represent France for my mom and for our dreams,” Louane expressed, bringing the audience’s focus to the significance behind her presentation.
What sets Louane apart from many Eurovision contestants is her choice of ballad instead of the typical up-tempo, danceable tracks often celebrated at the competition. "This is not, nor should it be, pop or fast-paced like you see often at Eurovision... If I’m honest with myself, the ballads are what I love," Louane added, illustrating her deliberate artistic choice. Despite concerns this could hinder her chances due to frequent wins by more upbeat tracks, Louane remains confident about expressing her authentic self through her music.
The creative vision for her performance was spearheaded by Alexandra Redde-Amiel, the head of the French Eurovision delegation. This bold idea to showcase the song at halftime of the rugby match reflects her desire to expand the Eurovision brand’s appeal within France. "This is the first time we’ve included such elaborate staging, inspired by the Super Bowl halftime shows. I hope it won’t be the last," commented Jérémy Lecha, the general director of the French Rugby Federation.
Looking at Eurovision's history, France has won the competition five times, with the last victory dating back to 1977. Louane's emotional connection to her music alongside her skill as a performer leaves many speculating—could 2025 be the year France breaks its long drought? While predictions are favoring Sweden and Austria this time around, Louane's earnest approach might just resonate with the audience and jurors alike.
Overall, Louane's performance has embraced heartstrings and created waves within the Eurovision community, reigniting hope for French triumph at the contest. Her melodic tribute, blending personal loss with motherhood, emerged as both bold and deeply relatable, leaving everyone eager to witness her next steps as France's representative.
