Louane, the celebrated French singer, took to the stage for her first rehearsal at the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, on May 8, 2025. The excitement was palpable as she prepared to represent France at the 69th edition of the event, scheduled to run from May 13 to May 17. With her heartfelt song "Maman," which pays tribute to her late mother, Louane aims to captivate audiences and judges alike.
"C’est trop trop cool!" Louane exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm after the rehearsal. Although she acknowledged that there were still adjustments to be made, she expressed her eagerness to perform live. "Bon, il y a des choses à ajuster, je ne suis pas encore complètement à l’aise, mais, franchement, c’était incroyable. J’ai trop hâte de faire cette performance en public!" This sentiment reflects her dedication to delivering a powerful performance.
During her rehearsal at the Halle Saint-Jacques, Louane showcased her artistic vision. She will perform barefoot, dressed in an elegant black lace dress, within a unique stage setup featuring a circle of sand. This symbolic choice is designed to represent the passage of time, with sand cascading around her as she sings. The poignant imagery is further enhanced when Louane kneels to sweep the sand aside, revealing a mirror that reflects her face.
Louane's performance is not just about the music; it is a visual spectacle as well. The staging includes intricate camera movements and lighting synchronized with the percussion of the orchestration. Alexandra Redde-Amiel, the head of the French delegation, remarked on the complexity of the performance, stating, "C’est une performance difficile, technique, qui exige de la précision. On attendait de voir si tout fonctionnait et… tout fonctionne. C’est génial de voir le tableau éclore comme ça sur la scène de Bâle."
One of the most striking elements of Louane's act will be the dramatic sand tornado that erupts towards the end of her song. This impressive effect was developed in Sweden and is a highlight of the performance. Redde-Amiel described it as "magique," explaining that it descends from the ceiling to envelop Louane, creating a breathtaking visual climax.
Fredrik Rydman, the Swedish artistic director behind the staging, has a history of success at Eurovision, having designed the winning performances in 2015 and 2024. He emphasized the importance of conveying the song's message to a European audience. "L’imagerie autour du temps et du sablier, ça parle à tout le monde, d’autant plus dans un monde qui va vite," he noted. The song's themes of cherishing every moment resonate deeply, especially in today's fast-paced world.
Louane’s song "Maman" is an intimate and personal composition that honors her mother, who passed away eleven years ago. The emotional weight of the song was first introduced to audiences during a halftime performance at the Six Nations rugby match between France and Scotland. Redde-Amiel reflected on the song's significance, stating, "À travers cette symbolique, Louane, parle de la mère qu’elle avait, de la mère qu’elle est devenue. C’est un tableau qui est plein d’espoir, qui raconte que l’on renaît en permanence, même dans le drame, même dans des moments extrêmement difficiles."
The anticipation for Louane's performance is building, with many hoping she can replicate the magic of her rehearsal during the live shows. Redde-Amiel expressed her confidence in Louane's abilities, saying, "Elle a chanté divinement bien. Si elle chante comme ça vendredi 16 pour les jurys et le samedi 17 pour la finale, ça serait complètement fou."
As the Eurovision Song Contest approaches, Louane's commitment to her craft and her emotional connection to her song promise to make her performance a memorable one. Fans and viewers alike are eager to see how she translates her powerful message of love and remembrance onto the grand stage.
