With just two months to go before the Eurovision Song Contest, anticipation is building as 37 countries prepare to compete for the coveted title. France, represented by the beloved artist Louane, has officially revealed her entry for the 2025 competition—"Maman," which carries emotional weight and personal significance for the singer.
On March 15, 2025, during the half-time of the Six Nations rugby match between France and Scotland at the iconic Stade de France, Louane took the stage, performing her entry from a remarkable height of 12 meters (approximately 39 feet). The event attracted immense attention, with nine million viewers tuned in to witness the performance. Louane's song, delivered with grace and depth, has sparked excitement as she aims to revitalize France's fortunes at Eurovision, having not claimed victory since 1977.
Louane, born Anne Edwige Maria Peichert, first gained prominence as a contestant on the French version of "The Voice" back in 2013. Since then, she has enjoyed success not only as a musician but also as an actress, having won accolades such as the Victoire de la Musique for her 2016 album "Chambre 12" and the César for Most Promising Actress for her role in "La Famille Bélier".
Reflecting on the meaning behind "Maman," Louane's song serves as a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, who passed away from cancer when Louane was just 17. The song also incorporates her daughter Esmée's voice, establishing a generational connection. Louane explained, "When I began writing the song, I felt I had reached a point where it was time to take stock of who I had become and how I felt about everything I had experienced."
"Maman" does not just represent Louane's loss; it also signifies hope and resilience. Louane shared her reasoning for choosing to remove her previously released song, also titled "Maman," from all streaming platforms. Released as part of her debut album, which sold over 1.2 million copies, the 2015 song's themes reflected her grief and struggle.
By discontinuing the 2015 version, she stated, "I want my music to represent who I am today." She wants to convey to her mother not only her sorrow but also the progress she has made. "This new song exists for this reason," she said, emphasizing her desire to move forward.
"Maman" is also noteworthy as it asserts Louane's identity as not just the daughter of someone's legacy but as a mother herself. She said, "For me, it's obviously the most beautiful moment of this song. It’s a bond across three generations of women, reminding me of my mother and also celebrating my daughter. My daughter sings it every day, and she loves it!"
Looking forward to the Eurovision contest, Louane aims to create lasting impressions on both the audience and judges. The Eurovision Song Contest will kick off with semi-finals on May 13 and 15, leading up to the grand final on May 17, all taking place in Basel, Switzerland. France, being one of the Big Five, is guaranteed entry to the final along with Switzerland as the host country.
Despite being among the favorites, Louane's entry will be vying for attention against 36 artists, including notable acts from Germany, Sweden, and Austria, highlighting the competition for top honors.
Each country participating has its unique approach to Eurovision, often depicted through flamboyant performances and distinctive musical styles. Louane's decision to present "Maman" as a poignant ballad, which is sung entirely in French, is expected to resonate on multiple emotional levels with the audience.
The 2025 competition sees not only Louane but also other artists from nations such as Australia, Iceland, and Estonia competing with their own interpretations of contemporary music, pushing the boundaries of style and genre.
While France has faced mixed results at Eurovision over the years, with its latest achievements resulting in fourth-place finishes, enthusiasts remain hopeful about Louane's potential success. Current betting odds place her as one of the top contenders for the title, trailing behind perennial favorites like Sweden and Austria.
Fans can follow Louane's progression and support her efforts when she takes the stage at the Eurovision Song Contest, broadcast live on France 2 from 21:00 on finals night. With her emotional tribute and remarkable talent, Louane is primed to leave her mark on the contest.
While Moldova announced its withdrawal from this year’s contest due to the challenges encountered during its national selection, 36 other countries are indicated to complete the lineup. The potential for memorable performances and catchy songs promises to make this year’s competition particularly engaging.
With Louane's emotional story and her dedication to her mother, many are rooting for her success—and her performance will be one to watch. It's not just about winning; it's about the message, the connection to her family, and the representation of France.
Eurovision is not merely about the music, but also about culture and unity—gathering diverse nations under the banner of creativity and artistic expression. The countdown to May 2025 continues, and excitement is building as these talented individuals prepare to take center stage.
