Louane, the 28-year-old French singer, made waves on March 15, 2025, when she unveiled her Eurovision song "Maman" during the halftime of the France-Scotland rugby match at Stade de France, captivating the audience of over 9.5 million viewers. The song, dedicated to her late mother who passed away from cancer in 2014, also pays tribute to her daughter, Esmée, echoing themes of motherhood and personal growth.
Known for her heartfelt performances, Louane’s rendition of "Maman" was not just another song—it signified her evolution as both an artist and individual. "This song is completely different," Louane stated at the press conference following her performance. "It is not only a continuation of the first song I wrote but also truly reflects who I am today." Her first version of "Maman," released on her debut album, Chambre 12, sold over 2 million copies but has now been scrubbed from streaming platforms to make way for the new version, per Louane's wishes.
The artist revealed her candidacy for Eurovision through social media on January 30, 2025, saying, "I will do it for our dreams: I will represent France at Eurovision." Louane expressed the significance behind her decision, stating it fulfilled her mother’s lifelong dream of seeing her perform at the Eurovision stage. "I was always aware of how excited she would be; she was such a fan of the competition," Louane shared.
With her new song, she aimed to convey not just tribute, but also her resilience and progress since experiencing deep loss. Reflecting on her personal development, Louane expressed, "I have stopped counting the years," signifying her acceptance of the past and joy over present life, including her own role as a mother. The chorus, which emphasizes moving forward and embracing change, delivers powerful messages of hope: "Now it’s me she calls Mommy. I guess this adventure begins. I am ready for you, for my daughter, and for my mother."
While the performance was visually stunning, featuring dramatic staging elements, the emotional undercurrent remained central to her presentation. Louane’s performance served not only as entertainment but also as catharsis. Her heartfelt lyrics invite listeners to connect with her personal story, bridging the gap between past and present.
"Maman" marks Louane's return to the international stage where she will seek to surpass Slimane's fourth-place finish last year with "Mon Amour". Since Marie Myriam's victory back in 1977, France has not won the Eurovision contest, and Louane carries the hopes of her nation as she rehearses for the upcoming final on May 17, 2025, at Halle Saint-Jacques, Basel, Switzerland.
"It’s a gamble," Louane noted, commenting on her choice of musical tempo, saying, "It is not hyper-pop, but truthfully, ballads are what I prefer, and this one is special." Her remarks resonate with the emotional heft behind her artistry as she aims to win over the heart of the judges and audience alike.
Supporting Louane's endeavor is her family, who provided their encouragement for her to share both her past and her future through this performance. "This is not just for me, but for my entire family, including my late mother who always dreamed of the day I'd shine on such a platform. I am walking on stage for all of us," she reiterated during one of her emotional gatherings with the press.
Révélée dans "The Voice" en 2014, Louane has established herself as one of France's most beloved artists, accumulating numerous accolades since her impressive debut. She admits her participation carries significant risks, but after observing the successes of artists like Amir and Barbara Pravi, she feels prepared to rise to the occasion. "I won't pretend, I’m here to win," she confessed, underscoring her determination and ambition as she steps onto the grand stage of Eurovision.
The stakes are high for Louane and her supporters, especially as anticipation builds not only for the Eurovision finals but also for what this performance signifies—a new chapter of hope after years marked by sorrow and loss. France has accomplished great things at Eurovision before, and with Louane at the helm, the country hopes to reclaim its historic legacy through this deeply personal and poignant performance.