In the year of national selections, France turned to a public selection to pick their entry for the Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon next year. Destination Eurovision is the name of the format, scheduled to kick off on 13 January 2018.

The news caught many Eurofans by surprise: France is organising a public selection to choose the act for the Eurovision Song Contest. Destination Eurovision is the name of the format chosen to elect the French representative.

Three shows, one winner

Recently, details have been revealed concerning the members of the jury and the number of acts. No less than 18 acts will compete in two semi-finals. A total of eight songs will advance to the final.

Today, French broadcaster France 2 announced that the first show will be on 13 January 2018. The two semi-finals will be pre-recorderd on 8 and 9 January 2018, while the final will be broadcast live. You can register here to attend the shows.

France in Eurovision

France is one of the most successful countries at Eurovision; they have scored 5 victories over the years and debuted in the first contest back in 1956.

Their success declined in the years to follow since their last victory in 1977, even receiving their worst set of results in 2014 when Twin Twin came last in Copenhagen. However in 2016, they managed to climb back into the top 10 with Amir.

France participated in Kyiv in 2017 with Alma and her song Requiem; she finished 12th in the grand final.