In a witty, caustic and sincere interview with esctoday.com's Dominique Dufaut, Bruno Berberes opens his heart and speaks about things that are on many a fan's mind when it comes to France in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Since the beginning of the year, a "big name" was supposed to be announced as representative of France for this year's contest. We believed it would be someone "known of the great public" and it happens that it is someone rather unknown which is chosen. Why ?

What about this polemic ? Who is the "great public" ? Can you describe it ? I am not responsible of the musical culture of Eurovision fans. We wanted someone talented, a professional, with his own "world". Isn't he the right one? Can you name the last-to-date French entrant who entered the British charts and was touring Europe before the contest ? Sébastien Tellier is representing a French musical style which is doing very well ! There are much more than French ballad performed by great voices. Eurovision has to open its doors to other kinds of music than the usual ones.

I'm a bit tired to hear people say that "Eurovision is crap". This year, they will shut up ! I don't believe that there is a malediction around Eurovision in France. When I see how popular the contest is in some countries, even with "doubtful" entries, I think we shouldn't be ashamed of our songs. The way was long and the 80's have left a strong impression on everyone's feelings.

Regarding our two last entries, even if they didn't place well, they achieved public success. Les Fatals Picards did more than 100 concerts after their Eurovision experience. They were not known by the great public… Now, they are!

Big names were mentioned. How about these contacts and why didn't they come through?

We've been in touch with many artists, from various kinds of music, names that eurofans love. Deals were often not possible because of timing. For some of them, we'll get in touch for next year.

What can you say to people disappointed by this choice ?

Nothing special, as long as they are respectful to the artist. Music goes from A to Z. You shouldn't forget some letters in this alphabet ! I was committed with the choice of Sandrine François and of Jonatan Cerrada, last year I took a great part of the televised final and I'm also part of Sébastien's choice this year. We have diversity there. I'd want eurofans to be proud of France's choice, which is audacious and will bring something new and of quality to the Eurovision standard.

Eurovision is meant to make people discover all European musical cultures. With that "French Touch", as well as with world music in 1991, 1992 and 1996, France is right in this philosophy. Don't you see that, this year, there are many songs which sound like one another? A sign of globalisation.

What is your biggest regret regarding artists who could have said "yes, I want to go to Eurovision" ?

No regrets at all as I am completely happy with Sébastien. Once again, I can say I'm proud of him.

Back to Sébastien Tellier. Why did he said "Yes" to a contest which is so far from his musical background ? Was it his own idea and his record label's ?

We simply asked him. At first, he thought it was a joke. And he still jokes about it. Sébastien is part of an independent label (Record Makers), which may also be an explanation. He's leading an international career and Eurovision may bring European benefits to him. The "Yes" was an instant one. He also wants to have fun.

Some articles on him (positive, by the way) wrote that Sébastien Tellier is totally unpredictable on stage. Aren't you a bit scared that he wouldn't play the game of Eurovision the way it should be played, with all these press conferences, rehearsals etc?

Thank God ! (laughs). So we'll have fun ! I don't fear anything at all.

The song is already available on Tellier's new album. It is performed in English. Does it mean France will sing for the first time sing in English ?

No, France 3 asked for a version "half in French and half in English", a bit like in 2001. And that will be the one on the official CD compilation.

The way a performance looks on stage has become a very important thing. There is a large chorus in the song, so how will it be presented ? Will we find other "things" than the singer and his back vocalists ?

There are singing parts but also synthesizers with sounds similar to human voice, even if they are completely electronic. Nothing has been decided yet, but a lot of ideas can be found…

Since 2003, French choices were not successful at all in terms of results. We can even talk about a "série noire". This year, France once again play with fire ! Isn't it a bit risked as far as the image of the channel is concerned, and for the French musical production in general?

This is an audacious choice. It will work or not. But what if Eurovision could be an opportunity to have other kinds of music? Once again, I can tell we're proud of it and this pride is shared by many critics, journalists and fans. I was amazed to read very positive reactions on esctoday and even on non-Eurovision websites.

What is the risk ? Bottom 4 ? Do you think Les Fatals Picards deserved the place they reached last year ? I was expecting a Top 12. The real problem is the voting. I want the TV viewers to vote with their ears and their heart. Not with their passport ! Diaspora voting has spoiled the results. You just have to analyse the way France votes since televoting was introduced.

How will the song be promoted ? Will we have a prime time TV special on France 3?

Regarding the artist's celebrity, we will see him everywhere. A few days ago, I went to Virgin Megastore on the Champs Elysées and Sébastien's CD could be seen among the most sold records.

Who will be the commentators for the Big Night ?

It is a secret. But I can already tell you that they will be famous ! (laughs)

It is already known that France 4 will broadcast the second semi-final on Thursday evening. Is there any chance to have the first one in France.

It is too early to tell.

We often hear people say that "France is not willing to win Eurovision any longer". What's your opinion on this statement ?

I'm fed up with this. We want to win, but not at all costs ! Winners of the last 5 years were all different from each other but they had one point in common : daring and professionalism. A winning song is the result of a sincere process, a goal in a career. It touches public because it's deeply felt and not prefabricated.

Sertab and Ruslana were real Amazons, Helena was a seductress, Lordi were showmen and the Serbian winner gave instant emotion with her song. The Hungarian and Ukrainian entrants of last year also had something special. The line between fun and ridiculous may be thin. We'll see later how some of this year's entries will sound to our ears and look to our eyes !

Among competing songs you already listened to, do you have personal favourites, some you find interesting and powerful ?

Of course, I haven't heard them all yet but I like very much the sincerity of the Israely entry, the easy-to-go feeling of the Danish one, the craziness of Bosnia, the intensity of Cyprus, the energy of Turkey, the charm of the Swiss song, especially because it is an Italian one ! (laughters), but I also appreciate the more traditional Eurovision Polish entry and I have a big "coup de coeur" for Portugal. But before you have seen all performers on stage, who knows?