The news was given last Thursday on RTL Radio by TV presenter Tex (who commented last year's contest for France) and it is now offical that Jean-Paul Gaultier will travel to Belgrade to be one of this year�s French commentators for the Big Night, the other one being Julien Lepers (who already did it alone in 1999, 2000 and as part of a pair in 2005 and 2007). This is not the first time that Gaultier, one of France�s most famous designer, will attend the contest.
When she talked about France 3’s plan for Belgrade, three weeks ago, Marie-Claide Mézerette, head of entertainement, declared that “someone big” will comment. Still, she didn’t give the news as the channel wants this piece of news to attract more media around the contest itself. Gaultier’s is no stranger to television. In France, he never really had a program of himself but always feels at ease when it’s time to talk and joke.
On the other side of the Channel, the man is well-known for his TV appearances, when he and Antoine de Caunes (French comedian, actor and film-maker) used to present Eurotrash on Channel Four in the 90’s.As a designer, Jean-Paul Gaultier had tailored of a lot of outfits for Eurovision acts, such as Dana International (the “after victory” dress), Elisabeth Andreassen (in 1996), Anna Vissi (2006) and last year’s French entrants, Les Fatals Picards. He also cared for Amina’s look back in 1991.
Gaultier was actually part of the French delegation in Rome.Although 56 this year, Gaultier still has that teenage smile and sparkle in his eyes, which makes him a pleasant guy and a esteemed man.France 3’s hopes that this choice will bring Eurovision another load of media attention and, why not, some magazine covers. Will it be enough to win the ratings fight against the French Cup football final, to be televised this May 24 on fellow channel France 2 ? Hard to say, given the fact TF1 will also have a big potential prime time !
