The Eurovision Song Contest has struggled to make an impact in France for several years. That all changed last night as Patricia Kaas led the country back into the top ten for the first time since 2002. Viewing figures had flatlined on French television, but last night, that all changed.
France is reporting a huge leap in viewing figures, topping the ratings charts for the night. 5.7million people tuned in to see France return to the left hand side of the Eurovision Song contest scoreboard. That meant a 32.3% television audience share and was the most watched show of the night.
The figure is a huge leap from last year, when less than 4million people tuned in. The Eurovision Song Contest is now set to be one of the highest rating shows of the year for France 3, which averages around 5million viewers at most.
Bruno Berberes, head of the French delegation has worked tirelessly in recent years to attract big names to represent France. Last year, he secured Sebastien Tellier, and in 2007, he organised the French national final which was widely acclaimed as being one of the most musically progressive and daring Eurovision selection shows ever held.
Special thanks to Franck Baillot and Dominique Defaut.
