Our Europe-wide tour of interviews has taken us to France and today we hear the thoughts of the Amandine Bourgeois. She will be performing L’enfer et moi in the Eurovision Song Contest final on 18 May in Malmö.
Amandine, you were telling the press, a few months ago, about your disappointment with the music industry and the fact that you were not played on the radio or promoted and therefore that you had to cancel your national tour. And now in a few weeks, you will represent your country and play in front of an audience of dozens of millions of viewers across the world. What a turn of event. How do you feel about it? Do you feel the Eurovision is or could be the new turning point of your career?
I felt very bad when some of my concerts (not the whole tour fortunately) were cancelled, because I knew that a number of fans out there had already purchased plane/train tickets and hotels. It is not fair to them, so I really wanted to say something… However, the perspective now is very different. I feel very honored that my song was chosen to represent France at the ESC, I don’t know yet whether it will be a turning point, but it is definitely a crazy experience !
Could you tell us what is your song about for our visitors who don’t speak French? Why did you choose this song?
L’enfer et moi is a song about a girl who has had her heart broken, and has transformed into a witch in order to get back at the man who hurt her. I believe a lot of people can identify with this phenomenon, as all witches are just disappointed fairies in the beginning. I’m proud to be able to go on stage with a song that sounds so great and true to who I am.
France has not done particularly well in the last 10 years at the contest; do you feel you have the qualities, experience and song to give France its 1st victory since 1977?
Only time will tell! I can’t claim that I have what it takes to defeat all my opponents and offer France a victory at ESC, but I know for sure that I will try my very best, perform this great song with all my heart, the rest is really not up to me!
What kind of performance are you going for on the night?
Let’s see… We’re going for something rather minimalist, with just enough ambiance, but not to overstep the performance. In terms of visual effects, it should be something quite simillar to what you can see in the videoclip for this song.
You are competing against well-known international artists such as Bonnie Tyler, Anouk and Cascada. How do you feel about that?
I am a massive fan of Anouk, she is a great inspiration to me. Competing side by side with her is a true blessing for me, I am so excited !! And Bonnie Tyler… it’s so impressive to think that I will share the same stage that evening!!!
Have you listened to other competing songs? Any favourites?
I LOVE Anouk’s song (once again) and I really like Cascada’s too.
Do you have any plans after Eurovision? A third album perhaps?
Yes! Definitely a third album, I have already been working on it for a while but need to take a break in order to be fully prepared for the Eurovision Song Contest.
Did you use to watch the Eurovision in the past? If yes, any good memories?
I have watched it a few times, with friends and family. It’s always great entertainment, and it’s really fun to see what kind of music different European nations have to offer during this contest. It’s very eclectic which makes things interesting.
Have you been tempted to sing in English in Eurovision? Why?
The song L’enfer et moi was originally written in English and I really liked it too, but I feel like only singing in French is really appropriate when I’m representing this country at the most prestigious song contest in the world!
You mentioned in the press that your song was picked out of 18 candidates, do you know any other artists that tried to participate this year?
No… Sometimes people mention some artists to me but it is nothing confirmed so i’d rather not pay attention.
Thanks for your support!
