Eurovision 2011: France choose Amaury Vassili

by Jon Jacob on February 5th, 2011

France have always been such a reliable country at Eurovision. They’ve turned in reliable numbers. They’ve turned in cutesy numbers. They’ve also made a point of getting hearthrobs to represent them too – Patrick Fiori in particular appears to have weathered well. They’ve tried daring songs. They’ve experimented with angst. And they’ve pulled off post-modernism pretty well too. Even the infectious stuff is – one year on, at least – is reasonably satisfying.

This year, however, they’re plumping for pop-opera boy Amaury Vassili.

I’m conflicted. Only a week or so ago I was suggesting that Vassily’s Welsh equivalent Katherine Jenkins might be a suitable representative for the UK. Now that I learn France have gone with Vassily I’m left pondering whether French broadcaster France 3′s negotiations have gone a bit awry. France’s representative is the result of what is often described ‘in the Eurovision circle’ as an ‘internal selection’. Is Vassily’s signing a bit of a fudge?

The song he’ll sing on May 14 – Sonniu – isn’t available yet, although Eurovision.tv do include a handy description to whet our appetites in the meantime.

While we wait for France 3 to unveil their secret weapon, take a look at this rather odd re-working of Land of Hope and Glory sung by Mr Vassily. Also make sure you watch him in action with a choir of angels.

Or if you prefer, you could always take a look at this YouTube playlist of personally selected French Eurovision songs from the past 20 years.