Will he do better than La Zarra? This is the question many French people and fans of Slimane. Indeed, Vitaa’s sidekick has agreed to represent France at the next Eurovision contest which will be held in Malmö on May 11, 2024.
The 34-year-old singer aims to do better than La Zarra who finished 16th in the ranking last year, and why not offer the title to France thanks to his title My love. Alexandra Redde-Amiel, director of games and entertainment at France Televisions and head of the French delegation to Eurovision, was also delighted to have chosen Slimane to represent the country.
Also see: Eurovision 2024: in just a few days, the great feat achieved by Slimane and French song
Slimane, the best choice for Alexandra Redde-Amiel
At the microphone of Léa Salamé on France Intershe recalled how the winner of the fifth season of The Voice“has long since conquered the hearts of the French”. “He has sold more than 2 million albums, 2 billion streams, he won 5 prizes at the NRJ Music Awards, and he had a Victory”. For his part, the main person concerned said “happy”but “very stressed too” of the role assigned to him.
And it’s not the negative reactions that will help him relieve his stress. Indeed, since he was appointed to represent France at Eurovision, Slimane receives much praise, but also faces violent criticism, often racist.
Victim of racism when his name is announced
Interviewed by the magazine Stubborn on this subject, the 34-year-old singer recognizes: “It’s sad to say, but maybe we get used to it more than we deal with this kind of messages, this violence.” “Since the announcement of Eurovision, it’s worse”regretted the singer before giving horrible examples: “Every day, I am treated to a racist statement like: ‘Ah, it’s the Arab who will represent us’ or ‘Is there no French singer?'”.
Criticisms which are unfortunately reminiscent of those towards Aya Nakamura since The Express announced that the Franco-Malian artist could reprise a title from Edith Piaf during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
RF