The NRJ Music Awards ceremony featured performances by Eurovision stars and international artists, but all eyes were on France’s Eurovision 2024 representative, Slimane, amid serious allegations recently published against him.
The NRJ Music Awards, one of the most important ceremonies in the French music industry, took place last night in Cannes, France, accompanied by an exceptionally high level of curiosity this year. The annual event was particularly dramatic, not only due to the award announcements but also because of the presence of a certain Eurovision artist currently at the center of a storm.
Slimane’s Emotional Victory Amid Controversy
France’s representative for Eurovision 2024, Slimane, nominated for two awards at the ceremony, became the focus of attention following a sexual harassment complaint filed by one of his former employees. Until the last moment, it was unclear if he would attend, but last Thursday he was spotted in Cannes, accompanied by singer Vitaa. Ultimately, he appeared on stage and delivered a subpar performance of his hit “Mon amour” before receiving the “French Artist of the Year” award, visibly moved to tears. At the post-win press conference, he said: “I’m so happy, happy for the people who support me and follow me, and proud of that.”
Despite the complaint filed against him, Slimane competed for two awards at the ceremony and won Artist of the Year. When his name was announced, he placed his hands on his head, appearing particularly emotional. On stage, he said: “This award has a special taste. My daughter, when you grow up, I hope you’ll be proud of your dad. I love you. Mom and Dad, I love you.” Slimane concluded his speech with a mysterious apology and thanked the audience: “I apologize to my fans. From me as an individual to you, the people, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Other Eurovision Stars and Notable Performances
Amir Haddad, France’s Eurovision 2016 representative, was also nominated but didn’t win. However, he addressed his fans in a heartfelt message after performing his new song “Sommet” on stage, during which he completely shaved his head live: “Hello dear family, I barely recognize myself with my hair like this, but at the same time it’s so comfortable. Now that Slimane has won – whom I embrace and congratulate – it’s an opportunity to tell you that we found out we came in second place. Second place is huge, it means you did a very, very good job and I appreciate your efforts, your uncompromising dedication. I want to say thank you infinitely and how much I love you and know that I’m nothing without you. Even if we didn’t win, I think what we won is mainly this connection between us. This message is simply to tell you how much I love you.”
Damiano David, lead singer of Italian band Måneskin, Eurovision 2021 winners, performed his new song “Born With a Broken Heart“, leaving the audience amazed with a powerful and energetic performance. Additionally, veteran artists like David Guetta and the duo Justice also performed. Singer Vitaa, who won the French Female Artist of the Year award for the second consecutive time, beating nominee Louane in the same category, performed a segment from a song she originally performed in 2006.
International Stars and Emerging Talents
Although Taylor Swift, who won the “International Female Artist of the Year” award, was not present at the event, she sent a recorded greeting praising the French audience.
The ceremony continued with captivating performances, including those by Linkin Park and Billie Eilish, but the greatest honor went to French singer Pierre Garnier, who won two awards – “Song of the Year” and “French Revelation of the Year”, prompting numerous fan reactions online urging decision-makers to consider sending the singer to represent France at Eurovision 2025.
Among the ceremony’s winners, several key names stood out: David Guetta was chosen as DJ of the Year, Benson Boone won the “International Revelation of the Year” award with his hit “Beautiful Things“. Additionally, Swedish singer Jacquline, known for her participation in last year’s Swedish Eurovision selection, won the “Swedish Artist of the Year” award. Germany’s Eurovision 2024 representative, Isaak, also won the “German Rising Star of the Year” award. Jacquline’s win reflects her great success in the past year, while Isaak continues to establish himself as one of the great promises of German music.
France at Eurovision 2024
“Mon amour” is the name of the song performed by singer Slimane, who represented France in the grand final of Eurovision 2024. The song won fourth place, after receiving 445 points.
Source: 20minutes.fr, leparisien.fr, huffingtonpost.fr
Eurovision 2025: This will be France’s 68th participation in Eurovision. France joined the competition in 1956 and has won it five times over the years. France’s last victory was in Eurovision 1977 with the song “L’Oiseau et l’Enfant” performed by singer Marie Myriam.
