“In Iran, singing is a crime”: Barbara Pravi, France’s Eurovision 2021 representative, opens up about her Iranian-Jewish roots, her fears of extremism, and the pivotal drama that shaped her life.
Barbara Pravi, France’s Eurovision 2021 representative who captivated Europe with her song “Voilà”, returns to the headlines – this time for a far more profound reason. In a personal interview published as relations between Israel and Iran reach a historic boiling point, Pravi reveals her complex identity: a Polish Jewish grandmother, a Moroccan Jewish grandmother, an Iranian grandfather who fled after the Shah’s fall, and a Serbian grandfather who opposed Tito’s regime. Her music, it turns out, is only part of the story.
One woman, four worlds: What connects Parisian Judaism to Persian poetry?
“I can’t ignore any of this, […] My roots are who I am.”
Says Pravi. While her grandparents’ homelands stand on opposite sides of the Middle Eastern conflict, Pravi speaks of reconciliation, heritage, and above all – pain. She describes her life as a reflection of migration, exile, and identity:
“I want to understand what made my grandparents flee, to know the religions and cultures that shaped my family.”
I had a miscarriage at 17 and was raped
When asked about the drama that made her who she is today, Pravi responded with painful honesty:
“I had a miscarriage at 17, my first partner beat me, and I was raped.”
This is not a dramatic statement for effect – it is a living truth, resonating in every note she sings. In her song “Maman” (in English: “Mother”), for example, she does not sing about her own mother, but about the absence of a guiding figure on matters of intimacy and self-definition. It should be clarified: this is a different song from the one performed by France’s 2025 Eurovision representative, Louane.
Strength in an Era of Suppression: Women, Voice, and What Doesn’t Kill You
In a world where women in Iran are still forbidden from singing in public under strict prohibitions that clash with the Western values she grew up with, Pravi uses her voice to cry out for them as well.
“In Iran, singing is a crime. But now men and women are taking to the streets together. Something profound is happening there.”
According to her, singing has become a survival mechanism. Coming from a family whose grandparents fled tyranny, she knows what freedom is – and what happens when it is trampled.
An Israeli Perspective: Why Pravi’s Story Matters Now
In an era when discourse about Jewish-Iranian identity is often marginalized – or sometimes weaponized by Israel’s adversaries – Pravi chooses to weave all her identities together. Especially now, as rhetoric between Tehran and Tel Aviv grows more violent than ever, a woman who represents both identities – and denies neither – becomes particularly courageous. She is not a political actor, but she bears witness. Sometimes, the strongest testimony comes not from the microphone, but from the body and heart.
Professional Analysis: A Voice Bridging Personal Pain and Collective Vision
Pravi’s music – including her new album “La Pieva” – is a rare blend of Eastern European lyricism and French cabaret, tinged with the melancholy of traditional Persian song.
Like other artists from multicultural backgrounds, Pravi does not shy away from challenging musical boundaries. Artistically, she chooses to touch the most intimate place – where the political becomes personal.
Community Response: How Eurovision Fans Reacted
Reactions in the EuroMix community groups were marked by empathy and appreciation.
“Hearing about an artist with Jewish-Iranian roots who openly discusses her fear of extremist rule is extraordinary.”
One comment read. Other fans praised her courage, stating that she joins the hall of fame of women who brought cultural weight to the stage, even when lightness was expected.
Why It’s Worth Following Pravi’s Journey
As the artist who secured an impressive second place at Eurovision 2021 with 499 points – the best result for France since 1991 – Pravi holds notable achievements: over 200,000 YouTube subscribers, a win at the 2022 Victoires de la Musique Awards, and the title of TikTok Creator of the Year for a song she wrote.
She is set to tour Europe this summer, with her new album directly addressing questions of migration, belonging, and female identity.
France at Eurovision 2025
“maman” (in English: “Mom”) is the title of the song to be performed by the singer, Louane, who represented France at Eurovision 2025, in Basel, Switzerland. France finished seventh in the final with 230 points. France was ranked third by the judges, but the young singer received only 14th place from the public vote. The seventh place overall was considered low compared to France’s pre-contest odds, where it was ranked third.
This marks the second consecutive year that France has finished in the top 10 at the Eurovision final.
Eurovision 2025 was France’s 66th 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.
