France’s Eurovision 2025 representative, Louane, was deeply disappointed by her 7th-place finish, but shared how a childhood dream with her late mother and her family’s support motivated her to take the stage.

Eurovision 2025 gave France a rare, openly emotional moment on the international stage, as Louane represented the country with her heartfelt song “Maman” — a tribute to her late mother. Hopes were high: France had been ranked within the top three by bookmakers ahead of the final. Ultimately, however, the country finished in 7th place.

“I wanted to give you more. I’m proud, but I can’t deny — it hurts,” she admitted, candidly addressing millions of fans. Despite the power and uniqueness of her performance, a deep sense of missed opportunity lingered — both for France to correct a long-standing Eurovision history and for a childhood dream of her own that came crashing down on the final night.

A Dream Born with Her Mother: Louane Carries the Memory

Few people realize that for Louane, Eurovision was far more than just another musical contest — it was the fulfillment of a dream shared with her late mother, who passed away when she was only 17. The ambition to stand on the Eurovision stage and represent France was a mutual wish between mother and daughter. Out of profound pain, she found strength and inspiration; her song “Maman” was charged with memory, longing, and personal history. The performance became an emotional full circle — a journey that began in a private conversation between mother and daughter and culminated under the dazzling lights of the Eurovision stage, in front of millions across Europe.

Her decision to step onto the stage was not made in isolation — her entire family stood beside her throughout the preparation. Her partner Florian Rossi, her siblings — all were there to encourage, listen, and support. “I spoke with my partner, with my sisters and brother. I wanted to be sure the timing was right for me. They all said: ‘Go for it, don’t hesitate’,” the singer told Le Parisien, explaining the family support that empowered her courageous step forward. Fulfilling her mother’s greatest dream, receiving her family’s blessing, and sharing the emotional journey made Eurovision a truly family affair.

When Emotion Isn’t Enough – And Fame Slips Away

A 7th-place finish doesn’t necessarily reflect the level of commitment, originality, and love Louane poured into her performance. Arguably, her choice of a deeply personal and delicate ballad — unlike the grandiose productions usually favored in the contest — may have worked against her odds: it struck a chord with viewers’ hearts, but wasn’t enough in the fierce competition for the top spots. In the past decade, more and more Eurovision representatives have brought personal stories and intense emotions to the stage — but emotion alone, it seems, does not guarantee a win on Europe’s most glittering stage.

Though Louane did not take home the Eurovision 2025 trophy, she offered all of us a moving reminder of how deeply rooted the Eurovision dream can be. Alongside the heartbreak and disappointment remained a profound love — from the audience and her inner circle — lighting the path forward in her career.

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.