French media reports suggest that acclaimed pop artist Pierre Garnier is the leading candidate to represent France at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria. Could France once again choose an established pop star?
France has not yet officially selected its representative for Eurovision 2026, but new rumors are spreading across the country.
According to French journalist Fabien Lecoeuvre, who spoke on the TV show “Tout beau, tout neuf”, “Star Academy” winner Pierre Garnier is among the leading candidates to carry France’s flag at the upcoming contest, which will take place in May in Vienna, Austria.
Garnier, who became a household name after winning the musical reality show, has achieved massive success with his hit single “Ceux qu’on était” (in English: “Who We Were”), which became France’s “Song of the Year” and garnered millions of streams. According to Lecoeuvre, Garnier is currently at the top of the shortlist being considered by the national broadcaster France Télévisions for the country’s official selection.
France Télévisions Reportedly in Talks with Other Major Artists
Reports indicate that the national broadcaster is not limiting its search to Garnier alone and is also in contact with several other well-known artists. Among them is the singer Amir, who represented France at Eurovision 2016 and finished sixth with the song “J’ai Cherché” (in English: “I Searched”). Other artists reportedly being considered include Juliette Armanet, Patrick Bruel, Julien Doré, Julien Lieb, Marguerite, Marine, Vianney and Ycare. The strategy of France Télévisions is clear: to enlist well-established performers with broad fan bases, capable of giving France strong visibility and confidence on the European stage.
France Continues to Aim High
Selecting Pierre Garnier would align with France’s recent approach of choosing artists with significant industry presence rather than unknown newcomers.
Since La Zarra’s participation in Eurovision 2023, France has sought to maintain a modern, accessible, and internationally relevant artistic direction.
Louane, who represented France at Eurovision 2025 and finished seventh, exemplified this approach as one of France’s most prominent contemporary artists with global reach.
If the rumors prove true, choosing Garnier could place France back at the center of the European spotlight and reinforce its image as a musical powerhouse.
A combination of experience, charisma, and commercial success may make Garnier one of the most exciting potential names of Eurovision 2026.
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 2026: This will be France’s 67th 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.
