With her title “Obvious”, which mixes the French song of her idol Édith Piaf with modern electro-pop, the singer will compete with performances by artists from 25 other countries, including Ukraine. The country won last year but cannot host the competition due to the Russian invasion.
In an extravagant black dress reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower and topped with a sparkling fascinator, La Zarra, real name Fatima-Zahra Hafdi, must seduce the audience in a single and unique performance that will be broadcast live around the world on Saturday afternoon becomes .
“I’m going to sing my song like I sing it in front of my friends,” she says less than 24 hours before the grand finale. If I’m a little silly and laughing and throwing my naughty looks… because that’s what you have to do and we’ll see what happens.
Beginning of the YouTube widget. Skip widget?
End of YouTube widget. Back to the top of the widget?
What is Euro Vision?
It is an annual television competition in which artists from different European countries perform an original song live. The Eurovision Song Contest was created in 1956 to strengthen post-war relations between European countries. Today it goes beyond the borders of the old continent, notably with a first Canadian edition announced for 2023.
From Longueuil to Liverpool
Unlike most Eurovision contestants, La Zarra did not have to undergo the competition’s qualifying rounds. As a representative of France, she was de facto qualified for the grand finale, like all artists from the so-called “Big Five” countries, i.e. Spain, Great Britain, Germany, Italy and France.
The hexagon did not hesitate to recruit La Zarra into its ranks. The 35-year-old singer, who caused a stir on the other side of the Atlantic with her song “Tu t’en iras”, was selected in France without the vote of a jury or the public.
The country is therefore confident that the Quebecer can land on the top step of the Eurovision podium, a feat he has not achieved since 1977. And his bet could definitely work out: just a few hours before the grand finale, singer is one of the favorites to win the competition.
Box: Who to look out for in the Eurovision Song Contest?
Käärijä, representing Finland, in full swing.
Photo: Eurovision
overcome stress
La Zarra does not hide it: Ever since her selection, she has felt the pressure of the Eurovision Song Contest. She admits she went through a rollercoaster of emotions before finding some serenity. I feel good mentally, my vocal cords are healthy and beautiful. After that, it’s really psychological; It’s a fight between me and me.
It has to be said that his performance, which takes him several meters off the ground, is rather ambitious. It doesn’t appear on the TV but when it goes down it moves a lot and when I move the platform moves too.
“It’s still a challenge. We absolutely wanted to offer something extraordinary, new, sparkling, grandiose that invites you to dream. »
— A quote from La Zarra
During his performance, La Zarra rises several meters into the air.
Image: Eurovision
Does she sometimes question her decision to take part in the Eurovision marathon, which can be exhausting? Yes, all the time, she admits with a laugh. But afterwards we’ll all be proud, and it was really worth it, she puts it into perspective.
While waiting for D-Day in Liverpool, the singer could at least take solace with a rare commodity across the Atlantic: a Putin she described as perfect.
This text comes from an interview by Catherine Richer, culture columnist for the show Le 15-18. Comments may have been edited for clarity or conciseness.
A few questions about the Eurovision Song Contest
- Why can La Zarra represent France? The Eurovision Song Contest is not subject to any restrictions regarding the nationality of the selected artist. Celine Dion also won the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest with Switzerland.
- How is performance rated? Each participating country decides both by public vote and by the evaluation of a jury. Canada falls into the “Rest of World” category, which carries the same weight as a participating country.