Our friends in France have been in our favourite TV show since the start. Yes, that’s even those contests in the 20th Century. Five wins in that time too, although nothing more than a runner-up spot since 1977.
Over forty years since a win, and you can’t say France doesn’t try. And, throughout all of that, they’ve generally kept their class. Like when they sent today’s birthday girl Louisa Baïleche. in 2003. This was the last year with no semi-finals – imagine that now. She was late on in the draw, and she came after a flurry of other ballads. Hers was maybe a little too subtle to gain many votes, but she didn’t finish last in what was the biggest field ever. But her final position was about average for France in the Noughties.
Louisa is 44 today.
Bonne anniversaire, Louisa!