Louane’s haunting ‘Maman’ stirs Eurovision buzz

With just days to go until the Grand Final in Basel, France’s Louane has emerged as one of the frontrunners to win Eurovision 2025 with her heartfelt ballad Maman. Currently sitting in third place with bookmakers, the 28-year-old singer is gaining momentum thanks to a striking second rehearsal and a performance that blends emotional depth with visual poetry.

Though France is one of the “Big Five” – granting her an automatic spot in Saturday’s final – Louane will take to the stage during tomorrow evening’s second semi-final for her first full public run-through. It’s a key moment to captivate millions of viewers and solidify her place as a contender to break France’s near five-decade Eurovision dry spell.

A family dream fulfilled

Louane’s road to Eurovision is deeply personal. Her mother, who passed away from cancer when Louane was just 17, always dreamed of seeing her daughter on the Eurovision stage. That dream is now being realised.

“This is a real family story,” Louane said in a recent interview. “It was my mother’s dream and obviously mine too.” She admitted she hesitated before accepting the offer to represent France, but her partner’s words – “Why are you thinking about it? It’s once in a lifetime!” – tipped the scales.

The chosen song, Maman, is a dual tribute: to the mother she lost and the daughter she now raises. The lyrics reflect a journey through grief, love, and healing.

Sandstorms and symbolism

Louane’s staging is already one of the more talked-about visual concepts this year. Directed by Eurovision veteran Fredrik “Benke” Rydman – the Swedish choreographer behind previous winning performances in 2015 and 2024 – the performance sees Louane barefoot, draped in black lace, as a symbolic storm of sand cascades from above.

The sand represents time, loss, and resilience – a powerful metaphor that aligns with the emotional arc of Maman. Her May 10 rehearsal drew praise for its vulnerability and control.

“I feel relieved, I feel happy,” Louane told Wiwibloggs after her first full rehearsal.

Building momentum

Louane has thrown herself into preparation, working intensely with vocal coaches. “I’m vocally working a lot. It’s really a lot of coaching,” she shared, underlining her commitment to delivering a memorable performance.

Streaming numbers for Maman continue to climb, and the emotional pull of the performance is generating a buzz on social media. In France, public support has reached fever pitch. “I was grocery shopping and the cashier told me: ‘We’re counting on you!’” Louane laughed. “So a bit of pressure… but mostly I hope I’ll make people proud.”

Can Louane end the 48-year wait?

France last won Eurovision in 1977, when Marie Myriam claimed victory with L’Oiseau et l’Enfant. In recent years, the country has sent serious talent – including Slimane, who placed fourth in 2024 – and Louane continues that trajectory.

Whether or not she takes home the trophy, Louane’s Eurovision journey is already a triumph of artistry, emotion, and legacy. It’s a performance born of love and loss, hope and history.

Catch Louane’s semi-final showcase on Thursday, May 15, ahead of her Grand Final performance on Saturday, May 17 – and don’t be surprised if Maman becomes the moment that brings Eurovision home to France.

And here it is in English …