On Wednesday morning, France Télévisions confirmed that Slimane — one of the biggest pop stars of recent years in France — would sing at Eurovision 2024. And an hour later he sat down with Wiwibloggs for his first Eurovision-related interview to discuss his song “Mon Amour” and the overwhelming power of love.
Among other things, he explained that music is a way for him to channel love — to his daughter, his family, his friends and his fans. He isn’t thinking about Eurovision as a competition, but as a way of “sharing music, sharing my art, meeting people and, very importantly, representing my country.”
Destiny guides much of his life, and he says it also led him to “Mon Amour,” which arrived at a special place and time.
He has a massive tour across France and Belgium starting in November. But there’s a large gap in his schedule for March. He tells me that he hopes to fill it with as many preview parties as he can.
You can watch the full interview below. If you prefer to read, a transcript follows.
France’s Slimane says “Mon Amour” is “a love letter to European hearts”
It’s just moments after the announcement. How are you feeling?
So I’m very excited. I’m very happy. I’m also quite nervous. I’m looking forward to the song being released everywhere tonight.
How long have you been considering Eurovision and how did this opportunity come about?
It was a year ago. I was on tour and I remember this call from the Eurovision France team. But what was very important for me was to have THE song. And when “Mon Amour” arrived then it was clear for me. I knew that I was ready and I said, “Let’s go.”
Did this song come to you before or after the Eurovision invitation?
Everything was so connected. I’m very connected to destiny. I remember I was in Geneva and the song Mon Amour is very connected to my personal story and the places of the story was Geneva. So at that time all the stars were aligned — very straight. So yeah: Everything was clear.
What else can you tell us about “Mon Amour”? What can we expect?
Well I think everything is in the title, “Mon Amour.” It’s a love song. It’s a love letter actually. I think we need love more than ever. In a way it’s a love letter I wanted to send to all of the European hearts.
Your song is called “Mon Amour.” And your most recent album is Chroniques d’un Cupidon — Chronicles of a Cupid. He was, of course, the God of Love. Is love your main inspiration in music? And what is the greatest source of love for you?
Yes, it’s true. Love is my biggest source of inspiration in music. It drives my life and all my choices. It’s love — love for my daughter, love for my family, love for my friends, love for music. It’s universal love and since I started writing songs, I think I needed to input all this love into my songs.
You give love to the people. And they give it right back. You’re at the top of your game: 2 million albums sold, 1 million people attending your concerts, and nearly 2 billion streams worldwide. People will say you don’t need Eurovision. Why did you decide to accept this challenge at this point in your career?
I think it’s not a question of what I was or what I did before. It’s all about sharing music, sharing my art, meeting people and, very importantly, it’s about representing my country. Doing this — representing my country in such an iconic place, Eurovision, is just amazing.
You are a versatile artist who wears many colours and sings in many styles. For people outside of France who may not know you: How do you describe your music? What is the Slimane style?
It’s always very difficult to describe my own music. But I would say that it’s music that comes from the heart, very instinctive. I have the chance to write all of my songs. It’s all about love. I think that my music follows my mood and my personal life — and so that’s why it’s always changing.
You’ve got a massive tour starting in November and it’s taking you to Dijon, Marseille, Lille, Limoges Brussels. But in March there is a little break. Will we see you at any Eurovision preview parties?
Sure, sure. You observed well. I’m doing my best to have time in my schedule so I can be at those important preview parties. What I want to do is to sing this song as much as I can, so yes, it’s a big honour and I will do my best to be with you guys.
When you won The Voice in 2016, your life changed forever. You became a household name. Is the Slimane of today different from the artist of 2016?
In the beginning I thought maybe things would be different. But finally I’m so happy to see my heart still beats very, very, very strong. I think it’s the first time I’m so happy to experience those feelings again. Yeah, I’m very, very excited.
Speaking of The Voice: You are a judge on The Voice Kids in France and France is, of course, hosting the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Nice later this month. What advice do you have for the young stars who dream of becoming the next Slimane?
I would tell them to be yourself, always be connected to your heart and to your soul and to enjoy.
Finally Slimane, do you have a message for all of your fans — and new fans — waiting to greet you in Malmö this May?
Well you know, I’m counting down the months, days and hours before it happens in May. And meanwhile I hope that I will meet everyone in real life very soon — to sing and to share all of this together.
I can’t speak French, but I have to say: “Vous êtes une star! Bonne chance!”
I can speak a little English and I can tell you thank you so much to be the first one. And I hope you are my lucky star.
Are you loving Slimane’s warm vibe as much as we are? Do you think that he could put France back on top at Eurovision? Let us know down below!