Nul Points, hopefully not!

When France want to get it right, they can get it very right indeed. They may not have won since 1977, but they’ve had some corkers over the last 30 years. When France get it wrong, however, they can get it terrificly wrong. This is very true of the last four French entries, none of them finishing higher than 15th.

In 2003, the world-beats of Monts Et Mervailles failed to sway the judges. They had a good ballad in 2004, but its poor result could have been explained by the bald black lady on stilts tottering around the young, scared-looking Jonaton Cerrada. 2005 was probably the summit of their problems. Finishing 23rd, a young lady called Ortal walked about the stage whilst murdering Chacun Pense A Soi, the most upbeat song France had entered for ages. And last year, France had only 5 points to show for their rather dated ballad.

So what about 2007? France have already confirmed that they want to win it again, so their entry could possibly be the most enthused-over French entry for many years. Although it seems they’re going to have a national final, two names have come forward as possible French representatives. The first is 24-year-old female singer Najoua Belyzel (pictured).

She’s pretty, isn’t she.

Last year, she had a top three hit in France with the dance track Gabriel – it even went to #1 in Belgium! So she must be good.

The second name being thrown around is Les Wampas, a French punk rock group formed in the 80s. This doesn’t sound particularly promising, but bear in mind that their biggest hit of late has been Chirac en prison (Chriac in Prison), then you could be on to a winner.

I tell you, all France need is a strong ballad and they could easily go top five again. Let’s just hope they don’t stuff up again.