France has won the 2023 Junior Eurovision Song Contest, held in Nice on Sunday 26 November.
The winning song, “Coeur” (Heart), was performed by 13-year-old Zoé Clauzure, giving France their second consecutive win and its 3rd overall – equaling the Contest record set by Georgia in 2016.
France has now won the competition 3 times in the last 4 years.
EBU Member broadcasters from 16 different countries took part in the annual competition for talented youngsters aged 9 to 14.
Zoé stunned the millions watching around the world on TV and online with an incredible performance that topped the scoreboard with an impressive 228 points at the end of a spectacular two and a half hour show.
Sandra Valero from Spain, received 201 points to finish in 2nd place with “Loviu”. Arnenia’s Yan Girls singing “Do It My Way” came 3rd with 180 points.. Arnenia’s Yan Girls singing “Do It My Way” came 3rd with 180 points.
Zoé Clauzure is a pianist from Montrouge and has performed with Amir (France’s Eurovision Song Contest 2016 participant) and French singer-songwriter Yseult; recorded several singles; and even made it to the semi-finals of The Voice Kids (France) in 2020.
An accomplished songwriter, Zoé writes down lyrics and chords on a notebook, composes with Logic Pro software, and records her covers played on the piano to post to her social networks.
The 21st edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest was organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and hosted by France Télévisions (FTV) with all artists performing live on stage at the Palais Nikaïa in Nice.
The colourful show began with all the competing artists performing the theme song of this year’s show “Heroes”.
VOTES FROM 175 COUNTRIES
Viewers in the 16 participating countries and a further 159 nations helped decide the winner by voting online.
Juries made up of three music industry experts and two children from each participating country provided 50% of the scores.
Millions of valid votes were received in the online poll which was split into two rounds; one before the show based on preview clips and a second that opened after the last live performance, allowing viewers to cast their votes based on what they saw on stage.
This year’s show was hosted by French TV hosts Olivier Minne and Laury Thilleman. They were joined by a “digital ambassador”, French TikTok star Ophenya, who interviewed the artists in the Green Room.
France’s 2016 Eurovision Song Contest representative Amir and last year’s Junior Eurovision winner Lissandro both performed as the votes were counted. He was also joined by 3 former French Junior Eurovision contestants, singer Florence Francois and the Shiny Gospel choir for an emotional performance of “We Are The World”.
“TRUE HEROES”
Martin Österdahl, the Contest’s Executive Supervisor, said “ France TV has delivered an exceptional edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, showcasing the talent and diversity of young artists from across Europe. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to France TV for their remarkable organization, passion, and dedication in making the 2023 Contest a resounding success.
Congratulations to the deserving winner, Zoé from France, whose outstanding performance captivated audiences around the world and exemplified the spirit of Junior Eurovision. Everyone who performed on the stage here in Nice are true Heroes.”
The host broadcaster for the 22nd Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2024 will be announced in the coming months.
The full show can be streamed on demand on the official YouTube channel.
Catch up with all the backstage fun on our social media channels @JuniorEurovision on TikTok. @Eurovision on X, @junioreurovisionofficial on Instagram and Junior Eurovision Song Contest on Facebook.
*Written and composed by Noée Francheteau/Julien Comblat / Jérémy Chapron
