Girish Mahajan (Editor)

France in the Eurovision Song Contest 1959

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Country
  
France

Selection date(s)
  
???

Selected song
  
"Oui, oui, oui, oui"

Selection process
  
National Final

Selected entrant
  
Jean Philippe

Final result
  
3rd, 15 points

France was represented by Jean Philippe, with the song '"Oui, oui, oui, oui", at the 1959 Eurovision Song Contest, which took place on 11 March in Cannes following André Claveau's victory for France the previous year. It is known that broadcaster ORTF held a national final to choose the entry, possibly in late 1958, but no further details are currently available.

At Eurovision

On the night of the final Jean Philippe performed first in the running order, preceding Denmark. "Oui, oui, oui, oui" was an uptempo contest opener, and is often cited as one of the earliest entries to incorporate elements of what would later become regarded as the classic uptempo Eurovision formula – a jaunty arrangement with simple and repetitive lyrics, a hook which could be understood by anyone regardless of whether or not they spoke the language, and mentions of foreign and exotic locations for good measure. At the close of voting "Oui, oui, oui, oui" had picked up 15 points, placing France third of the 11 entries.

References

France in the Eurovision Song Contest 1959 Wikipedia