France Gall brings Eurovision up to date

23/09/2021

A hot favourite going into the final, the Spanish entry turns out to be even hotter on the night.

☞ by Allen Therisa in Eurovision

It's a win for France Gall, representing Luxembourg

Poupée de cire, poupée de son

France Gall, Luxembourg

1965

32 points (first)

WHAT ABOUT THE CONTEST?

The swinging 60s begin here.

Still in black and white, the contest itself is all bow-ties and polite applause and comes from Naples. The number of songs had increased to 18 this year, but it is still, up until this point, the big boring old ballad that keeps on winning the thing.

Until this song is heard, that is.

AND THE GROUP (OR ARTISTE)?

Young, foxy and flirty, Gall is a pleasing blast of modernity at an event already going through its first Middle Age spread. The kids are alright, etc.

WHAT ABOUT THE SONG?

It is also impossible to dance to.

That will not stop you from trying, however.

ANY GOOD?

Voted one of the Top 14 Eurovision songs of all time at the 2005 Congratulations Event, it is not an easy listen, but it is cracking and odd.

You will tap your feet despite yourself.

AND IT CAME WHERE?

First, with 32 points.

AND WHO WAS THE REAL WINNER?

Well, France Gall won herself a legion of fans after her cool, slightly woozy performance on the night, and then there was Serge Gainsbourg, who went on to international fame with classic erotic smoulderer, Je t'aime...moi non plus.

SO, IN SUMMARY

Great song, slightly weird, as well as being the first actual pop song to win, performed by a stunning singer. The Eurovision Song Contest fun starts here.