World Song Contest

The 26th edition of the World Song Contest started in April 2007. 49 countries from all over the world joined in and this time Asia was one of continents with the most reprensentatives after Europe. Only Oceania had no participants as Australia missed the contest once again.

For once we didn't have so many international stars. Well we had two of them, but both represented the same country. Once again, and just like she was the only singer there, Shakira came back for Colombia with American R&B singer, Beyoncé. But once again it had to be confirmed that international stars or international hits are not always a sign of success. While some would have predicted at least a top 5 (just because of their names), the duo only reached the 10th position.

South Africa missed the final with the legendary Miriam Makeba. Voters didn't show their interest for music when it is full of history and meaning. And indeed, it was not what people wanted to hear this time. The top 10 of this edition reflected the diversity, but also the tastes of each voter. Only those which could "speak" to everyone found their way through the scoreboard. So it was not a matter of quality: some really good songs didn't even reach the top 20.

At this game of the most appealing song, France was successfull. With 155 pts, "Kiss The Bride", performed by Pop Idol winner Christophe Willem, gave a second victory to France. Monaco took the second position after a serie of really bad results, and Sweden reached the third position. About other countries, just mention the first ever top 10 position of Luxembourg (4th) and a fifth top 10 position in a row for Belgium (6th).

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THE WINNER

Country: France
Artist(s): Christophe Willem 
Song: Kiss The Bride

Count Christophe Willem among the myriad young singers launched to fame via the reality TV phenomenon of the early 21st century. Born in Enghien-les-Bains, France, on August 3, 1983, Willem studied piano as a child, later singing as a member of the gospel choir Young Voices. At 14, he composed his first original pop songs. In 2004 Willem starred in the feature film Alive, but his acting career soon stalled and he worked a series of odd jobs while pursuing a degree in communications. On the encouragement of family and friends he auditioned for the 2006 series of the French television amateur showcase Nouvelle Star and quickly proved a fan favorite, earning the nickname "La Tortue" ("The Turtle") from judge Marianne James. Willem eventually bested rival Dominique Michalon for the Nouvelle Star crown. His debut album Inventaire was released on April 16, 2007, while the first single, Élu produit de l'année premiered in March. The album was well received and sold double platinum in France and gold in Belgium and Switzerland. Willem started his first tour on November 15, 2007 and it ended on July 20, 2008. His latest album, Caféine, was published in May 25, 2009 and the album's first single was Berlin. The second single was Plus Que Tout and the third Heartbox. Caféine went immediately on the #1 in France.