French Eurovision star Bilal Hassani declares ‘we are all queens’ during performance
France’s Bilal Hassani performs ‘Roi’. (JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)
The French singer’s performance was a powerful message of self-worth.
Bilal Hassani has emerged as one of the most exciting performers of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest since unveiling ‘Roi’ earlier in the year.
Meaning ‘King’ in French, the track is a powerful message of self-acceptance. Hassani sings “I am me, and I know I will always be” as he switches between French and English.
The performance of the song was an inspirational story of finding your self and featured a deaf dancer and a plus-size ballet dancer.
The end of the performance saw ‘we are all queens’ flash up on the screen, adding to the royal references in the track and as a message of defiance.
One person said of the performance: “France Empowering. Powerful message. Strong Contender. Did NOT see that one coming. We are all QUEENS. Hand over the crown.”
In his home country, Hassani has become a household name having appeared on the second season of The Voice Kids in 2015. In 2018, Hassani was named one of the 30 ‘Icons for French LGBT+ youth’ by French magazine Tetu.
Hassani also hosts a YouTube channel where he chronicles his every life and performs covers of tracks by some of his favourite artists.
His influences include Freddie Mercury, Whitney Houston, and fellow Eurovision star Conchita Wurst
You can watch Hassani’s performance at the Eurovision 2019 Grand Final below.
Fans of the musician shared on social media how they were ‘so proud’ of the 19-year-old.
“Great song and performance,” said one person while another said “honestly i would say vote for uk but france served too hard for me to say that.”
‘Roi’ was co-written by Hassani and Madame Monsieur, and focuses on how personality can finally be expressed.
