France’s Eurovision 2025 Entry: Monroe & Her Rosalia-Inspired Song “Regarde!”

With a name like hers, Monroe seems destined for stardom. France Télévisions, the broadcaster of the competition, is betting on youth by selecting the 17-year-old lyric singer to represent France in the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Monroe first gained recognition by participating in the French TV talent show “Prodiges” on France 2, which she won in 2025.

For Eurovision, which will be held this year in Vienna, Austria, in mid-May, Monroe will perform “Regarde!”. The song, unveiled on Friday, March 6th, presents clear operatic influences, with composition credited to the duo Violin Phonix, popular on social media, Fred Savio and Freddie Marche.

Upon first listen, comparisons to Rosalia’s powerful 2025 anthem “Berghain” are difficult to avoid. Both songs feature a grandiose deluge of strings, vibrant choirs, and a deployment of mysticism.

However, the parallels with the Spanish diva’s controversial track end there. The lyrics of “Regarde!”, penned by Freddie Marche, offer a more sanitized and unifying message. “Regarde-moi, regarde-toi/C’est ça l’amour/Ça te foudroie/Regarde-moi, regarde-toi/C’est ça l’amour/Tu ne seras jamais perdu” – a less controversial refrain than some. In 2025, French singer Louane, who sang “Maman” in her song of the same name, finished in seventh place in the competition.

Monroe, whose full name is Monroe Vata Rigby, is French-American. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2008. Her mother, Martine Rigby, emigrated from DR Congo to France, and her father, Micah Rigby, is of Mormon faith. She also has four older brothers who compete in tennis.

Monroe began singing at a young age, initially in a church choir where she discovered her interest in classical music. She subsequently received vocal training and learned to play the piano.

From December 2024 to January 2025, Monroe competed in the eleventh season of the French TV series “Prodiges,” ultimately winning the competition and receiving a scholarship worth €10,000. Following her win, she signed with Warner Classics and released her debut studio album, “Monroe,” on November 28, 2025. The album features both classical pieces and crossover songs.

The announcement that Monroe would represent France in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 was first reported by multiple French outlets on March 2, 2026, and officially confirmed by France Télévisions on March 6, along with the unveiling of her entry, “Regarde!”

Monroe’s selection as France’s youngest-ever Eurovision contestant was not entirely unexpected, with speculation about her candidacy circulating for a week prior to the official announcement. The music video for “Regarde!” debuted on YouTube on March 6, showcasing a production with rich orchestration, string instruments, and powerful choral arrangements. Monroe delivers a powerful and high-pitched vocal performance, blending classical elements with more conventional pop tones.

Her discography currently includes the single “O mio babbino caro” (From Gianni Schicchi) released in 2025, as well as “Ave Maria” (Christmas Version) and the non-album single “Regarde!” released in 2026.