Nicki French
Nicki French - Don’t Play That Song Again (2000)
In 2000 Nicki French entered the Eurovision Song Contest with "Don't Play That Song Again". The track reached number 34 in the UK charts and French finished in 16th place in the contest, at the time the lowest placing for any UK act. However Nicki looks back on this time with extremely fond memories and would love to enter the contest again as she recently told outnorthwest:
“On the good side, I was extremely proud to represent my country at something – and in a Contest I had dreamed of taking part in since I was a kiddie! Also, the atmosphere in the Globe Arena in Stockholm and all around the hotel where the contestants were staying was amazing – everyone was just so fired up all week. We were all so excited, and it meant so much to everyone participating.
On the not-so-good side was the feeling when we were in the Green Room, after our performance, and the votes started to come in – or rather they didn’t – for the UK!”
Not one to be put off however, Nicki is well up for trying to improve on 16th position which let’s face it would be a good result for the UK if recent years are anything to go by.
“I’ve said it many times – I think we need to enter with a really good, strong and tuneful ballad (and I would love to be the one to sing it!) “ she hints.
To prove her Euro-worthiness in 2003, French was one of nine contestants on a special Eurovision edition of BBC Television's The Weakest Link which she won and was declared 'The Strongest Link'. Not that she has to rely on the contest to make a living as Nicki continues to tour the UK and Europe, performing her hits as well as new material and has retained her large gay following appearing at some of the biggest Pride shows in recent years including Euro Pride, Manchester Pride and Sydney Mardi Gras.
“I have been approached to record some new tracks, so we’re just trying to sort out some studio time, and the right songs – and hopefully you’ll hear more in the next few weeks and months
www.nickifrench.com
