Who is Monroe? Meet France's Eurovision 2026 entry
Look! It's Monroe!
This year at the Eurovision Song Contest, France will be represented by 17-year-old singer Monroe, one of the youngest performers in this year's competition.
France has guaranteed entry to the grand final of Eurovision every year as it is part of the Big Five and significantly funds the contest, but this not guarantee its success.
While France does have a good track record in Eurovision, the last time the country won the singing competition was in 1977. Could 2026 be the year this changes?
Here's everything you need to know about Monroe ahead of this year's performance.
Who is France Eurovision 2026 entry Monroe?
Instagram: @monroe.musique
TikTok: @monroe.musique
Monroe Vata Rigby is a French-American singer who was born in Utah, USA and grew up between the two countries. She spent her childhood playing tennis with her four older brothers and singing in her church choir before undertaking vocal lessons and learning the piano.
In 2025, she won the 11th season of the French TV series Prodiges, the nation's flagship talent show, and was awarded a scholarship worth €10,000. Shortly after, she signed with the record label Warner Classics, the classical music arm of Warner Music Group, and and released her debut studio album Monroe.
How old is Monroe?
Monroe is only 17 years old, making her the youngest performer in this year's competition.
What nationality is Monroe?
Monroe is French-American and was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in the United States.
What has Monroe said about representing France at Eurovision 2026?
Speaking of the opportunity, Monroe said: "Representing France at Eurovision is a tremendous honour and a responsibility that I accept with pride and determination.
"This contest has been a part of my life since childhood, and now, at 17, I am fully aware of the trust that has been placed in me. I am entering the competition proudly representing France, the country that has shaped and inspired me."
What is France's Eurovision 2026 song called?
Monroe will be performing the song Regarde !, written by Christopher Cohen, Fredie Marche, Maxime Morise, and Fred Savio.
Speaking of what the song represents, Monroe explained: "With my song 'Regarde !', I want to showcase the richness and diversity of French music. I want to offer Europe an intense, sincere performance with a universal message: Love is what brings us together."
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Where did France come in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest?
France was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 with the song Maman, by popular French singer Louane. She finished in seventh place with a total of 230 points, 180 from the judges and 50 points from the public.
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The Eurovision Song Contest has faced significant criticism over its decision to allow Israel to take part in the event due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
This year, a number of countries will boycott the contest following the European Broadcasting Union’s decision not to expel Israel from the competition.
At the EBU general assembly in December 2025, a vote was held to introduce new rules that would stop governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to influence voters. No vote was held on Israel’s participation.
The EBU said in a statement: "A large majority of members agreed that there was no need for a further vote on participation and that the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 should proceed as planned, with the additional safeguards in place."
Following this, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland confirmed they would not participate in this year’s Eurovision.
Irish broadcaster RTÉ said: "RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk."
The BBC, which broadcasts the competition in the UK, has said it supports the decision made by the EBU. "This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive," it said in a statement.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final will take place on Saturday 16 May 2026.
You can also check out the full list of Eurovision winners and how many times the UK has won Eurovision.
Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Phoebe Kowhai Barnes is a Freelance Writer who covers pop culture and entertainment programmes for the Radio Times. She previously worked as the Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab where she managed its local department. She obtained a BA (Hons) in English Literature from University of Nottingham.
