After conquering a series of difficulties created by the current pandemic, the 2020 Grand Final of the Les Francouvertes competition finally took place at Montréal’s Lion d’Or, almost six months later than in previous years. The Québec City singer-songwriter Valence took top honours, and was presented with the $10,000 SiriusXM cash prize, and various and sundry other awards. Vincent Dufour’s retro-kitsch, often swinging, sound also won the band the SOCAN-sponsored $1,000 Paroles & Musique Award, which comes with a free songwriting residence at either the Paris, France, or Nashville SOCAN House.
In second position was Narcisse, also from Québec City, with a musically and visually daring entry, while singer-songwriter Ariane Roy (also from Québec City) took the third spot. The industry jury included SOCAN A&R Representative Widney Bonfils, and people were invited to attend the awards ceremony from the comfort of their own homes.
The show opened on a joint performance starring the event spokespersons, Laurence Nerbonne and Émile Bilodeau.
For a complete list of the 2019 Francouvertes winners, go to the event website.
The Les Francouvertes final was broadcast live online, but viewers will be able to catch a special broadcast of the full evening on Influence Franco – SiriusXM 174 on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 12:00 noon ET (as well as on Friday, Nov. 13, from 6:00 p.m. ET).
SOCAN warmly congratulates Valence for this major victory in its young career.