Divine (Sébastien Tellier song)

Choristes SGS - Eurovision 2008

Divine is a song by French musician Sébastien Tellier. Released as part of his 2008 album Sexuality, "Divine" was chosen to represent France in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 held in Belgrade, Serbia. The song, characterized by its pop and electro influences, marked a significant moment in Tellier's career, bringing his music to a wider international audience. Despite its controversial selection due to Tellier's performance in English, "Divine" has since become one of his most recognized tracks.

Background and Composition

"Divine" was written and composed by Sébastien Tellier, with production handled by renowned French electronic musician Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, one half of the iconic duo Daft Punk. The song features a blend of electronic music with elements of pop, marked by Tellier's distinctive falsetto voice and the use of a theremin, giving it a unique sound that stands out in his discography. The lyrics of "Divine" reflect themes of love and spirituality, consistent with the overarching themes of the Sexuality album.

Eurovision Song Contest 2008

France's selection of "Divine" for the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 was met with mixed reactions. The choice of a song performed primarily in English was a point of contention, sparking debate about national identity and the representation of French culture on the international stage. Tellier's performance at Eurovision was memorable for its eccentricity, featuring him arriving on stage in a golf cart and accompanied by backing vocalists wearing fake beards, in homage to Tellier's own signature beard.

Despite its standout performance, "Divine" finished in 19th place out of 25 in the final, receiving a total of 47 points. However, the song's participation in Eurovision significantly boosted its popularity and contributed to the international success of the Sexuality album.

Legacy

Since its release, "Divine" has been regarded as one of Sébastien Tellier's signature songs. It has been featured in various compilations and has received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and Tellier's performance. The song's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest has also been credited with helping to introduce a broader audience to Tellier's work and the French electronic music scene.

Track Listing

The single release of "Divine" included several remixes, showcasing the song's versatility and its appeal across different musical genres. The track listing typically includes the original version of the song, along with remixes by artists such as Kasper Bjørke and Danger, highlighting the song's adaptability and enduring popularity.

See Also

• Eurovision Song Contest 2008
• Sébastien Tellier
• Sexuality (album)
• French pop music