One of our French readers says that in order to understand why the French are so fond of Julien Dore’s version of Moi Lolita we need to see this version of the song performed by Alizee.

So here it is! Thanks for the heads up.

We’ve gotten requests for pictures of Julien Dore, the new star of Nouvelle Star, the French version of American Idol. In addition to a still photo yet, here’s a video of his performance of Moi Lolita.

Enjoy!

It seems that the French were looking more for stage presence than vocal ability in their version of “American Idol.” Their Sanjays-esque contestant won the whole she-bang. Here’s the story:

The French Sanjaya Wins!
By Aaron Parsley

Simon Cowell would not be pleased.

Julien Doré won France’s Nouvelle Star – that country’s version of American Idol – Wednesday night.

Doré, 24, had been dubbed the French Sanjaya because, like Idol’s Malakar, he was better known for his stage presence and looks than for his singing ability, and he became an Internet sensation with his awkward renditions of American pop anthems like Britney Spears’s “… Baby One More Time,” Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” and the Soft Cell hit “Tainted Love” (see a video of him performing that song above).

On Wednesday’s finale, the scruffy singer went head to head with the other finalist, 19-year-old Tigane. Doré, dubbed “the rocker” by a French TV critic, performed Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me,” which Sanjaya also memorably – and disastrously – sang.

In an interview with French newspaper Le Parisien, Doré explained: “I wouldn’t have thought of this song myself, but the producers suggested it.”

When asked about his wild performance, he replied philosophically, “I like to destroy myself. If I’m not hurting, if I don’t have questions that eat at me, I’m not happy. I need this to exist. To feel respected. If I don’t feel destroyed I’m not in sync with myself.”

I always kinda liked Sanjaya. He wasn’t the biggest talent, but he had a great smile and seemed to be very charming.