Barbara Piévic (born 10 April 1993), known professionally as Barbara Pravi, is a French singer, songwriter, and actress. She represented France in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 with the song "Voilà", securing second place, the best result for France since 1991. Her debut album On n'enferme pas les oiseaux was released on 27 August 2021.

As a songwriter, Pravi has written songs for a number of artists, including Yannick Noah, Julie Zenatti, Chimène Badi, Kylie Minogue and Jaden Smith.

She additionally composed for Valentina and Lissandro, winners of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. She also notably starred in Claude Lelouch's "Finalement".

Early life

Barbara Piévic (Serbian:Барбара Пјевић,Barbara Pjević) was born in Paris on 10 April 1993. Her family primarily consists of artists and musicians. Pravi's father is of Serbian and Moroccan Jewish descent, while her mother is of Polish Jewish and Iranian origin.

She was born and grew up in Asnières-sur-Seine, before moving to Montmartre. Her parents are Emmanuelle and Marc Piévic. She has notably also lived in Paris, Strasbourg Saint Denis and Burgundy. She also has a younger sister, Clémence Piévic, who is a psychologist. Clémence and Barbara also regularly donate and spread awareness to charities.

Career

2014–2018: Early career

Pravi began her music career in 2014, after meeting French musician Jules Jaconelli. With Jaconelli, she began composing songs. The following year, she released an original song titled "Amour Impoli", which led to her signing a contract with Capitol Music France. She adopted the stage name Barbara Pravi from the Serbian word pravi (Serbian Cyrillic:прави,lit.'real', 'authentic', in the masculine), as a homage to her Serbian grandfather. Pravi has cited her musical influences as Barbara, Jacques Brel, Georges Brassens, Françoise Hardy, and Aragon. Upon beginning her professional recording career, Pravi performed on the soundtrack of the French version of the Swiss film Heidi with the song "On m'appelle Heidi" and afterwards was cast as Solange Duhamel in the musical show Un été 44 in November 2016, performing songs written by Jean-Jacques Goldman, Charles Aznavour and Maxime Le Forestier.

In 2017, Pravi released her first official single "Pas grandir". The single was later included on her self-titled debut extended play, which was released the following year. Also in 2017, Pravi starred in the television film La Sainte famille, as the role of Marion, which was later broadcast on France 2 in December 2019. From 2017 until 2018, Pravi performed on the 55 Tour, supporting French singer Florent Pagny. At the end of 2018, Pravi decided to alter her musical style by adopting a more traditional French chanson style, rather than the pop style that had dominated her early releases.

Along with writing and composing her own songs, Pravi has written for several other artists including Yannick Noah, Julie Zenatti, Chimène Badi, Jaden Smith, Louane and Florent Pagny.

2019-2021: Reviens pour l'hiver , Eurovision, Junior Eurovision

In the year 2019 she wrote the song "Bim Bam toi" with Igit, with which Carla Lazzari represented France at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Gliwice and finally took 5th place; the sixth in jury vote and the third in the public vote. "Bim Bam Toi", reposted millions of times on TikTok, which won France their first TikTok golden disc in history. The song was later used in the video game Fortnite.

In February 2020, she released her sophomore EP Reviens pour l'hiver, which consists of 5 tracks. On 8 March of the same year, she released "Chair".

In the year 2020, she wrote the song "J’imagine" with Igit, with which Valentina Tronel represented France at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Warsaw and won the competition. The song gave France its first Junior Eurovision Song Contest victory.

In December 2020, Pravi was announced to compete in the French national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2021. On 31 January 2021 she won the competition, gaining the right to represent France at the contest in Rotterdam and finally took 2nd place; but only reached third place in the televoting. Ultimately, Måneskin won the contest by a margin of 25 points, representing Italy. "Voilà" achieved France's best placement at the contest since 1991 as well as the highest points ever for a French entry in the competition (499).

2021–2023: On n'enferme pas les oiseaux , Francophonie Games, publishing and acting debut

In July 2021, Pravi announced her first international tour for her debut studio album, On n'enferme pas les oiseaux, which came out on 27 August 2021.

Pravi performed "Voilà" as an interval act at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2021, which took place on 19 December in Paris. Pravi also performed the song "L'homme et l'oiseau"at the 37th edition of the Victoires de la Musique, where she went on to win the Female Revelation of the Year award.

Pravi performing at a concert in July 2022.

In 2022, Pravi continued releasing songs, including "Prière pour soi" for International Women's Day, and "365", which is dedicated to her fans. Pravi also wrote the song "Oh maman!" with Frédéric Château, with which Lissandro Formica represented France at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Yerevan and ultimately won, bringing France its second Junior Eurovision win.

On 21 December, Pravi was announced as Florence in the TV film Adieu vinyle, set to be shown on France 2 on 18 September 2023, after being premiered at the Angoulême Festival on 26 August 2023.

Pravi announced on 6 January 2023 that she had signed to Virgin Records France after eight years at Capitol Music France. She revealed two days later that she was in the process of writing and recording her second studio album.

On 13 January 2023, Pravi was announced as a temporary host on the BBC Sounds podcast show Music Life. The first episode she hosted included November Ultra, Pi Ja Ma, Yaël Naïm and Melissa Lauveux as guests, and the second episode described Pravi's tour playlist, "Sur la route" (English:On the road). This appearance followed her French radio debut on RTL2's Foudre with Waxx, during which she co-hosted several episodes with Waxx.

In late February 2023, Pravi announced her first book, Lève-toi, alongside a single of the same name. A collaboration with Editions Julliard, author Huriya Asmahan (who wrote the preface) and Aref Al-Haidari, Lève-toi was written in French and Arabic. The song was released on 8 March, while the book was released the following day. In late May, Pravi was announced to star in Finalement, a film directed by Claude Lelouch.

On 28 July, Pravi was announced as the opening act of the 9th edition of the Francophonie Games. which took place in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the same night. She sang the song "Lève toi" at the ceremony.

On 27 August, Pravi announced a collaboration with Salvador Sobral for his new song "Les eaux qui me gardent" which was released on 29 August.

2024-present: La Pieva and continued acting career

On 19 January 2024 she released her new single "Bravo" talking about self-confidence.

On 8 March, Pravi released "Marianne" with Persian singer Golfshifteh Farahani. Soon later, she was announced as part of the cast for the France Televisions TV-series " Rebelle: les aventures de la jeune George Sand" (in French) which has also been trademarked as "GEORGE: Untamed Spirit" (in English).

On 6 June, Pravi announced her sophomore (second) album "La Pieva" (named after her family name, Piévic) and the albums eponymous song that would be released on 7 June. She later announced the twelve song tracklist, which includes previously released singles.

On 23 July, Pravi (alongside Claude Lelouch and Kad Merad) announced that their upcoming movie Finalement, set to release on 13 November, has been nominated for the 81st Mostra de Venice Fiction Movie competition, being one of three French movies to be selected. Pravi plays the character Barbara as well as singing the entire soundtrack for the movie. On 23 August, the soundtrack for Finalement was released on all streaming platforms, with the soundtrack directed by Ibrahim Maalouf and Didier Barbelivien.

In October 2024, she commenced the first leg of the La Pieva tour, named after her sophomore album of the same name. On 23 October, it was announced that she would be on the French talent show Star Academy. Since October 2024, she has been a regular guest on Vivement dimanche to promote Claude Lelouch's Finalement, which has now been dubbed in English and Italian.

Personal life

Health

Pravi has been open about her experiences undergoing abortions in her youth. After her third abortion, she was diagnosed with hyperfertility. Pravi has also experienced abuse from former partners.

In 2022, she was also diagnosed with depression.

Literature and law

Pravi has a deep connection with Persian literature, as her maternal grandfather is of Iranian descent. As a survivor of domestic violence, Pravi is active in the fight to end violence against women. She has frequently contributed to music initiatives intended to promote causes involved with women's rights. Pravi was also invited to perform "Notes pour trop tard" and speak at Emlyon Business School through TEDx to speak about her career and how she found self-confidence.

In her adolescence, Pravi endured three abortions in "terrible conditions". Pravi's husband at the time, who remains anonymous, was abusive towards her. They are now divorced.

Philanthropy

In 2018, Pravi participated (as part of 39 Femmes; a project group which was formed of 39 French female musicians) in the song "Debout les femmes", which raised money for charitable causes. The song was later used in the Amazon Prime movie Flashback.

She is also the marraine (godmother) of the charity La Collective Arles.

In October 2024, she participated in the Belgian charity show CAP48Heures, singing her latest song "Qui j'étais" as well as co-hosting their 48-hour live stream. Ultimately, it was announced that over 6 million euros had been raised.

Discography

Studio albums

TitleDetailsPeak chart positions
FRABEL (FL)BEL (WA)NLDSWI
On n'enferme pas les oiseauxReleased: 27 August 2021 Label: Capitol Music France Format: Digital download, CD, LP, streaming65283532
La pievaReleased: 6 September 2024 Label: Virgin France, Universal Music Group Format: Digital, CD, LP, streaming266476
"—" denotes an album that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Extended plays

TitleDetails
Barbara PraviReleased: 15 June 2018 Label: Capitol Music France Format: Digital download, CD, streaming
Reviens pour l'hiverReleased: 7 February 2020 Label: Capitol Music France Format: Digital download, CD, streaming
Les prièresReleased: 8 March 2021 Label: Capitol Music France Format: Digital download, LP, streaming
Les prières - racinesReleased: 26 November 2021 Label: Capitol Music France Format: Digital download, LP, streaming
Les prières - guérirReleased: 6 January 2023 Label: Virgin Records (Universal Music Division) Format: Digital download, LP, Streaming

Singles

TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum or EP
FRABEL (FL)BEL (WA)GERIRENLDNORSWESWIUK
"On m'appelle Heidi"2016Heidi
"Pas grandir"2017Barbara Pravi
"You Are the Reason" (French Duet Version) (with Calum Scott)2018
"Le Malamour"2019Non-album single
"Reviens pour l'hiver"2020Reviens pour l'hiver
"Chair"Non-album single
"Voilà"2436346240319182462On n'enferme pas les oiseaux
"Le jour se lève"2021
"L'homme et l'oiseau"
"Saute"
"Priére pour soi"2022Non-album singles
"365"
"Lève-toi"2023
"Bravo"2024La pieva
"Marianne"Non-album single
"La pieva (Chez moi)"La pieva
"Exister"
"Qui j'étais"
"L'exil et l'asile"2025Non-album singles
"Des éclats dans les nuages"
"Où es-tu?"
"Prière pour reconstruire"2026
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Soundtracks

YearAlbum nameSongs Featured
2015Heidi"On m'appelle Heidi"
2016Un Été 44"Ma chambre", "Les Rochambelles", "Juste", "L'amour est tombé", "Lili sans sommeil", "Whisky vodka", "Paris au ciel d'été", "Seulement connu du Dieu", "Ne m'oublie pas", "Passer le nuit"
2021Flashback"Debout les femmes"
2023Adieu Vinyle"Adieu Vinyle"
2024Finalement"La folie de sentiments", "L'aventure sera toujour l'aventure", "Finalement" (with Kad Merad)
2025On ira"Voyage Voyage", TBA
2025Peau d'hommeTBA

Featurings

YearSong titleOther featured artists
2018You Are The ReasonCalum Scott
2018Debout les femmes39 femmes (a group with 39 french artists)
2019À VideMolitor
2020Le temps de revenir à la vieTerrenoire
2020La fin du mondeTerrenoire
2021Mi AmorQuentin Mosimann, Antoine Delvig
2022Les nouveaux rêvesFlorent Pagny
2023Les eaux qui me gardentSalvador Sobral
2024HommeColine Rio, Camille, Clou, Emily Loizeau, La Chica, Laura Cahen, Nach, Poppy Fusee, Raphaële Lannadére

Songs used in games

YearSongGameArtist(s)
2021Bim Bam ToiFortniteCarla Lazzari
2021VoilàLet's Sing 2021 (French exclusive)Barbara Pravi

Songwriting credits

  • Excluding songs with Pravi as the main vocalist
Song titleArtist
PartonsAnaïs Delva
SoisAnaïs Delva
L'un près de l'autreNoee
Le bien le malAöme
Ton nom déjàVaimalama
Loin d'iciAngelina Nava
Ma voieAngelina Nava
Maman me ditAngelina Nava
C'est si beau iciAngelina Nava
On oublie le resteJenifer, Kylie Minogue
Si je le disChimène Badi, Antoine Delis
Bim Bam ToiCarla Lazarri
Ce qui m'aimeChimène Badi
BarakaYannick Noah
Pervers narcissiqueBlack M
J'imagineValentina Tronel
La fin du mondeTerrenoire
PainJaden Smith
Faites-nous confianceValentina Tronel
On verra plus tardCarla Lazzari
Aujourd'hui j'arrêteCarla Lazzari
Roller CoasterCarla Lazzari
Pas folleCarla Lazzari
Quand elle renteraFlorent Pagny
Les nouveaux rêvesFlorent Pagny
Oh Maman!Lissandro Formica
Alors chutCarla Lazzari
Bim Bam ToiKidz Bop
Voilà (cover version)Emma Kok, André Rieu
Voilà (cover version)Emilio Piano
Éte beauAli
Tha S'AgapoGeorge Perris
Dear ParentsTali Golergant

Filmography

As an actress/notable roles as self

YearTitleRoleNotes
2015HeidiHeidi (singing voice)Singing voice only
2016Un été 44Solange DuhamelMusical role
2017La Sainte FamilleMarionTV movie
2021Barbara Pravi, voilà qui je suisSelfTV special
2021RévélationsSelfAmazon Music Documentary
2023Adieu VinyleFlorenceTV movie
2024FinalementBarbaraCinema role
On fait quoi maintenant?SelfWeekly web series leading up to the release of La Pieva
Chez moi, Sur la routeWeekly web series
2025On IraTo be announcedSoundtrack, actress
La rebelle: Les aventures de la jeune George SandMarie Dorval4x52 TV series (Francophone title)
UnknownFinalement, ça ne finira jamaisBarbaraCinema role, sequel to Finalement

Other roles

Pravi got involved in the making of the film Finalement in 2021 as an actress but also behind the scenes. She worked as multiple roles for this movie.

Her other roles in TV shows, movies, podcasts and music videos are available on her IMDb page.

Bibliography

YearBook nameGenre
2023Lève toi (with Huriya Asmahan)Poetry
2023Pour tout l'art du monde (with Saphia Wespheal)Autobiography
2025Rue de la gaîté (main author: Axel Auliert)Novel - credited as co-editor
2025 (rumored release date)TBATBA

Radio and podcasts

YearShow TitleRoleCategory
2022-?Music LifeHostRadio, BBC Sounds
2024Les vaguesTemporary co-hostPodcast
2024Le playlistHost (unsure if permanent)Radio Show
2024La bibliothèqueGuest HostRadio Show and Podcast
2024Dans la jardinGuest (with Élodie Filleul)Podcast

Awards and nominations

Non-Eurovision related awards

AwardYearNominated workCategoryResultRef.
Grands Prix Sacem2021"Voilà"Rolf Marbot AwardWon
W9 D'or Award2021"Voilà"Female Revelation of the YearWon
Victoires de la Musique2022HerselfFemale Revelation of the YearWon
Prix Inter'val d'automne2022Herself2022 Favourite1st

Eurovision related awards and success

YearName Of Award/CompetitionNominated workArtistCategory (if any)ResultSongwriters
2018Eurovision France 2018L'un près de l'autreNoeeNo categorySemi final: 5thBarbara Pravi, Jules Jaconelli, Tomislav Matosin, Mélanie Di Petrantonio
2019Junior Eurovision 2019Bim Bam ToiCarla LazzariNo category5th placeBarbara Pravi, Antoine Barrau
2020TikTok Viral SongBim Bam ToiCarla LazzariNo categoryWonBarbara Pravi, Antoine Barrau
2020Junior Eurovision 2020J'imagineValentina TronelNo categoryWonBarbara Pravi, Antoine Barrau
2021Eurovision France, c'est vous qui décidez!VoilàSelfNo categoryWonBarbara Pravi, Antoine Barrau, Lili Poe
2021Marcel Bezençon AwardsVoilàSelfArtistic AwardWonBarbara Pravi, Antoine Barrau, Lili Poe
2021Marcel Bezençon AwardsVoilàSelfPress AwardWonBarbara Pravi, Antoine Barrau, Lili Poe
2021Eurovision 2021VoilàSelfNo categorySecond PlaceBarbara Pravi, Antoine Barrau, Lili Poe
2022Junior Eurovision 2022Oh Maman!Lissandro FormicaNo categoryWonBarbara Pravi, Frederic Château
  • She has stated that she has been asked to compete in Eurovision prior to Voilà but the song and year is unknown.

External links

  • Media related toBarbara Praviat Wikimedia Commons
  • onInstagram
  • onX
PrecededbyTom Leeb with "Mon alliée (The Best in Me)"France in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021SucceededbyAlvan and Ahez with "Fulenn"