What about the 60's entry (69?) by France Gall "Poupee de cire, poupee de son" - she had a huge career in France, married a very good song writer too and the sing is still a hit. A bit loike Waterloo.
As for the French represented by arabs (presumably from Algeria?) - I didn;t know anything about it.... so I'll have to see ! A few years ago they did have a lady who was arabic (not sure where from)- but she had a fab voice, I think she came second. I think it shows diversity of the French actually !