The Netherlands were late confirming their participation in Eurovision 2025 following the country’s disqualification at the 2024 contest. But, the events haven’t deterred big-named Dutch artists from submitting bids to represent their country in Basel. Broadcaster AVROTORS has quite some enthusiasm for the upcoming Dutch Eurovision bid, confirming they received 331 submissions.
Speaking on talkshow Beau on Friday, Eurovision commentator Cornald Maas was positive of the entries that he had heard. He said:
“What I find striking is that there’s many submissions and [I agree with] what Jaap Reesema — another selection committee member — said to ANP earlier this week, that there’re really a few very good songs.”
In addition, Cornald added that the Dutch entrant would be chosen as quickly as possible, likely no later than sometime in January.
Among the artists confirmed to be in the race to fly the Dutch flag at Eurovision 2025 are previous contestants Douwe Bob (2016) and Anouk (2013). Last year, Douwe Bob also submitted songs but AVROTROS chose Joost Klein instead.
Anouk, meanwhile, has never submitted a song to the selection committee since her song “Birds” finished ninth in Malmö. Although ever as popular among the Dutch audience, Anouk’s participation could cause controversy over her views on trans women that caused a stir earlier in 2024.
Wulf, who was an interval act at Eurovision 2021 hosted by the Netherlands, revealed on Facebook that he is also among the 331 bids received by AVROTROS, writing: “Did I now really submit a song for Eurovision?”
In 2018, with his song “All Things Under The Sun“, he became a household name in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, since the rise of Dutch-language pop in the early 2020s, he has faded from the limelight somewhat. Maybe Eurovision could prove his comeback?
Tangarine — a duet between 41-year-old identical twin brothers Sander and Arnout Brinks — have also been open about submitting a song to AVROTROS. Fame came relatively late to the two brothers living in Zwolle, as this year’s edition of the musical television programme De Beste Zangers introduced many Dutch people to Tangarine for the first time. Although they plan a tour in May next year, the brothers told local newspaper De Stentor:
“Ever since our participation at Beste Zangers, we’ve often been asked if we want to participate. That gets under your skin. The nice thing is that we created a song three months ago at our kitchen table.”
“We are very down to earth, maybe it’s because we come from the north. It still feels like a faraway thing, there are so many talented candidates. We are luckily very good in letting go and at living in the moment.”
“It’s very small song about our personal situation.”
Who do you want to see sing in Basel? Do you think one of these four artists could bring the Netherlands a win at Eurovision 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
