Claude Kiambe will sing for The Netherlands at Eurovision 2025. The 21-year-old singer is already known for some major hits, including “Ladada (Mon Dernier Mot),” “Layla,” and “Écoutez-moi.”
Born in the Congo, he told AVROTROS that he’s ready to make a big impact in Basel.
“I feel extremely honored that I will represent the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest next year and I still can’t believe it. I’m really looking forward to it and can’t wait to present my song to Europe.”
Following his announcement, Claude revealed that his Eurovision 2025 song will have lyrics in two languages. He’s keeping those languages under wraps for now. Dutch? French? English? Let us know your best guesses.
The full press release follows.
Claude Kiambe is The Netherlands’ Eurovision 2025 singer
PRESS RELEASE
Claude was chosen after a careful and phased process from the 331 entries that AVROTROS received. “This year, as a selection committee, we have chosen a meaningful, connecting and hit-sensitive song with international appeal that can effortlessly conquer the hearts of young and old Eurovision viewers,” said the selection committee consisting of Cornald Maas, Jacqueline Govaert, Sander Lantinga, Hila Noorzai, Carolien Borgers and Jaap Reesema.
About Claude
The charismatic singer-songwriter Claude, originally from Congo, moved to the Netherlands at the age of 13. He and his family encountered the Eurovision Song Contest here for the first time, cheering together as Conchita Wurst won. A tradition was born and Claude has continued to follow the Song Contest ever since.
His love for music developed further and with his unique voice and talent Claude managed to conquer the music scene. His breakthrough came in 2022 with the debut single ‘Ladada (Mon Dernier Mot)’, which achieved 57 million streams. He won the 3FM Award for Best Newcomer, was named 3FM Talent and Qmusic crowned Claude Best Artist of the Year. In addition, he managed to win the hearts of the Dutch public with his participation in the popular Dutch TV program Beste Zangers.
Claude released his debut album this year, on which he co-wrote all the songs himself and toured the Netherlands and Belgium with his band. In 2024, Claude also took on the role of Ambassador of Freedom, an honorable task that he found extra special due to his own past.
Claude also continues to impress internationally. The English-French version of ‘Ladada’
charted in over fifteen countries, including Italy, where it reached the top 10. With the international release of ‘Layla’, Claude strengthened his position as an artist with global allure.
Claude is eagerly looking forward to 2025, in which, in addition to the Eurovision Song Contest, he will shine at the legendary Pinkpop Festival. Although his journey has only just begun, Claude proves with his boundless energy, sold-out shows and millions of streams that he is a lasting force in the music industry.
PRESS RELEASE END
The Netherlands at Eurovision 2025
The Netherlands were late confirming their participation in Eurovision 2025 following the country’s disqualification at the 2024 contest. But, the events did not deter big-named Dutch artists from submitting bids to represent their country in Basel. Broadcaster AVROTORS received 331 submissions.
Speaking on talkshow Beau in November, Eurovision commentator Cornald Maas was positive of the entries that he had heard. He said:
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS confirmed their participation at the end of October with a statement on Instagram and on their web site. It came after prolonged discussions with the EBU that stemmed from the country’s disqualification from the grand final in May 2024.
The statement read:
“AVROTROS will take part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Switzerland. After months of conversations and meetings, the broadcaster has received sufficient guarantees from the EBU that there will be structural changes at the song contest. Joost Klein was given the opportunity to take part again. But he has decided to turn down the offer. The submission window for new songs for 2025 has now opened.”
In an additional statement online, the broadcaster added:
“Together with other countries, AVROTROS has insisted on structural changes behind and in front of the cameras of the Eurovision Song Contest. With a package of measures that has been put forward, the broadcaster is satisfied and looks positively to the future. There are concrete measures that have been carried out, including:
- the inclusion of a safety manager in the artists bubble
- an overall reduction of filming behind the scenes
- a safe space for artists behind the scenes where they won’t be disturbed
- a crisis team consisting of representatives of the EBU, participating countries and the organising broadcaster, so weighty decisions are being made democratically
- the appointment of Martin Green as the new Director, who is going to oversee these changes
Are you excited about the country’s choice? What type of song are you hoping for? Let us know down below.
