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Netherlands: “The decision to participate in Eurovision 2025 was made regardless of Joost Klein’s choice

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Following Joost Klein’s withdrawal from Eurovision, AVROTROS is now in search of a new artist for the 2025 contest. Taco Zimmerman, CEO of the Dutch public broadcaster, spoke about the turmoil caused by this decision and the next steps regarding the country’s participation in the upcoming competition.

Joost Klein’s Sudden Withdrawal

Despite initial discussions, Joost Klein decided not to participate in Eurovision 2025. He made the announcement during an interview on Eva Jinek’s talk show, where he emotionally explained his decision to step away from the Eurovision stage for good. According to Zimmerman, although no contracts were signed, talks with the eccentric artist had advanced significantly. However, in recent weeks, it became increasingly clear that Joost was having second thoughts about his participation.

Moving Forward Without Joost

Faced with the urgent need to find a replacement, AVROTROS is now calling on artists, songwriters, and composers to express their interest by November 22. Zimmerman emphasized that despite the limited time, there is still enough to find an outstanding artist and song, citing Duncan Laurence’s example. Laurence introduced his song “Arcade” in December 2018, which went on to win Eurovision in 2019.

Choosing an Experienced Artist

After the difficulties of recent years, particularly with Joost Klein’s situation and the challenging path of Mia Nicolai and Dion Cooper, AVROTROS is now seeking an artist with substantial stage experience. According to Zimmerman, the chosen candidate must be well-prepared for the pressures and demands of the competition—something that has become more important in recent years due to Eurovision’s growing public attention.

The Case of Anouk

Singer Anouk, who successfully represented the Netherlands in Eurovision in the past, had expressed interest in participating with a new album. Although AVROTROS initially did not consider this option due to its discussions with Joost Klein, the door is now open for Anouk to enter the running.

The Next Steps

With preparations for Eurovision 2025 in full swing, AVROTROS plans to offer additional support to the selected artist. This could include not only physical security but also psychological support, ensuring the artist feels comfortable and protected amid the intense atmosphere of Eurovision.

The Decision to Participate

The Netherlands had expressed doubts about whether to participate again in the contest, mainly due to the disappointment caused by Joost Klein’s disqualification at last year’s competition in Malmö. However, as Zimmerman explained, discussions with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and subsequent changes convinced the Dutch delegation to return to Eurovision.

The Netherlands is now preparing for Eurovision 2025, hoping to find an artist who can shine on the stage in Basel, with announcements expected in the first quarter of 2025.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

Source: Telegraaf

The Netherlands: AVROTROS will take part at Eurovision 2025 | Joost Klein declined the opportunity to represent the country again!

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AVROTROS officially confirms that the country will compete in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, following months of discussions between the EBU and AVROTROS and the granting of an extension in registering for Eurovision 2025 in the wake of the Malmö incident.

The pledges made regarding participant safety and Martin Green’s appointment likely caused AVROTROS to reconsider their choice and eventually compete in Eurovision 2025. Nevertheless, the nation opts for for an internal selection process because Joost Klein declined the chance to represent the nation for the second time, despite the rumors that he would return.

Eurovision 2025 – The Netherlands

AVROTROS informs us that along with other delegations has advocated for structural changes both during and right after the Malmö edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, both in front of and behind the scenes. The broadcaster looks forward to the future and is happy with the set of measures that are currently in place.

Joost Klein declined the chance to represent The Netherlands in Eurovision 2025

Joost Klein, who was disqualified at Eurovision 2024 shortly before the Grand Final, was contacted by the broadcaster to represent the nation once more, according to AVROTROS’ press release today. Joost, however, declined because he would prefer to concentrate on recovering from this traumatic experience.

Moreover and via his Instagram account, Joost Klein mentions:

Is it greed or is it desire?
I’ve made the decision to NOT participate in Eurovision 2025
My team and I had everything ready, but it just doesn’t feel good. I am very thankful for all the love around the world, however I am still very affected by this year. I need to give myself more time to heal.
It was my dream to do Eurovision and we did that.
For months I had this feeling that I needed to make a return to finish the job. But in reality: we reached a higher goal. Europapa united a lot of people. This story is not just about me, it’s about us. I’m grateful.
People from all around the world are trying to learn Dutch and this makes me very proud of my language.
We achieved something previously claimed to be impossible. We used the real power of the internet.
So maybe I was blinded, but now I see clear. I have to follow the light. Not fight against it.
The media will be the media, but I have no place in that. I am not made for this big machine. My path is different and I welcome anybody who would like to join this adventure. Trust the process.
I believe one of my purposes in life is to connect people. Through music, (digital) art and performance art. My tour around Europe and USA is sold out and I can’t wait to play my new album there. Let’s all come together. This life is crazy, but just know..
I’m still standing

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Joost Klein (@joostklein)

An internal selection

As usual, AVROTROS plans to choose internally after Joost Klein declined to represent the Netherlands in Eurovision 2025. In order to submit an authentic, unique, and competitive song, interested artists, composers, songwriters, producers, and record labels are encouraged to register now. The deadline to register is Friday, November 22, at 23:59.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: AVROTROS

The Netherlands returns to Eurovision 2025: Joost Klein as a potential candidate

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Following successful negotiations between AVROTROS, NPO, and the EBU, the Netherlands is set to participate in Eurovision 2025. Despite lingering disagreements over last year’s disqualification, the EBU maintains that the decision was justified based on internal regulations. Nevertheless, AVROTROS is satisfied with the commitments made concerning the safety of participants and the appointment of Martin Green.

Due to time constraints, there won’t be an open selection process like last year. Instead, the broadcaster is in direct talks with potential artists. One of the names being considered is Joost Klein, who had previously been mentioned by RTL Boulevard. Joost’s chances are significant for two reasons: first, the AVROTROS team believes he should be given the chance to complete his project; second, other artists, such as Davina Michelle, are reluctant to participate in the upcoming competition.

Additionally, AVROTROS wants to send a message that last year’s disqualification was unjust. While the EBU cannot block Joost’s participation, there are concerns about his unpredictable behavior. If he does represent the Netherlands, he must adhere to strict guidelines on how he conducts himself during the event.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: parool

Intense criticism of Joost Klein and his behavior in the Netherlands: “It’s not good for Eurovision”

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René van der Gijp and Johan Derksen did not have many kind words for Joost Klein, an artist who gained fame due to his eccentric behavior, especially in relation to the Eurovision Song Contest. During the Vandaag Inside show, the two hosts openly expressed their frustration. Van der Gijp commented, “He should be put in an institution. You shouldn’t send him to Eurovision anymore.”

Eccentric performance or annoying behavior?

Joost Klein is known for his striking and often provocative performances. What may seem funny to some fans has started to irritate many others. Johan Derksen, a regular panelist on the show, bluntly called Joost a “nobody”: “What a little idiot that guy is. He thinks he’s funny and interesting, but he’s really a nobody,” said Derksen. Guest Aran Bade agreed, adding, “It started as a joke, but now it’s just annoying. He shows no respect for his audience or the people around him.”

Impossible to have a normal conversation

Aran also described how difficult it is to have a normal conversation with Joost. “When you ask him something serious, you get weird answers. For example, he once said to me: ‘My car is broken, call the roadside assistance (ANWB)’,” Aran joked. He pointed out how Joost’s comments are becoming increasingly nonsensical. Derksen added that he doesn’t understand how people are seriously considering sending Joost back to Eurovision: “It’s just ridiculous.”

Criticism after gala

According to the show’s guests, Joost’s strange behavior is not limited to his statements but extends to his public appearances as well. A recent example was his disrespectful behavior at a gala in honor of André van Duin. Joost reportedly left the room before Van Duin had even finished his speech, something Aran described as “shameful.” The panelists were baffled that AvroTros is considering sending Joost to Eurovision again.

Personal security

René van der Gijp emphasized that Joost’s “act,” his indifferent attitude and behavior, has become really tiresome. He compared it to another artist, Stefano Keizers, who follows a similar approach: “It might be fun the first time, but when someone keeps doing it, it gets old.” Another notable aspect is Joost’s constant personal security detail. During the aforementioned gala, he once again had a bodyguard by his side, something the show’s hosts found puzzling. “Who’s paying for that? He always has someone next to him,” they wondered. Van der Gijp then made a sharp joke: “Is the bodyguard worried something might happen, or that Joost might jump off a balcony?”

Joost Klein close to representing the Netherlands at Eurovision 2025!

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RTL Boulevard reported on Saturday evening that Joost Klein is in talks with AVROTROS about his potential participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place in Basel. The broadcaster AVROTROS informed Boulevard that there is no news to share at this time.

RTL Boulevard reporter Aran Bade estimates that around November 1st, not only will the Netherlands’ participation in the Eurovision Song Contest be confirmed, but also the artist who will represent the country in Switzerland. According to sources close to RTL Boulevard, there is a strong chance that Joost Klein will once again represent the Netherlands at the music festival. On Friday evening, Joost Klein posted a screenshot on his Instagram stories showing the phrase “joost klein 2025” on his laptop screen. It remains unclear whether this post followed possible talks with AVROTROS.

It will likely take a few more weeks for an official response from AVROTROS on whether the Netherlands will participate and, if so, which artist they will send to Basel.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: RTL Boulevard

Netherlands: Joost Klein had a previous confrontation with the camerawoman

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The camerawoman to whom Joost Klein made a threatening gesture is said to have had an earlier altercation with the Dutch representative during the week of the Eurovision Song Contest. This is reported by the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet based on the reports of the police interrogations of Klein and the woman, after the incident that cost Joost Klein his place in the Eurovision 2024 final. Aftonbladet published parts of the police reports and thus more details are revealed.

The previous incident reported by the woman allegedly took place when Klein was returning backstage. The singer had asked the woman to stop filming, which she did not do “because she had signed a document agreeing to the filming. I was just doing my job,” he said. According to the woman, the Dutch team apologized after this incident and promised that Klein “wouldn’t react this way again” during the festival.

When Klein made a threatening gesture towards her during the second incident, the woman did not react at first “because I thought Joost was joking”. Klein “became angrier. I felt scared and vulnerable,” the woman reportedly said during her first police interview the night before the final of the Song Contest.

The police informed the singer that the woman was demanding compensation of 7,000 kroner, over 600 euros. According to Aftonbladet, Klein told police interrogations that he had “vague memories of the event”. The singer in that questioning claimed that he made the threatening gesture towards the woman’s camera and not towards the woman herself. According to Aftonbladet, Klein also said at the first interrogation that he was innocent of the crime he was suspected of. “I don’t recognize myself in the incident,” Klein reportedly said.

Aftonbladet did not publish the full police report. Many passages have been blacked out.

AVROTROS and his manager Klein say the singer was “really harassed many times” during the Eurovision Song Contest, but would not comment on whether the Dutch team apologized to the woman after the first incident. The cameraman’s lawyer did not respond to the report.

The Swedish prosecutor’s office dropped the case against Klein in early August because there was not enough evidence to prove that Klein made his “threatening act” with the intention of causing “serious fear” to the camerawoman.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source:nltimes

Joost Klein: “There is no time to deal with filing a lawsuit against the EBU”

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Joost Klein does not intend to take legal action against the EBU, despite initial information to the contrary, the artist’s manager announced. There is no time and space to deal with something like this, was the relevant announcement of the representative of the Dutch artist.

Joost Klein immediately after the Swedish prosecutor’s office dropped his criminal prosecution, due to doubts and insufficient evidence, he had stated through his lawyer that he was considering filing a lawsuit against the EBU.

Joost is the right person to file a police report. Joost’s manager called me and we will think about it.

Gerard Spong, lawyer of Joost Klein

This statement came immediately after the publication of the decision of the Dutch public television – AVROTROS, not to pursue the case in court, but to resolve any pending issues with the EBU through dialogue.

Today, the artist’s manager states that he will not take any other legal action himself, since he has neither the time nor the space to deal with such a thing.

I sent Gerard Spong a quick email thanking him for his interesting take, but to be quite honest, we don’t really have the time or space to work on it right now.

Rick Bakker, manager of Joost Klein

AVROTROS has stated that it will soon meet with the EBU to discuss everything that happened behind the scenes of this year’s competition. So far it has not been clarified whether the country will participate in Eurovision 2025.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: rtl

The Netherlands: Joost Klein is thinking of suing the EBU!

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Joost Klein is considering filing a defamation lawsuit against Eurovision organizer the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The singer’s manager has already contacted the lawyer Gerard Spong.

The news comes a day after AvroTros had indicated that it did not want to press charges.  The lawyer wrote that it is “absolutely a defamatory allegation” that the EBU, despite the fact that according to the Swedish Public Prosecutor’s Office there is no or insufficient evidence, continues to insist that Joost Klein “would have committed an act worthy of disqualification”.

The fact that AvroTros doesn’t want to create an issue is a sign of weakness according to Spong.

“They must have their reasons for it. They may also have to continue with the EBU next year, so maybe they think: we shouldn’t have any. I think it’s weak.”

“Joost is the right person to file a police report. I’ve been called by Joost’s manager and we’re going to think about it.”

Source: De Telegraaf

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

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Joost Klein and the camerawoman answer to the decision of the Swedish police!

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With yesterday’s announcement made by the Swedish police, one of the issues that marked Eurovision 2024 negatively for many fans, has officially come to an end. Of course, we are talking about the disqualification of Joost Klein from the final of Eurovision 2024.

After the police investigations, yesterday’s announcement stated that Joost Klein will not be prosecuted for the incident at this year’s Eurovision due to a lack of evidence.

A few hours ago Joost Klein himself, spoke about the whole issue for the first time, with an Instagram post:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Joost Klein (@joostklein)

“The last couple of months were terrible. Even though I love to perform anywhere around the world, something didn’t feel right. Why did we have to wait so long for an answer? Everyday I felt insecure whilst I knew the truth. There is no case against me, because there never was a case.

We should all take care for each other, we should all support each other and we should ALL come together. Companies just want to protect their money and they tried to use me as a shield. A village against the city…

Guess what? LOVE ALWAYS WINS. TRUST THE PROCESS!!!!! EVEN THOUGH I LOST ALL HOPE WE BACK NOW BABY!!! ALBUM MODE!!!!!!!”

At the same time, the camerwoman spoke through her lawyer, Kristoffer Ståhl, about the decision of the police, and indicated that she is thinking of taking further legal actions, in order to be vindicated:

“My client is very saddened by the decision and is considering whether she wants to challenge the decision. She came to Malmö to do her work in a special place where music, inclusion and diversity are central. What happened to her was unexpected and very traumatic. She now has to deal with the consequences of that incident, unfortunately.” 

Lawyer Ståhl adds in his statement that there was no agreement that “the Dutch artist” would not be filmed after his appearance. “My client wants to state clearly that she did not pay more or less attention to the Dutch artist than to other candidates of the festival,” she says.

However, the woman praised the EBU for the way the organization “put the mental and physical safety of its workers first”.

We now await with great interest the reaction of the Dutch public broadcaster, and whether it will participate or not in Eurovision 2025 next May in Switzerland.

Source : Joost Klein, rtl.nl

Netherlands: “We will soon have a meeting with the EBU about the unfair exclusion of Joost Klein – Our questions remain unanswered”!

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After the Swedish public prosecutor’s announcement of the suspension of the criminal prosecution of Joost Klein regarding the incident that happened between him and a camerawoman of the production, and also the relevant announcement of the EBU on the issue, it was the turn of the Dutch public television AVROTROS to receive position. As expected, the Dutch public television declares itself justified, characterizing the exclusion of Joost Klein from the Eurovision final as unfair and unnecessary, while stating that there will soon be a meeting with the EBU on the issue, but also on all the other questions raised by remain unanswered.

Joost Klein “innocent” beyond doubt

According to what the Swedish public prosecutor’s office announced earlier, the case file was closed for lack of evidence. This means that Joost Klein will not be prosecuted further.

The Swedish public prosecutor writes that the investigation into a 26-year-old man who allegedly threatened a woman has been closed. The investigation shows that Klein made a motion that hit the camera. According to the prosecutor, the incident happened quickly and the stories of Klein and the camerawoman are conflicting. It is therefore not possible to know exactly what happened and whether there was criminally unacceptable behavior under Swedish law.

The EBU stands by its decision to expel Joost Klein

The EBU expelled Joost Klein from the final of Eurovision 2024 as you remember, immediately after the complaint of the worker in the production of the contest. Wanting to clarify its position, the EBU immediately after today’s acquittal of Joost Klein from the criminal prosecution states:

The decision to exclude Mr Klein from this year’s competition was made in accordance with Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) rules, following an internal investigation.

At the same time, the Swedish police decided to launch a formal investigation into Mr Klein’s behavior during the second semi-final, which we understand closed today without further action.

This was an investigation into whether a criminal act was committed, not whether Mr Klein behaved inappropriately and breached Eurovision rules and procedures. Therefore, this new development has no impact on our decision, which we fully support.

Jean Philip De Tender, Deputy Director General and Media Director of the EBU

Essentially, based on the above announcement, the criminal responsibilities of Joost Klein, which do not exist according to the Swedish prosecutor’s office, are separated from the violation of the competition regulations that were violated in the incident in question, a conclusion reached by the EBU after an internal investigation which he did.

AVTROTOS justified after the latest updates

The Dutch public television, which from the very beginning had proposed a different kind of punishment for Joost Klein than the ban, which they considered excessive, as you now realize, feels vindicated.

In its announcement, AVTROTROS states that they will soon have a meeting with the EBU to discuss both the unfair, as they describe, the exclusion of Joost Klein, and all the other questions they have addressed regarding what happened behind the scenes of the competition, questions for which they have not yet received answers.

From the beginning we have said that this disqualification was unnecessary and disproportionate and that is what it has now proven to be.

We are still very disappointed that the Europapa adventure of Joost Klein and the whole of the Netherlands was brutally ended in this way. The next step is that a meeting with the EBU management will take place about this matter in the short term.

This unjustified disqualification will be central to this meeting. We will also discuss all our other objections about the way things are going behind the scenes at the Song Festival, which we previously sent in an extensive letter of objection to the EBU and which have remained unanswered to date.

AVROTROS’s approach is and remains that the Song Festival is about artists and their musical message. The floor is now given to the EBU.

AVROTROS

AVROTROS will apparently await this meeting before deciding whether to participate in Eurovision 2025.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: AVROTROS