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Netherlands: Strong interest in Eurovision 2025 brings surprises – What Cornald Maas and Anouk’s manager revealed

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Excitement for Eurovision 2025 is surging in the Netherlands, as the selection committee reports a heightened number of entries from artists and songwriters. Cornald Maas, a member of the special committee tasked with choosing the artist and song to represent the country, recently discussed the process on the public television show Eva, revealing that many submissions have come from artists who had previously expressed reluctance or intended not to participate.

Increased Interest from Artists and Songwriters

Maas noted that this year has seen an unexpected surge of interest, as artists who initially stated they wouldn’t participate ultimately submitted their proposals. This has boosted the committee’s optimism, as the range and quality of submissions have expanded. Although he withheld specific names, Maas emphasized that the committee must make careful decisions given the diversity and quality of the songs submitted.

Anouk Ready with Songs for Eurovision – Waiting for the Call

On the same program, the manager of renowned artist Anouk, who successfully represented the Netherlands in 2013 with Birds, expressed her readiness to return to Eurovision. He noted that Anouk has already prepared a collection of songs she deems suitable for the competition and is awaiting a potential official invitation from Avrotros, the organization responsible for the Netherlands’ Eurovision participation.

Time Pressure and the Aim for a Strong Entry

As Anouk’s manager pointed out, time is of the essence, as Eurovision preparations require significant effort and organization. Anouk’s interest in returning has fueled speculation that the Netherlands will attempt a high-caliber entry aimed at a top position. The Eurovision committee, including Cornald Maas and its other members, faces the challenge of selecting an act that not only reflects the country’s current music scene but also has strong potential in the competition.

The selection process is expected to conclude soon, with everyone eagerly awaiting the announcement of the final choice for Eurovision 2025. Will it be Anouk or a new artist who will carry the Netherlands’ flag in the upcoming event? The coming weeks will be crucial, with rumors and anticipation building, as the Netherlands prepares for a memorable return to the Eurovision stage.

In the meantime, we can remember Anouk’s last Eurovision entry, Birds, which ended a 14-year drought by placing the Netherlands in the top 10.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Dutch participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, in Basel!

Eurovision 2025: Changes in backstage filming rules

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The national broadcaster of the Netherlands, AVROTROS, after announcing the country’s participation in Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, has made further revelations.

In an interview held today at the broadcaster’s headquarters, AVROTROS General Director Taco Zimmermann confirmed that the new head of the Dutch delegation will be Claudia van der Pas. Van der Pas served as the assistant head of delegation for AVROTROS at Eurovision 2024 in Malmö and Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool.

Van der Pas succeeds Twan van der Nieuwenhuijzen, who stepped down after the tumultuous events of Eurovision 2024 in Malmö, Sweden. Following the consequences of Joost Klein’s disqualification due to an incident backstage with a videographer, the Dutch broadcaster negotiated an extension with the EBU for their participation deadline, citing concerns over the disqualification and how the contest was managed.

Changes in Backstage Filming Policy for the Contest

One of the key issues raised by the broadcaster during talks with the EBU was the matter of backstage filming. The two sides had clashed over whether arrangements were made to prevent the filming of Klein behind the scenes, with the EBU denying the existence of a written agreement, while AVROTROS claimed to have evidence of such an agreement.

During the interview, AVROTROS confirmed that changes would be made to the contest’s filming rules. While a statement released yesterday confirmed that the EBU will “significantly reduce backstage filming,” the broadcaster clarified that artists will no longer be allowed to be filmed backstage or in dressing rooms without permission.

An AVROTROS spokesperson explained:

“Filming is now much more restricted, and it is also strictly prohibited for people to approach artists backstage without prior clearance. This must first go through the head of media, who will then need to grant permission. So, no one will unexpectedly face a camera anymore.”

Thus, anyone wishing to film artists backstage – including the EBU itself – must now receive explicit permission from the head of press of the delegations. This also applies to embedded media traveling with national delegations competing in the contest.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

Source: songfestivalpodcast

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 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

Dutch public broadcaster granted extension by EBU to decide on Eurovision 2025 Participation

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The Dutch public broadcaster, AVROTROS, has been granted an extension by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to decide whether it will participate in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place next May in Basel, Switzerland.

This announcement followed the first meeting between the EBU and AVROTROS, which was requested by the Dutch side to discuss what happened behind the scenes at the contest in Malmö. Among other issues, these events led to the exclusion of the Dutch representative from the final for non-competition-related reasons.

As a result, the Netherlands will not have until September 15th, like other countries, to confirm its participation in the EBU, but will have until November 1st. This timeframe is considered reasonable to allow the dialogue between the EBU and AVROTROS to be completed and any misunderstandings to be resolved.

Cornald Maas, the commentator for AVROTROS at the contest, expressed his support for Dutch participation, stating that he believes the most appropriate response to this year’s events would be a strong entry in Switzerland rather than an absence.

“I believe the best response is to participate and have a good entry. It’s a better answer than staying home, complaining, preaching, and amplifying your own annoyance for another year,” Maas said.

Meanwhile, 29 countries have already confirmed their participation in Eurovision 2025 in one way or another, and the remaining question marks can now be counted on the fingers of two hands.

How many countries will ultimately participate in Eurovision 2025?

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Netherlands: Participation in Eurovision 2025 is uncertain!

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With a public statement on its official website, the Dutch public broadcaster tries to provide answers about everything that happened in Malmö, but also its intentions regarding its participation in the next Eurovision Song Contest. AVROTROS will wait to see the institutional changes that EBU will make, wanting artists and music to be at the center of the competition again. At the moment AVROTROS states that its participation in 2025 in Switzerland is under consideration. Read more