We might be reaching the end of 2024, but the Dutch have already set their sight into 2026. Recently the Dutch broadcasters AVROTROS shared the amount of submissions they had received for 2025, as well as saying that Dutch songwriters might as well prepare for the 2026 period.
The Netherlands in 2025 & 2026
To begin with, let’s take the year that we are about to enter. After the entire 2024 fiasco, the Dutch have decided to look forward with a positive view. Joost Klein was of course offered the chance to represent the Dutch once more, but opted out, so therefor AVROTROS decided to open for submissions, from interested artists.
Now that the submission period has passed, the Dutch broadcaster has shared that 331 songs had been received, which now will be assessed by the committee in charge of selecting the Dutch entry for 2025. Despite the huge backlash, it’s great to see that the interest remains high.
Now, in the coming weeks, the committee will go through each song in order to decide who will represent The Netherlands in Basel, with the committee consisting of:
- Carolien Borgers
- Cornald Maas
- Hila Noorzai
- Jaap Reesema
- Jacqueline Govaert
- Sander Lantinga
It is currently unknown when the Dutch representative will be announced, but it is highly likely that the Dutch will continue with their strategy, which has granted them great results lately, so an artist announcement in January 2025, with the song release in March 2025.
Now to the 2026 bit, which mentions in the very same post, that song submission for 2026 will open on August 1st 2025, hence confirming that the Dutch as also ready for 2026, no matter where we might end up going.
Hopefully as a last reminder, Joost Klein did partake in the 2024 contest, but was unfortunately disqualified from the 2024 final, despite qualifying from the semi-final, finishing in 2nd place. On the other hand, his entry “Europapa” still managed to become an European anthem over the summer.
Are #YOU happy that The Netherlands still care for the contest and who do #YOU hope to see represent them in 2025?
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Source(s): Avrotros.nl (In Dutch)
