It has today been revealed by Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS that The Netherlands will be represented by singer-songwriter Duncan Laurence at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Duncan, aged 24 was internally selected to represent The Netherlands, upon the big reveal, Duncan said the following:
In the past few years many well known artists represented The Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest. I’m not well-known, but that’s also a good thing; The Netherlands has a lot of young and talented musicians. My participation proves that nothing is impossible. You can suddenly get the opportunity to represent your country on an international stage. I’m very proud to represent my country… I will give it my all!
Duncan was chosen by the selection committee to represent The Netherlands this year. He has already received praised from Ilse DeLange who came second for the nation in 2014 as part of The Common Linnets. She said the following on this announcement:
Duncan is special. His songs are very international and authentic. Duncan has the personality needed for a big opportunity like this. For him, music always comes first
Duncan Laurence is originally from Spijkenisse, born in 1994. This year Duncan managed to graduate from the Rock Academy in Tilburg where he studied to become a singer-songwriter as well as music producer. He has also spent time previously in London and Stockholm writing his music.
His song for The Netherlands is yet to be released. All details for his entry are scheduled for release on Thursday 7th of March.
The Netherlands have managed to qualify for five of the last six finals. Most recently in 2018, The Netherlands were represented by Waylon with his entry “Outlaw in Em” which placed 18th in the Grand Final. Waylon was also part of The Common Linnets who managed to reach second place in 2014 with “Calm After The Storm”. This was the best result for The Netherlands since their last win in 1975.
Source: Eurovision.tv
The Netherlands debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1956 and has gone on to compete in all bar four contests. To date the Netherlands has won the contest on four occasions the latest being in 1975. The Netherlands struggled in the contest from 2000 onwards, between 2004 and 2013 the country only qualified twice for the final. The countries best result since 1975 occurred in 2014 when The Common Linnets finished 2nd in Copenhagen with a total of 238 points, 52 points behind Austria.
