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So after months of being butthurt and telling all and sundry they’d never be in the contest again… AVROTROS’ volte-face is complete as they announce Claude as their entrant for Basel. Lets see what they said, whist eating a serving of humble pie?
The 21-year-old singer, known for hits such as Ladada (Mon Dernier Mot), Layla and Écoutez-moi, is proud to represent the Netherlands on stage in the host city of Basel in Switzerland.
Claude describes his participation as a dream come true: “I feel incredibly honoured to be representing 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 let Europe hear the song.”
A careful selection process
Claude was selected from the 331 entries received by AVROTROS after a careful and phased process.
“As a selection committee, we have opted for a meaningful, connecting and hit-sensitive song with international appeal that can effortlessly win 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. Here he first became acquainted with the Eurovision Song Contest on television and together with his family he saw Conchita Wurst win that year. A tradition was born and ever since then Claude has continued to follow the Song Contest.
His love for music developed further and with his unique voice and talent, Claude managed to conquer the music landscape. His breakthrough came in 2022 with the debut single ‘Ladada (Mon Dernier Mot)’, which achieved 57 million streams.
Highlights of Claude’s career:
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Winner of 3FM Talent and Best Artist of the Year (Qmusic).
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Participation in the TV program Beste Zangers, where he stole the hearts of the audience.
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Ambassador of Freedom in 2024.
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International success with songs such as “Layla” and an English-French version of “Ladada”, which reached the charts in 15 countries.
Claude is eagerly looking forward to 2025, where he will shine at the legendary Pinkpop Festival, in addition to the Eurovision Song Contest. Although his journey has only just begun, Claude proves with his boundless energy, sold-out shows and millions of streams that he is a permanent force in the music world.