Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has confirmed: The Netherlands will compete at Eurovision 2024.
Between 2013 and 2023, the country internally selected its artists and songs for Eurovision.
However, this year nothing has been stated about the selection process.
According to RTL Boulevard, the national broadcaster wants to hold some internal discussions and make sure the proper lessons are learned. Thereafter, a corresponding submission window will be announced:
“We will definitely participate again. But we are first looking at where things can and should be improved. We will announce it soon and then we will open the registration”
There has also recently been criticism of the way in which AVROTROS internally chooses the Dutch entry by means of a selection committee. For example, Omroep MAX boss Jan Slagter argued for the return of a National Song Contest.
AVROTROS General Director Eric van Stade, who is also a member of the selection committee, previously said:
“I’m convinced the national selection will return in the long term. There are some regular discussions about this within AVROTROS.
AVROTROS management has stated in the past that they don’t see national selection in the format of “Melodifestivalen” working in The Netherlands.
It seems that the cracks in relation to the country’s participation selection process, have started already earlier this year, even before Eurovision 2023 came to an end.
Dion Cooper and Mia Nicolai were among the first acts to be chosen for Eurovision 2023, with the official announcement on the 1st of November 2022.
This year’s Dutch professional committee included 6 members:
- Eric van Stade – AVROTROS General Director
- Jan Smit – Dutch singer and host who was one of the Eurovision 2021 hosts and Eurovision commentator
- Cornald Maas – Eurovision commentator and TV presenter
- Carolien Borgers – Radio producer and DJ
- Sander Lantinga – Radio producer and DJ
- Hila Noorzai – Radio and TV presenter
Mia and Dion were chosen to represent the country with a majority of 5 out of 6. The only member to vote against was Jan Smit.
On the 20th of April 2023, he decided to step down from his position on the professional committee.
Dion Cooper and Mia Nicolai represented The Netherlands at Eurovision 2023.
They performed “Burning Daylight” and ended in 13th place in semi-final 1, picking up 7 points from 5 countries: Norway, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Portugal, and Moldova.
