Dutch singer-songwriter Claude has officially released “C’est La Vie,” the song he will perform for the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel in May 2025. Selected internally by AVROTROS in December, Claude is now ready to introduce his Eurovision entry to the world, hoping to capture the hearts of Europe with his performance.
Claude: From Viral Sensation to Eurovision Stage
Claude Kiambe, a 21-year-old artist originally from Congo, has rapidly become a prominent figure in the Dutch music scene. His journey to Eurovision stardom began with his breakout single “Ladada” in 2022. This track became a viral sensation, amassing over 57 million streams and achieving diamond status in the Netherlands. “Ladada” dominated the Dutch charts, reaching #1 on both the Top 40 and Spotify’s Top 50, solidifying Claude’s position as a rising star. In 2023, it was the fourth most-streamed song on Spotify in the Netherlands, further proving its immense popularity. The success of “Ladada” earned Claude nominations for the Top 40 and Edison Awards, and he went on to win the 3FM Award for Best Newcomer, 3FM Talent, and Qmusic’s Best Artist of the Year.
Expressing his excitement and pride, Claude shared his feelings about representing the Netherlands at Eurovision: “I feel extremely honored that I will represent 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 present my song to Europe.” His enthusiasm and gratitude are palpable as he prepares for this significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
The Netherlands at Eurovision: A Legacy of Melodies
The Netherlands boasts a rich history in the Eurovision Song Contest, being one of the original participating countries and historically one of the most successful. Having participated 64 times since their debut in 1956, the Netherlands has claimed victory five times. One of their earliest wins was in 1969 with Lenny Kuhr’s “De Troubadour,” a classic Eurovision moment.
In more recent times, Duncan Laurence brought victory to the Netherlands in 2019 with his poignant ballad “Arcade,” ending a long wait for another win. While the Netherlands has experienced periods of lower results, including finishing last five times, their overall Eurovision journey is marked by memorable performances and a dedicated fanbase. Since the introduction of the semi-finals in 2004, they have qualified for the Grand Final 10 times out of 20, demonstrating a consistent presence in the competition’s final stages, despite the unfortunate disqualification in 2024. With “C’est La Vie,” Claude aims to add another positive chapter to the Netherlands’ Eurovision story and make his mark on the international stage.
