The Netherlands has officially unveiled its entry for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, with singer Claude Kiambe presenting his song, "C'est La Vie." This announcement was made on February 27, 2025, as the anticipation builds for the contest to be held in Basel, Switzerland, on May 13.
Claude, the 21-year-old artist, was internally chosen by the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS from over 331 entries. He expressed his excitement and pride, stating, "I feel extremely honored to 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 song, "C'est La Vie," was released simultaneously across streaming platforms, radio, and YouTube.
This track combines pop elements with a melodic structure aimed at appealing to international audiences. Lyrically, it addresses themes of resilience and acceptance, capturing the essence of its title, which translates to "That's Life". It is primarily sung in French and English and was written collaboratively by Claude, Léon Paul, Arno Krabman, and Joren van der Voort. Krabman has prior experience at Eurovision, co-penned S10’s 2022 entry "De diepte."
Discussing the inspiration behind his song, Claude revealed, "‘C’est La Vie’ is a tribute to my parent, and for me, that's my mother. Throughout my youth, she taught me to see the positive side of things even when faced with setbacks. That life can go through ups and downs, and it's important to focus on the bright side." His heartfelt message aims to resonate deeply with listeners.
The event to officially present "C'est La Vie" took place at Amsterdam's EYE Film Museum, marking the third time AVROTROS has chosen film-related venues for such presentations. Prior occasions included other renowned locations, emphasizing the cultural significance of the event. Claude's song adds to his acclaim, having received the 3FM Music Award for Album of the Year just days earlier on February 25, for his work "Parler français," which showcased his unique style influenced by Stromae.
The Netherlands has a storied history at the Eurovision competition, being one of its founding members and having participated 64 times since its inception. The nation has secured five victories throughout its Eurovison history, winning the coveted title years of 1957, 1959, 1969, 1975, and most recently, 2019, when Duncan Laurence claimed first place with his song "Arcade."
Despite its rich history, the country has struggled at times, finishing last five times and most recently being disqualified from the contest during the Grand Final last year. Yet, the Netherlands remains one of the most successful contestants, having qualified for the Grand Final 10 out of 20 times since the introduction of semi-finals.
Following the official launch, there was brief controversy surrounding the song's leak, which circulated on social media shortly before the official announcement. AVROTROS confirmed the leak but stated they would not pursue police action, expressing their disappointment over the incident. Nonetheless, the presentation proceeded with anticipation as radio stations across the country dropped the official song, coinciding with the music video release.
Fans of Eurovision eagerly await Claude's performance during the second half of the first semi-final on the night of May 13. The competition typically draws viewers from across Europe and beyond, excited to see how each country will uniquely present its entry.
The lead-up to Eurovision 2025 has already sparked lively discussions among fans and critics alike. With the stage set for numerous international performances, the question on everyone's mind remains: How will Claude's "C'est La Vie" resonate with the audience this year? The promise of cultural celebration inherent at Eurovision is unmatched, and this year’s contest is shaping up to be no exception. Let your opinions be known as thoughts about the performance swirl within the Eurovision community.