Claude Kiambe, a talented 21-year-old singer, has been chosen to represent the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, set to take place from May 13 to 17, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland. The announcement was made by AVROTROS, the organization responsible for the Netherlands' participation, as part of their search for fresh talent following the drama surrounding last year's entrant Joost Klein.
After the disqualification of Klein—a situation fraught with controversy—the Dutch representative for Eurovision was anything but certain. AVROTROS held their ground, excitedly stating, "We have opted once again to immerse ourselves in this vibrant tradition, and we sought out someone whose music resonates with both young and old audiences alike." This resulted in Claude rising to the top among 331 song submissions received during the selection process.
Claude expressed his disbelief and excitement, saying, "I feel enormously honored to represent the Netherlands and can’t really believe it. I am very much looking forward to showing Europe my song." His blend of musical styles, with songs often interweaving French and Dutch lyrics, makes him unique and appealing to the ever-diverse Eurovision audience.
Originally from Congo, Claude's life story adds depth to his musical career. He fled with his family to the Netherlands at the age of nine, seeking refuge from the violence and unrest caused by local conflicts. Settling in Alkmaar, his first experiences were met with the stark cold, but the asylum seekers' center became his community of support—an environment he described as filled with positivity through shared adversity.
Claude first gained national attention by competing on "The Voice Kids" back in 2019, but it was his 2022 debut single, "Ladada (Mon Dernier Mot)," which truly launched his career, dominating the Top 40 for six weeks and amassing over 57 million streams. His subsequent hits, including "Layla" and collaborations with fellow artists like Suzan & Freek on the track "Vas-y," have kept him prominent on the Dutch music scene.
Throughout his rise, Eurovison has been a key milestone for Claud, having watched the contest with his family since 2014, when Conchita Wurst’s historic performance captured his imagination. The anticipation eventually led him to responsive song submissions to capture his growth and talent.
The selection committee praised Claude’s dynamic ability to connect with people through his music. "This year's choice was based on finding a meaningful, connecting, and hit-sensitive song with international appeal. We are excited for what he has to offer," noted Cornald Maas, one of the leading committee members.
Alongside enthusiasm from the committee, fellow Dutch artists have celebrated Claude's opportunity. Suzan & Freek remarked, "It’s super cool he’s going to participate! It’s hard to meet him without feeling positivity; he’s infectious, and we believe he is the perfect choice to represent us."
Veteran Eurovision observer Maurice Wijnen echoed similar sentiments: "Claude is undoubtedly the best conceivable choice; he embodies the talent and charm necessary to succeed on such platforms. His bilingual songs make him uniquely poised to connect across borders."
Despite the challenges faced by last year's selection and the initial uncertainty surrounding the current event, AVROTROS remains committed to the festival, which has historically served as a platform for artistic expression and cultural diplomacy. The decision to participate again reflects not only resilience but also faith in the power of music.
With expectations high, fans look forward to hearing what Claude will deliver as his official Eurovision number is yet to be announced. The anticipation builds as the music community and Eurovision enthusiasts count down the days to the festival. His participation is seen as not just personal success but also as a broader acknowledgment of the diverse storytelling music brings—perfectly embodied by Claude’s unique narrative.
Claude is gearing up for what promises to be a transformative experience, both personally and artistically. For him, the motto as he approaches the stage at Eurovision could easily be, "This is so special!" as he aims to touch hearts through his music. His debut not only marks another chapter for himself but could also signal exciting new avenues for Dutch music on the international scene.
Following his participation, he is also scheduled to perform at legendary events such as the Pinkpop Festival, solidifying his place as one of the key upcoming figures of Dutch music. His unwavering energy, sold-out shows, and millions of streams demonstrate the rising star he'll continue to be.
