Claude has officially unveiled his song "C'est La Vie" as the Netherlands' entry for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest during a presentation at the Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam. This official launch came just one day after the song leaked online, stirring significant anticipation and mixed reactions from both fans and critics.
The reveal, which was originally scheduled for the following day, took place on February 27, 2025, allowing the public to listen to the track on major radio stations and streaming platforms simultaneously. Many were eager to see how this entry would stack up against 2025's international competition.
Among those reacting to Claude's new song were notable figures from past Eurovision contests. Lenny Kuhr, who won Eurovision for the Netherlands in 1969, expressed her skepticism. "I hear nothing new and nothing surprising here... I think it will resonate with six-year-olds," she commented candidly on social media, sharing her thoughts shortly after the song's leak.
Conversely, others praised the upbeat nature of the song. Getty Kaspers, the 1975 Eurovision winner, saw potential for success, stating, "It's like a party song, there's so much joy and people can sing along." Also backing Claude was Jeroen Kijk in de Vegte, who described the track as "all sunny energy," reflecting the general hopefulness surrounding the entry.
C'est La Vie is distinctively bilingual, featuring lyrics primarily written in English and French. This marks the first time since 2021—and only the third time since its inception—that the Netherlands will be competing with a song partly sung in French. Previously, most songs were performed exclusively either in Dutch or English. This unique linguistic choice could potentially make Claude stand out among the other contenders.
After the leak raised concerns about the integrity of the launch, Claude himself responded lightheartedly to the leakage, saying, "You've all heard it. It goes up, it goes down, but c'est la vie," showcasing his laid-back approach to the unexpected situation.
Claude, who is only 21 years old and hopes to make his mark on the 2025 Eurovision stage later this spring, feels confident about his entry. He has described "C'est La Vie" as his best work yet. The song features catchy melodies and engaging lyrics, which he believes will resonate well with audiences across Europe.
The official launch of the song seems to be setting the stage for its role as one of the year’s more festive and singable entries, aligning with the vibrant atmosphere typically associated with the Eurovision Song Contest.
While the response to his song has been mixed, the excitement surrounding Claude’s debut entry showcases the anticipation for the contest itself, especially as it heads to Basel, where he will perform among artists from 14 other countries. The first semi-final will take place on May 13, 2025, and Claude is eager to secure one of the ten coveted spots to move on to the grand final.
For now, the music industry and Eurovision fans alike will keep their eyes on Claude as he prepares for his moment in the spotlight. With all the vigor surrounding his performance, he may just have what it takes to put the Netherlands back on the Eurovision map.