The Dutch entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 has recently made headlines for leaking one full day early. Claude, the promising 21-year-old Dutch-Congolese singer who is representing the Netherlands, is set to premiere his song, titled "C'est La Vie," tomorrow, February 27, 2025, at 16:15 CET across all major streaming platforms including Spotify and YouTube.
Originally, the song was to be aired simultaneously on all Dutch radio stations, creating significant anticipation among fans. Unfortunately, the excitement turned to disappointment this past Wednesday when QMusic, a popular Dutch radio station, inadvertently aired the song early, breaking the embargo placed by AVROTROS, the Dutch broadcasting organization responsible for the country's Eurovision participation.
AVROTROS quickly confirmed to RTL Boulevard the authenticity of the leak and acknowledged it as the official entry for the Netherlands at this year's Eurovision contest, which is scheduled to take place from May 13 to May 17, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland. The leak has drawn mixed reactions, with the broadcaster expressing its frustration over the situation but maintaining their commitment to host the planned premiere event.
“We have been working on this for months, so of course, it is a real shame it leaked a day before the launch,” said a spokesman for AVROTROS, adding, “It is what it is.” This sentiment emphasizes the challenging realities often faced by artists and their management teams leading up to major events like Eurovision.
Despite the early leak, Claude's team remains focused on promoting the song with its intended promotional strategy. "C'est La Vie," which features lyrics in both French and English, was co-written by Claude along with his collaborators Léon Paul, Arno Krabman, and Joren van der Voort. The song narrates the story of a young boy who grapples with life's difficulties, turning to his mother for guidance, who reassures him with the phrase, "C'est La Vie,” highlighting the ups and downs of life.
A selection committee thoughtfully chose Claude to represent the Netherlands at this prestigious event due to his ability to resonate with audiences and embody the image desired on the Eurovision stage. His prior hits, including "Ladada (Mon Dernier Mot)" and "Écoutez-moi," have showcased his talent and unique musical style, making him a favorable choice.
Claude's emotional backstory is also noteworthy. Arriving as a refugee from Congo with his family at the young age of 13, his experiences undoubtedly shape the depth and perspective he brings to his music. This dimension adds another layer of significance to his presence at Eurovision, where diversity and personal stories are increasingly recognized.
Following the debacle of the song's early leak, it is believed AVROTROS will be conducting an investigation to understand how the breach occurred, hoping to implement measures to prevent future occurrences. The spokesperson revealed, “We are, of course, investigating whether we can find out where the leak originated from. Also to learn lessons for the future. But it is difficult. We know this has happened before in other countries.”
Even though the song's name and content were not disclosed until the leak, the commitment to transparency with media and fans remains evident. The formal premiere event for Claude is still scheduled to take place at Eye Amsterdam, where he will present his song along with video footage and participate in interviews.
With the Eurovision finals set for May 17, 2025, after the semi-finals on May 13 and May 15, excitement builds as fans look to see how Claude’s entry will be received both at home and across Europe. This year's competition already hints at being historic on multiple fronts as countries embrace uniqueness and diverse representations, and Claude's contribution undeniably adds to the narrative.
The Netherlands has participated continuously since its debut at Eurovision in 1956. Historically, the country has enjoyed significant success, winning the contest five times, most recently represented by Duncan Laurence, who brought home the victory with his heartfelt song "Arcade" in Tel Aviv after 44 years without a win.
With Claude at the helm this year, many fans are optimistic about the chance for another victory, particularly with the rich emotional storytelling encapsulated within "C'est La Vie." The coming days are sure to be filled with buzz as fans and Eurovision enthusiasts await both the official public debut and the competition itself.