Eurovision 2025: Netherlands to return without Joost Klein
The singer, who was one of the favourites to win this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, was booted out in Malmö following accusations of misconduct. The case was dropped due to lack of evidence, but despite rumours suggesting he would return, Klein has declined to be the 2025 Dutch entry.
The Netherlands will join the next Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, but the flamboyant singer and 2024 favourite Joost Klein, who was booted from this year’s competition after a backstage altercation, has declined to represent his country.
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced it was satisfied with new rules agreed to by event organizer the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) that were demanded after this year’s edition in Sweden was marred by the expulsion of Klein – which AVROTROS called “very heavy and disproportionate.”
“After months of discussions and consultations, the broadcaster has received sufficient guarantees from the EBU that structural changes will be implemented at the music festival,” AVROTROS said in a statement.
The 2025 edition in Basel will have “significantly reduced” backstage filming, a safety manager and a safe space for performers.
This year, a female member of the production crew accused Klein of making threats during the semi-finale in Malmö. The matter was turned over to the Swedish Prosecution Authority, who ultimately declined to prosecute.
Following the news that the investigation had been dropped due to lack of evidence, Klein took to Instagram to say that “there is no case against me, because there never was a case.”
He continued: “We should all take care for each other, we should all support each other and we should ALL come together. Companies just want to protect their money and they tried to use me as a shield. A village against the city… Guess what? LOVE ALWAYS WINS. TRUST THE PROCESS!!!!! EVEN THOUGH I LOST ALL HOPE.”
He concluded with: “WE BACK NOW BABY!!! ALBUM MODE!!!!!!!”
He also added the tag line, “Eurovision 2025” to his social media channels, which led to speculation he could attempt to participate in next year’s 69th edition.
That doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.
“My team and I had everything ready, but it just doesn’t feel good,” he said in a statement. “I need to give myself more time to heal.”
AVROTROS is now searching for a new Dutch representative and interested performers have until 22 November to apply.
Additional sources • AP, AVROTROS
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