According to the Dutch delegation, only ten acts remain in contention to represent the Netherlands at Eurovision 2026. This comes despite the potential for broadcaster AVROTROS to withdraw from the Contest.
Netherlands continuing with their plans
Speaking on Dutch TV programme Eva, Cornald Maas – who has been involved with the Dutch Eurovision delegation for years confirmed that the Netherlands would continue their preparations for Eurovision 2026. Meanwhile, AVROTROS confirmed that it would withdraw from the competition if Israel was allowed to compete.
Giving more details on the selection process, Cornald said that some 300 submissions were received to represent the Netherlands in Vienna. He added:
It’s as many as last year, really. We’ve just had another meeting […] it’s all kinds of things, just like all the other years; big names small names.
This year it’s a bit more diffused. There’s a couple of songs now, about nine artists are remaining; or around 10 approxiamately, with whom we’re investigating.
Cornald admitted there was no song that immediately stood out as the song to go to Vienna. However, he explained that there were a few that were “really good”, but by being selected, they run the risk of the song not being released due to the threat of a Dutch withdrawal. The decision on Israeli participation will take place in November.
The Netherlands’ Eurovision journey
The Netherlands are one of the founding countries of the ESC, having performed the very first song ever on the Eurovision stage back in 1956. While the result of “De Vogels van Holland” is unknown, the Netherlands have garnered 5 wins, with their most recent in 2019. However the Netherlands are also known to have had the longest ever non qualification streak in the semi-final era – they missed out on the final a whopping 8 times between 2005 and 2012.
Claude represented the Netherlands in 2025 with the song “C’est La Vie”. Competing in the first semi-final, he eventually qualified for the final in Basel. In the final, the Netherlands would eventually finish in 12th place with 175 points. 133 of these points came from the juries, while the remaining 42 came from the televote.
What do you think of the update provided by the Netherlands? Who would you like to see represent the nation in Vienna? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: NPO
Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
Michelle