In 2019, the Netherlands accomplished an ESC milestone by securing their fifth victory since 1956, all thanks to Duncan Laurence, who brought the contest back to his homeland. With his mesmerizing ballad “Arcade,” Laurence has now joined the ranks of past winners Corry Brokken, Teddy Scholten, Lenny Kuhr, and Teach-In. Notably, the Netherlands’ most recent triumph had occurred more than 40 years prior when the vibrant group Teach-In emerged victorious with their catchy tune “Ding-A-Dong.”

Usually, the ESC would have been hosted in the Netherlands the following year, but for the first time in its history, the Eurovision Song Contest was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the circumstances, it was deemed too risky to proceed with the event, and all the singers had to accept this difficult decision. Some of them had the opportunity to participate again the next year with a new song, but for others, their Eurovision dream remained just an elusive fantasy.

Since their inaugural participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1956, the Netherlands has been a consistent presence at the event. There have been instances when the Dutch broadcaster NOS opted to withdraw from the contest in certain years.

Over the years, the Netherlands has amassed an impressive tally of 27 Top 10 placements in the Eurovision Song Contest, showcasing a statistical chance of approximately 41% to secure a spot in the Grand Final. However, since the introduction of Semi-Finals in 2004, the Netherlands has encountered challenges in qualifying for the Grand Final, achieving this feat only nine times.

In 2019, the Netherlands achieved a significant milestone in the ESC, claiming their fifth victory since the contest’s inception in 1956. This remarkable achievement was made possible by Duncan Laurence, whose captivating ballad “Arcade” brought the Eurovision trophy back to his homeland. Laurence now stands alongside past Dutch winners Corry Brokken, Teddy Scholten, Lenny Kuhr, and Teach-In. Notably, the Netherlands had not tasted victory in over 40 years until Teach-In’s vibrant performance of “Ding-A-Dong” secured their last triumph prior to Laurence’s win.

Typically, the Eurovision Song Contest would have been hosted in the Netherlands the following year after Duncan Laurence’s victory.

Despite the myriad challenges posed by organizing the event amidst stringent social distancing and hygiene protocols, the ESC ultimately took place in 2021 at the originally planned venue for 2020. The atmosphere was noticeably altered, characterized by a reduced press centre, mandatory mask-wearing, and restricted opportunities for social interaction. Moreover, the absence of a Eurovision village meant that the residents of Rotterdam couldn’t partake in the usual festivities. However, the 2021 show served as a beacon of courage and optimism, reigniting the spirit of unity and reminding everyone of the profound ability of music to unify people, even in the face of adversity.

In 2013, Anouk sparked a resurgence of interest in the ESC and revived enthusiasm for the contest. Her remarkable performance secured a commendable 9th place in the Grand Final held in Malmö. The subsequent year, The Common Linnets elevated the Netherlands’ Eurovision journey to new heights, achieving an extraordinary 2nd place finish, with a narrow 52-point margin behind Austria’s Conchita Wurst. This remarkable success propelled The Common Linnets into the international spotlight, and their song continues to resonate on radio stations worldwide.