Last year in Malmö, the Netherlands faced a major setback when Joost Klein’s entry, Europapa, was disqualified just before the Grand Final due to an altercation with a Swedish television camera crew. The incident sparked widespread debate, and for a time, it was uncertain whether the Netherlands would participate in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. However, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros ultimately decided to proceed with an internal selection.

The chosen artist is Claude Kiambe, a young singer born in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2003. Forced to flee his homeland due to civil war, he and his family sought refuge in Alkmaar, Netherlands. After completing school, Claude initially pursued studies in hotel management. However, his passion for music led him to compete in The Voice Kids in 2019, where his talent earned him a record deal with Cloud 9 Music.

In 2022, he released his debut single “Ladada (Mon Dernier Mot)” , which became a massive hit, topping the Dutch charts for six weeks. His success brought him high-profile performances, including one for King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, as well as a special appearance during the Netherlands-France football qualifier, where he performed in the stadium.

Many have drawn comparisons between Claude and Belgian star Stromae, both in style and sound. This year, the Netherlands is sending a song with a unique blend of Dutch and French—an interesting choice influenced by Claude’s native language. French has also been gaining popularity in Dutch music, making this entry particularly fitting.

Song:  C'est La Vie
Writer(s): Arno Krabman, Claude Kiambe, Joren van der Voort & Leon Paul Palmen
Composer(s): Arno Krabman, Claude Kiambe, Joren van der Voort & Leon Paul Palmen
Broadcaster: AVOTROS

Claude has already experienced a turbulent life, making his song C’est La Vie a fitting reflection of his journey. The song captures the ups and downs of life—la vie en rose, la vie en noir—embracing both joy and hardship.

C’est la vie
She sang to me
Je me rappelle
J’était petit
Oh I was just a little boy but I remember
La melodie, la melodie

In the official music video, Claude is shown as both a child and an adult, reinforcing the song’s message of resilience and growth. With its uplifting energy, powerful chorus, and anthem-like quality “C’est La Vie” brings a feel-good spirit to the contest. The Netherlands has chosen a track reminiscent of the grand, anthemic songs often sent by France in past years, making it a refreshing and dynamic addition to this year’s line-up.