Deep in the bowels of AvroTros HQ, “Operation Win Eurovision” is a go. They may have two successive top ten placings under their belt, but the Dutch broadcaster is taking no risks in its quest for the famous glass microphone. Rumour has it, they’ve already drawn up their very own wishlist for Vienna. We’d love to know who’s in consideration, but so far everything is all hush hush. However, despite the secrecy two names have already cropped up in the media – Alain Clark and Dotan. And according to Metro there’s at least one other name on the list. Who could it be? Have they even decided yet? Just in case they’re drawing blanks, we’ve created our very own wishlist to help them out (you’re welcome).
Top DJs
The days when the Netherlands’ biggest exports were tulips and clogs are long gone – now it’s all about the DJs. Tiësto, Nicky Romero, Afrojack, Hardwell, Armin van Buuren, Martin Garrix – all world famous, all Dutch, and all listed in DJ Mag’s Top 100. Any of these, and more besides, would be capable of creating a Eurovision stomper, but who would provide the vocals? Here’s a few possibilities.
Ladies of Soul
Isn’t it time for some former Eurovision stars to grace the contest once more? We think so, and why settle for one when y’all could have two plus a few friends! Step forward Ladies of Soul, the most super of all supergroups. Formed late last year, the group consists of Glennis Grace (2005), Edsilia Rombley (1998 and 2007), Berget Lewis, Trijntje Oosterhuis and saxophonist Candy Dulfer. So far they’ve only released one single together, but there’s inklings of more to come. The divas are certainly big enough to bring the title back to the low country, and when they’ve got the nation’s best singer in their ranks (Begret won the title in 2012), they should do it without even breaking a sweat. These women are the real deal!
Mr. Probz
Talking about the real deal, say hello to Dennis Princewell Stehr a.k.a. Mr. Probz. The rapper released his first major hit, “Waves” last summer. A year later and the song has not left the Dutch charts, while also conquering Europe. It even reached number one in the UK. Perseverance and the ability to win over a continent, now where might such qualities come in handy… send him to Vienna already!
Within Temptation
Their name always crops up, but every year they tell us they’re not interested. Yes, we’re talking about Within Temptation. Apparently, they might be willing to write a song, but that’s it. Or so we thought, for it recently emerged that their lack of interest was simply down to never being asked in the first place. Is this public declaration a sign that they are potentially in the shake-up for Austria? If they’re brave enough to write an entry, surely a few steps further on to the actual stage wouldn’t be that hard.
Esmée Denters
Should the Netherlands opt for someone who’s known all over the world? Because in that case, Esmée Denters could be an option. She found instant fame after uploading some videos to Youtube and was quickly snapped up by Justin Timberlake’s record label. The smash hits “Outta Here” and “Love Dealer” followed, but since then Ms. Denters has gone quite. Perhaps it’s time for a Eurovisual comeback?
Eva Simons
Another Dutch singer who briefly made it big worldwide, Eva Simons started her career as part of Raffish. Since leaving the group, she’s worked with Afrojack and most famously, will.i.am. The lady certainly has an amazing voice. Could she embark on yet another collaboration and earn the Netherlands a third consecutive appearance in the final?
Sharon Doorson
And while we’re on the topic of Raffish – Sharon Doorson. She disappeared off the radar upon leaving the band. But two years ago she returned. She’s gone on to release four top 40 singles, the best being “High On Your Love”.
Caro Emerald
Ladies and gentlemen, we present Queen Caro Emerald. Everything she touches turns to gold… or at least platinum, like her first album – six times! The record ultimately achieved a mind blowing 30 straight weeks at number one. “A Night Like This” and “Stuck” are probably her catchiest and best known songs. More of the same would be loved by the Eurovision crowd!
Lisa Lois
She’s already popped up in our Wednesday Wishlists, but we just couldn’t resist mentioning Lisa Lois again. “Silhouette” is a masterpiece, even if it didn’t top the charts. She has an awesome voice, and would do great at Eurovision.
Anouk
The last person on our list is very special – Anouk. She’s the lady who finally set the Netherlands on the right track at Eurovision, and in the process reignited Dutch interest in the contest. But she only came ninth. We know she could do even better, and we’ve got the perfect strategy to lure her back – jealousy. Because she hates Ilse DeLange, and since The Common Linnets managed to come second, Anouk has no choice but to return and do better than the country warbler. Go on Anouk, unleash your inner diva.
What do y’all think? Who is your favourite to wave the Dutch flag in Vienna next year? Vote in the poll and comment below.
[polldaddy poll=8273531]
No! Kim-Lian van der Meij!
Within Temptation would be great, in my opinion, djs are 100% out of question, it just wouldn’t make any sense for them to be in ESC and it would be unfitting in my opinion.
Laura Jansen would be a great choice, too. 🙂
#TeamLauraJansen
She would be a winner. AVRO/TROS (what a strange name for a national channel) should give something new to us. I don’t know that who is Alain Clark but support Mrs. Jansen!
My opinion about Tim Douwsma is clear at all… Please. No.
Laura and Rotterdam 2016!
‘The Charm The Fury’ please
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Stick with someone who, along with the producers, can come up with an extraordinary ballad that will keep the Dutch in the top 10, if not win. If it worked for Anouk and the Common Linnets, maybe it could work for another. Lisa Lois is still my first choice.
@moneyrules: The media didn’t invent Anouk’s hatred of Ilse DeLange. Her (social media) behaviour says it all. Saying Ilse copied her, throwing her dvd in the trash and posting a picture of it, saying Ilse has no personality…
Oh my gosh I would LOVE it if Caro Emerald represented The Netherlands, I’ve wanted that for years. She’s brilliant, and could win it for sure.
@Padraig Muldoon: You are absolutely right it just passed me by completely and since I was commenting on the performers whose repertoire I know and like a lot plus being mesmerized by Lisa Lois … totally didn’t see the full article. I was just ignoring names here and music I don’t necessarily care about … Yes, my ladies of soul are there and I am happy they got to be mentioned. Thanks for letting me know. Sorry.
What a bullshit, Anouk hates Ilse! That’s a story made up by the media (as always).
You forgot to mention: Miss Montreal, Iris (Voice winner with harp), Barbara (Straathof) as the Dutch Adele, Krystl, Sandra van Nieuwland, Laura Jansen and even actress Carice van Houten. If you want a good band: Kensington, Di-rect or Delain. Some male singers?: Bo Saris, Tim Akkerman, Douwe Bob.
Anyway, as long as TROS doesn’t push forward Tim Douwsma (looks but no skills) or Jan Smit (not even looks) with their local shit, it’s OK with me.
“You should check their current project “Ladies of Soul” with Trijntje Oosterhuis, Candy Dulfer and Berget Lewis.”
Ermmm… Charles, Ladies of Soul have a whole paragraph dedicated to them in the list above 🙄
As far as Anouk is concerned … she’s done it once and that is for herself a one in a lifetime experience she prefers to handle to somebody else. What The Common Linnets did both musically wise and success wise is unrepeatable unless The Netherlands understand that they can only do great by being different and really good … in other words, doing something that could never be expected in Eurovision, to the point of shocking Australians who still believe Eurovision if a fun show of bad music … The key is: DIFFERENT, UNIQUE … that will not grab everybody’s… Read more »
Esmé Denters, Eva Simon or Anouk would be ideal! The song could be produced by tiesto or afrojack
I would also like to suggest Delain! Delain is basically the sister band of Within Temptation and they are equally amazing!
Kovacs!
Dear Netherlands, if you want to win, send Within Temptation! AvroTros, please, convince them! 🙂
Esmee Denters, Eva Simons and Sharon Doorson as a girlband, with Afrojack or Armin van Buuren on the background = VICTORY!
within temptation. mr probz or caro emerald please. i would really love within temptation
Caro Emerald by far. She’s an amazing artist appealing both juries and the general public. Excellent music and stage presence. TROS should ask her.
Anouk
All I really car about is that the act the send is pure quality and connects with the viewers in the way that anouk and common linnets did.. Netherlands need to be very careful this year .. The only way now is a winning entry ..
Something emotive ..
I think they should send Go Back To Zoo…a GREAT rock band…very very catchy music! And a bit of indiepop / britpop. They are something for Europe, desverve more attention