For many years Within Temptation has been among the biggest musical exports from the Netherlands. And during that time many Dutch Eurovision fans have wished, hoped, prayed and dreamed that the symphonic metal band might one day represent the Netherlands at ESC.  

Well it’s unlikely to happen.

Last Friday the group appeared on RTL Late Night to discuss their two-decade career. Among other things they talked about their use of holograms, which are, of course, very in at Eurovision. That led to the inevitable question: Wouldn’t this be a fantastic act for Eurovision?

Their answer was short: it would. But are they willing to take the plunge?

“No. We really like the event, we really like to watch it. We think it has gotten a lot better over the past few years. But we can only do worse [at Eurovision], than in our own genre.”

Sharon den Adel and Robert Westerhold founded Within Temptation in 1996, after both had been in different metal bands.

In 2002 their single “Ice Queen” became a sudden hit and that started their big national breakthrough. Within years they had become big even outside of the Netherlands, performing on big stages all over the world.

Within Temptation may not be keen to do Eurovision, but many other Dutch acts have stated that they would love to represent the Netherlands at Eurovision 2017.

Who do you want to see?

Follow all of our the Netherlands news here

18 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
metalhead
metalhead
7 years ago

<3<3<3 WT!
I woudn't like them to go to Esc-even Nightwish refused(my favourite band) and they got worldwide famous after it,which wouldn't be so easy with Eurovision history behind them(honnestly,there are not too much famous artist after Eurovision)
Anyway,they don't have to break their magic on Esc-Eurovision is more for mainstream music like R'n'b and pop(don't get me wrong,I am Esc fan,but I love metal more and I'm into it)

hetalianNerd
hetalianNerd
7 years ago

Maan with Hardwell or Nathalie Makoma <3

dutchie
dutchie
7 years ago

@guido klerk
Between Dotan and O’G3NE, Dotan is actually the more inexperienced one…
I agree that Dotan would better fit the mold of our recent Eurovision entries (credible, popular musicians with their own folky repertoire) but his live vocals are really quite shaky, whereas O’G3NE have yet to hit the first false note of their career.

Guido Klerk
Guido Klerk
7 years ago

Nah. Within Temptation are called year ago, they seem not as eager as other Dutch artists are. I’m pretty sure Dotan is the Dutch first choice for 2017, but he has to reschedule his tour. Some people in the national selection committee said last year Dotan was in the lead. Well, it turned it became Douwe Bob. Who already contacted in 2014, but that time he felt not secure yet for such a big event. The Dutch approach for the last years is an expirienced singer or a band who are also ready to make an album to launch. Anouk… Read more »

Azaad
Azaad
7 years ago

No!!!!! They’re literally the best Dutch act ever!!!

Seriously though they could challenge for the win. They would be one of the most established and credible acts participating, and a lot of their fans would vote for them. Furthermore the jury would also get behind them as an established name. If The Netherlands could nearly win with country, they can easily slay with symphonic metal….a surprisingly accessible genre in Eurovision.

And the stage show would be epic.

Krinos
Krinos
7 years ago

Nooo, Within Temptation has always been my dream Netherlands Participant. Well, that’s that. Too bad, though

WTF
WTF
7 years ago

@#Justice4Margaret: Schlager anthem? Well, I’m sure the Netherlands wouldn’t mind throwing away the credibility they’ve built up over the past few years just to please the deluded eurofans who still want to see the contest saddled with that type of crap…

Plum
Plum
7 years ago

They are fascinating and why not participate… only if they need it.

The Brightest Falling Star
The Brightest Falling Star
7 years ago

Well, Armenia had “confirmed” that Iveta was not going to represent them in Eurovision 2016 in September 2015 and one month later they changed their minds…

Kisha
Kisha
7 years ago

As rock fan, I’m sad with this news. I love their songs. But still there is a hope, because Douwe Bob said he won’t represent NetherlandsI in Eurovision and later it was confirmed that he is going to Eurovision.
Well, the good news is The Hardkiss express their interest to represent Ukraine in 2017 and now they are working on new song.
http://eurovoix.com/2016/06/04/ukraine-hardkiss-want-go-eurovision-2017/

#Justice4Margaret
#Justice4Margaret
7 years ago

Good. There’s no need to send a globally famous act to do well, that would only scream desperate. I hope the Netherlands send a schlager anthem like Sieneke in 2010! The queen was done so wrong.

Marco
Marco
7 years ago

Sad news :/ They are PERFECT for ESC.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
7 years ago

@EurovisionMan: They’ve said ‘no’ in the past. This is no surprise.

Would Kensington consider?

Ozzy
Ozzy
7 years ago

I love Within Temptation 🙂 went to see them live a couple of years ago… it was fantastic 🙂 their last album was kind of meh but but I their quality of music so above and beyond what the average Eurovision viewers will understand, so their response is very understandable 🙂

karminowe.usta
karminowe.usta
7 years ago

I really like Within Temptation but I understand Sharon. Eurovision isn`t friendly for metal bands. Europe prefer pop and commercial songs.

Someone
Someone
7 years ago

Glad they send no, I love them but they should not go to the Eurovision simply because they’re better than that. A well-established act like them should not be entering… its not worth it.

El Rosario de Raquel
7 years ago

Por que no? …Netherland siempre o casi siempre llevan el estilo cauntry por variar.

EurovisionMan
EurovisionMan
7 years ago

Very disappointing! I was hoping that Within Temptation would see that various acts have gained good results while not being in the “Eurovision mold” like Anouk and Common Linnets. I’m still holding on to a hope that they change their minds and take a risk. I know Within Temptation can win for the Netherlands.