He’s the Netherlands’ act for Eurovision 2019.
And this weekend Duncan Laurence closed Eurovision in Concert with a magical performance of his entry “Arcade”.
With only weeks to go until he performs at the second semi-final, wiwibloggs spoke with him about his Eurovision journey so far.
Duncan Laurence interview – Eurovision in Concert
His music video has been the talk of the fandom (for entirely artistic reasons, obviously…). So we just had to ask him what it was like to strip down to his birthday suit — and whether he was intimidated by the process.
“I really wanted to represent the vulnerability and almost being like born and the whole vulnerability that comes with that”.
In the video he’s seen crawling to the surface of the water, which represents the hope he has for a love, a dream or a chance.
Duncan reveals that before shooting the (very naked) music video, he started working out. When we asked if he had to manscape before shooting “Arcade”, he said no. We aren’t jealous or anything, Duncan. Nope. Not. At. All.
“Arcade” – Duncan Laurence
Duncan takes it as a big compliment that he is still the bookies’ favorite, but he also feels the pressure. Some stars would struggle with these expectations, but Duncan sees it as “good pressure”.
Regarding the staging for Eurovision, he couldn’t and didn’t want to reveal anything yet.
“When I start to talk, I just keep talking, it’s all one big surprise”. However, he confirmed that he – unfortunately – won’t be on stage in a fishtank.
Watch the full interview above for a special message for fans and a cover of Beyoncé’s “Love On Top”.
Duncan Laurence will perform in the second semi-finale on the 16th of May, right after Norway’s KEiiNO.
Do you think Duncan can win Eurovision? Will The Netherlands be our 2020 host country? Let us know below!
YOU CAN READ MORE THE NETHERLANDS NEWS HERE
The Netherlands is coming to bring home the victory. Duncan. the staging and the act will steel anyone’s heart in Europe and beyond.
It won’t win..it’s too boring and does not transmit those positive vibes or energy like something you want to dance to
Strange thing – but I’m over this song from the Netherlands – it’ s worn off! I’m back with Italy + Norway and North Macedonia (!) as a good number two and three!
I thought his advice was going to be “You know what I mean?” Haha just kidding. He deserves to win in May!
He’s full of energy and good vibes! And it’s noticeable that he’s really, really fluent in English, but is it something to do with the Dutch people (are they mostly fluent in English in general)?
they’d like to think so… 😉 No most of us have quite a good level of english. (often with a strong accent though)
Me when I am on my first date after a long relationship.
The song is totally hyped, maybe overhyped. but the question is: by whom? It’s the people from all over the world, all over europe that do that…not Duncan himself or the Netherlands maffia! who is to blame? Apparently there is a superbroad appeal to this song…can’t deny it.
Also for the italian, swiss and russian song btw
Right! People can downvote as many times as they can, but they will never get over the fact that there many of us simply do not like the Dutch entry… It can win and whatever you want, but it’s not a masterpiece… sorry.
The fact is that MORE people like it then dislike it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt4DbBTRMvs&feature=share
I couldn’t agree more. This song is boring and overrated. There are much better songs which give you more positive vibes like Italy, Spain, Cyprus or Malta. Russia’s ballad is also quite powerful.
This song is getting so promoted….just for being just good not wow…there are several countries better than this one …more original and out of the box…Netherlands was in top 3 in the odds before arcade being announced as the representing song from Duncan..how on Earth I have no idea…never heard of him before…and yes I do not think it is fair for it to win even if it is just a good ballad …that is why eurovision is called a contest…it takes place once a year..if I want generic songs I can daily listen to sth similar on the radio…
No the Netherlands was not in the top 3 of the odds before the song was announced.
Anyway, it became first in the odds after it was announced and after the lukewarm reception of the Russian song. If you don’t like that, fine. But please don’t act as if some conspiracy is going on. The Dutch selection committee choose this song and how it will end is up to the rest of Europe.
It was top 5 or 6 before even before the song was released and having already more than half of the songs competing.
So yes it was already overhyped before it was out
And unlike the Russian song it did live up to the hype.
In that case Sweden and Russia are ALWAYS EVERHYPED then:))
Russia and Sweden were very high in the odds too before it was even known which song was gonna represent them. And Arcade is not a generic song.
Yes, it is. It’s a common, ordinary ballad. We have tons of them every year.
Ok you’re one of those hipsters who thinks only the most obscure songs are good.
Your username is so ironic
Exactly!!!
totally agree on this.
It’s actually not that generic, but if you’re one of those people who says ‘oh bleeps and hisses! This is so experimental!’ then I guess it is. The chorus only kicks in after more than a minute, which generic Eurovision ballad has that?
Are the Italians the new Rusians by being so negative because another country is higher in the odds? If he was Italian and this was the Italian song I’m sure you all would love the song. Duncan has an amazing song and I hope he will win.
Are the italians the new russians…?? The mistake in your “question” starts from here, cause if it was for italians they would have sent Ultimo and not Mahmood, but thank god they didn’t! If they would, I would be the first one to call them the new russians!!
So no, italians are not as easy and predictable as you describe them!
They shouldn’t have sent Irama to this beautiful emotional song
A) With every 500 points -or something- awarded to the winner, another 1878 points are not awarded to them. Meaning that still countless people didn’t vote for the winner. Just saying. B) Can’t people be happy for other people having this pre-contest excitement? In certain countries Eurovision starts to dominate their national media circus, because they are favourites. Italy 2017, Portugal 2017, Bulgaria 2018, Iisrael 2018…in all these countries a wonderful vibe started developing. Just feel happy for them please. C) Humans are not just creatures who masturbate all day over their own entry -at least not me- and then… Read more »
of course he can win. he is a good singer and it is a good song. it will be a deserved one. even though he is not my favourite – italy is my winner – but so what. that’s eurovision – full of surprises, mostly good ones.
I get it that people respond frustrated to the fact that it seems that it has already been declared the winner by the bookies (26%), you still want to believe your own country or another entry that you favour stands a chance. Fact is: they all do. Fact is also: not only the bookies, but also a lot of polls where people get to vote themselves it is the tipped winner by a landslide. I think it’s gonna be a close call between Duncan’s song and Mahmood’s. I would love for the Netherlands to host next year, but Italy too,… Read more »
It’s pretty pathetic how sour people are about Duncan being number one with the bookmakers. Being number one with the bookmakers really does not mean he will win. So many things decide who wins: the staging, the vocals, the stage presence, the song, the running order. Stop being sour about something that doesn’t even say a whole lot.
This is the most overrated song of the year…I like it and it´s in my TOP 10 but it is way toooo overhyped.
Italy has had enough. We’ve lost too many times to mediocre songs, starting with 2011, the year of our return. Make room The Netherlands, wait for your turn!
While I like Soldi, I don’t really see why it is a higher quality song than Arcade?
oh come on!
i adore ‘Arcade’ and ‘Soldi ‘ , and both Duncan and Mahmood as persons, and would be happy if one of them wins!
im sure Italy or the Netherlands will be an amazing hosts 😀
The word ‘overhyped’ is thrown about quite a lot. Which makes me wonder: overhyped by whom? The song and this artist just gets a lot of views. And an immense amount of hate comments by Russians and the occasional Italian.
There are no ‘turns’ in Eurovision. The Netherlands also got second place in 2014, losing to Conchita Wurst, does that make us entitled to win this year? No. No country is entitled to the win just because they narrowly lost one of the previous years.
Yes, no “turns” and no “debts” and no “revenge”.
I’m Italian. This is not the right way to approach this competition. We’ve sent good entries to ESC and I hope this trend will continue… soon or later we’ll win. It’s completely useless to get angry about this thing.
Both are radio songs with good melody and arrangement. It all depends on the live performances in May. Don’t get so triggered, Italians.
I loved Italy 2011. In fact it was my winner.
I don’t particularly care about winning, as long as Mahmood does well, because he deserves it. Our main goal in the competition shouldn’t just be winning, but keep on sending good songs. Victory will come one day, I’m sure about that.
I still can’t understand the overhype about him and his song. There are thousands of similar ballads, so it’s not such “a masterpiece”. I prefer an ESC winning song that can put a little happiness in your soul. We already have life itself out there for drama…
Really? Could you please name one? It feels special to me so would love to hear your opinion
Then go listen to a happy song, rather than complaining about a sad song that it’s too sad.
A little bit strange that your mood relies on *only* the winning song. There are 41 other songs this year, with some happy vibes. Then listen to them. It’s not as if you’re restrained from listening to them for the rest of the year, if Arcade wins…
this !!
I don’t remember a similar song, could you remember something
Cutie Duncan <3
I can’t wait for Duncan and Mahmood meeting in London this weekend, adore them both !
Dunk you for interview William, made me smile with a joy:D
im sure Mahmood will be happy to meet his big fan Duncan, lol
yes Duncan said he adores “Soldi” , but he also follows Alessandro on Insta and likes his pics , how can i not love these guys? 😛
There are 2 things I don’t understand this year:
1. Why everybody must cry in reaction videos about Arcade?
2. Why Iceland boys hate sponsors? I’m pretty sure Bulgaria would do anything for that Soda sponsorship.
You don’t have to cry if you listen to Arcade but feel it
Arcade fans became just as annoying as Amar Pelos Dois ones. Is good news, Sobral won, but the rest of us must listen your speech for the next 5 weeks.
arcade isn’t anything like amar pelos dois at all
I’m actually surprised that people compare this to Amar Pelos Dois. The Portugese entry has some traditional calm atmosphere. Arcade has some slower calmer elements too, but it is definitely not a slow, “silent” and boring song. It rather reminds me to Beautiful Mess, which also had some calmer elements, but also some cinematic elements with a higher tempo. But I guess it’s a safe and easy argument to overuse “boring” if it is not a -heartbeat pumping catchy generic summer hit song which you can hear in literally every nightclub all year long in Europe-.
good advice to cure my insomnia
You must be a very unhappy person.. 95% of your comments here at Wiwiblogs are salty, negative, envious, judging and jealous…… Poor you.
i’m not unhappy enough to enjoy this song so i’m fine :)))
He’s is just a typical sour queen in gay communities. Judgemental about everything he’s interested in with his mouth.
Go watch Queer Eyes for some revelation, sour sister.
After 44 years and with a song like this, it’s really time for The Netherlands to win.
It would be so memorable, and who wouldn’t like a ESC held in The Netherlands.
im a only one that dont like him ?
he lacks personality tbh there’s nothing stannable bout him
Yes of course only Mahmood is stannable, the best of the best of the best in all criterias, lol only in your dreams, the dirty strategy of Italy’s stans is to try to put the others down and screaming everywhere they are the best, again an example with these two specimens, arrogant, pretentious, mean, well played Italy you are in the good way like this.
You can’t be serious when you say well played Italy. What does Italy have to do with a bunch of people supporting Mahmood?
What does mahmood has to do with two people talking about Duncan, I don’t know!! I’m talking to you “anti bad eurofans” .. judging by your name you must be anti yourself, cause you’ve been doing such comments under every italian supportive comment and now even in places where italy is not even mentioned!! I get your italian hate has no cure, but again do not worry, they can not win eurovision even if everybody wants to ( hello, Esc2015) About Italy: I love Mahmood’s song and him.. to me it is by far the best song this year! The… Read more »
The only one who lacks personality is you with this kind of stupid childish comments. -24 says enough!
Arcade the best song over a long time, last time I was excited Loreen .
This song just has to win, feel it and enjoy this melody.
…Oh but there´s NO Loreen factor here!
Finally a high quality radio song that could win Eurovision. Not just one-time weird phenomena trying to be special.
He is adorable nerd, William was flirting with him and Duncan liked it lol
He said the staging gonna be a ‘big surprise’ for us, i cant wait to see it!
Hang on, I’m the original Fatima. Anyway, I wonder why the staging needs to be a ‘big surprise’, didn’t he say it’s all about the song?
My humble king is also funny and charming: )
Thanks William for such cute interview, the question about manscaping was priceless …lmao!
Lovely modest personality… Would be nice to see him winning
lovely and down to earth, and about the staging, i am soooooo incredibly hyped, i’ll be disappointed if there isn’t anything really surprising and something wow in it
basic staging can kill a good song, see Belgium last year
Take advice from his Dutch predecessors I see – remember O’G3NE in JESC 2007?
Wow, I just learnt that they did the JESC in 2007, I didn’t even know.