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

 

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Andrew
Andrew
4 years ago

The Netherlands is coming to bring home the victory. Duncan. the staging and the act will steel anyone’s heart in Europe and beyond.

Joaquin Fernandez Gomez
Joaquin Fernandez Gomez
4 years ago
Reply to  Andrew

It won’t win..it’s too boring and does not transmit those positive vibes or energy like something you want to dance to

Jonas J
Jonas J
4 years ago

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!

Ron
Ron
4 years ago

I thought his advice was going to be “You know what I mean?” Haha just kidding. He deserves to win in May!

Loin dici
Loin dici
4 years ago

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)?

Meliris
Meliris
4 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

they’d like to think so… 😉 No most of us have quite a good level of english. (often with a strong accent though)

Berco
Berco
4 years ago

Me when I am on my first date after a long relationship.

Poli-Genova
Poli-Genova
4 years ago

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

Kirby
Kirby
4 years ago
Reply to  Poli-Genova

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.

Lol
Lol
4 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

The fact is that MORE people like it then dislike it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt4DbBTRMvs&feature=share

Joaquin Fernandez Gomez
Joaquin Fernandez Gomez
4 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

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.

Hate will prevail, just not the right one
Hate will prevail, just not the right one
4 years ago

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…

stommie
stommie
4 years ago

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.

Nicolas
Nicolas
4 years ago
Reply to  stommie

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

stommie
stommie
4 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

And unlike the Russian song it did live up to the hype.

Lol
Lol
4 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

In that case Sweden and Russia are ALWAYS EVERHYPED then:))

Lisianthus
Lisianthus
4 years ago

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.

Kirby
Kirby
4 years ago
Reply to  Lisianthus

Yes, it is. It’s a common, ordinary ballad. We have tons of them every year.

Lisianthus
Lisianthus
4 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

Ok you’re one of those hipsters who thinks only the most obscure songs are good.

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
4 years ago

Your username is so ironic

Kirby
Kirby
4 years ago

Exactly!!!

Bob
Bob
4 years ago

totally agree on this.

dutchie
dutchie
4 years ago

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?

ESC2019TLV
ESC2019TLV
4 years ago

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.

Lmao
Lmao
4 years ago
Reply to  ESC2019TLV

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!

Summer ESC
Summer ESC
4 years ago
Reply to  Lmao

They shouldn’t have sent Irama to this beautiful emotional song

Gert (Songfestivalwerk)

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 »

Mina
Mina
4 years ago

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.

Brian Pollock
Brian Pollock
4 years ago

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 »

Lisianthus
Lisianthus
4 years ago

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.

Bob
Bob
4 years ago

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.

uribe
uribe
4 years ago

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!

dutchie
dutchie
4 years ago
Reply to  uribe

While I like Soldi, I don’t really see why it is a higher quality song than Arcade?

Bruno
Bruno
4 years ago
Reply to  uribe

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 😀

dutchie
dutchie
4 years ago
Reply to  uribe

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.

Lisianthus
Lisianthus
4 years ago
Reply to  uribe

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.

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  Lisianthus

Yes, no “turns” and no “debts” and no “revenge”.

Mark
Mark
4 years ago
Reply to  uribe

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.

Peters
Peters
4 years ago
Reply to  uribe

Both are radio songs with good melody and arrangement. It all depends on the live performances in May. Don’t get so triggered, Italians.

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  uribe

I loved Italy 2011. In fact it was my winner.

Jo.
Jo.
4 years ago
Reply to  uribe

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.

Kirby
Kirby
4 years ago

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…

Reverb
Reverb
4 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

Really? Could you please name one? It feels special to me so would love to hear your opinion

dutchie
dutchie
4 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

Then go listen to a happy song, rather than complaining about a sad song that it’s too sad.

Vincent
Vincent
4 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

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…

bastian
bastian
4 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

this !!

Summer ESC
Summer ESC
4 years ago
Reply to  Kirby

I don’t remember a similar song, could you remember something

Shanfa Chai
Shanfa Chai
4 years ago

Cutie Duncan <3

Susane
Susane
4 years ago

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

Bruno
Bruno
4 years ago
Reply to  Susane

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? 😛

Pina Colada
Pina Colada
4 years ago

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.

Summer ESC
Summer ESC
4 years ago
Reply to  Pina Colada

You don’t have to cry if you listen to Arcade but feel it

Pina Colada
Pina Colada
4 years ago
Reply to  Summer ESC

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.

Nicky91
Nicky91
4 years ago
Reply to  Pina Colada

arcade isn’t anything like amar pelos dois at all

Vincent
Vincent
4 years ago
Reply to  Nicky91

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-.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago

good advice to cure my insomnia

Henry
Henry
4 years ago

You must be a very unhappy person.. 95% of your comments here at Wiwiblogs are salty, negative, envious, judging and jealous…… Poor you.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago
Reply to  Henry

i’m not unhappy enough to enjoy this song so i’m fine :)))

Peters
Peters
4 years ago
Reply to  Henry

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.

Freddy
Freddy
4 years ago

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.

Alessio
Alessio
4 years ago

im a only one that dont like him ?

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago
Reply to  Alessio

he lacks personality tbh there’s nothing stannable bout him

Anti bad eurofans
Anti bad eurofans
4 years ago

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.

Melody
Melody
4 years ago

You can’t be serious when you say well played Italy. What does Italy have to do with a bunch of people supporting Mahmood?

Lmao
Lmao
4 years ago

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 »

ESC2019TLV
ESC2019TLV
4 years ago

The only one who lacks personality is you with this kind of stupid childish comments. -24 says enough!

Summer ESC
Summer ESC
4 years ago

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.

Bob
Bob
4 years ago
Reply to  Summer ESC

…Oh but there´s NO Loreen factor here!

Peters
Peters
4 years ago
Reply to  Summer ESC

Finally a high quality radio song that could win Eurovision. Not just one-time weird phenomena trying to be special.

Fatima
Fatima
4 years ago

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!

Fatima
Fatima
4 years ago
Reply to  Fatima

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?

Kris
Kris
4 years ago

My humble king is also funny and charming: )
Thanks William for such cute interview, the question about manscaping was priceless …lmao!

Paul
Paul
4 years ago

Lovely modest personality… Would be nice to see him winning

Nicky91
Nicky91
4 years ago
Reply to  Paul

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

Danni
Danni
4 years ago

Take advice from his Dutch predecessors I see – remember O’G3NE in JESC 2007?

FanESC
FanESC
4 years ago
Reply to  Danni

Wow, I just learnt that they did the JESC in 2007, I didn’t even know.