The bidding process for the Eurovision 2020 host city is moving at full speed with nine cities in the running at the moment. But there’s another question The Netherlands will need to address soon: Who will present the song contest? Speculation and suggestions are coming thick and fast. So we are pleased to list some of the Dutch presenters and artists being mentioned. Have a look and then let us know: Who are your favourites to host Eurovision 2020?

1. Aran Bade

Aran Bade works as an entertainment reporter for the RTL4 show RTL Boulevard. Aran is a Eurovision Song Contest expert and has travelled to Eurovision with the Dutch delegation every year since 2014. Each year he offers updates and insights from the Dutch delegation and feeds them back to the Dutch public. Below is Aran’s interview with Sergey Lazarev in March 2019.

2. Cornald Maas

If the Netherlands is thinking about who has the longest track record in the Eurovision bubble, then Cornald Maas needs to be on the shortlist. He has been close to Eurovision since 1993 and remains dedicated to it. He has been involved as a member of the Dutch selection committee, commentator and writer/editor for various media reporting on ESC. He has presented Eurovision in Concert for several years running and also has experience as a presenter of the AVROTROS show Volle zalen and as a commentator of the Canal Parade during Gay Pride in Amsterdam.

3. Douwe Bob

Douwe Bob calmed us all down during ESC 2016 with his song “Slow Down”. Douwe is mostly a musician and he doesn’t have that much presenting experience. But back in Sweden he showed us that he knows how to host a party. He was the host of the temporary café “The Bar” during Eurovision, and welcomed other Eurovision artists to perform. Of course, presenting Eurovision is another matter entirely. But in Sweden, Douwe showed us his easy-going character and ability to connect with people, which could make him a good host for the Green Room. Douwe also has some TV experience, having served as a coach on season 7 of The Voice Kids.

4. Duncan Laurence

In a Q&A on Twitter, Duncan previously expressed that he would love to present next year’s Eurovision. Social media users were quick to suggest he could pair up with Ilse DeLange — his mentor on The Voice and the singer who got him the gig at Eurovision. Duncan recently spoke about his preference for Rotterdam to serve as host city (largely because he was born in Spijkenisse, which is nearby). If Rotterdam wins and the Group of 3 asks Duncan to host, it would be a home game for Duncan.

5. Edsilia Rombley

The Netherlands sent Edsilia Rombley to Eurovision twice. She participated in 1998 with the song “Hemel and aarde“, finishing fourth. She did it all again in 2007 with “On Top of the World“, which failed to qualify for the final. She has an extensive track record in music, having released eight albums. In 2009, she presented the Dutch TV show Beste Zangers van Nederland and in 2017 she participated in the TV Show Dance Dance Dance. In 2015 she gave the points from the Netherlands in the Barbara Dex Award-winning dress that Trijntje Oosterhuis was supposed to wear (see video below). Note: Edsilia is married to Trijntje’s brother, Tjeerd Oosterhuis.

6. Emma Wortelboer

Emma Wortelboer was relatively unknown to the international audience until she handed out the Dutch points at Eurovision 2019. Since 2015, she has been a TV presenter for the Dutch broadcaster BNNVARA. She launched a campaign on ‘De Wereld Draait Doorto put herself forward for the points gig. AVROTROS eventually went along and accepted her as spokesperson. Dutch media and fans reacted negatively to her appearance — namely that she sneered at Madonna (saying she was thankful for autotone). The public weren’t enchanted with Emma’s outfit either, saying it was a bit too much. Her reaction after Duncan’s win was equally over the top. She broke out in tears, cramped up and screamed “hysterically“.

7. Glennis Grace

In 2005 Glennis Grace participated for The Netherlands at Eurovision with the song “Impossible Dream“. She failed to make it to the final, but built up an extensive music career nonetheless. In total, she has released nine albums. On TV she was a coach for 3 seasons on the talent show It Takes 2So You Think You Can Sing and played the role of Maria in The Passion 2018. In any case, Glennis has already proven that she doesn’t have stage fright. In 2018, she participated in America’s Got Talent, where she faced the always feared Simon Cowell. She handled this well, ending up with the final ten singers — she got eliminated in the final of the show.

8. Gordon

Dutch presentor and former singer Gordon is well known in the Dutch music and media landscape. He was part of the group Toppers, who represented the Netherlands at Eurovision in 2009 with “Shine“. Gordon decided in 2015 to quit his singing career, to focus only on presenting (radio and TV) and his coffee house Blushing. Very recently though, he has hinted at a comeback as a singer. Gordon has an extensive track record as a presenter, on both Dutch radio and TV, including Holland’s Got Talent, Just the Two of Us, Hotter Than My Daughter, X Factor and Idols.

9. Ilse DeLange

For those who need a refresh — Ilse entered Eurovision with Waylon as part of The Common Linnets in 2014 and was Duncan’s mentor on his road to victory in Tel Aviv. Ilse has more than enough stage experience as a singer. She also has appeared as an actress in the series Nashville. Ilse could be a very good option for the Green Room. Below you can see her presenting skills, interviewing actress Carrie Underwood.

10. Jan Smit

Jan Smit became known as a child star in The Netherlands with his song “Ik zing dit lied voor jou alleen“.  The song stayed in the Dutch, Belgian and German charts for weeks and a star was born. Since then, Jan Smit has became famous in The Netherlands. So far, he has contributed to and/or released 28 albums. In addition to that, he has worked on many TV shows as a presenter, including the yearly Gouden Televizier-Ring Gala. Since 2011, he has been one of the commentators for the Dutch broadcast of Eurovision on the AVROTROS broadcast and is present in the Eurovision host city every year. A security camera filmed the moment Duncan won Eurovision 2019 and Jan Smit and co-commentator Cornald Maas were completely taken by emotion.

11. Marlayne Sahupala

Marlayne is a Dutch singer and TV presenter. She participated for The Netherlands in Eurovision with the song “One Good Reason” in 1999, finishing 8th in the final, together with Denmark. Marlayne has presented various shows on Dutch television. Since 2003, she presents the news show ‘Hart Van Nederland‘. Additionally, she appeared as a presenter in shows including Shownieuws, Borneo Update and more. She also presented Eurovision in Concert in 2013 and 2019. Marlayne was the Dutch spokesperson to hand out the Dutch points in 2000, 2001 and 2003.

12. Paul De Leeuw

Perhaps not everyone will remember Paul De Leeuw, because he has been absent from the Eurovision bubble for a while now. Paul stated in 2017 that he is “cured from Eurovision“. He says it has become too commercial and not as interesting to watch anymore. But either way, older readers will definitely remember Paul from his fabulous moments at Eurovision. In 2006 he gave his phone number to ESC presenter Sakis Rouvas while presenting the Dutch votes. He also said that Sakis Rouvas and Maria Menounos reminded him of Will & Grace (see video below). The Netherlands allowed him to hand out the points again in 2007.

Paul is also a singer. He has a wide repertoire of songs, including a duet with Ruth Jacott who represented The Netherlands in 1993 with the song “Vrede“. He also presented the older format of the Dutch national selection Nationaal Songfestival. Paul has loads of experience as a TV presenter, doing shows like De Leeuw, Ranking The Stars, Knoop Gala and others. The biggest problem is that Paul is at his best presenting in Dutch. He can present in English but it may be less smooth.

13. Sieneke

Sieneke participated for The Netherlands in 2010, but wasn’t able to make the final with “Ik ben verliefd (Sha-la-lie)“. In addition to a music career, Sieneke has TV experience in the shows Sterren Dansen op het IJs and Shopping Queens VIPS. Very recently she also took her first steps in the world of acting. She plays in the local TV series Koos in the role of Tessa. Below is her performance in Sterren Dansen op het IJs. 

14. Tim Douwsma

Tim Douwsma became known to the Eurovision audience when he gave the Dutch points in 2014. Tim was also close to representing The Netherlands in Eurovision 2012. He made it through the pre-selections of the Dutch 2012 national selection (Nationaal Songfestival) for Eurovision, but lost his duel to Pearl Jozefzoon before Joan Franka won and went on to represent her country. Tim is a singer with various songs to his name, but also has experience as a presenter. He presented the TV shows AVRO Junior Dance, Cup Cake Cup, The Next Boy/Girl Band, New Musical Star and others. He has also worked as a fashion model and actor.

15. Trijntje

Trijntje participated in 2015 for The Netherlands in Eurovision and left quite the impression with her clothing on stage. She failed to take The Netherlands to the final with her song “Walk Along”. Trijntje started her singing career in the group Total Touch with her brother Tjeerd Oosterhuis. Later she started a successful solo career. Next to music, she also has TV experience, mostly as a coach in talent/singing shows. She was a coach for 3 years in The Voice of Holland, and also appeared on It Takes 2 and DanceSing. Together with Berget Lewis, Edsilia Rombley, Glennis Grace and Candy Dulfer, she was in the group Ladies of Soul, but she left the group in 2017. Would you like to see her pull that dress out of her wardrobe and wear it while hosting Eurovision 2020?

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Who is your favourite to present Eurovision 2020? And which presenters would you like to see join forces to co-host? What is the ideal amount of presenters? Are there any other names that should be in the mix? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Read more Netherlands news here

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Franco Tan
Franco Tan
4 years ago

Rick van de Westelaken, Umberto Tan, Romy Monteiro en Duncan en Nikkie in de Green room, en geen amerikaanse popster in de interval act, maar optredens van Ilse de Lange, Douwe Bob, O’g3ne en Duncan natuurlijk met nummers van winnaars uit het verleden, en als speciale gasten Lenny Kuhr en Getty Caspers. en ABBA als hoofdact(i wished)

QueenieKarniie
QueenieKarniie
4 years ago

Nikkietutorials! She has even Said on Instagram she would love to do it. + she speaks English fluent and she’s very likeable and funny. And because of her massive mediaplatform with millions of followers from Around the World, she could make alot of people from the US and so on watch it

Fionn??
Fionn??
4 years ago

I definitely think it should be Ilse and Duncan! It worked really well in 2016 with måns hosting and I think Duncan would be great in the green room! I also hope it’s in Rotterdam because it’s an amazing city and it’s true that Amsterdam gets enough attention ?

Fan
Fan
4 years ago

I hope Nikkietutorials and Tim Douwsma are going to be the hosts next year.

MyEuroVision
MyEuroVision
4 years ago

Who I want: Chantal Janzen
Who I think they’ll choose: Jan Smit & Romy Monteiro (both did some eurovision related programs)

Igor Patrick
Igor Patrick
4 years ago

Ilse, Aran Bade, Famke Janssen and Douwe.

Dawid
Dawid
4 years ago

Ilse and Duncan for me. 2 is enough

The Netherlands 2020
The Netherlands 2020
4 years ago

This is what i would love:

Semi Final 1: Nikkietutorials and Tim Douwsma

Semi Final 2: Duncan Laurence and Ilse de Lange

Grand Final: Chantal Janzen and Jan Smit

Not Duncan Laurance
Not Duncan Laurance
4 years ago

I thought that same thing about Douwe lol he would be great at the green room

Escfan
Escfan
4 years ago

where are the black people? racists

Henry
Henry
4 years ago
Reply to  Escfan

Ridiculous comment.
Btw, Edsilia is black.

Meliris
Meliris
4 years ago
Reply to  Henry

And Glennis.

Jo.
Jo.
4 years ago

Duncan Lawrence is winning this poll???! srsly…

Alex
Alex
4 years ago

Maybe Emma and Trintje but in general NONE of them.

Find someone funny and experience, not a ESC winner or former participant. And not someone too old/serious/campy.

Anke, Filomena and Petra were the best, i am sure you can find a Dutch funny presenter.

Diego
Diego
4 years ago

Emma, Douwe, Ilse and Edsilia

Gino
Gino
4 years ago

How can anyone suggest jan smit. Hes beyond terrible. His commentary is the worst.

Azaad
Azaad
4 years ago

Emma would be an entertaining host. Not a great one. Note the difference.

hebbuzz
hebbuzz
4 years ago

Dionne Stax, Eva Jinek, Rick vd Westerlaken, Winfred Baaijens, Humberto Tan, Yolanthe Cabau van Casbergen are not mentioned as possible presenters.

pepe
pepe
4 years ago
Reply to  hebbuzz

And all of them are way more likely then the random list in this article.

OrangeVorty
OrangeVorty
4 years ago

There’s not much diversity on this list for a nation that has given Eurovision so much diversity in its entries over the years.

Pancake
Pancake
4 years ago

On the list: Tim Douwsma, Glennis Grace
Not on the list: Martin Garrix

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
4 years ago

Emma Wortelboer seems awful. Not her. Don’t get along with that type of host for Eurovision.

Rob
Rob
4 years ago

Eva Jinek and Dionne Stax, defo! Douwe Bob and/or Tim “the hot Dutch guy” Douwsma for eye candy,.

Robert
Robert
4 years ago

i think multiple hosts,Tim Douwsma,Jan Smit,with Ilse Delange and Duncan Laurence doing The Green Room

Jake Dallas
Jake Dallas
4 years ago
Reply to  Robert

No no no. Why do people think we need four hosts and not go back to the days of Petra and Måns.

Robbert
Robbert
4 years ago

The Dutch broadcasters aren’t concentrating on the presenters yet. Their aim for the coming 2 weeks is to decide about the production company. That’s what I heard today. The results of that search will be known in two weeks.

Robbert
Robbert
4 years ago

For me first Eva Jinek, very popular journalist and talk show host, who spent big part of her youth in the USA. Second Winfried Baijens, journalist and presenter. Dionne Stax, journalist/ newsreader/ presenter would have a good chance as well. Duncan Laurence. This would be smth new for him, but he told the media he would love it, and he is such a relaxed guy that I think I would do a good job. Marlayne Sahupula would be fit for the job, but she works for a commercial broadcaster and it has been said that they will first search for… Read more »

Christobal
Christobal
4 years ago

Nikkie Tutorials PLEASE! She already said it on Instagram that she would love to present Eurovision 2020. She has a great sense of humor, is very likable and her English is fluent.

Rick
Rick
4 years ago

1. Jan Smit
2. Chantal Jansen (not on this list)
3. Tim Dousma

SVW
SVW
4 years ago

Lol, these people are basicly all linked to Eurovision.

Jan Smit is a very good option, he’s been our commentator since 2011.
I’d say Dionne Stax would get to host as well. She just came to the AVROTROS (some days ago). Chantal Janzen would be great as well, just as Geraldine Kemper but they are hosting at the commercial broadcaster RTL so that might be a problem.

Eva Jinek is an option as well :).

Robbin
Robbin
4 years ago

I think we can say 2 hosts for this event are clear (bith not on wiwi’s list ?). Jan Smit and Dione Stax. Jan had been the commentator of the event for years and is the biggest star from broadcastet (avro)Tros. Dione just singed with AvroTros after working for NOS for years. Seems like a great hosting gig for her.

HarpyDarper
HarpyDarper
4 years ago

Intesting list! I don’t watch any Dutch media so I have only a little familiarity with these people. I know C Maas does lots of hosting and Eurovision stuff so he could be good, but I imagine he is quite serious? Edsillia sounds good as she has done TV and Eurovision in Concert (all good experience). Aran Bade could do just the green room and Dowue Bob & Marlayne could report from the outside party. Those would be my (admittedly naive) picks. I know Jan Smit has experience but maybe considered too cheesy? Paul Dr Lewis too controversal and Gordon… Read more »

HarpyDarper
HarpyDarper
4 years ago
Reply to  HarpyDarper

Quite a rambling post I’ll admit, feel free to inform me

Thanos
Thanos
4 years ago

My dream three hosts would be Duncan, Ilse and Douwe Bob!! I think they would be great even if they don’t have experience in presenting a show

Joseph Mendy
Joseph Mendy
4 years ago

So to conclude my two Ideal hosts for ESC 2020 are Duncan Lawrence and Kim-Lian van den mejj

Joseph Mendy
Joseph Mendy
4 years ago

I think Duncan Lawrence would be brilliant as host.
If I was gonna suggest a name to put into the mix it would be Kim-Lian van den mejj. I’ve watched Junior Eurovision 2007 and 2012 on YouTube and She was ace!!

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  Joseph Mendy

Kim was better than the guy in 2012, at the very very least. They were both pretty lousy though.

SVW
SVW
4 years ago
Reply to  Joseph Mendy

Why many dislikes on this comment? Kim-Lian van der Meij is a good host with good English, as she has proven at Junior Eurovision 2007 & 2012. She was fun! Her male co-hosts in 2007 and 2012 were horrific tho…

Robbert
Robbert
4 years ago
Reply to  SVW

Kim Lian is great but working for one of the commercial broadcasters as far as I know. I think she will be skipped for that

Joseph Mendy
Joseph Mendy
4 years ago

Marie N won in 2002 then hosted the show in 2003.
Mans Zemerlöw won in 2015 and went onto hosting duties in 2016.
So why can’t Duncan Lawrence follow suit

Pokey
Pokey
4 years ago
Reply to  Joseph Mendy

Don’t forget about Eldar Gasimov (2011 winner) from Azerbaijan hosting in 2012.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Pokey

Also, don’t forget Toto Cutugno, winner in 1990, host in 1991.

Okay, maybe do forget that one…

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
4 years ago

My ideal hosts for ESC 2020 would be:
Sharon den Adel – lead singer of the synthonic metal band Within Temptation
Duncan Laurence – following in the footsteps of Eldar Gasimov and Mans Zelmerlow as the reigning winner becoming the host.
Christina Aguilera – Huge connection to the Netherlands, following the recent trend of American hosts with connections to the host nation like Daniela Rua in 2018 (Lisbon) and Bar Rafieli in 2019 (Tel Aviv).
Edsilia Rombley – For historical reasons, and to represent the Netherlands Carribean.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

I’d be delighted if Duncan was less an Eldar and more a Mans.

And Christina Aguilera? Really? She’s never lived in the Netherlands and her mom is only 1/4 Dutch descent, and that’s pretty much the beginning and end of the Dutch connection. (And Bar Refaeli is Israeli born and bred, dude. Maria Menounos was American, but I think she and Daniela are the only American hosts).

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
4 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Well, she was the only Dutch-American I knew of and I was going off current host trends, and thank’s for the heads up on Bar Rafaeli, I knew she had a connection to the states just didn’t know it was legitimate or not. Aside from that, you enjoy the supposed line up?

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

I don’t think the connection would be strong enough to justify including her as a host, especially since her Dutch background is slight and she doesn’t emphasize it very much (compared to Maria or Daniela, who are famous in Greece and Portugal and are very much connected to their identity).

Duncan, Edsilia, and Sharon are fine choices.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Joe

I thought Christina Aguilera’s mother was Irish? #Dublin2021

American ESC fan
American ESC fan
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Well In the United States we’re a mix of everything. She’s Ecuadorian from her fathers side and Irish, German, Welsh, and Dutch from her mothers side.

West
West
4 years ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

I would love to see Sharon – she would be great.

Azaad
Azaad
4 years ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Honestly I’d love to see Sharon be the host entry. Within Temptation as a band never were keen to do Eurovision but Sharon was the head of the Dutch jury for 2018 and seems personally enthusiastic, and she makes solo music on the side.

PaT
PaT
4 years ago

Just put Linda de Mol there. Guarantee of high quality and fun

Micho
Micho
4 years ago

Sylvie Meis and Yolanthe Cabau?

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
4 years ago

ANOUK! First one to get the Dutch to the finals (9th in 2013), after they were bounced in 9 straight semis once the contest became a 2- and 3-day competition.

pepe
pepe
4 years ago
Reply to  CookyMonzta

You mean 8 semis. The Netherlands qualified in 2004.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
4 years ago
Reply to  pepe

D’OH! I was so fixed on their long stretch of non-qualifiers that I started to think their first attempt to qualify (2004) was also a failure.

v_aus
v_aus
4 years ago

Duncan and Ilse, aided by Maxine & Franklin Brown and Maggie MacNeal.

Deven O’Kearney
Deven O’Kearney
4 years ago

This list is pretty unrealistic. •Aran Bade: Works for RTL, so no chance he’ll do it. •Duncan, Ilse and Douwe: No experience as hosts. •Glennis Grace: Girl don’t want nothing to do with Eurovision no more. •Gordon: Won’t be considered. •Trijntje and Sineke: Girl, please, no, bye! •Paul de Leeuw: Doesn’t even watch Eurovision anymore. •Emma Wortelboer: No, just no! She’s soo annoying, and the reviews after the final speak for themselves. The public agree with me. •Chantal Janzen: One of RTL’s most recognisable faces. They won’t relinquish her to NPO. No sign of Dionne Stax, Eva Jinek (who has… Read more »

Joe
Joe
4 years ago

I’d say Duncan and Ilse are more realistic, given their proficient English (“you know what I’m saying”s aside) and experience in front of the cameras.

Azaad
Azaad
4 years ago
Reply to  Joe

To be fair, many Dutch candidates would have perfect or near perfect English.

joko
joko
4 years ago

You are totally right! The NPO is not looking to get hosts from commercial tv like RTL.

Misha
Misha
4 years ago

Ilse and Waylon but they don’t talk to each other

Laura
Laura
4 years ago

Most of the people on this list don’t even have experience hosting a show. Being a singer is very different from presenting the Eurovision Song Contest… As I think they will choose someone from NPO, I hope they will go for Eva Jinek, Dionne Stax or Rik van de Westerlaken. Chantal Janzen would be great, but as she works for RTL, I don’t think they will ask her.

Maureen
Maureen
4 years ago

What about Chantal Janzen!??

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
4 years ago
Reply to  Maureen

Dead God anyone but her+ she is from RTL so I dont think she can/wants to work for the NPO.

Tre
Tre
4 years ago

what about the trio from 2009?

Joe
Joe
4 years ago

I like a bunch of these options (except Paul de Leeuw – no way, Jose), but my personal favorite options would be Edsilia, Duncan, Ilse, Cornald, and/or Emma.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago

It should be an experienced TV host – an actual television presenter by profession. Not some singer trying their luck (sorry Douwe, Duncan, Ilse, Trinjte), the eventual host/s should have gravitas, charisma and be competent. It’s not important that the Eurovision fans have heard of them previously. They don’t have to have any previous connection to the contest. They don’t even have to be from the entertainment field – a news journalist could do nicely.

oops
oops
4 years ago

Nikkie Tutorials should host 😀

Osterreich
Osterreich
4 years ago

I want Melisandre and Daario Naharis please…

Romée
Romée
4 years ago

Where is Gerard Joling? He want to host it too!

Craig
Craig
4 years ago

Paul was hilarious back in 2006 so could make for an entertaining host ?

Deven O’Kearney
Deven O’Kearney
4 years ago
Reply to  Craig

He doesn’t even watch Eurovision anymore.

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
4 years ago

Last night I dreamt that the German national final 2020 would consist of 5 newcomers and each of them has a “star duet” with a mentor. And guess what: I took part and sang with Ilse DeLange “Rocking With The Rhythm Of The Rain” 😀
So I am in for Ilse ofc <3

Emily Freeman’s
Emily Freeman’s
4 years ago

I would go with nikii tutorials, even though ms she lives in the U.S she’s Dutch and because of the fact she’s a big youtuber would know how to be funny when on the T.V screens

Julimag
Julimag
4 years ago

She doesn’t live in the US, she lives in the Netherlands.

Hoes
Hoes
4 years ago

She lives in branbant