They say age is just a number — and Pieter Gabriel proves the point. The 15-year-old is already one of the greatest DJ talents in the Netherlands. And now he is working with Eurovision 2020 Musical Director Eric van Tijn on a special music production for the opening act of the Grand Final in Rotterdam. More specifically, it’s for the flag parade — that beautiful moment the acts show their national colours as they strut onto the stage and into European (and Australian) hearts.

Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer Event, announced this news during the Eurosonic Noorderslag music conference in Groningen — yes, the buzzy university town we recently visited as part of our YouTube tour of the Netherlands.

Why is Pieter Gabriel working on Eurovision music?

From Tiesto to Armin van Burren, Dutch DJs have been throwing beats on the global stage for years. So much so that Eurofans frequently say they’d love to see a Dutch DJ take on the challenge of Eurovision.

This isn’t lost on Sietse. In a statement sent to Wiwibloggs, he said:

“The history of Dutch music is celebrated internationally by the unique mix that Pieter Gabriel and Eric van Tijn have produced together.”

“The Netherlands is known as the country with the best DJs in the entire world and the Eurovision Song Contest is happy to offer young people the opportunity to present their talent to the world.”

“The collaboration with Pieter Gabriel and Eric van Tijn shows that the Eurovision Song Contest knows how to bridge the craftsmanship of young and experienced talent.”

Pieter Gabriel may be young, but he knows the enormity of the opportunity here.

“The fact that I can make music heard by millions of people is already a highlight of my career. I am proud that in this way — together with Eric — I can make a contribution to the largest television event in the world.”

The teenager is no stranger to the EDM world. At the age of 8, Pieter performed at the massive Amsterdam Dance Event 2016. In 2018, the DJ released his debut single “Forever” together with FOURCE – the Dutch boyband who represented The Netherlands at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2017. That same year Gabriel performed at the Christmas Music Gala.

What do you think about this young music maker? Let us know in the comments section down below!

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Nicky91
Nicky91
4 years ago

scraping the barrel here, would’ve rather loved Tiesto, as he’s our icon of EDM, who had started this music and inspired a younger generation like martin garrix, hardwell, Nicky romero, armin van buuren

Sara
Sara
4 years ago

Not important and maybe I’m just reading it wrong, but how could he be 8 years old in 2016 when he’s now 15? I’m his age and I remember being 12 haha.

esc1234
esc1234
4 years ago

Although i loved the opening of 2019 i think the netherlands will do an amazing job as well. Opening should be upbeat and fun like 2016/19

Mr Vanilla Bean
Mr Vanilla Bean
4 years ago

I’m glad the flag parade with the artists remains – it’s very festive. I’m also glad that there’s a balance between young and old – kinda like in 2013 with Avicii and the ABBA guys.

Kentelvie
Kentelvie
4 years ago

But B&B and Avicii is just 100% more interesting.
But maybe it will surprise us.

PP77
PP77
4 years ago

I thinh flag parade must cut from final. Thing is too long. In 2015 first song started after 22 min. Simillar happened in 1989 when first song starded in 21 min (in that years we dont have parade in final).

Adam
Adam
4 years ago
Reply to  PP77

I’m sorry, but could you elaborate on your argument – couldn’t you just not watch it? It doesn’t cut into the performances or shorten the voting sequence. Personally, I think the flag parade is both an excellent opportunity to introduce the countries to the audience (remember, most people don’t watch the semifinals!) and to welcome the artists themselves.

NickC
NickC
4 years ago

Age is just a number indeed! I am looking forward to it. This is slowly becoming an unforgettable version/production. I hope song quality catches up with it.