Claude Kiambe will sing for The Netherlands at Eurovision 2025. The 21-year-old singer is already known for some major hits, including “Ladada (Mon Dernier Mot),” “Layla,” and “Écoutez-moi.”
Born in the Congo, he told AVROTROS that he’s ready to make a big impact in Basel.
“I feel extremely honored that I will represent the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest next year and I still can’t believe it. I’m really looking forward to it and can’t wait to present my song to Europe.”
Following his announcement, Claude revealed that his Eurovision 2025 song will have lyrics in two languages. He’s keeping those languages under wraps for now. Dutch? French? English? Let us know your best guesses.
The full press release follows.
Claude Kiambe is The Netherlands’ Eurovision 2025 singer
PRESS RELEASE
Claude was chosen after a careful and phased process from the 331 entries that AVROTROS received. “This year, as a selection committee, we have chosen a meaningful, connecting and hit-sensitive song with international appeal that can effortlessly conquer the hearts of young and old Eurovision viewers,” said the selection committee consisting of Cornald Maas, Jacqueline Govaert, Sander Lantinga, Hila Noorzai, Carolien Borgers and Jaap Reesema.
About Claude
The charismatic singer-songwriter Claude, originally from Congo, moved to the Netherlands at the age of 13. He and his family encountered the Eurovision Song Contest here for the first time, cheering together as Conchita Wurst won. A tradition was born and Claude has continued to follow the Song Contest ever since.
His love for music developed further and with his unique voice and talent Claude managed to conquer the music scene. His breakthrough came in 2022 with the debut single ‘Ladada (Mon Dernier Mot)’, which achieved 57 million streams. He won the 3FM Award for Best Newcomer, was named 3FM Talent and Qmusic crowned Claude Best Artist of the Year. In addition, he managed to win the hearts of the Dutch public with his participation in the popular Dutch TV program Beste Zangers.
Claude released his debut album this year, on which he co-wrote all the songs himself and toured the Netherlands and Belgium with his band. In 2024, Claude also took on the role of Ambassador of Freedom, an honorable task that he found extra special due to his own past.
Claude also continues to impress internationally. The English-French version of ‘Ladada’
charted in over fifteen countries, including Italy, where it reached the top 10. With the international release of ‘Layla’, Claude strengthened his position as an artist with global allure.
Claude is eagerly looking forward to 2025, in which, in addition to the Eurovision Song Contest, he will shine at the legendary Pinkpop Festival. Although his journey has only just begun, Claude proves with his boundless energy, sold-out shows and millions of streams that he is a lasting force in the music industry.
PRESS RELEASE END
The Netherlands at Eurovision 2025
The Netherlands were late confirming their participation in Eurovision 2025 following the country’s disqualification at the 2024 contest. But, the events did not deter big-named Dutch artists from submitting bids to represent their country in Basel. Broadcaster AVROTORS received 331 submissions.
Speaking on talkshow Beau in November, Eurovision commentator Cornald Maas was positive of the entries that he had heard. He said:
Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS confirmed their participation at the end of October with a statement on Instagram and on their web site. It came after prolonged discussions with the EBU that stemmed from the country’s disqualification from the grand final in May 2024.
The statement read:
“AVROTROS will take part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Switzerland. After months of conversations and meetings, the broadcaster has received sufficient guarantees from the EBU that there will be structural changes at the song contest. Joost Klein was given the opportunity to take part again. But he has decided to turn down the offer. The submission window for new songs for 2025 has now opened.”
In an additional statement online, the broadcaster added:
“Together with other countries, AVROTROS has insisted on structural changes behind and in front of the cameras of the Eurovision Song Contest. With a package of measures that has been put forward, the broadcaster is satisfied and looks positively to the future. There are concrete measures that have been carried out, including:
- the inclusion of a safety manager in the artists bubble
- an overall reduction of filming behind the scenes
- a safe space for artists behind the scenes where they won’t be disturbed
- a crisis team consisting of representatives of the EBU, participating countries and the organising broadcaster, so weighty decisions are being made democratically
- the appointment of Martin Green as the new Director, who is going to oversee these changes
Are you excited about the country’s choice? What type of song are you hoping for? Let us know down below.
sounds very promising
tbh i will wait for the song i dont know any of his music
Looks pleasantly noncircus. Best of luck, Netherlands!
Good thing last year, The Netherlands didn’t have a circus either.
wiwi really needs to close its comment section
If they did that they’d lose viewers… What would the point?
less toxicity? did you every read any comments on this website?
Yes, but who cares about peoples meanings? A meaning is like a piece of toilet paper.
At least they need moderation.
Censorship you mean? Why? Are u Russian?
This comment…
I demand comment moderation since 2022
You were all expecting the Pa pa pa Guy to come back.
Anyone who has kept up with Eurovision news knew he wouldn’t come back. He wants to come back somewhere in the future, but for now he just wants to do what I wants: make music and forget about this year’s drama.
Are there really people Who kept Up with Eurovision news? In august or October? WoW…and I thought my Life was crap.
You’re complaining on a site with Eurovision news about people who follow Eurovision news.
Are there really people Who follow Eurovision news in September??? WoW.
Yes, but it’s not like people check Wiwibloggs 24/7.
Yes, me, and proud of it.
You are here in December for the same reason;-)
it is
Great choice, dank u wel Nederland.
There´s no compirason with that trashy act from this year…
I’ll have to wait for the song, but with Claude I know there is potential for a top finish at the ESC. Netherlands is back with a vengance!
i am such a huge fan of Claude, Layla, Ladada, Ecoutez-Moi are such huge hits of his
never thought he would say yes to esc, but such a fantastic choice
Negative attention seeker turns into a positive attention seeker? You need a psychologist.
It’s okay if you don’t like the guy. Move on. Don’t bore everyone with your endless trolling. It’s not funny, it’s not clever, it’s just pathetic.
Anonymous91 brings a bit of the needed fun here on Wiwi.
I couldn’t stop laughing after the Sesame street vibe comment of last year.
Needed fun? Lol! Are you sure? More toxicity than fun I would say.
why is everyone downvoting this guy for simply stating his opinion?
You must be new or a real snowflake ..
Anonymous is a known troll, but just because he is a troll does not mean he is always trolling. Though, it’s very likely he is trolling now. If he isn’t trolling with this current comment, then he caused him being hated by his own behavior.
But what happens wiwi? Nothing no article about Luxembourg songs? No article about FIK first semi-final and the results?
Probably show up tomorrow. They could be short staffed.
We get a lot for our subscription fee of €0.
You pay what you get.
who cares about the first semi final of FiK?
and who cares about the Luxembourg songs lol
King Claude is more important
He just announced that it will be in two different languages.
no surprise there, all his work is in two different languages
lol
just only sing in english, if u wanna do well at esc, u must sing in english
So Italians and Ukrainians can’t win Eurovision?
Loool! Portuguese, French, Italian, Ukrainian, Armenian, are the languages belonging to the esc top 10 this year, you live in a cave or what?
Very promising! I approve.
Again somebody who sang on the Dutch tv show ‘De Beste Zangers’, broadcasted by AVROTROS as well. I had my hopes on Numidia.
I didn’t know Claude as a Dutchy myself until 2023 edition of De Beste Zangers. Fell in love with him immediately. His voice, live, is even better than on his recorded tracks. ?? Which shows his quality. Netherlands back in Top 3 ? Who knows.
I mean, Claude’s debut single came out in 2022. He hasn’t been that long in the music business, so it makes sense that you didn’t know him untill last year.
That debut single happened to be a massive hit that you heard pretty much everywhere for a few months, so I’d say it’s quite an accomplishment to have been able to avoid it 🙂
Not everyone listens to the radio though.
Again? Joost was never in ‘de beste zangers’ same goes for Mia & Dion, S10,
Jeangu etc.
Or maybe he will sing in Dutch and an African language. That would be cool!
He will: French.
Colonialism strikes again!
How? He’s from Congo, for as far as I know Congo was never a Dutch colony but a Belgian one.
I said “colonialism”, not “Dutch colonialism”… yes, it was Leopold’s fault. What a prick.
If Belgium ever wins the contest I will demand an interval act where an effigy of Leopold is burned and nothing less.
“No One Mourns The Wicked”
Jonas seriously….
What? It’s just a sad fact of history, it’s why Claude speaks French. The people of Congo were treated truly appallingly.
He speaks French for that reason or not but we’re talking about Music not History, he is Dutch he is not obliged to sing in French if he does it, it’s maybe because he is also proud of his multiculturalism, that’s what makes him what he is.
Sometimes political correctness takes you so far over the edge that you’ve actually just become a racist yourself. Like when you see a guy from Congo singing in French and all you can think of is colonialism. Maybe he just likes the language?
That’s true, but not in this case.
Rumpelstiltskin said above “maybe he will sing in Dutch and an African language”…
I was just trying to explain why French IS an African language. That’s all.
“Maybe he just likes the language?”
I’m sure he does. It’s his mother tongue, and the official language of the Congo.
Yes, it’s his mother tongue. That’s it. I don’t think there’s a single second where Claude thinks “wait, I’m not supposed to sing in this language because in this way I perpetuate French colonialism”.
I never for a moment suggested that he did, or should.
French is his native language. So, not strange to sing in it
The funny thing is: it’s pretty much certain the song will be partly in French (all of his songs are) but if there’s Dutch or English or anything else in it remains a guess. For a Dutch entry, that’s probably a first. Should at least get us some sympathy votes from France (and maybe Switzerland and Wallonia).
No English please!!
Nou if only the UK would learn from the Netherlands and send an act with heritage from outside the isles.
UK always sends ethnic songs though in their native english
“UK” is not “England”
Reflecting their colonial history… at last!
Netherlands have done a MUCH better job at that over the decades.
Not this time, Congo used to be a Belgian colony, not a Dutch one.
I know.
Your comment does not make any sense. The Dutch have send artists who were born in former colonies since 1964, With Anneke Gronloh. Then we have Milly Scott (the first black singer in Eurovision in 66), The hearts of soul, Sandra Reemer, Andres, Rodina from Harmony, Justine Pelmelay, Humphrey Campbell, Ruth Jacott, Franklin Brown, Edsillia Rombley, Linda Wagenmakers, Glennis Grace and Jeangu Macrooy.
So I don’t know what point you were trying to make?
*Rosina not Rodina
I know! That’s what I’m saying!
The point I was trying to make is exactly that – the Dutch have reflected their history MUCH better than the the British have.
You forget OG3NE. Their mother was an Indo.
Honestly I would be excited for them to even acknowledge the language diversity in the UK even a little bit. You dont even have to leave the main island for Welsh or Cornish or Scotts or Gaelic. But nooooo artists barley get to sing with their own accents.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS ?
no you don’t
Dont you get tired of yourself… cause daaaaaamnnn
don’t you dare voting for Claude
Ha, so what if I do?
To be or not to be the same country that sent the s***w**cks of 2023 and 2024. Well it is. Amazing choice <3 veel succes <3
what language does he even sing in, i don’t understand a word he sings in his songs lol
Seriously, get a life.
You again? the bully… After Joost, now Claude is your victim? Get a life.
I’m disappointed it’s not Floor, but I’m not disappointed it’s Claude. I can’t wait to listen to his song!
Not My Country, we in the south support Belgian Flanders
Netherlands second dq in a row, i can feel it
What an unbelievably stupid thing to say
Houdoe en bedankt
We in the South support Claude big time.
i more would’ve wanted Chef’Special, to stay in the similar-ish feel good train as last year
or us pulling off a ”moldova” like act, with lets say Rowwen Heze combined with some modern act to promote the brabant and limburg cultures in esc some more, Rowwen Heze can easily have fan fave potential like zdob si zdub
An artist who was on the wishlist of a lot of Dutch fans. Great choice! We’ll see Netherlands back in the final again this year!
dutch fans need to fade away from the esc fandom with all honestly
seek help
eurovision season starts as of 1st February for me
with us south brabant the 110% loyal fans of flanders
we have nothing to fear from this r.e.f.u.g.e.e so i hope belgium and netherlands are in the same semi, so we can school the hollanders
Dude, you make reading comments on this site unbearable. Don’t you have anything useful to do. At least on escforum there is a mute button for trolls like you.
not in threads for countries i do like though
Malta, Belgium, Serbia, Moldova, Montenegro, San Marino
these above rivers hollanders are not from my country
Don’t bother us with your cultural inferiority complex. I’m very happy Claude is going to represent my country, you’re just a disgrace to us.
Hey Nicky91. You have been spamming multiple blogs with negativity. I would like to advise you to speak to friends, family or an advisor about these internal struggles that you clearly have. There is always help out there!
Ignore it, not worth the energy.
I hope his eventual song is as catchy as above video
he said in an interview its gonna be even catchier and his best song to date
I guess NL is back with vengeance, love to see it.
not at all lol, and i hope EBU will dq those holland turds again, just keep dq’ing them until they finally withdraw for good, lazy netherlands
Joost looks different this year!
Ok! Unexpected artist reveal today but very interesting! We’re definetely spoiled before Christmas this year.
Welcome and good luck to him!
Last year’s reveal was a bit earlier ?
He has released 5 songs one month ago, maybe his esc song is among them, I watched the clip of “je t’aime” and it’s very good. The guy is talented he has a great voice and he has charisma, good job The Netherlands for this choice.
released 5 songs one month ago, talking about attention seeking haha
WTH?
Attention seeking said by a …
Excited to see what he brings! Welkom Claude!
I hope the song is in Dutch. Otherwise, I’m not interested.
Probably in Dutch and French like the majority of his songs.
Nice! I’m on board with that!
yeah, snoozefest radio filler music
dutch/french combination is also very weird lol
It’s not weird at all. Ask the people in Brussels.
i don’t bother to ask anyone in Wallonia, since i don’t speak french
in Flanders everyone sings in either west-flemish or in dutch, or dutch/spanish (our queen Belle Perez, flemish eleni foureira)
Claude is an amazing singer. You have to listen to the song he performed at the program “Beste Zangers” he song together with Hanna May the beautiful song from Jacques Brel ” Ne me quitte pas” . He stole my heart with that performance. I am very looking forward to hear his song for Basel.
oh well, if Claude even makes it to Basel lol
Awesome choice, well done!
Sounds promising 🙂