Claude is one of the Netherlands’ biggest hitmakers. His song “Labada” took the country by storm in 2023. Now he’s ready to present his Eurovision 2025 song “C’est La Vie”.Combining English and French, Claude celebrates his mother in the toe-tapping number.
“C’est La Vie is a tribute to a parent and for me that’s my mother,” he says in an AVROTROS press release. “As a little boy and throughout my youth, she taught me to see the positive in the things you experience in life, even when you experience setbacks. Even though it looks very dark for a moment, you should always focus on the bright side. That is exactly the message I want to convey. Life is not always easy; it goes up, it goes down, and around and around, but C’est La Vie!”
Unfortunately, “C’est La Vie” was leaked on Wednesday afternoon on X.
A spokesperson from AVROTROS confirmed shortly after the leak went around that the fragment shared on social media contained the Dutch Eurovision entry. To newspaper Het Parool, AVROTROS added that they won’t report the incident to the police, but remain, nevertheless, disappointed.
Claude – “C’est La Vie” (Netherlands Eurovision 2025)
In November, Claude went into the studio with Arno Krabman, Joren van der Voort and Léon Palmen with the aim of writing thé perfect song for the Eurovision Song Contest. They submitted the song just before the deadline and we now know the outcome.
In the coming weeks, together with the creative team led by creative director and director Pim Brassien, and with lighting designer Henk-Jan van Beek, he will be putting the finishing touches to his act for Basel.
“I’m not going to say too much about it yet, but I especially want to touch the audience with my song, it must convey strength and positivity. I think the song is perfect for that; the emotions and the tempo alternate and you will see that on stage.”
On Tuesday, Claude received the 3FM Music Award for Album of the Year with his latest full-length release Parler français, which also highlighted his Stromae-inspired style.
Did you listen to Claude’s “C’est La Vie”? How do you think the song will fair at Eurovision? Let us know in the comments down below!
Love love the song , it has everything for young and elderly people to enjoy listening to it. The French words he uses are easy to understand and sing along and can easily include for people who don’t really speak or understand French. This song will do very well and a qualifier with no doubt.
I think we have a winner guys. Top-3 at least.
Winner! 12 points from Greece!
I like this! This could do pretty well.
In all honesty, anything is better than the horror you served us all last year.
This is an ok song, but that chorus reminds me of something hmmm…it’s too familiar.
The song is not bad, and I understand there’s a story. Still, it’s repetitive, not very unique or differentiated. Unless he performs like the French singer last year, I can hardly see it qualifying.
Also, why would the NL send a song in French?
That has to do with the story you mention.
Hardly see it qualifying? Are you serious? This will qualify with ease..so you can name 10 songs from semi 1 who will qualify over this? mmmmm, don’t think so.
Argument 1. Why not?
Argument 2. The Netherlands is multicultural.
Why would Sweden send a song in English?
Why would Sweden send a song in English?
Dutchies learn French at school and the Dutch language contains many French words and phrases.
Most important fact…. He is from the Congo…. WHERE THE PRIMARY LANGUAGE IS FRENCH?! BONJOUR, U PAYING ATTENTION?
Why would Denmark sing in English? Why would Finland sing in German?
Way better than mamy quirky entries of this year and boring songs like Italy’s song; good luck to Netherlands 🙂
this is not bad …
Definitely inspired by Stromae. Can‘t say this is something extraordinary or winning material but at least it’s the only quality entry for me so far. A bit tired of all these negative comments under really good music ‚ and excitement about another trash songs.
Inspired by Stromae? So every single in English is inspired by Madonna?
No, every single in English is not inspired by Madonna.
Claude is very obviously inspired by Stromae. He mentioned so in interviews during the early days of Ladada (Mon dernier mot).
This is what ESC needs – proper talent! Love his voice!
The song is fine. It’s not great, it’s not groundbreaking, it’s simply just a nice song.
This won’t win, it won’t make waves in Basel, but it’s a lovely addition to the lineup. An uplifting, positive song that gets you on your feet was needed this year.
Netherlands 8,5/12 – on my current 5th place so far
As a native French speaker, I find those lyrics very poor and it bothers me because I think it’s a great song. I know that Claude’s mother tongue is French, but then I don’t understand why he chose to sing lyrics with A1 level. And sometimes it doesn’t even mean anything, like « C’est en haut et en bas »… It doesn’t sound well. Instead, he should have said « Il y a des hauts, il y a des bas ». Well, I don’t want to play my French teacher, but this might dissuade some French speaking viewers or jurors from voting for him.… Read more »
Exactly my thoughts! As a native French speaker from Belgium, I can confirm that we francophones tend to cringe at clichés like « ooh là là », « voulez-vous coucher avec moi? », and « comme ci, comme ça ». This song feels like a mashup of every stereotypical French phrase, making it painfully cringeworthy.
That said, I do enjoy the melody—but the lyrics completely ruin it for me.
And please, let’s stop comparing him to Stromae! Stromae is a true artist, known for his profound and meaningful lyrics. This, on the other hand, feels more like Junior Eurovision material.
Because Claude is not a true artist?
At least he sings in French not the case of Belgium and their english obsession 😉
We have lyrics like serving kant, kiss kiss goodbye, or ich komme this year… outstanding quality, it’s a song contest not a poetry contest…
but haters gonna hate c’est la vie.
He was planned as the opening act in Stromae’s tour, so lets compare him.
Exactly the same here. Belgian, francophone and it sounds so cheesy to me !
Since the Francophone world isn’t the target here, the goal is to use French that’s universally understood across Europe. Most Europeans don’t even have A1-level French proficiency. No need to be a snob about it.
I really love the fact that the Netherlands sends a song with the titel ‘C’est la vie’ after 2024. Thanks Claude for bringing back the hope and joy for the Dutch people!
This is actually the only winning potential entry so far and I’m surprised of the negative comments in here. Do you really prefer Mans?
Me definitely not ! Claude is so much better
The highlight of Måns’s performance was getting a piece of confetti in his mouth
You’re welcome! You fans want fun, don’t you? You have overload of it this year. And Måns is bringing it as well!
I prefer Revolution or even Bara bada bastu!
Sorry Revolutions sounds like the sequel of Heroes
Considering how meh all the released entries have been so far, this totally has winning potential.
Surprised and disappointed by the negative comments on this page! Claude is a potential jury winner in the ESC final in Basel. An elegant ballad opener sung with a voice that provides emotional gravitas pulling the listener in…followed by a pop symphony with a sing-along hook. Joost may have sung about his papa last year with a sonic nod to German ears…In 2025 Claude sings of his mama with a sonic nod to French ears. This song has pop perfection with heart as opposed to the more clinical Scandi-pop available elsewhere. Claude would make a welcome and worthy winner! Note… Read more »
Well done! Really good. I guess first time this year I really like the song of an entrant
Cute song that sticks around in your head but lacks that oomph that could make it special. Liked it anyways and I’m sure it’ll do great in Basel!
I love this song. It is earnest. it is relatable. It’s about not giving up even life is not good. This made me emotional. I will vote for it from the U.S.A.
Cliche sound, cliche lyrics, cliche dance, cliche videoclip… Fire-desire type of rhymes. One of the worst songs of Claude. Trying to sell emotions but not from authentic place but in a cheap way. It will do well just because the quality this year is worse than in 2001. But I would be ashamed of going public with such a cringe cliche unoriginal and meaningless song if I was Claude
Haters gonna hate c’est la vie
I agree mostly. It’s unoriginal and repetitive. I can even see it NQ without the juries. It’s not that it’s bad, there’s a story, bla bla. Not sure if that is enough.
You don’t have to like it, , there’s still 36 entries out there for your likeness, pick one and be happy with it but please respect the singer
This is an above average year trending to a strong year as we have over 10 songs to be released. So any comment about comparison to other year’s in nonsense. The last ‘bad’ year was 2011 and that is a generally accepted fact in the community.
My second favourite so far this year after Klemen
After watching the video and listening to the song for the first time one word came to mind and that is safe! It has a likeable melody and like France in 2024 a recognizable French phrase ie mon amour now c’est la vie which anyone with rudimental French language will relate to. I don’t dislike the song but must admit i was expecting something more with a modern beat based on Claude back catalogue. I think i can now only fully judge this when all 37 songs have been selected. I’m not sitting on the fence but ive climbed over… Read more »
A shame there hasn’t been one black winner in Claude’s entire lifetime.
I knew this would be downvoted, even though it is perfectly reasonable comment.
And also a very factual one so I don’t understand the downvotes. There’s been only 1 black winner in Eurovision history and that’s Estonia 2001, although 1998 came very close with Imaani in 2nd and Edsilia in 4th place – that year still gave us the first (and only so far) trans winner though at least 🙂
Don’t forget ‘Vrede’ by Ruth Jacott in 1993. Became 6th, but in my opinion the strongest and most modern song that year. Should have been top 3.
France 1992 and the UK 1998 would’ve been classic winners (and much better than the actual ones those years if you ask me)
Amina in 1992 was epic and much better than Carola, but I thought she’s half-Arab, no? And for 1998 I think that the song that aged the best is “Hemel en Aarde”. Still happy that Dana International won that year though.
Amina should’ve also won indeed, but I was referring to Monte la Rivie from Malmo 1992
Ooops sorry I got 1991 and 1992 mixed up. Yeah, I was never a big fan of “Why me?” in 1992 but my favourite that year was “Rapsodia”. “Monte la Rivie” was still better than Ireland though.
France shoulda won in 1990 too – a three in a row of PoC? In another universe, maybe that happened.
Yeah, I think France should have had a few more victories imho, including Natasha St. Pier in 2001 and possibly Barbara Pravi in 2021 – a French victory is long overdue and I can’t believe they last won in 1977… Let’s wait and see what Louane is bringing this year.
You are confusing your French entries. Amina was 1991 not 1992.
Singers yes, but have none of the winning songwriters been black?
Hm, I should research!
The dance moves are reminiscent of childish gambino – this is america:)
its dated its gonna struggle to qualify
A lot of people like ‘dated’ music, David. Otherwise none of us would have record collections.
‘dated’ doesn’t necessarily mean bad plus throwbacks are needed from time to time
LA QUALITÉ
We might have our winner here.. This comes accross much more authentic and honest than the big favourite for now, Måns’ song. Very excited how the Dutch will stage this!
As they often say on Wiwibloggs, staging will make it or break it. I hope the Dutch team behind Claude will give him the possibility to impress us with both his voice and energy. I wouldn’t be surprised if he showed us some great stage presence . I like the song although I wish the chorus were different. I love the video ( especially when Claude meets his younger self) and I would love to see that translated on stage. Good luck Claude !
Well done Netherlands what a anthem 12points from Malta
Not over the top or crazy show driven, just a lovely catchy tune. In my top5.
I’m absolutely pleasantly surprised by this one as I didnt expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
I genuinely thought we were getting a ballad, but then the beat kicks in and it took me in a totally different direction!
The chorus really reminds me of another song that it shares the same melody with, and I’m ripping my hair out trying to think of the song, but so far, this is in my 3rd place spot. I’ve listened to it a few times and I love it.
It reminds me of Alcazar’s “not a sinner nor a saint”
The chef from Futurama?
This Is a bright light in this opaque Eurovision year. I’m glad theres something like this, something I can be cheerful about. So few good songs this year. I think this is, or will be, a frontrunner. Go Netherlands.
Conchita is what sparked his love of the contest, as featured in the video. He was ten back in 2014. The next generation of the We Are Unstoppables. What a legacy.
I love it.
My top three, as of now, in no particular order.
ITALY
NETHERLANDS
FINLAND
4th
AUSTRALIA
Swap Italy for Malta and I’m with ya!
I still have not fully accepted Malta… I don’t want to commit, in case the EBU disallow it, or the broadcaster just ditches it for another song like they have history of doing
I like this one. I enjoyed it at first listen and I wanted to listen to it again. I think it’s also quite memorable. Probably not a contender, since it feels a bit safe and radio-friendly, but if performed well it can have a very decent result, especially in a weak year like this one so far, and I expect that the juries will probably appreciate a more serious effort in a year full of quirky entries lacking substance. Good luck to Claude and the Netherlands!
Every year we hear the same story amongst ESC fans : this year is a weak year …
This IS a very weak year.
Strongly disagree with your statement. While it is true many fans have been disappointed with some national finals overall quality and also with the fact that fan faves have fallen however…I’ve been listening to the actual songs chosen for Basel and the diversity and quality represents an above-average year and is actually trending for a strong year with about 15 songs yet to go! Every year people dish the same trite gripe without realizing their recency bias (in reverse).
This IS a weak year and I haven’t said that since 2002 if that helps.
It feels like 2019 eurovision vibes. Not a strong winner vibes so far. Lots of countries may receive similar amount of points and non of the jury and public winner at the end will take the trophy home.
It depends. On an average year it only takes one good song for an easy and clean sweep. We have yet to listen to 15 songs. It just take only one of them to turn this around. I actually wouldn’t like that. I want an open year
I don’t know how to feel about this
It’s quite simple, you either like it or you don’t.
I’m guessing he wants to like it but doesn’t…
I have read quite a few comments comparing him (and the song) to Stromae…but I find that quite an insult to Stromae !!!
Meh tomeytoes tomatoes
In terms of lyrics, absolutely. But not everyone speaks French so that’s probably why
Really? Stromae’s lyrics are usually a little more profound , no?
You bet they are.
It’s Eurovision not a poetry contest.
That’s exactly what I meant, so an insult in terms of the lyrics, but I understand why people compare.
Stromae is the maestro, let there be no doubt
Stromae from Lidl
Very creative comment
Guess you can identify with that 😉
I don’t think Stromae agrees with you, he asked Claude to do his preshow in NL last year, unfortunately the show got cancelled because he was ill.
Oh, dear.
Have you sharted?
It’s a nice song, good voice but not a contender
It’s a nice song
Soo so nicee!???
It’s okay … a bit repetitive…
It refers to thé repetitiveness of live and the higs snd lows
*highs
I want to like this song more than I do
Forgettable, turned it off 30 seconds in. Looks like 2025 will be another garbage year like the last two editions.
Go and find a nice little hobby for yourself Marcin
Darts. Or perhaps pottery. Snooker is good.
Piggery Pottery, I went there once
You need to get out of my hobby, Andrew.
Maybe Eurovision is not your cup of tea.
Not when it’s hijacked by the likes of you.
What is you favourite Eurovision song, Marcin?
This year probably Luxembourg’s song.
After Melodifestivalen snippets this was pretty good, even lyrically compared to them. Nice vibe!
Good luck to Claude!
Why does people have to mention Melodifestivalen in almost every circumstance? It’s ridiculous.
Not a bad song at all (especially this year), but I really don’t like the mix of English and French in this one. And the lyrics are for me a huge let down. Kind of cringe and way too childish. But not the worst song of the year, and it surely will finish in the left side of the scoreboard in may.
The lyrics are one of the best things about it! Multi-lingual wordplay, with meaning.
Great you noticed it because they are the words spoken to him by his mom as a young boy, and also some songtitles que sera sera and la vie en rose of songs his mom sang to him as a little boy, before his life became unsafe and they had to flee to the Netherlands, 13 ys ago
Great vibe! Love it.
Good luck Claude!
Wow! I love this! I love the deep soulful vocals of Claude and the deeper meanings you can interpret from the song. That music video is gorgeous! Really hoping this can all be replicated and even elevated on stage because this is a potential jury winner! The casual audience might also go for this since there are so many ‘fun’ songs with a less serious nature! Many are criticising the French but I think it blends into the English parts really nicely! In my personal top three!
It reflects the words spoken to him by his mom as a young boy,