Video: Dutch performer Joost Klein releases Eurovision entry “Europapa”
Dutch musician Joost Klein debuted “Europapa” on Thursday, his entry for the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden. The song, an ode to Europe, is inspired by several genres of music which has brought Klein success in the Netherlands, such as gabberpop, happy hardcore, and pop. Klein will perform the song during the second half of the second semi-final, which begins on May 9 at 9 p.m.
The 26-year-old from Leeuwarden wrote the song with rap musician Donnie, and Tim Haars, who played Gerrie in the New Kids television shows and films. "Europapa" was produced by Teun de Kruif, better known as Tantu Beats. Happy hardcore DJ Paul Elstak also contributed.
“'Europapa' is a tribute to my father. When he raised me he taught me to look at the world with an open mind,” Klein said in a statement. He said during a live broadcast focused on the song's debut that he used to watch Eurovision with his parents, who have both passed away. “At the end of the day, we are all human beings. My father once told me, ‘It’s a world without borders.’” Klein sings towards the end of the song. “‘I miss you every day,’ is what I secretly whisper. You see, Dad? I listened to you.”
Klein was selected as the representative of the Netherlands in December, beating out more than 600 other artists for the honor. "Europapa" is the second time in three years that the Dutch entry is in the Dutch language. S10 finished in 11th place with "De Diepte," the first song from the Netherlands in Dutch since 2010.
Klein will be looking for more success than Dion Cooper and Mia Nicolai, who represented the Netherlands last year. The duo's "Burning Daylight" was not well-received, marking the first time since 2015 that a Dutch act failed to qualify for the finals. The Netherlands last won Eurovision in 2019 when Duncan Laurence performed "Arcade."
Last year, Klein joined Ski Aggu and Otto Waalkes on the award-winning hit, "Friesenjung," which was a chart-topper in Austria, Germany and Switzerland, and found radio success in Italy and Ukraine. He has also played sold-out shows at AFAS Live in Amsterdam and the Lotto Arena in Antwerp. He also drew large crowds at festivals including Lowlands and Pinkpop.
Laurence was the sixth Dutch act to win Eurovision. The Common Linnets won the prize in 2014 with "Calm After the Storm," and Teach-In took first place in 1975 with "Ding-a-Dong." Lenny Kuhr was victorious in 1969 with his song, "De Troubadour," and Teddy Scholten took the top spot with "Een Beetje" ten years earlier. The first Dutch winner was Corry Brokken in 1957, who sang "Net als Toen."
The Eurovision semi-finals will take place on May 7 and May 9. The final will be broadcast live on May 11.
