Dutch entrant Claude calls his Eurovision score ‘a bit low, but c’est la vie’
Dutch Eurovision contestant Claude finished 12th in the 2025 grand final Saturday night with a total of 175 points, including 42 from the public televote, while Austria’s JJ won the competition with 516 points. After the results were announced, Claude spoke to Dutch broadcaster NOS about his surprised facial expression when hearing his televote score.
“My goal was really just to reach the final, and I was so happy when I did. That alone made me feel satisfied. I’ve received so much love from everyone recently. At a certain point, I heard the 42 points announced... Yeah, of course, you want more points. I thought it was a bit low. But you know—c’est la vie,” Claude said.
Claude’s entry had been a fan favorite during rehearsals and the live shows. He earned 133 points from the national juries, which placed him fifth before the public vote. However, only 42 televote points were added, dropping him to 12th place overall.
“I look back so positively on this whole journey," Claude reflected while talking to reporters. "It was so much fun. But yes, it shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s definitely something intense. I don’t think I’ve ever done anything this cool in my life—really. So I’m just so happy with everything I experienced. And I’m also so happy for JJ and proud of him.”
When asked for advice for future Dutch Eurovision contestants, Claude said, “I’d say: it’s a really fun adventure. In the media, it’s sometimes presented as very intense, and it definitely is. But it’s mostly just so much fun. You’re going to make so many friends and enjoy everything.” Laughing with reporters, he added, “Maybe also delete social media.”
Austria’s JJ won with the song Wasted Love, a ballad that earned 258 points from national juries and enough public votes to surpass Israel’s Yuval Raphael, who finished second with 357 points. JJ’s victory marks Austria’s third Eurovision win, following Udo Jürgens and Conchita Wurst. Austria will host the 2026 contest, the first time since 2015.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed support on social media before the final results were announced, writing, “I wish Claude much success tonight with his performance during the Song Contest final.” He praised Claude for representing the Netherlands “extremely well.”
