Netherlands speculates on likely Eurovision entrant as participation remains uncertain
Davina Michelle, 30, has emerged as a leading candidate to represent the Netherlands at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, but the country’s participation remains uncertain because Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS signaled in September that it may boycott the event if Israel is allowed to compete. Reports that Michelle submitted a song for the contest were denied by her management. “We have never confirmed anything,” the management told RTL Boulevard.
Davina Michelle performed as a pause act at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam with the song The Power of Water, receiving widespread praise. Michelle has released multiple singles and performed in major Dutch music events, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the country’s pop scene. Regarding Eurovision participation, she told SBS Shownieuws, “Even if I were going to do it, I wouldn’t say it now. It’s still such a big question mark.”
According to De Telegraaf, other potential Dutch entrants include Flemming, Zoë Livay, and Luna.
Zoë Livay, 25, has expressed interest in participating, she told the radio program VoorAan on NPO 3FM. “Yes, very much,” Livay said when asked by DJ Sebastiaan Ockhuysen if she would like to take part, after hints on social media with phrases like “Zoë for Eurovision.” She added, “I don’t have a plan yet, but I do have a song. If it’s the song, it’s the song. If it’s not, then it’s not. But I will try very hard.” Livay previously competed in The Voice of Holland in 2019, has released two EPs—short collections of songs that are longer than a single but shorter than a full album—and currently charts with ‘Ik zing,’ a duet with Snelle.
The Netherlands has to submit its entry to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) by March 9, 2026, if it ultimately decides to participate.
The decision on whether the Netherlands will participate in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest depends on the outcome of a crucial EBU meeting, scheduled for Thursday and Friday. During this annual gathering, the EBU will determine Israel’s position within the organization. The EBU sets membership and participation rules, meaning the decision will also affect planning, selection processes, and public debate in the Netherlands about participation.
AVROTROS, responsible for Eurovision participation and broadcast rights under the public broadcasting umbrella NPO, has announced the Netherlands would withdraw if Israel participates. The broadcaster cited the “ongoing and severe human suffering in Gaza” and the “serious erosion of press freedom” linked to last year’s Israeli involvement.
AVROTROS has discussed Israel’s participation with the EBU, raising concerns that the contest has been used politically. Other countries, including Iceland, Slovenia, Spain, and Ireland, have also indicated they may boycott if Israel competes.
Public opinion largely supports AVROTROS’ stance. An EenVandaag survey from September, when the decision was first announced, found that 60 percent of nearly 17,000 participants agreed with a boycott if Israel competes. Some respondents criticized Israel’s political use of the contest, while a third opposed the boycott, arguing politics should not influence the festival. One said, “If the decision not to participate is politically motivated, I don’t think it’s a good decision. Politics belongs in the political arena, not at an event that is not meant for that.”
