
Line-up check 2019: Netherlands

Line-up check 2019: Netherlands
Netherlands: Duncan Laurence – Arcade
Martin: The bookmakers’ favourite. The fan hype of the year.
And it’s from the Netherlands.
Whatever happens in Tel Aviv, I suppose this is the logical and pleasing conclusion to the Dutch revival that began with handing the reins to Anouk in 2013. Sure, the Common Linnets finished second the following year, but very few people saw that one coming (although we weren’t far off!). It’s a measure of the confidence that has returned to the Dutch selection process since the dark days of 2005-2012 that it feels completely normal that Duncan Laurence should go into rehearsals as the big favourite to win this year.
And why not? “Arcade” is clearly one of the strongest songs in the 2019 line-up, with a soaring hook that grabs you from the first listen and a simple honesty that goes against the usual ESC flow. We’re familiar enough with the song now that it’s easy to forget what an initial impact it can make.
The word “can” is doing a lot of heavy lifting in that sentence, though, because I’m yet to be wholly convinced by Duncan as a performer. “Arcade” may not be a song for hysterical gestures, but I’d like to see some personality from him, and I worry if he has the experience to deliver those tough notes with the ice-cold nerves required.
Even if he doesn’t win, a result like recent pre-rehearsal favourites Aram Mp3 and Francesco Gabbani should be achievable no matter what. I just hope that doesn’t feel like a disappointment for the newly confident Dutch.
Prediction: | Personal: |
|
|
Shi: My #2 this year and my favorite Dutch entry in ages, but I have similar doubts. While I did emotionally connect with Duncan’s performances so far, he is an introverted sort of artist – and it’s one thing to connect with a performance when it’s the only one you just happened to watch, and quite another thing when it’s part of a full Eurovision line-up.
Felix: An average song in 2019, and an average song for the Netherlands, and everybody thinks it will win? Just because he’s naked in the video? It’s decent, he’s decent, but nothing about it is outstanding or obviously winning for me. I preferred the Common Linnets. Or Joan Franka.
video and title image source: eurovision.tv
Visit our Eurovision Chat!
1 Comment
1 Comment
-
Stephen M on May 2, 2019 at 10:45 am
It is my absolute personal favourite this year by a mile and I hope the Netherlands get the win they deserve. I’d love to see the Netherlands host for two reasons. 1 it would be nice to have Eurovision in a country that is unlikely to attract any political drama 2. The postcards would be amazing. Unfortunately I fear that this year is going to be Russia’s, and the potential political fallout from a Russian victory would be immense.
Visit our Eurovision Chat!
Follow us:
It’s a Eurovision takeover on the UK singles chart!
“Tattoo” at number two-oo-oo! Loreen, Käärijä, Mae Muller and Alessandra all celebrate UK chart success in a bumper week for the contest.
After the Grand Final: A verdict and three wishes
Pre-recorded backing vocals and a wish for more cultural flavour – these are some of Felix’s takeaways from the Eurovision 2023 grand final!
It’s 7 up for Sweden as Loreen wins Eurovision 2023!
Loreen becomes a two-time winner and Sweden becomes the joint most successful country in ESC history as “Tattoo” takes the title in Liverpool.
Who will win the Eurovision Song Contest 2023? Our prediction for the final
Happy Eurovision – the big day has arrived! Tonight the grand final of ESC 2023 will be held in Liverpool, UK. But who will hold the trophy at the end of the show? It’s time for our team’s predictions!
Some first thoughts on the grand final running order
This is the running order for the ESC 2023 grand final – Martin shares a few thoughts on what it could all mean…
ESC 2023: The escgo! predictions for tonight’s semi-final 2
This is how Shi, Felix and Martin think the second semi-final of ESC 2023 will go down!
The View from San Francisco: Don’t be scared to say just what you think
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – and that’s just Romania. Shi turns her attention to the semi 2 songs in her latest view from over the waves!
ESC 2023: The escgo! predictions for tonight’s semi-final 1
It wouldn’t be Eurovision without some predictions from our team! These are the songs that Felix, Shi and Martin think will qualify from tonight’s first semi-final.
The View from San Francisco: The words are spilling out, what the heck is this about?
Shi is back with the first of her (re)views this year – see what she thinks about tonight’s first semi-finalists!
Eurovision and me – it’s complicated.
Felix kicks off the Eurovision week with some personal thoughts on his Eurovision journey.
It’s a Eurovision takeover on the UK singles chart!
“Tattoo” at number two-oo-oo! Loreen, Käärijä, Mae Muller and Alessandra all celebrate UK chart success in a bumper week for the contest.
After the Grand Final: A verdict and three wishes
Pre-recorded backing vocals and a wish for more cultural flavour – these are some of Felix’s takeaways from the Eurovision 2023 grand final!
It’s 7 up for Sweden as Loreen wins Eurovision 2023!
Loreen becomes a two-time winner and Sweden becomes the joint most successful country in ESC history as “Tattoo” takes the title in Liverpool.
Who will win the Eurovision Song Contest 2023? Our prediction for the final
Happy Eurovision – the big day has arrived! Tonight the grand final of ESC 2023 will be held in Liverpool, UK. But who will hold the trophy at the end of the show? It’s time for our team’s predictions!
escgo! on Twitter
It is my absolute personal favourite this year by a mile and I hope the Netherlands get the win they deserve. I’d love to see the Netherlands host for two reasons. 1 it would be nice to have Eurovision in a country that is unlikely to attract any political drama 2. The postcards would be amazing. Unfortunately I fear that this year is going to be Russia’s, and the potential political fallout from a Russian victory would be immense.