No amends for Joost Klein: Dutch returns to Eurovision Song Contest, but singer refuses to join

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The Netherlands will join the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland, but flamboyant singer and rapper Joost Klein, kicked out of this year’s competition after a backstage altercation, has refused to represent the Dutch.

Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced on Wednesday that it was satisfied with the new rules agreed by event organizer the European Broadcasting Union, which were demanded after this year’s edition in Sweden was overshadowed by the dramatic expulsion of Klein.

A female member of the production team accused Klein of making threats during the semi-final in Malmö. The matter was turned over to the Swedish authorities, who ultimately declined to prosecute. Klein, the favorite to win, was banned from practice and did not participate in the final competition.

Klein pondered for a long time whether he should take on the challenge again. “My team and I had everything ready, but it doesn’t feel right,” he said in a statement. “I need to give myself more time to heal.”

But for Dutch Eurovision fans, the magic is back on as the nation will not be making it out of the 2025 edition.

“After months of discussions and consultations, the broadcaster has received sufficient assurances from the EBU that structural changes will be implemented at the music festival,” AVROTROS said in a statement.

The 2025 edition in Basel will feature “significantly reduced” behind-the-scenes filming, a security manager and a safe space for performers.

It was unclear whether the Dutch would return to the 69th edition of the festival. AVROTROS had called Klein’s removal “very heavy handed and disproportionate”.

His song “Europapa,” an upbeat Euro-techno ode to the continent’s diversity that is also a tribute to Klein’s parents, who died when he was a child, was considered likely to win.

Instead, Swiss contestant Nemo took home the title by winning the most points from a combination of national juries and viewers around the world.

AVROTROS is looking for a new Dutch representative and interested artists have until November 22nd to apply.