Eurovision 2025 the Netherlands profile: C'est La Vie by Claude

We profile the 2025 entry from the Netherlands including details on the artist, song, how it was chosen, odds, fan reaction and how the nation has fared at Eurovision.

After being at the centre of the biggest controversy in recent Eurovision history resulting in them being disqualified ahead of the Grand Final last year, the Netherlands are making their return following a wild 2024.

While they faced a non-qualifying streak for most of the 2000s, since 2013 the Netherlands has emerged as one of Eurovision’s powerhouses, earning their first win in 44 years with Duncan Laurence’s Arcade (2019, 1st place) and a runner-up finish with The Common Linnets’ Calm After the Storm (2014, 2nd place).

Flying the flag for the Netherlands at Eurovision 2025 in Basel and undoubtedly carrying the weight of the nation’s grand return to the contest is Claude with his song C’est La Vie.

You can find out more about Claude and his song below!

2025 entry: Claude - C'est La Vie

• Claude will compete in semi-final 1 performing in position 13

• My Eurovision Scoreboard ranking: 11th

• Odds to win ranking: 5th

• Aussievision team ranking 9th

(Rankings as of 7 April 2025)

About the artist

Claude Kiambe is a 21-year-old Congolese-Dutch singer-songwriter.

He was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and, at the age of nine, fled to the Netherlands with his mother and siblings. They first settled in Alkmaar before eventually calling Enkhuizen, in North Holland, home.

Claude appeared in the 2019 season of The Voice Kids Netherlands, where he was eliminated during the knock-out rounds. However, his big break came shortly after when he won a recording contract through another music competition, Are You Next?

His debut single, Ladada (Mon dernier mot), broke into the Dutch Top 40 and launched his career in the mainstream Dutch music industry.

Coming from a French-speaking country, Claude is known for his distinctive blend of Dutch, French, and English lyrics in his discography.

About the song

Described as a tribute to his parents, C’est La Vie is a love letter to Claude’s mother and the hardships they faced during his childhood.

Claude describes the song as a journey of “finding the light in the darkness,” capturing the unpredictable twists and turns of life.

In a distinctive hallmark of Claude’s discography, C’est La Vie features French lyrics, making it the first Dutch Eurovision entry to include the French language.

The song was co-written by Claude alongside De Diepte co-writer Arno Krabman, as well as Joren van der Voort and Léon Paul Palmen, with the latter two also producing the track.

How Claude was chosen for Eurovision?

Following their disqualification in 2024, Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced their intention to return to the Eurovision Song Contest.

Initially, they offered last year’s representative, Joost Klein, the opportunity to return to the Eurovision stage, an offer he ultimately declined.

After Joost turned down the position, the Netherlands reverted to its tried-and-tested internal selection process, overseen by a panel of industry professionals.

Several former Eurovision artists submitted entries during the selection process, including Anouk, Gerard Joling, and Douwe Bob.

However, after a final audition round featuring the shortlisted acts, Claude was chosen to represent the Netherlands.

The Netherlands will compete in the first Semi-Final of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest on 13 May 2025 in Basel.

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