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The Netherlands appears to be heading back to Eurovision in 2027, despite AVROTROS sticking firmly to its decision to stay away. Dutch newspaper AD reports that the NPO has found a way forward, with an official announcement expected shortly.
On 24 August, AVROTROS announced that it would not take part in Eurovision 2027, saying it no longer considered the Contest sufficiently neutral while Israel remained involved during an ongoing military conflict. The broadcaster said changes announced by the EBU had not given it enough confidence that Eurovision’s independent and neutral character could be restored. It described the Contest as having become a “platform for division”.
Rather than declaring that the Netherlands itself was withdrawing, AVROTROS did something rather important. It handed responsibility for Dutch Eurovision participation back to the NPO, leaving the door open for another Dutch public broadcaster, or another arrangement under the NPO umbrella, to take responsibility for an entry.
NPO asked for more time
The normal deadline for broadcasters to register for Eurovision passed earlier this month, but the NPO asked the EBU for an extension while it considered its options. At the time, an NPO spokesperson said it hoped to provide clarity before the end of September.
Several obvious candidates had already ruled themselves out. KRO-NCRV and BNNVARA showed little interest, while Omroep MAX boss Jan Slagter initially appeared open to the idea before deciding Eurovision wasn’t really for them after all. NOS and NTR were always the more intriguing possibilities.
The two broadcasters stepped in last year to televise Eurovision 2026 after AVROTROS withdrew, providing Dutch coverage of all three shows at the NPO’s request.
AD’s sources nevertheless appear confident that the bigger decision has been made: the Netherlands intends to be in Burgas.
So who’s singing?
Given there’s little else worth gossiping about, let’s speculate wildly based on nothing whatsoever.
Davina Michelle’s name has been circulating heavily in the Dutch media, with reports suggesting she may have a song ready should the Netherlands decide to participate. But she’s been a fairly constant in the ‘Dutch rumour’ world, so maybe take this tip with a pinch of decent sea salt.
At this stage, however, there is no confirmed artist, song or selection procedure. There isn’t even an officially confirmed participating broadcaster yet.
We’ll tell you more when the news ‘breaks’.
