The moment has finally arrived! Congolese-born Dutch singer-songwriter Claude has officially premiered his Eurovision 2025 entry, C’est la vie, marking a highly anticipated moment for fans across Europe.

After months of speculation, the 21-year-old artist, who took the Dutch music scene by storm with hits like Ladada (Mon Dernier Mot) and Layla, is ready to represent The Netherlands, on the Eurovision stage in Basel.

Written by Claude alongside Arno Krabman, Joren van der Voort, and Léon Paul, C’est la vie is a song that embodies both the joy and unpredictability of life. With its infectious melody and a blend of French and English lyrics, the track seamlessly merges Claude’s signature style with a universal message of resilience and celebration.

Claude was selected as the Netherlands’ Eurovision representative after a selection process conducted by AVROTROS. From 331 submissions, the jury sought a song with broad appeal, one that could captivate both casual listeners and dedicated Eurovision fans alike.

“This year, as a selection committee, we have opted for a meaningful, connecting and hit-sensitive song with international appeal that can effortlessly win the hearts of young and old Eurovision viewers.”

— Selection committee, which included Eurovision veterans Cornald Maas, Jacqueline Govaert, & Jaap Reesema.

For Claude, Eurovision is more than just a performance — it’s the realization of a lifelong dream. Originally from Congo, Claude moved to the Netherlands at the age of nine. It was there that he first encountered the magic of Eurovision, watching Conchita Wurst’s victory in 2014 with his family. From that moment, a passion for the contest was born.

“C’est La Vie’ is a tribute to a parent and for me that’s my mother. As a little boy and throughout my youth, she taught me to see the positive in the things you experience in life, even when you experience setbacks. Even though it looks very dark for a moment, you should always focus on the bright side. That is exactly the message I want to convey. Life is not always easy; it goes up, it goes down, and around and around, but ‘C’est La Vie’”

— Claude

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The Netherlands will perform in the second half of the first Semi Final on Thursday, May 13^th in Basel. Do you like the Dutch entry for Eurovision 2025? Share your thoughts with us in the comments and on our social media profiles @buildingbridgespod!

Photo credits: Kim de Hoop / AVTOTROS