It was such a pleasure to talk with the positive and talented Claude at Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam! He will represent the Netherlands at Eurovision 2025 in Basel this year:
ES: Hi Claude, nice to meet you! You have such great energy!
Claude: Hi! Do you like my energy? Great!
ES: Finally, you’ve made it to Eurovision. It was your big dream, right?
Claude: Yes! It’s insane. I was 9 the first time I watched it. But I wasn’t thinking, “One day I’ll participate.” Like, how bizarre? It’s so huge. And now, at this moment, I’m still trying to believe it. I can’t believe it—I’m still processing it. Like, “Oh wow… I’m the guy who’s going to be there for the Netherlands.” It’s gonna be nice.
ES: That’s amazing, especially after such a tough year for the Netherlands last year.
Claude: Yes, it was a tough year. But this year is going to be a nice one!
ES: You’re bringing such great energy.
Claude: Thank you, thank you! That’s exactly what we’re going for, yes!
ES: Is it true that la mélodie in your song was inspired by Conchita? When you were a little boy, like we see in your music video?
Claude: The melody? Well… Conchita was actually the first act I ever saw from Eurovision. I didn’t know about the program or anything, I was just zapping through the TV… and that’s actually how the video starts. Suddenly I saw Conchita singing Rise Like a Phoenix, and that was the first moment I discovered Eurovision. It really stayed with me.
ES: And you recently met Conchita! How was that?
Claude: Oh yes, I met her when she came to the Netherlands for AVA. She’s so nice—really welcoming. And she can sing so well! Hearing her live was incredible. I already knew she was amazing, but seeing her perform like that… it was a big moment for me.
ES: You move so well on stage too! Did you learn how to dance?
Claude: You like my movements? That’s nice!
ES: You remind me a bit of Stromae when you perform. I know he’s one of your inspirations.
Claude: Stromae is amazing—the way he writes his songs, the way he performs them… he’s a huge inspiration for me. A great, great artist.
ES: And where did you find the inspiration for your Eurovision song C’est La Vie?
Claude: The inspiration just came in the studio. I was vibing, really. I love Jacques Brel, and also French chanson—that’s something I’ve always liked. So we started from there, and then we thought, “Let’s go big—like a dramatic, grotesque Songfestival vibe.” And that’s how it all started.
ES: I’m so curious—what can you tell us about the Eurovision staging?
Claude: I can’t say much! Okay, but I can say: I’m gonna dance, I’m gonna move. That’s all I can share for now! But it’s going to be a really nice show. I just want to bring all the emotion and energy to the stage.
ES: Thank you so much, Claude, and good luck in Basel!
Claude: Thank you! Nice meeting you!
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