Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest 1997

Prior to the 1997 contest, the Netherlands had participated in the Eurovision Song Contest thirty-eight times since their début as one of seven countries to take part in the inaugural contest in 1956.[1] Since then, the country has won the contest four times: in 1957 with the song "Net als toen" performed by Corry Brokken;[2] in 1959 with the song "'n Beetje" performed by Teddy Scholten;[3] in 1969 as one of four countries to tie for first place with "De troubadour" performed by Lenny Kuhr;[4] and finally in 1975 with "Ding-a-dong" performed by the group Teach-In.[5] The Dutch least successful result has been last place, which they have achieved on four occasions, most recently in the 1968 contest.[6] The Netherlands has also received nul points on two occasions; in 1962 and 1963.[7]

The Dutch national broadcaster, Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS), broadcasts the event within the Netherlands and organises the selection process for the nation's entry. The Netherlands has used various methods to select the Dutch entry in the past, such as the Nationaal Songfestival, a live televised national final to choose the performer, song or both to compete at Eurovision. However, internal selections have also been held on occasion. In 1996, NOS has organised Nationaal Songfestival in order to select both the artist and song for the contest. For 1997, the broadcaster opted to select the Dutch artist through an internal selection, while Nationaal Songfestival was continued to select the song.

Mrs. Einstein performing at the Eurovision Song Contest

According to Eurovision rules, the twenty-four countries which had obtained the highest average number of points over the last four contests competed in the final on 3 May 1997.[15] On 28 November 1996, a special allocation draw was held which determined the running order and the Netherlands was set to perform in position 8, following the entry from Switzerland and before the entry from Italy.[16] The Dutch conductor at the contest was Dick Bakker, and the Netherlands finished in twenty-second place with 5 points.[17]

Heading into the final of the contest, RTÉ reported that bookmakers ranked the entry 23rd out of the 25 entries.[18] The show was broadcast in the Netherlands on TV2 with commentary by Willem van Beusekom as well as via radio on Radio 2.[19][20][21] The Dutch spokesperson, who announced the Dutch votes during the show, was 1957 Dutch Eurovision winner as well as 1956 and 1958 entrant Corry Brokken.

Voting

Below is a breakdown of points awarded to the Netherlands and awarded by the Netherlands in the contest. The nation awarded its 12 points to the United Kingdom in the contest.[22]

Points awarded to the Netherlands[23] Score Country 12 points 10 points 8 points 7 points 6 points 5 points 4 points  Malta 3 points 2 points 1 point  Turkey

Points awarded by the Netherlands[23] Score Country 12 points  United Kingdom 10 points  Cyprus 8 points  Russia 7 points  Italy 6 points  Spain 5 points  France 4 points  Ireland 3 points  Austria 2 points  Turkey 1 point  Poland

• Netherlands preselection 1997