Dutch Eurovision 2025 representative Claude sits down with Denis from ESCplus International for an exclusive interview! At just 21 years old, Claude shares his thoughts on representing the Netherlands, his journey to the big stage, and what fans can expect from his performance. How does he handle the pressure of performing in front of millions?
The interview
The interview was so much fun, and that was mostly because of Claude’s bubbly personality and energy. He is so ready to represent the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel (Switzerland), with his entry, “C’est la vie”, sung in English and French.
Claude and Denis talked about how Claude received the news that he would be the Dutch 2025 representative, but they also talked about what Claude has in store next after Eurovision. Both parties talked about the mispronunciation of their French names, and about what the meaning of “C’est la vie” means to Claude. Claude is just very open and easy to talk to, so cool.
Claude has quickly become one of the standout names in this year’s Eurovision buzz. With his emotional bilingual track C’est la vie, he’s captivated fans and critics alike — currently ranking high with bookmakers. ESCplus caught up with Claude just before he hits the stage in Basel to represent the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.
“I’m going to Switzerland!”
It all started with a phone call Claude wasn’t expecting. “I was watching TV when my manager called me. I had booked a vacation with friends and needed to know whether I had been selected so I could cancel. When he called, he didn’t say anything — he just nodded. And I thought: I’m going to Switzerland!” Claude recalls, laughing.
From Cloud to Claude: names and identity
Many fans call him “Cloud,” but that’s not quite right. “At home, everyone calls me Claude, because that’s my name. But when I was a kid in the Netherlands, no one could pronounce it properly. They started calling me Cloud, and it stuck. Still, my family has always called me Claude,” he explains.
Representing his country: “It’s insane”
At just 21 years old, Claude understands the weight of the moment. “It’s such a huge honour. Representing the country I grew up in, on one of the biggest stages in the world — it’s insane. The support I’ve received since the announcement has been overwhelming. I just hope to do my best and represent the Netherlands as well as I can.”
High odds, steady mind
Despite his current Top 5 status in the betting odds, Claude stays grounded. “It’s amazing to see people betting on the song, but I know things can change. If the performance isn’t strong, you can drop quickly. But if it’s powerful, who knows? Anything can happen. I’m aware of both sides.”
The message behind C’est la vie
Claude sings in both English and French — a decision made with care. “French is my mother tongue, the language I think and feel in. But English is universal, and I wanted to tell a story that could connect with as many people as possible. The most important thing was to stay true to my heart, and those two languages reflect that,” he says.
A tight-knit team
The song was written with his trusted collaborators: Arnaud, Jordan, and Leon. “They’re like family. We write everything together in a very natural way. If one of us is stuck, the others jump in. That’s how C’est la vie came to life,” Claude shares.
What can we expect on stage?
While he keeps the performance details under wraps, Claude hints at an emotional showcase. “I’ll definitely be dancing on stage. The boy who plays my younger self in the video can’t join me, he’s too young. But I want to bring the feeling and the message of the song to life on stage. How? That’s still a secret,” he smiles.
A personal motto: C’est la vie
With the Grand Final just weeks away, Claude leaves us with one last thought:
“Sometimes in life, things go wrong. I’ve had those moments too. But when they do, you just have to think: C’est la vie. There’s always something to be thankful for — breathing, seeing, hearing, walking. So just remember: C’est la vie, everything’s going to be alright.”