The Netherlands, with contestant Duncan Laurence, has won the Eurovision Song Contest 2019. This is the fifth time the land of windmills and clogs has won, the last time being in 1975.

Writing Dutch history

The 25-year-old Duncan Laurence has succeeded in winning the Eurovision Song Contest, making Dutch history with his incredibly popular song Arcade. In the final, he received 492 points, but it was the public vote that pushed him to first place. Coming in second was Italy, followed by Russia, Switzerland and Norway.

At a press conference, he said about his victory, “I cannot describe this in words. I am so happy. It is really a dream come true”. Take a look at his winner’s performance: 

Where will the next Eurovision be held?

The question on everyone’s lips now is where the next Eurovision Song Contest will be held. Of course, the honour goes to the Netherlands, but several Dutch cities have put themselves forward as candidates for the Song Festival.

Amsterdam has offered up, amongst others, the RAI and the Ziggo Dome. According to a spokesperson for the RAI, it would be a great honour if the contest were held there, as it would then be exactly 50 years since it hosted the last Eurovision Contest. Rotterdam, The Hague, Maastricht, Zwolle, Arnhem and Leeuwarden are also vying for the chance to host the contest.

The checklist of requirements is long for cities that want to host Eurovision. The venue must have space for at least 10.000 visitors, 2.000 journalists and the delegates of more than 40 countries. Additionally, rooms must be available for press conferences, after parties, rehearsals, the judges and, of course, there must be changing rooms.

The European Broadcasting Union and the Dutch Public Broadcasting Service NPO will make the final decision on the ideal location for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Thumb: EBU / KRIS POUW via Eurovision.