Joost Klein Makes a Return

Joost Klein addressing the EBU

The general assembly of the EBU hosted the Dutch artist Joost Klein, who was disqualified at the last Eurovision song contest. The motion to invite Klein was submitted by the delegate of the Netherlands and passed the EBU quickly. Klein joined the committee just before lunch to report on his experience at the last ESC. 

Klein started his speech by stating “I’m done, I’m finished,” when looking back on how his disqualification from the ESC affected him. Klein was clearly still very distressed about the situation that the ESC put him in. Klein was unfairly disqualified from the contest and still struggles to come to terms with this as not even he knows the exact reasoning behind his disqualification. In light of this Klein demanded the EBU provide more accountability and transparency. Klein then welcomed questions from the delegates, the first of which was from the delegate of Israel. Israel questioned Klein on his comments at the ESC press conference. Klein stated that he could have acted differently, but stands by his words and serious concerns about safety. 

When asked about the ambience at the ESC by the delegate of Spain, Klein stated that he was very uncomfortable at the contest, especially with being filmed when he explicitly asked not to be. He also stated that the overall atmosphere at the contest was poor and unexciting. The delegate of the Netherlands asked Klein if he would make a return. In response Klein proudly stated “I am a bull. I am a fighter. I will come back.” AVROTROS is thrilled to hear that Klein has not allowed himself to be oppressed by his ESC disqualification and looks forward to following his flourishing career.