Meet Waylon From The Netherlands

This year 43 countries will be present at this years Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Lisbon in May. With less than two weeks to go until all of Europe descends on Portugal's capital, Eurovoxx will introduce you to each country that will be participating.

Who Is Waylon?

Waylon who was born Willem Bijkerk is 38 years old and born in 1980. He has quite a varied career which began in 1995 when he sang for the children's television programme 'Telekids'. He is synonomous with country music, however he does produce music that encompasses the rock, pop and soul genres. in 1997 he got his first major record contract when he was signed to EMI and went to the home of country, "Nashville" and produced his first album there.

He lived in America for a year, and when he returned back to Holland he joined the band "Santa Rosa", and sang for the group "Millstreet" too. In 2008 he auditioned for "Hollands Got Talent" and came second in the Grand Final. A year later he released the album, "wicked ways" which hit the charts at number ten. Since then he has won numerous awards, and released several singles that have charted in the Netherlands.

His first taste for Eurovision came in 2014 where he was part of the duo "Common Linnets" that came second that year, just behind Conchita Wurst. In his career he has produced 5 studio albums, and 12 singles. His 2018 Eurovision entry "Outlaw In 'Em" was his latest which only charted at 84.

Check Out His Eurovision Entry, "Outlaw In 'Em" Here:

How Was Waylon Chosen?

Since the introduction of the semi finals, it took Netherlands years to qualify for the Grand Final back in 2013. Since then the country has opted for an internal selection. This year the Dutch broadcaster chose Waylon with his song, "Outlaw In 'Em". It was announced on the 9th November 2017 that he would be the artist, with the choice of song publically revealed on the 2nd March 2018.

Check Out Eurovoxx Reaction To "Outlaw In 'Em" Here:

Netherlands At Eurovision

The Netherlands were one of the seven founding countries to participate at the contest back in 1956. Since its first appearance they have appeared 58 times, with 2018 marking their 59th showing. They have only missed four contests which was back in 1985, 1991, 1995 and 2002. It is one of the most successful countries at the contest winning it on four occasions. Their first victory came in 1957 with Corey Broken with "Net Als Toen", then in 1959, Ted Scholten won with "Een Beetje". They had to wait until 1969 before their next victory when Lenny Kuhr won with "De troubadour". Their final victory came in 1975 with Teach In with the song "Ding-a-Dong".

The Netherlands have been in the top ten on 24 occasions, and since the introduction of the semi finals back in 2004 they failed to qualify between the years of 2005 and 2012. Since 2013 they have done a lot better and qualified for each final, with their worst result being 11th. Can Waylon do one better and get into the top 10 this year.

Check Out Eurovoxx Interview With Waylon Here:

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