Netherlands | 'Honoured And Thankful... Half Of The Dream Already Came True', Eurovoxx Talks

This weekend saw 28 countries travel to Amsterdam, Netherlands for the biggest Eurovision pre-party on the circuit. It was the first time for much of the fans, and press to see their favourites perform live. Before the show, much of the European, and Australia's media had a chance to interview the artists ahead of the show, and find out more in regards to their preparations for the big event in Tel Aviv. Eurovoxx were lucky enough to be there, and we were extremely excited to have had the opportunity to talk to this year's bookie, and fan favourite Duncan Laurence who will be representing the Netherlands with his song, "Arcade". Dressed in black, the singer looked so happy to be there, and genuinely was humbled by all the attention that he was getting. It was Andy who had the chance to talk to Eurovision's newest star, and this is what he had to say. Please check the interview out below:

It began with the singer telling Andy who conducted the interview, that he was overwhelmed with the reactions that he had received when his song was released. He had also admitted to have seen Andy's video too, and that he was, "honoured, and thankful". He loved how Andy had felt after he had heard the song for the first time. In all fairness to this year's Dutch representative he appeared so humbled by the entire experience.

In regards to being one of the favourites, and the pressure that comes with this, Duncan said, "I am (feeling pressure), where there is expectation there is pressure... I am feeling the pressure but it is good pressure because people like to see me win. That is kind of the best thing that could happen when you release your first song". He acknowledged that it was his first released track as an artist, and has taken everything as a big compliment. Duncan is so down to earth, and knows that anything can happen, and he openly acknowledges that there are so many other great participants this year.

The talented singer was so relaxed, and told Andy that, "I got so much honest, and pure reactions which were amazingly good... I think half off the dream already came true... I am really relaxed, and enjoying this trip". He has certainly, dared to dream this year, and it appears to be paying dividends.

Of the song, Duncan told Andy that it was written over two years ago, when he was studying at the rock academy. He was sat behind a piano jamming along, thinking about someone who he had lost when he was younger. He refers to a friend who had lost a love in her life, and she wanted him back. "She died, and he never came back" he told us, and that is the story of the song, and this is what really struck him, which compelled him to write this song.

On a fun note Andy had to ask about the video which was beautifully shot. However, for those who have seen it, cannot help but notice that Duncan is naked throughout, and that there is quite a bit of talk about the artists derriere which appears in it. Andy had to ask how it felt having one of the most famous bums in Eurovision? He did not blush, but laughed a lot, he told us that it was, "a bit weird though. I really made the choice appearing nude in the clip based on being as vulnerable as you can get as a human being, and that is naked. So that is the thing I wanted to represent, and show". He also added that it would echo being a newborn struggling to get to the surface, and that, "the struggle, and all emotion that comes with it, that is what I wanted to present". He wont be naked on the stage though.

The interview ended with plenty of smiles. Duncan got the biggest cheer in the concert later that night, and is very likely to at the other pre-parties too. We will see Duncan this week in London. The whole team at Eurovoxx would like to wish this talented new star a very big Good luck for Tel Aviv.

Did you see his performance in Amsterdam? What did you think? Do you think his chances of winning have increased? Please tell us your thoughts in the comments below