Welcome to The Xtra Files, our series which will give you an insight into what the team at ESCXTRA think of your favourite entries into this year’s contest! Today, we review the Netherlands.
Now that all the songs have been released, we are able to review each and every one of them. Our honest and brutal reviews will keep you entertained until the rehearsals start on 30 April! We will also each give a score out of 10 for every entry, and create an ESCXTRA leaderboard of the entries!
Today we have reviews of the Dutch entry, ‘Outlaw in ‘Em’ by Waylon, from Luke, Miki, Rigmo, Simon, Wiv and Nick. Let’s get started!
The Reviews
Luke
If all this year’s songs were people, this is the one that I’d say was an outlaw and lock away for good. It’s subpar country rock but will probably do well mostly just because it’s something different and unique amongst all these songs. Although I’d also describe myself as different and unique and yet nobody loves me, SOOOO…
Miki
Waylon is clearly a seasoned performer and sells “Outlaw In ‘Em” perfectly well on stage. I also have to mention that this entry is probably their best attempt of sending an entry in the genrse since 2014 (“Calm after the storm” is iconic). The thing that I am worried with this is the fact that it’s not country done mainstream, it is an actual contry rock tune. Which I personally don’t mind at all, but It would be interesting to see how the rest of Europe will react to it.
Rigmo
This is a story about a man called Willem. Willem loved the simple things in life, like horse riding, roping cows, drinking moonshine and dueling with bandits at noon, As far as he was concerned, there was nothing better than grilling a good old American steak next to the Grand Canyon. Unfortunately, Willem lived in 21st century Netherlands. So he stared at his Waylon Jennings poster day and night and dreamt that one day, he would be where he belonged. Like with most lost souls, the only logical way to head was Eurovision. With a quick name change and a stop at the local halloween costume shop, Willem was no more. But Waylon? Waylon was ready to take the Eurovision world by storm. People with country rock in their hearts, such as myself, would surely love him. Unfortunately nobody told poor Waylon that America wasn’t watching. But if he needs 12 points from Estonia, I’m more than willing to help out.
Simon
Welcome back to Waylon and welcome back to some country sounds; but might it be a little too MAGA for Europe? A well-produced effort, but I wonder if much will stick in the listeners’ ears.
Wiv
This, to me, is just wrong on every possible level. There is no doubt Waylon is a good singer, and I KNOW this is actually the kind of music he normally makes. It doesn’t change a thing.
Nick
I was more than sceptical when Avrotros pulled Waylon out of the bag for Lisbon. He’s not made himself too popular with me recently. I was worried we were going to end up with a country ballad again, so when he presented his options, this was an instant favourite of mine. A great combination of rock and country, roaring vocals and a theme suitable for the stage. I’m proud to have this song flying our flag in Lisbon.
Scores
| Dominik | 6 | Nick | 9 | Tim | 6 |
| Hlynur | 3.5 | Riccardo | 8.5 | Tom | 9 |
| Lisa | 2 | Rigmo | 9.5 | Vincent | 8 |
| Luke | 1.5 | Rodrigo | 9 | Wiv | 1 |
| Matt | 6.5 | Ryan | 9 | Yassia | 4 |
| Miki | 8 | Sami | 5 | ||
| Nathan | 7.5 | Simon | 6 |
Therefore, the average score for the Netherlands is 6.26.
Leaderboard
YEEEHAW, partners, Waylon ropes himself all the way up to 14th position with a mighty fine score of 6.26, despite the mixed reception.
- Israel – 8.52
- Finland – 7.66
- Bulgaria – 7.63
- France – 7.50
- Sweden – 7.21
- Poland – 7.08
- Germany – 6.95
- Ukraine – 6.92
- Austria – 6.79
- Australia – 6.76
- Denmark – 6.55
- Lithuania – 6.50
- Italy – 6.39
- The Netherlands – 6.26
- Azerbaijan – 6.05
- Portugal – 6.05
- Estonia – 5.86
- Latvia – 5.61
- Albania – 5.50
- Serbia – 5.05
- Belarus – 4.97
- Moldova – 4.92
- Romania – 4.73
- Montenegro – 4.71
- Hungary – 4.65
- Armenia – 4.29
- Georgia – 4.18
- Iceland – 4.18
- San Marino – 4.03
Tomorrow, it will be the turn of Switzerland to be reviewed.
Do you agree with our reviews of the Netherlands? What are your thoughts on Outlaw in ‘Em?
Let us know in the comments below and on social media @ESCXTRA!
