In the lead-up to last year's Eurovision Song Contest final, Dutch pop star Joost Klein was a frontrunner with his song "Europapa," which he wrote as a tribute to his late father. However, just hours before the finale, Klein was disqualified by Eurovision organizers for allegedly threatening a camerawoman, which he vehemently denied.
Despite the setback, Klein's career has flourished in the past year, amassing over three million monthly listeners on Spotify and releasing a new album titled "Unity," which has received positive reviews in the Netherlands. He is currently on his debut U.S. tour, including performances in New York City.
In a recent interview, Klein expressed that the disqualification still weighs heavily on him, stating that he does not expect to move past the incident quickly. He shared that he has faced significant personal loss, having lost both parents before the age of 14, and he fears that overcoming the Eurovision experience may take just as long. His new album features several tracks reflecting on the incident.
Eurovision, an annual music event with a global audience, has faced backlash from some fans following Klein's disqualification. At a recent concert, fans voiced their displeasure with the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the contest.
Swedish prosecutors concluded their investigation into the incident without filing charges. Klein described the situation as a misunderstanding, stating he felt unsupported by Eurovision organizers during the aftermath. He attempted to reach out for therapeutic support but received no response.
Klein has opted not to watch this year's Eurovision contest, stating his disillusionment with the event. He recalled his childhood experiences of watching Eurovision with his parents, which came to an abrupt end with their untimely deaths.
His music often juxtaposes upbeat melodies with emotional lyrics, reflecting his personal experiences and losses. The new album "Unity" includes tracks that express his anger towards Eurovision's organizers while also aiming to unite music fans across demographics.
During a recent concert in London, Klein opened with "Europapa," demonstrating his resilience and passion for performing, despite the challenges he has faced. He engaged with his audience, showcasing the joy that music brings him and the connection it fosters among fans.