Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest 1979

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Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest 1979

The Netherlands was represented by Xandra with the song “Colorado.” The song was written by Rob Bolland and Ferdi Bolland, with lyrics by Gerard Cox. Xandra is the stage name of Sandra Reemer, who had previously represented the Netherlands in 1972 and 1976.

Selection process
NOS chose the entrant through Nationaal Songfestival 1979, held on 7 February 1979 at the RAI Congrescentrum in Amsterdam and hosted by Martine Bijl. Five songs, all performed by Xandra, competed. The winner was decided by eleven juries (each with 50 points to distribute): ten juries came from various professions, and the eleventh was made up of Sandra Reemer’s fan club.

The night and result
Xandra performed 14th in the running order, after Luxembourg and before Sweden. “Colorado” received 51 points from ten countries, finishing 12th out of 19 entries. The Dutch jury gave its 12 points to France. The Netherlands’ conductor at the contest was Harry van Hoof.

Notes
Originally Rob de Nijs had been selected, but Xandra was chosen instead due to concerns about image.