Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest 1987
Open-knowledge reference entry
The Netherlands was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 1987 with the song "Rechtop in de wind", written by Peter Koelewijn, and performed by Marcha. The Dutch participating broadcaster, Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS), selected its entry for the contest through a national final, after having previously selected the performer internally.
Before Eurovision
Nationaal Songfestival 1987
Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS) held the national final on 25 March 1987 at the Koninklijk Conservatorium in the Hague, hosted by Astrid Joosten. Six songs, all performed by Marcha, took part, with the winner being decided by juries in the twelve Dutch provinces, who each awarded a minimum of 5 points and a maximum of 30 points per song. "Rechtop in de wind" emerged an easy victor, the outright choice of nine of the juries, with a winning points margin of almost twice the number separating the other five songs.
At Eurovision
On the night of the final Marcha performed 12th in the running order, following Greece and preceding Luxembourg. At the close of voting "Rechtop in de wind" had received 83 points from 14 countries, placing the Netherlands 5th of the 22 entries, their first top 5 finish since 1980. The Dutch jury awarded its 12 points to Ireland.
The Dutch conductor at the contest was Rogier van Otterloo for the fifth and last time, only a few months before his death in January 1988.
The contest was broadcast on Nederland 1, with commentary by Willem van Beusekom.
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