1/2 Music brothers Sam and Merijn.
Brabant came second on Saturday in the first edition of the Regional Song Contest 2023. Sam and Merijn represented Brabant with their song ‘Cheers to life’, which they sang in the Stadsschouwburg in Utrecht. Limburg won the Eurovision Song Contest. Emmy Ackermans represented that province with her song ‘t Letste Rundje.
Artists from all thirteen regional broadcasters sang their songs in a well-filled hall. The atmosphere was good: after performances there was confetti thrown, flags waved and loud cheering. A group of Brabanders, including red and white checked scarves and clothing, was also present.
After all the performances it was time for the points. After the points from the professional jury, Brabant was at the top with 120 points. When the public votes were counted, our entry dropped one spot. Limburg came first with 177 points. Brabant shares second place with Overijssel and Groningen, all three of which finished with 172 points.
“A great evening.”
“It’s not normal,” the Limburg winner was able to say when it was clear that she had won. She was still speechless on stage, she told the presenters.
Presenters Stefania, Riks Ozinga and Bernadette Keizer enjoyed the performances. Stefania: “How great to notice that there is so much talent in all regions of the country. They all showed the best version of themselves. A great evening!”
Riks fully agrees with this: “It was a privilege to present this together with Stefania and Bernadette, but everyone also worked hard behind the scenes to make this song festival a success. As far as I’m concerned, the Regional Song Contest will become just as much of a tradition as the Eurovision Song Contest.”
“I can’t wait for the next edition.”
Presenter Bernadette Keizer reported from the green room. “It was a big party backstage with all the finalists! Despite the nerves, we were all able to laugh and enjoy so much beautiful music around us. So special to experience this for the first time in the Stadsschouwburg. There is a rightful winner and I can’t wait for the next edition!”
The finalists were cheered on by fans from the region during the final. Full buses and cars left for Utrecht from all regions to cheer on the finalists.
Successful cooperation
This year, the Regional Song Contest was organized for the first time in collaboration with all thirteen regional broadcasters. The regional broadcasters look back with pride on a successful project. The level of the artists was above expectations and the reactions were positive. This unique event also offered the opportunity to put each region firmly on the map. Due to this great success, it has been decided that the Regional Song Contest will continue to return as an annual event. Next year the final will take place in the province of Limburg, the winner of 2023.
Looking back
The final could be followed live via the TV channels and the YouTube channels of the regional broadcasters. Did you miss the broadcast or would you like to watch the performances again? Then watch via Uitzending Gemist.
The Regional Song Contest is a program of the joint regional broadcasters and is made possible by KF Hein Fund and Buma Cultuur.
YOU MAY ALSO FIND THIS INTERESTING:
Music brothers Sam and Merijn previously told us how they were looking forward to the big day
Curious what the artists from other regions think of the Brabant entry? You can read that here