Jan Smit arouses a lot of annoyance with the makers of RTL Boulevard. Not only he, but also his Eurovision chatter buddy Cornald Maas refuse to appear in front of the camera.
It seems that people are a bit done with Cornald Maas and Jan Smit. How on earth is it possible that they first choose the Dutch entry for the Eurovision Song Contest and then judge its performance ‘objectively’ as commentators? Although Jan has left the committee, Cornald keeps sticking around.
John refuses
And now that Mia & Dion have completely failed, it is impossible for RTL Boulevard reporter Aran Bade to speak to the gentlemen. “That frustration is not only with me, but also with the other press. And that has to change. We just don’t feel involved with the Dutch delegation,” he says in the show section.
He continues: “That is something that I have noticed for a few years now, also among fellow journalists. Today, for example, we wanted to visit Jan Smit, visit Cornald Maas. Just to ask for a response. They also did the commentary. Well, all shutters are closing.”
No comment
What will Jan and Cornald say then? “It is said: ‘No comment, we are not going to comment.’ That is frustrating though. We’re really getting pushed aside then. It is actually said: ‘We are not coming anymore and you should sort it all out.’ That is very difficult. The AvroTros should be more open about that.”
The AvroTros also refuses everything and everyone, according to Aran. “I am so sorry. Just say: “Come and have a cup of coffee, we will answer the questions that are asked.” It’s being played like they-against-us now, as if we want it all very wrong and that it all goes wrong. It’s not like that at all.”
Press-friendly
Are other participating countries more press-friendly? Yes, thinks Aran. “In other countries you don’t see that at all; the press is part of the delegation there. They often just stay together in the hotel.”
Cornald and Jan also have to justify themselves, he thinks. “It is the guidance that damaged Mia & Dion. There are six people in the selection committee, including Jan Smit, who have been responsible for this. (…) I really think it’s an embarrassment.”