The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna will have a modern commentary team for Dutch viewers. Broadcasters NPO have announced that Henry Schut and Jeroen Kijk in de Vegte will take over commentary duties, stepping in after Cornald Maas stepped down following AVROTROS’s decision to boycott the competition.
This year’s contest carries added weight, as the Netherlands will not be participating. AVROTROS made the decision to withdraw in protest of Israel’s participation, citing concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and restrictions on press freedom. Despite the absence of a Dutch contestant, NPO aims to deliver a broadcast that celebrates the music and spectacle of Eurovision while acknowledging the complex sentiments surrounding the event.
Jeroen Kijk in de Vegte, known for his morning show on NPO Radio 2 with Jan-Willem Roodbeen, expressed his lifelong passion for the contest. “I sat on the couch as a child with wet hair and still follow it every year,” he said. He emphasized his understanding of the event’s history and its cultural significance in Europe, acknowledging the unique circumstances of this year’s competition.
Henry Schut, a veteran of NOS Studio Sport and a radio personality for Langs de Lijn and NPO Radio 5, shared his enthusiasm. “As a music lover, my heart beats faster because the song festival was instilled in me with the spoon,” Schut stated. He intends to approach the commentary with the journalistic rigor he’s known for, offering a curious, factual, and contextualized perspective.
A New Era for Dutch Eurovision Commentary
The selection of Schut and Kijk in de Vegte marks a shift in the Dutch commentary booth. Cornald Maas had been the consistent voice of the Eurovision Song Contest for Dutch audiences for many years. His departure prompted the search for a new duo capable of navigating the event’s complexities and delivering engaging commentary. The NPO’s choice reflects a desire to maintain a high standard of broadcasting while acknowledging the sensitive political backdrop of this year’s contest.
The Commentators’ Backgrounds
Jeroen Kijk in de Vegte brings a strong background in radio broadcasting and a proven ability to connect with audiences. He was awarded the Voice Over Award in 2025, recognized for his versatile and engaging voice work. The jury praised his ability to deliver performances that are “always surprising and fitting, never boring or perfunctory.”
Henry Schut’s extensive experience in sports journalism provides a different, but equally valuable, skillset. His work with NOS Studio Sport demonstrates a commitment to factual reporting and insightful analysis. He plans to apply these principles to his Eurovision commentary, offering viewers a well-informed and balanced perspective.
Context of the Netherlands’ Absence
The decision by AVROTROS to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is rooted in concerns about Israel’s participation. The broadcaster cited the ongoing human suffering in Gaza, limitations on press freedom, and perceived interference from the Israeli government in the previous year’s competition as key factors in their decision. RTL Boulevard reported on the boycott in December, highlighting the ethical considerations that prompted the withdrawal.
Despite not competing, the Netherlands remains a dedicated audience for the Eurovision Song Contest. The NPO’s commitment to providing high-quality commentary with Schut and Kijk in de Vegte demonstrates their continued support for the event and its cultural significance.
As the Eurovision Song Contest approaches, all eyes will be on Vienna. Schut and Kijk in de Vegte are preparing to deliver a commentary experience that is both informative and engaging, navigating the complexities of the event while celebrating the power of music. The broadcast promises to be a focal point for Dutch Eurovision fans, even in the absence of a national contestant.
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