The NPO Zapp series 'De Achterblijvers,' produced by BNNVARA, has been nominated for an International Emmy Award in the Kids: Live-Action category. The show follows teenager Sven, who cannot go on vacation due to his mother's debts and spends the summer with other children left behind. It competes against entries from Chile, Great Britain, and the Philippines, with winners to be announced on November 23 in New York. Dutch creators have previously won awards, most recently in 2022 when the preschool drama 'Kabam!' was honored.
Roel van Velzen shared archival footage from 2010 showing his former pupil Ben Saunders preparing for The Voice of Holland live shows. Van Velzen described the late singer as extremely talented and charming, noting that Saunders' funeral took place on Wednesday in a private ceremony.
De hechte band tussen Joshlyn en Ian zorgt al ruim een week voor de nodige speculaties in 'De Bondgenoten'. Ook Ians vriendin kijkt thuis mee naar de ontwikkelingen in de loods. Oud-kandidaat Nyssa denkt precies te weten hoe de vork in de steel zit en neemt het op voor haar tweelingzus.
Singer Ilse DeLange expressed hesitation about representing the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Festival again, citing concerns that music's unifying power is harder to maintain in today's polarized world. Although she holds warm memories of her 2014 participation with The Common Linnets and supporting Duncan Laurence’s 2019 win, she feels the current climate differs significantly from the neutral stance Dolly Parton once held. While her schedule prevents participation in 2027, she admits she would doubt even with free time. The NPO plans to approach artists directly and aims for clarity within two to three months following their return after a year's absence.
A poll of over 32,000 AD readers reveals that 69 percent believe the Netherlands should not have participated in the Eurovision Song Contest, criticizing the reversal of a previous boycott stance. While 19 percent support the decision and view it as culturally unifying, others like Frank Stuurman and Rico Vossen argue that participation undermines moral principles regarding conflicts involving Israel. Conversely, readers such as Willem Brinkerink and Peter van Daal welcome the return, emphasizing the separation of culture from politics and highlighting the event's role in connecting people.
Timothy’s singing career began after Michaël encouraged him to pursue music following their appearance on the reality show 'B&B Vol Liefde'. Timothy released his first single, 'Likkie Likkie', only after agreeing to Michaël’s condition that he handle all the business arrangements. The singer now performs in full venues across Ibiza and the Netherlands, a significant shift from his previous lifestyle. He admitted that while he initially sang only for fun, Michaël’s persistent support helped him transition into a professional career, resulting in major bookings in Apeldoorn and Amsterdam.
Singer Ilse DeLange stated she cannot participate in the upcoming Eurovision Song Festival because her schedule is full, though she admitted she now doubts whether she would be interested even if available due to the controversy surrounding the event. While experts suggested experienced artists like Anouk or Waylon, Davina Michelle remains the most frequently mentioned candidate, with the NPO declining to comment on potential participants.
The broadcaster NTR refuses to comment on rumors that actor Ramsey Nasr will replace Stefan de Walle as the lead character in the Sinterklaasjournaal. While the social media account Sinttalk claims 95 percent certainty based on anonymous sources, the NTR declined to confirm any names. De Walle’s departure was confirmed earlier, with the new host scheduled to appear in the first broadcast on November 9.
The Public Prosecution Service has requested a reduced prison sentence of 28 months, with 10 suspended, for Harry W. in the appeal regarding the assault on actor Bas Muijs, down from the initial four-year demand. W. was previously convicted of kidnapping and assault after detaining Muijs in March 2023 to extort money and force a confession regarding an alleged rape by Muijs of W.'s partner, Madelon L. The prosecution now also includes charges of extortion and deprivation of liberty, while noting L.'s mental health struggles. The appellate court in Arnhem will deliver its verdict on October 14.
Television chefs Hugo Kennis and Rudolph van Veen expressed surprise and disappointment regarding the cancellation of 24Kitchen after fifteen years. They described the loss as a waste of a platform that promoted cooking skills, noting the channel will now only be available via Disney+ starting March 31.
American singer Hilary Duff will perform at Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome on May 17, marking her first concert in the Netherlands since 2006. The appearance is part of an expanded tour supporting her sixth studio album, luck... or something, with Rebecca Black serving as the opening act.
René Froger faces a difficult decision regarding his future with the Toppers, as illness could force him off stage. If he leaves, a replacement must be found to join Gerard, Jan, and Jeroen at the Johan Cruijff Arena, though the topic of succession remains sensitive and is discussed only behind the scenes.
A broad majority of the Dutch Lower House considers it unnecessary for public broadcasting associations to prove they have sufficient members next year, as this criterion will be abolished under the new Media Act scheduled for January 1, 2029. VVD MP Van der Maas and Pro MP Mohandis argue that conducting expensive membership campaigns now wastes taxpayer money and risks jeopardizing the ongoing consolidation of eleven broadcasters into four new houses. They urge Culture Minister Letschert to resolve the issue via urgent legislation or by basing future membership counts on combined cluster totals, ensuring funds are directed toward journalism rather than redundant recruitment efforts.
The Flemish broadcaster VRT’s decision to participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Festival has sparked significant backlash in Belgium. The ACOD VRT union condemned the move as unworthy of a public broadcaster and vowed to prevent the broadcast, citing concerns over democratic values. While the ACV union expressed disappointment, it was less severe. Two years ago, ACOD interrupted broadcasts to protest Israel's participation. Flemish politicians from Groen, Anders, Vooruit, and PVDA also criticized the decision, with Groen MP Bram Jaques accusing the broadcaster of losing credibility and engaging in cultural whitewashing regarding genocide.
General practitioners Stefan van Rooijen and Alja Sluiter from Asten are suing the Dutch government for insufficient action against youth vaping and unhealthy diets, citing a rise in obesity and diabetes among children as young as eight. They plan to present ten proposals, including school cooking classes, to Health Minister Sophie Hermans. Meanwhile, Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk criticized media coverage after the World Cup, stating he felt undervalued domestically compared to abroad. He confirmed his intention to continue playing until at least the 2028 European Championship following a conversation with coach Xavi Hernández. Other stories include a severe shortage of parking spots for truck drivers in Brabant and Limburg, entertainer Johan Vlemmix working on a new version of his hit song 'Hyves is Hyves,' and journalist Eva de Schipper’s podcast investigating child abuse by swim instructor Benno L.
Filipino-American creator Bella Poarch removed her viral 10-second TikTok video, which held the Guinness World Record for most likes with over 74 million, after becoming frustrated by negative comments and comparisons to Australian influencer Leah Halton. The video, featuring playback lip-syncing to Millie B's 'Soph Aspin Send,' launched Poarch into multimillionaire status through lucrative brand deals with companies like Hugo Boss and Valentino. Despite achieving fame and releasing her first album, Poarch stated on the Zach Sang Show that she deleted the content because she was tired of the constant backlash and pressure regarding her engagement metrics.
Eurovision Song Festival experts have expressed relief and enthusiasm after confirming that the Netherlands will participate next year. For artist Davina Michelle, who many consider an ideal representative, opportunities to compete appear to be opening up.
Disney is re-releasing Avengers: Endgame in cinemas under the title Avengers Endgame: Encore, featuring never-before-seen material. The 2019 blockbuster, which concluded eleven years of superhero films and grossed $2.8 billion, is being brought back to theaters to allow audiences to experience the collective event again.
American film producer Harvey Weinstein received a 15-year prison sentence on Wednesday for the sexual abuse of former production assistant Miriam Haley. The conviction follows a 2024 appeal that overturned his previous 23-year sentence, with a jury finding him guilty again in 2025 for forcing Haley into oral sex in 2006. Weinstein faces additional legal proceedings, including an expected sentencing in California for the 2013 rape and abuse of an actress, while charges against actress Jessica Mann were dropped after three failed prosecution attempts.
