Joost Klein
{{Short description|Dutch musician (born 1997)}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Joost Klein
| image = Joost_Klein_Press_Event_2024_(cropped)_B.jpg
| landscape = no
| caption = Klein in 2024
| alias = Joost, Eenhoornjoost
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1997|11|10|df=y}}
| birth_place = Leeuwarden, Netherlands
| origin = Britsum, Netherlands
| genre = {{flatlist|
}}
| occupations = {{flatlist|
- Musician
- rapper
- singer
- YouTuber
}}
| years_active = 2016–present
| label = {{hlist|TopNotch|Albino Sports|Made|Joost Klein}}
| website = {{URL|https://joostklein.merchstore.nl/}}
| module = {{Infobox YouTube personality|embed=yes
| years_active = 2010–present
| channel_handle = @joostklein1
}}
| module2 = {{Infobox TikTok personality|embed=yes
| page = joostklein
| followers = 3.9 million
| likes = 75.4 million
| stats_update =
}}
}}
Joost Klein ({{IPA|nl|joːst klɛin}}; born 10 November 1997), also known mononymously as Joost, is a Dutch musician, rapper, singer, and former YouTuber. Mainly a hip hop artist, his songs and performances often include influences of electronic music, such as drum and bass, hardstyle, and gabber.{{Cite web |last=Pek |first=Norbert |date=18 August 2023 |title=LL23: Pompeblêden of verzuipen met Joost |url=https://3voor12.vpro.nl/update~ad0dd7a4-442e-4414-961c-e611acf2f0da~ll23-pompebl%C3%AAden-of-verzuipen-met-joost~.html |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=3voor12 |language=nl |archive-date=21 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821151629/https://3voor12.vpro.nl/update~ad0dd7a4-442e-4414-961c-e611acf2f0da~ll23-pompebl%C3%AAden-of-verzuipen-met-joost~.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Raes |first=Tom |date=19 August 2023 |title=Muzikaal is er geen ruk aan, de rest valt niet te snappen. Toch treft Joost weer doel op Pukkelpop ★★★☆☆ |trans-title=Musically there is no fuss, the rest is impossible to understand. Yet Joost scores again at Pukkelpop ★★★☆☆ |url=https://www.demorgen.be/pukkelpop-2023/muzikaal-is-er-geen-ruk-aan-de-rest-valt-niet-te-snappen-toch-treft-joost-weer-doel-op-pukkelpop~b5dcb9db/ |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=De Morgen |language=nl |archive-date=21 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821150124/https://www.demorgen.be/pukkelpop-2023/muzikaal-is-er-geen-ruk-aan-de-rest-valt-niet-te-snappen-toch-treft-joost-weer-doel-op-pukkelpop~b5dcb9db/ |url-status=live }} He has released seven studio albums, two of which reached the top ten of the Dutch Album Top 100. He has amassed four chart entries on the Dutch Top 40, and is best known for "{{Lang|nl|Wachtmuziek|italic=no}}" (2022), "Europapa" (2024), "Luchtballon" (2024) and his collaborations with German rapper Ski Aggu and comedian Otto Waalkes on "Friesenjung" (2023), Finnish rapper Käärijä on "Trafik!" (2024), and Estonian rapper Tommy Cash on "United by Music" (2025).
"Europapa" was selected to represent the {{Esccnty|Netherlands|y=2024}} in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 and subsequently became Klein's first song to top both the Dutch Top 40 and Single Top 100. Having qualified in second place from the second semi-final, he was scheduled to perform fifth in the final, but was disqualified from the competition due to allegations of misconduct. These were investigated by Swedish prosecutors, who dropped the case in August 2024 after concluding that they could not prove any criminal conduct.{{cite press release |title=Investigation concerning illegal threats in Malmö has been closed |url=https://www.aklagare.se/en/media/press-releases/2024/august/investigation-concerning-illegal-threats-in-malmo-has-been-closed/ |website=Åklagarmyndigheten |publisher=Swedish Prosecution Authority |access-date=13 August 2024 |language=en}}
Early life
Joost Klein was born on 10 November 1997 in Leeuwarden, Netherlands,{{Cite web |title=Joost Klein begon op YouTube, schreef een dichtbundel en stond als rapper in Carré en op Lowlands: 'Het was opeens een ding' |trans-title=Joost Klein started on YouTube, wrote a collection of poems and appeared as a rapper in Carré and Lowlands: 'It suddenly became a thing' |url=https://www.volkskrant.nl/cultuur-media/joost-klein-begon-op-youtube-schreef-een-dichtbundel-en-stond-als-rapper-in-carre-en-op-lowlands-het-was-opeens-een-ding~b01a3499/ |last=Kraak |first=Haro |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=De Volkskrant |date=19 November 2019 |language=nl |archive-date=12 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112143012/https://www.volkskrant.nl/cultuur-media/joost-klein-begon-op-youtube-schreef-een-dichtbundel-en-stond-als-rapper-in-carre-en-op-lowlands-het-was-opeens-een-ding~b01a3499/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Oomen |first1=Eefje |last2=Eenennaam |first2=Alexander van |date=3 May 2024 |title=Voor Joost Klein is muziek meer dan muziek alleen – het is therapie |trans-title=For Joost Klein, music is more than music alone – it is therapy |url=https://www.parool.nl/kunst-media/voor-joost-klein-is-muziek-meer-dan-muziek-alleen-het-is-therapie~bfc8f4c4/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516152503/https://www.parool.nl/kunst-media/voor-joost-klein-is-muziek-meer-dan-muziek-alleen-het-is-therapie~bfc8f4c4/ |archive-date=16 May 2024 |access-date=16 May 2024 |work=Het Parool |language=nl}} and grew up in the nearby village of Britsum. In 2008, he started a YouTube channel under the name EenhoornJoost ({{lit|UnicornJoost}}). He did not complete the curriculum at his secondary school. At the age of twelve, his father died of cancer;{{cite web |last1=Lê Van |first1=Elmo |title=Zijn naam is klein, zijn droom is groot: Joost Klein voor beginners |url=https://www.demorgen.be/tv-cultuur/zijn-naam-is-klein-zijn-droom-is-groot-joost-klein-voor-beginners~b4cdcfb6/ |website=De Morgen |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231125092234/https://www.demorgen.be/tv-cultuur/zijn-naam-is-klein-zijn-droom-is-groot-joost-klein-voor-beginners~b4cdcfb6/ |archive-date=25 November 2023 |language=nl |date=24 November 2023}} a year later, in 2011, his mother died of cardiac arrest. Following the death of his parents, Klein was looked after by his older brother and sister.{{cite web |last1=Roobol |first1=Birgit |title=Het verdrietige verhaal achter de vrolijke nummers van Songfestivalkandidaat Joost Klein |url=https://www.libelle.nl/shownieuws/het-verdrietige-verhaal-achter-de-vrolijke-nummers-van-songfestivalkandidaat-joost-klein~b6a2bce8/ |website=Libelle |access-date=6 January 2024 |language=nl |date=11 December 2023 |archive-date=6 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106195545/https://www.libelle.nl/shownieuws/het-verdrietige-verhaal-achter-de-vrolijke-nummers-van-songfestivalkandidaat-joost-klein~b6a2bce8/ |url-status=live }}
Career
=2016–2022: First releases=
While active as a YouTuber, Klein published videos ranging from sketches to mini-documentaries. In 2016, he released his debut EP {{Lang|nl|Dakloos}} ({{Translation|'Homeless'}}), after which he began focusing on a career in music. "Bitches", produced by Mick Spek was his first music video that would reach a million views on YouTube.{{Cite web |title=In de spotlight: Joost Klein |trans-title=In the spotlight: Joost Klein |url=https://teenmag.nl/article/in-de-spotlight-joost-klein/ |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=Teenmag |date=26 February 2021 |language=nl |archive-date=21 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821182329/https://teenmag.nl/article/in-de-spotlight-joost-klein/ |url-status=live }} He was briefly signed to TopNotch in 2017 and 2018, but eventually decided to set up his own record label, Albino Sports.{{Cite web |title=Miljard views op Top Notch Youtube kanaal |trans-title=Billion views on Top Notch channel |url=https://www.emerce.nl/wire/miljard-views-top-notch-youtube-kanaal |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=Emerce |date=5 April 2017 |language=nl |archive-date=25 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225161227/https://www.emerce.nl/wire/miljard-views-top-notch-youtube-kanaal |url-status=live}}
On 20 October 2017, Klein released the mixtape Scandinavian Boy, followed by the singles "{{Lang|nl|Meeuw|italic=no}}" (transl. 'Seagull') and "{{Lang|nl|Ome Robert|italic=no}}" (transl. 'Uncle Robert') in 2018. On 3 August 2018, Klein released the studio album {{ill|M van Marketing|nl|M van Marketing}} together with Dutch rapper Donnie. To promote the album, the duo organised a one-time concert titled {{lang|nl|Viraal in Carré}} in the Carré theatre in Amsterdam.{{Cite web |title=Ja hoor: Donnie & Joost treden op in Carré |trans-title=Yes: Donnie & Joost will perform in Carré |url=https://www.parool.nl/nieuws/ja-hoor-donnie-joost-treden-op-in-carre~b0a0d5aa/ |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=Het Parool |date=28 June 2018 |language=nl |archive-date=21 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821150126/https://www.parool.nl/nieuws/ja-hoor-donnie-joost-treden-op-in-carre~b0a0d5aa/ |url-status=live }}
Klein wrote a small book of poems titled Albino, which was published on 14 November 2018. Klein has mentioned that he wrote the book because of his father, who had also written a book and encouraged him to do the same.{{Cite web |title=Albino: 'Een roetsjbaanrit door een fucked up brein' |trans-title=Albino: 'A roller coaster ride through a fucked up brain' |url=https://www.metronieuws.nl/entertainment/2018/11/albino-een-roetsjbaanrit-door-een-fucked-up-brein/ |last=Visser |first=Jelmer |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=Metro |date=13 November 2018 |language=nl |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117111607/https://www.metronieuws.nl/entertainment/2018/11/albino-een-roetsjbaanrit-door-een-fucked-up-brein/ |url-status=live }} To promote his studio album of the same title, Klein organised the {{Lang|nl|Het gaat niet zo goed}} (transl. 'It is not going too well') concert tour in 2019, during which he visited venues such as Paard, {{ill|De Oosterpoort|nl|De Oosterpoort}}, {{ill|Doornroosje|nl|Doornroosje (Nijmegen)}} and Paradiso.{{Cite web |title=Joost negen clubs langs met z'n 'Het gaat niet zo goed' tour |trans-title=Joost will visit nine clubs with his 'Het gaat niet zo goed' tour |url=https://www.podiuminfo.nl/news/44615/Joost-negen-clubs-langs-met-zn-Het-gaat-niet-zo-goed-tour/ |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=Podiuminfo.nl |date=17 October 2018 |language=nl |archive-date=16 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116142439/https://www.podiuminfo.nl/news/44615/Joost-negen-clubs-langs-met-zn-Het-gaat-niet-zo-goed-tour/ |url-status=live }} He concluded the tour in Paradiso on 3 March 2019. The following summer, Klein performed at major Benelux festivals such as Pukkelpop, Pinkpop, Lowlands, and Zwarte Cross.
File:Joost_klein-1548494813.jpg
On 15 November 2019, Klein released the album {{ill|1983 (Joost album)|lt=1983|nl|1983 (album)}}, the title of which refers to the birth year of Klein's older brother.{{Cite web |title=Joost – 1983 (★★★½): Geld en verdriet, met nonsens en een dikke beat |trans-title=Joost – 1983 (★★★½): Money and sadness, with nonsense and a big beat |url=https://www.dansendeberen.be/2019/11/15/joost-1983-%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%C2%BD-geld-en-verdriet-met-nonsens-en-een-dikke-beat/ |last=Palmans |first=Lucas |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=Dansende Beren |date=15 November 2019 |language=nl |archive-date=11 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211105635/https://www.dansendeberen.be/2019/11/15/joost-1983-%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%C2%BD-geld-en-verdriet-met-nonsens-en-een-dikke-beat/ |url-status=live }} Klein collaborated with music producers Mick Spek, Kauwboy and Tantu Beats on the album. On 24 April 2020, Klein released the album Joost Klein 7, which consists of seven songs, including a collaboration with Canadian rapper bbno$. On 7 August of the same year, he released the single "{{Lang|nl|Ik wil je|italic=no}}" (transl. 'I want you'), a remix of the eponymous song by the Belgian band De Kreuners.{{Cite web |title=Joost Klein brengt versie uit van 'Ik Wil Je' van De Kreuners |trans-title=Joost releases version of 'Ik Wil Je' by De Kreuners |url=https://www.hln.be/muziek/joost-klein-brengt-versie-uit-van-ik-wil-je-van-de-kreuners~a94d60e3/ |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=Het Laatste Nieuws |date=7 August 2020 |language=nl |archive-date=21 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821150123/https://www.hln.be/muziek/joost-klein-brengt-versie-uit-van-ik-wil-je-van-de-kreuners~a94d60e3/ |url-status=live}} In 2021 he created a song for StuBru named "Fok De Blok". "Fok De Blok" is a rebellious and energetic anthem about breaking free from control, rejecting authority, and staying true to yourself. In the song, Joost uses humor and chaos to express frustration with systems that try to limit individuality—like school, societal norms, or other forms of pressure. The phrase "Fok de Blok" symbolizes a refusal to be boxed in. It's a bold call for freedom, self-expression, and not caring what others expect of you. It's also used by schoolchildren to express their frustration with the exam block.
In March 2022, Klein collaborated with Russian musician {{ill|Ruslan Tushentsov (CMH)|ru|Тушенцов, Руслан Сергеевич}}, releasing "Jackass", a song in which Klein sings about his love for Russian women.{{cite web|title=Dutch Eurovision 2024 representative collaborated with Russian artists after full-scale invasion |url= https://english.nv.ua/nation/dutch-eurovision-2024-representative-has-joint-songs-with-russians-released-after-february-24-2022-50417092.html |date= 10 May 2024 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512020411/https://english.nv.ua/nation/dutch-eurovision-2024-representative-has-joint-songs-with-russians-released-after-february-24-2022-50417092.html |archivedate=12 May 2024 }} In February 2023, he released a song with Saint Petersburg-based group the Russian Village Boys. According to a statement released by Klein's management, "Jackass" was recorded prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the collaboration with the Russian Village Boys was done after the group had left their homeland following the invasion, noting that "it has absolutely no bearing on what terrible things are still happening there, and is not pro-Russian".{{Cite web |date=2023-12-12 |title=Joost Klein schreef liedje over Rusland ruim voor inval: 'Niet pro-Russisch' |trans-title=Joost Klein wrote a song about Russia long before the invasion: 'Not pro-Russian' |url=https://www.nu.nl/muziek/6293797/joost-klein-schreef-liedje-over-rusland-ruim-voor-inval-niet-pro-russisch.html |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=NU.nl |language=nl |archive-date=5 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305051343/https://www.nu.nl/muziek/6293797/joost-klein-schreef-liedje-over-rusland-ruim-voor-inval-niet-pro-russisch.html |url-status=live }}
Klein released his eighth studio album on 13 September 2022, titled {{lang|fy|Fryslân}} after his home province of Friesland. The album features the singles "Florida 2009", "{{lang|nl|Wachtmuziek|italic=no}}" and "{{lang|nl|Papa en mama|italic=no}}", and was fully produced by producer Tantu Beats. Various samples can be heard on the album, such as samples of the Dutch ska band Doe Maar and Crazy Frog. In "Florida 2009", Klein reflects on the death of his parents. He premiered the song at the 2022 edition of Pinkpop.{{Cite web |title=Joost Klein: 'De eerste veertig luisterbeurten moest ik alleen maar huilen' |trans-title=Joost Klein: 'The first forty listens I just had to cry' |url=https://3voor12.vpro.nl/artikelen/overzicht/2022/oktober/Joost-Klein-Fryslan-interview.html |last=Pisart |first=Timo |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=3voor12 |date=1 October 2022 |language=nl |archive-date=23 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323224445/https://3voor12.vpro.nl/artikelen/overzicht/2022/oktober/Joost-Klein-Fryslan-interview.html |url-status=live }} He also released "{{lang|nl|Droom Groot|italic=no}}" as a single. In it, he makes a pun on his surname, Klein, meaning small, in the chorus (Z'n naam is Klein maar z'n droom is groot). He has also used variations of this pun in other songs and interviews (My name is small but I'm standing tall, Mein Name ist Klein aber mein Traum ist groß)
= 2023–present: Eurovision Song Contest =
In 2023, Klein scored his first hit in Germany with the single "Friesenjung", a collaboration with German rapper Ski Aggu and an adaptation of a song by Otto Waalkes, a German comedian from East Frisia. The song reached first place on the German Single Top 100.{{Cite web |title=Otto Waalkes Kultsong "Friesenjung" wird zur Musik-Sensation |trans-title=Otto Waalke's cult song "Friesenjung" becomes a music sensation |url=https://www.mdr.de/brisant/promi-klatsch/otto-waalkes-friesenjung-114.html |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=Das Erste |date=15 June 2023 |language=de |archive-date=25 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925202622/https://www.mdr.de/brisant/promi-klatsch/otto-waalkes-friesenjung-114.html |url-status=live }} That same year, Klein expressed his interest in representing the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö, Sweden. A petition was launched by the NPO 3FM radio programme {{lang|nl|VoorAan}} of PowNed in an attempt to realise this goal.{{Cite web |url=https://radiowereld.nl/medianieuws/2023/09/npo-3fm-start-petitie-om-joost-klein-naar-songfestival-te-krijgen/ |title=NPO 3FM start petitie om Joost Klein naar Songfestival te krijgen |trans-title=NPO 3FM starts a petition to get Joost Klein to the Eurovision Song Contest |date=14 September 2023 |access-date=26 September 2023 |website=RadioWereld.nl |language=nl |archive-date=26 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926204351/https://radiowereld.nl/medianieuws/2023/09/npo-3fm-start-petitie-om-joost-klein-naar-songfestival-te-krijgen/ |url-status=live }} On 11 December 2023, Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced that Klein had been selected as the Dutch representative for the contest.{{Cite web |date=11 December 2023 |title=Joost Klein to represent the Netherlands at Eurovision 2024 |url=https://eurovision.tv/story/joost-klein-represent-netherlands-eurovision-2024 |access-date=11 December 2023 |website=Eurovision.tv |publisher=European Broadcasting Union |language=en-EN |archive-date=11 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211070558/https://eurovision.tv/story/joost-klein-represent-netherlands-eurovision-2024 |url-status=live}} His entry, titled "Europapa", was released on 29 February 2024.{{Cite Instagram |postid=C3kr-3UC3or |user=eurovision |author=EBU |title=Joost Klein will release his song Europapa on 29 February! The hype is real! |date=2024-02-20 |access-date=2024-02-20}}
File:Joost Klein, semi-finals, Eurovision 2024 06.jpg
Klein performed in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, held on 9 May, and having qualified, was scheduled to perform in position 5 in the final, on 11 May. However, Klein was barred from further rehearsals due to an "incident". On 11 May, the day of the final, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced that Klein had been disqualified from the final.{{Cite web |title=Eurovision axes Dutch entry Joost Klein after controversy over 'incident' |url=https://news.sky.com/story/eurovision-axes-dutch-entry-joost-klein-after-controversy-over-incident-13133327 |access-date=2024-05-11 |website=Sky News |language=en |archive-date=11 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511103608/https://news.sky.com/story/eurovision-axes-dutch-entry-joost-klein-after-controversy-over-incident-13133327 |url-status=live }} According to AVROTROS, Klein was recorded by a female camera operator against his will immediately following his semi-final performance. AVROTROS claims that she continued to film "against clearly made agreements".{{Cite news |last=Savage |first=Mark |date=11 May 2024 |title=Joost Klein: Dutch contestant disqualified from Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68993726.amp |url-status=live |access-date=13 May 2024 |work=BBC News |archive-date=13 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513065948/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68993726.amp }} The camera operator alleges that Klein had reacted to the recording by making a "threatening move" towards her holding a camera.{{Cite web |last=Wells |first=Matt |date=2024-05-11 |title=Eurovision disqualifies Dutch act Joost Klein from song contest final |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/11/entertainment/eurovision-disqualifies-dutch-entrant-joost-klein-intl/index.html |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=13 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513063147/https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/11/entertainment/eurovision-disqualifies-dutch-entrant-joost-klein-intl/index.html |url-status=live }} The details of the altercation are unclear, but the Swedish police said it would be investigating whether criminal threats were made, not whether an assault occurred.{{Cite web |title=Eurovision camerawoman's story differs from disqualified Joost Klein's version |url=https://nltimes.nl/2024/05/12/eurovision-camerawomans-story-differs-disqualified-joost-kleins-version |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240512223240/https://nltimes.nl/2024/05/12/eurovision-camerawomans-story-differs-disqualified-joost-kleins-version |archive-date=12 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=NL Times |language=en}} Klein denied any wrongdoing through his lawyer.{{Cite web |last=Leeuwen |first=Marlies van |date=17 May 2024 |title=Advocaat: Joost Klein ontkent elk strafbaar feit en voelt zich verdrietig |url=https://www.ad.nl/show/advocaat-joost-klein-ontkent-elk-strafbaar-feit-en-voelt-zich-verdrietig~a0b28457 |access-date=19 May 2024 |website=Algemeen Dagblad |archive-date=19 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519103129/https://www.ad.nl/show/advocaat-joost-klein-ontkent-elk-strafbaar-feit-en-voelt-zich-verdrietig~a0b28457/ |url-status=live }} The EBU clarified in a statement that its decision to disqualify Klein "did not involve any other performer or delegation member".{{Cite web |date=10 May 2024 |title=Statement on Dutch participation in the Eurovision Song Contest |url=https://eurovision.tv/mediacentre/release/statement-dutch-participation-eurovision-song-contest |access-date=11 May 2024 |website=Eurovision.tv |publisher=European Broadcasting Union |archive-date=14 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514135422/https://eurovision.tv/mediacentre/release/statement-dutch-participation-eurovision-song-contest |url-status=live }} AVROTROS later stated that the disqualification was "very heavy and disproportionate".{{Cite web |title=Statement AVROTROS over diskwalificatie Joost Klein |url=https://www.avrotros.nl/article/nederland-gediskwalificeerd-van-eurovisie-songfestival~527/ |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=AVROTROS |language=nl-NL |archive-date=14 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514145132/https://www.avrotros.nl/article/nederland-gediskwalificeerd-van-eurovisie-songfestival~527/ |url-status=live }} On 12 August, the Swedish Prosecution Authority announced that the case against Klein was closed because it could not be proven that the act "was capable of causing serious fear or that {{om|the man|sub=he|br=y}} had any such intention".{{Cite news |date=2024-08-12 |title=Investigation concerning illegal threats in Malmö has been closed |url=https://www.aklagare.se/en/media/press-releases/2024/august/investigation-concerning-illegal-threats-in-malmo-has-been-closed/ |access-date=2024-08-12 |work=Swedish Prosecution Authority |language=en}} The prosecutor also stated: “The investigation has come to the conclusion that the man made a movement that hit the woman's film camera”.
In June 2024, Klein released the singles "{{lang|nl|Luchtballon|i=no}}",{{Cite web |title=Netherlands: Joost Klein is back in the game with a new single 'Luchtballon' |url=https://esctoday.com/195357/netherlands-joost-klein-is-back-in-the-game-with-a-new-single-luchtballon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609123553/https://esctoday.com/195357/netherlands-joost-klein-is-back-in-the-game-with-a-new-single-luchtballon/ |archive-date=9 June 2024 |access-date=9 June 2024 |website=esctoday.com |language=en}} "The Bird Song",{{Cite web |date=2024-06-22 |title=Joost Klein komt op Pinkpop met cryptische boodschap: 'Why not 2025?!' |trans-title=Joost Klein comes to Pinkpop with a cryptic message: 'Why not 2025?!' |url=https://www.nu.nl/muziek/6317890/joost-klein-komt-op-pinkpop-met-cryptische-boodschap-why-not-2025.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626141949/https://www.nu.nl/muziek/6317890/joost-klein-komt-op-pinkpop-met-cryptische-boodschap-why-not-2025.html |archive-date=26 June 2024 |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=NU.nl |language=nl}} and "{{lang|de|Fußball|i=no}} (World Cup 1998)",{{Cite web |date=2024-08-08 |title=Joost Klein gaat optreden in Verenigde Staten: 'Dromen komen uit' |trans-title=Joost Klein to perform in the United States: 'Dreams come true' |url=https://www.nu.nl/muziek/6323799/joost-klein-gaat-optreden-in-verenigde-staten-dromen-komen-uit.html |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=NU.nl}} followed by a collaboration with Käärijä titled "Trafik!" on 12 July.{{Cite web |last=Jiandani |first=Sanjay (Sergio) |date=2024-07-15 |title=Netherlands: Joost Klein joins forces with Kaarija for 'Trafik' |url=https://esctoday.com/195657/netherlands-joost-klein-joins-forces-with-kaarija-for-trafik/ |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=ESCToday |language=en-US}} He additionally performed at various festivals across Europe between June and August 2024.{{Cite web |last=Sanou |first=Hanneke |date=2024-05-20 |title=Joost Klein is "standing tall" after Eurovision debacle |url=https://www.dutchnews.nl/2024/05/joost-klein-is-standing-tall-after-eurovision-debacle/ |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=DutchNews.nl |language=en-GB}} During his slot at the 2024 edition of Pinkpop on 22 June, Klein discussed his Eurovision experience throughout the show, and ended his performance by saying "Why the fuck not, 2025", leading to speculation that he was considering entering Eurovision again in {{Escyr|2025}}.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-22 |title=Joost Klein komt op Pinkpop met cryptische boodschap: 'Why not 2025?!' |trans-title=Joost Klein comes to Pinkpop with a cryptic message: 'Why not 2025?!' |url=https://www.nu.nl/muziek/6317890/joost-klein-komt-op-pinkpop-met-cryptische-boodschap-why-not-2025.html |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=NU.nl |language=nl |archive-date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626141949/https://www.nu.nl/muziek/6317890/joost-klein-komt-op-pinkpop-met-cryptische-boodschap-why-not-2025.html |url-status=live }} The following day, Klein added "Eurovision 2025" to his biography line on Instagram and TikTok, fueling further speculation.{{Cite web |last=van Eenennaam |first=Alexander |date=2024-06-23 |title=Joost Klein wil in 2025 weer naar het songfestival, hoe serieus moeten we dat nemen? |trans-title=Joost Klein wants to go to the Eurovision Song Contest again in 2025, how seriously should we take that? |url=https://www.ad.nl/show/joost-klein-wil-in-2025-weer-naar-het-songfestival-hoe-serieus-moeten-we-dat-nemen~a75859c9/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=Algemeen Dagblad |language=nl |archive-date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626115124/https://www.ad.nl/show/joost-klein-wil-in-2025-weer-naar-het-songfestival-hoe-serieus-moeten-we-dat-nemen~a75859c9/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-06-29 |title='Joost Klein wordt een spook dat voor altijd over het songfestival heen wappert' |trans-title='Joost Klein will become a ghost that will forever hover over the Eurovision Song Contest' |url=https://www.rtl.nl/boulevard/entertainment/artikel/5457671/joost-klein-spook-songfestival-2025 |access-date=2024-06-30 |website=RTL.nl |language=nl |archive-date=30 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630131204/https://www.rtl.nl/boulevard/entertainment/artikel/5457671/joost-klein-spook-songfestival-2025 |url-status=live }} After deciding to participate, AVROTROS offered Klein the opportunity to represent the Netherlands in Eurovision 2025; however, despite having already written a new song for possible participation, he ultimately declined.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-23 |title=Nederland doet toch mee aan Songfestival, maar zonder Joost Klein |trans-title=The Netherlands will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest after all, but without Joost Klein |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2541857-nederland-doet-toch-mee-aan-songfestival-maar-zonder-joost-klein |access-date=2025-01-03 |website=NOS.nl}}
In 2025, Klein released 'Why Not???' The song contains lyrics that reference the incident in Malmö. He opens the song with the lyrics 'Once there was a boy, and he had a dream / But then, one day, his dream was taken away'. He also released a YouTube exclusive song titled 'funny onion song' which samples an interview he had prior to Eurovision. On February 21, Klein released his ninth album Unity, after releasing a series of social media posts and vlogs about operating a fictional internet cafe. The album features the pre-released singles "Europapa", "Friesenjung", "Luchtballon", "Filthy Dog" and "Why Not???". Another case of EBU-critical lyrics on the new album after the Malmö incident is the song "United by Music" which features the lyric 'Fuck the EBU, I don't want to go to court'. 'funny onion song' was later released on Spotify under the moniker 'internetcafe24/7', referencing one of his other songs from Unity. In one of the songs from Unity, 'Kunst und Musik', he samples a song from the BBC children's television show Hallo aus Berlin. Soon after the release of Unity, Joost released the song Boerenland with Donnie. Klein supported Tommy Cash in his successful Eesti Laul campaign and eventual Eurovision participation for Estonia, screaming 'Twelve points to Estonia!' at a concert. Cash also described Klein as 'ChatGPT', who gave him advice and support during the Eurovision season. At Eurovision that year, Käärijä performed a shout-out to Europapa, saying 'Europapa! Thank you! after his interval act with 2024's Croatian participant, Baby Lasagna.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}
Personal life
Klein resides in the Netherlands. He is close to longtime collaborators Tantu Beats, Appie Mussa, Martijn van Eijzeren, Donnie, Ski Aggu, and bbno$, as well as fellow ex-Eurovision contestants Käärijä and Tommy Cash. He can speak Dutch, English and a small amount of German, and can understand Frisian. Klein supports Feyenoord Rotterdam, a football club currently playing in the Eredivisie. Klein has also stated he is proud of his Frisian childhood.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}
Discography
{{main|Joost Klein discography}}Studio albums
- Dakloos (2016)
- Scandinavian Boy (2017)
- {{ill|M van Marketing|nl|M van Marketing}} (2018) (with Donnie)
- {{ill|Albino (album)|lt=Albino|nl|Albino (album)}} (2019)
- {{ill|1983 (Joost album)|lt=1983|nl|1983 (album)}} (2019)
- Joost Klein 7 (2020)
- Albino Sports, Vol. 1 (2020) (with Brunzyn)
- Fryslân (2022)
- {{ill|Unity (Joost Klein album)|nl|Unity (album)|lt=Unity}} (2025)
Awards and nominations
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- [https://www.allmusic.com/artist/joost-mn0002319355 Joost] at AllMusic
- [https://www.discogs.com/artist/5963871-Joost-13 Joost] discography at Discogs
- [https://musicbrainz.org/artist/08784766-8643-4b8e-bd0b-c61399ff9539 Joost] discography at MusicBrainz
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{{Succession box
| title = Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest
| years = {{Escyr|2024}}
| before = Mia Nicolai and Dion Cooper
with "Burning Daylight"
| after = Claude
with "C'est la vie"
}}
{{S-end}}
{{Eurovision Song Contest 2024}}
{{Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Klein, Joost}}
Category:Musicians from Friesland
Category:People from Leeuwarden
Category:Dutch hip-hop musicians
Category:Dutch-language singers
Category:21st-century male rappers
Category:21st-century Dutch male singers
Category:21st-century Dutch male writers
Category:21st-century Dutch poets