22-year old singer Hind Laroussi (photo: Willem de Roon) has been chosen by NOS to represent the Netherlands in one of the two Semi-Finals of the 53rd Eurovision Song Contest. "We haven't qualified for the Final for three consecutive years, so that is my first goal," the young singer said. Hind, who broke through after her third place in the first season of Dutch Pop Idol, is still looking for her song for Belgrade. Song writers are invited to send in their music, more information can be found on her official website. One thing is for sure; Hind will sing in English.

New album

After her Pop Idol adventure, Summer All Over Again was released as Hind's debute singel. Her first album reached the gold status, with more than 40,000 copies sold. She won a prestigeous Edison Music Award and performed for the Dutch Queen on Liberation Day this year. In the run towards Hind's Eurovision Song Contest adventure, a new album will be released.

Satisfaction

During the press conference in Hotel Arena, NOS director Gerard Dielessen expressed his satisfaction with the format revisions that are being introduced in 2008. He also announced that Dutch television will broadcast both Semi-Finals. The Semi-Final in which the Netherlands takes part will be transmitted live, the other one either live or at a later time.