The Netherlands’ Duncan Laurence has said making the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest means he can show he is “more than just an artist”.
The singer-songwriter and former contestant on The Voice Of Holland said he wanted to show his true self, adding that he was many things including bisexual and a “living being”.
The 25-year-old was speaking during a midnight press conference with the night’s 10 victors following Thursday’s second live semi-final.
🇳🇱 Duncan Laurence, representing The Netherlands, will perform in the 1st half of the Grand Final.#DareToDream #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/nMVPA0hunw
— Eurovision (@Eurovision) May 16, 2019
He said: “This chance means to me that I can show myself as an artist but also as a human being.
“I stand for things. I am more than just an artist. I am a person, I’m a living being, I’m bisexual, I’m a musician.
“I stand for things and I’m proud that I get the chance to show what I am, who I am. Thank you.”
Laurence is the favourite to win the contest outright and spoke alongside fellow frontrunners Sweden’s John Lundvik and Russia’s Sergey Lazarev.
He added: “It’s a feeling you can’t describe. It’s a big compliment. I keep saying that but it is. That there are people who would like to see you win, that’s the best feeling ever.”
North Macedonia’s Tamara Todevska, Albania’s Jonida Maliqi, Azerbaijan’s Chingiz, Denmark’s Leonora, Norway’s KEiiNO, Switzerland’s Luca Hanni and Malta’s Michela also spoke at the event.