The Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Sweden was a huge ratings hit in The Netherlands.

In fact, Eurovision was the best watched TV-show in the country, landing on number one in the annual list of best watched TV-programs, and even topping the number two, the accession to the throne of the new king Willem Alexander. The high ratings were thanks to singer Anouk, who managed to get The Netherlands into the grand final of the ESC for the first time in nine years.

Anouk sang her dark ballad Birds in the first semi final of the ESC on May 14th 2013. The song did well in various polls and betting websites, so the hopes were high in The Netherlands, who had failed to qualify for the grand final for several years. The announcement of the ten finalists who would go on to compete in the grand final was very exciting: the last name to be revealed was The Netherlands! Later, the European Broadcasting Union revealed that The Netherlands were saved until last on purpose, to make the show more thrilling. This semi final landed on the fifth place in the annual ratings list in The Netherlands, with some 3.769.000 viewers.

Anouk flew into the final on May 18th with her Birds, and in the end landed with a top-ten position, coming ninth with 114 points. The Netherlands followed Anouks performance and achievement massively, resulting in Eurovision earning the title of best watched TV-show of 2013, with some 4.890.000 viewers.

Anouk Teeuwe (1975) is the best known female rock singer in The Netherlands. She is known for her powerful voice, heartfelt songs and outspoken character. Mother of four children, she managed to place The Netherlands in the grand final of the ESC for the first time in nine years, giving Eurovision a giant boost of popularity in her home country.

Stay tuned to esctoday.com for the latest news on the Netherlands and the Eurovision Song Contest.