Gerard Joling will not represent the Netherlands at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest, according to Dutch newspaper De telegraaf this morning.
Last Thursday, Joling said on Dutch radio that he was going to represent the Netherlands in Serbia, but that he wasn't supposed to talk about it. According to De telegraaf, Joling has eventually turned down the invitation of the NOS because he can't combine a Eurovision participation with the concert series of De toppers, who are already scheduled for May 2008. De toppersis a trio of successful Dutch singers, who give a series of sold out concerts every year. Next to Joling, René Froger and Gordon (Dutch national final 1990 and 2003) are part of De toppers
According to Joling, the NOS had promised him a Nationaal Songfestival, in which he would sing 6 songs to chose from. The singer would have loved to do it but he simply can't do two big events at the same time. "But I'll be standby for 2009, Joling said. "I am not afraid to take part in Eurovision. I have won a lot and I have lost a lot in my career, so I don't really care anymore about the possible effects of a Eurovision participation".
The NOS still hopes to announce the artist that will represent the Netherlands within a few weeks.
