How was it selected?

TROS confirmed participation in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest soon after the Eurovision Song Contest 2012. Originally, a national final format was announced to select the Dutch entry. However, Anouk offered to go, if she would be selected internally. In October, Anouk was internally chosen by TROS to fly the Dutch flag in Malmö.

The title of the Dutch entry has been announced to be Birds. It was written by Tore Johanson, Martin Gjersrad and Anouk herself.

The Netherlands in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest

Joan Franka represented the Netherlands at the 2012 contest in Baku. Her song You And Me failed to qualify for the final, coming 15th in its semifinal. It meant that The Netherlands missed out on qualification for the eighth year running.