Following a competitive edition of long-running Dutch national final Junior Songfestival 2026, AVROTROS have confirmed that Maria will represent The Netherlands at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with, ‘Stronger Together’.
🇳🇱 Maria wins Junior Songfestival 2026
During the 23rd edition of Junior Songfestival, four acts participated in the live Grand Final. Following the results of the public vote, children’s jury and jury, the young singer Maria was declared the winner of the competition with her entry, ‘Stronger Together’. She will now represent The Netherlands at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026 taking place in Malta on October 24.
Maria won the competition with a combined total of 31 points. Surpassing the second place act, The Crossovers by 2 points.
The Netherlands in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest
The Netherlands have competed in every edition of Junior Eurovision since the contest’s inception in 2003. In 2009, Ralf Mackenbach won the contest with the song ‘Click Clack’, securing the first, and so far only, Dutch victory.
In 2025, the Dutch representatives was Meadow with the song, ‘Freeze’. She finished in 10th place with a total of 93 points.
Will The Netherlands earn their second victory at JESC 2026? Let us know! Keep track of the latest news by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra.bsky.social on Bluesky, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok, subscribing to YouTube and liking our Facebook page! Also, follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts.
