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DJ Pieter Gabriel will produce a flag parade remix for the Grand Final

19 February 2021 at 09:00 CET
DJ Pieter Gabriel will produce a remix for the flag parade NPO/NOS/AVROTROS Raymond van Olphen
Young DJ talent Pieter Gabriel and Eric van Tijn (the Musical Director of Eurovision 2021) are working on a spectacular piece of music that will be used to open the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Pieter Gabriel is a 16-year-old DJ and producer from the Netherlands who is no stranger to the world of EDM. In 2013, at the age of 8, Pieter played in front of a large audience during the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE). In 2018, he released his debut single Forever featuring boy band FOURCE (who represented the Netherlands at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest the year before). Pieter's music is best described as energetic, with strong kicks and a rock-hard bass. His goal is to bring people together through his music which is what he will be doing at the Eurovision Song Contest as well. All the participating countries and finalists will be introduced in a visually spectacular opening act, driven by Pieter's EDM sound.

The flag of the Netherlands displayed on stage in Kyiv in 2017 EBU / Thomas Hanses

“I think the opening is the coolest thing about the Eurovision Song Contest. It immediately sets the tone for the Grand Final. I'm going to create an energetic, up-tempo, but accessible sound on stage so that everyone can go wild! I hope my music provides a ray of hope in this difficult time. I'm really looking forward to it,” says Pieter.

The track will feature a well-known song that originates from the Netherlands in a modern sound. The song that Pieter Gabriel and Eric van Tijn will remix together remains a surprise for now.

Eric van Tijn, who is the Musical Director for the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, said: "I think it's very special to involve a young and super talented DJ. Pieter Gabriel is so good at his age and very musically gifted. I am really enjoying our collaboration. What we are creating is going to be very good!"

About the Flag Parade

As has become a tradition since the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Malmö, the Grand Final will open with a flag parade to introduce the 26 competing entrants before the Contest begins. Over the years you have been able to see spectacular openings including all the artists, their country flags, music, artistic dresses and even a flying Eurovision winner (Conchita Wurst flew in from the roof in 2015). We are looking forward to what the Netherlands has in store for us on 22 May!