The Netherlands: New video for Joan

Back in February, Joan Franka won the Dutch national selection, Nationaal Songfestival with her song You And Me in what was seen by many as a surprise victory.

The initial preview video of her song was her performance at Nationaal Songfestival but Joan has since been busy recording a new video. Joan is known by her iconic native American head dress, which she wore during her TV performance and which caused a lot of people to talk.

However, according to broadcaster TROS, if you did not know why Joan wore the head dress then you will after seeing the new video clip.

Joan's song tells the story of falling in love as a child, and it is clear by the video that the game cowboys and indians plays a big role in this tale. The video was shot in the southern Dutch region of Limburg and was released on Joan's 22nd birthday.

Take a look at the video below:

The Netherlands will perform in the second Semi-Final of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest on the 24th of May at the Baku Crystal Hall in Baku, Azerbaijan.

After not qualifying for the final of Europe's favourite TV show since 2004, there are high hopes for Joan Franka this year.

Who is Joan Franka?

At the age of 22, Joan Franka will represent the Netherlands in Baku with the song You And Me. She is a gifted singer/songwriter and a taletned poet who has a story to tell through her song.

Joan Franka was born in Rotterdam on April 2, 1990. She has a Dutch mother and a Turkish father, who sadly died when she was two years old. She’s not fluent, but has a smattering of Turkish.

As a child Joan was fascinated by theatre, poetry and music. Together with her sister, who is two years older, Joan wrote musicals and played them at every birthday and party. The duo called themselves J & N, and the Spice Girls were their biggest source of inspiration.

Joan has always been passionate about her music. That’s why, at age six, she knew she wanted a musical career. “I didn’t even know if I could sing. I just thought: I want it and I’m going to do it.” Joan was 17 when she first performed.

In 2010 Joan was scouted to take part in The Voice of Holland. After much deliberation she decided to take part. She chose coach Van Velzen. It was her first introduction to the entertainment business.

During the programme producer Holger Schwedt (a member of Van Velzen’s Dream Team) promised to record an album with her.

Besides music Joan also writes poetry and paints regularly. She deals with her emotions by writing both songs and poems. Inspiration often comes out of nowhere. She likes being creative, including with her wardrobe.