“What does she have to do with music?”

MALMö – Viewers of the Eurovision Song Contest have divided reactions to the new commentator Jacqueline Govaert. Many viewers wonder what Govaert has to do with music.

Jacqueline Govaert succeeds Jan Smit as commentator at the Eurovision Song Contest. On Tuesday, Govaert commented on the semi-final for the first time. Next Thursday she will also commentate on the second semi-final and on Saturday she can be heard at the final. Yet not everyone is happy with the choice of the 42-year-old from Brabant.

“The Eurovision Song Contest is first and foremost a song festival. It would have been more logical if broadcaster AVROTROS had chosen someone from the entertainment industry, or at least someone with some stage experience,” viewer Ivo wrote on Facebook.

Marcha from Lattrop, Twente, is also critical of the new commentator: “It is a mystery to me why they chose this lady this year. At first I thought it was Anny Schilder. I thought Jan Smit did a much better job last year. And at least he knows what it’s like to stand on a big stage and sing a song.”

Media expert Paul van Geelkerken thinks the choice for Jacqueline Govaert is fun and daring: “It is something different. In recent years, the commentary for the Eurovision Song Contest has always been provided by well-known Dutch people. It’s nice that they have now opted for an ordinary housewife for once.”