The 1963 Dutch selection is notable for the fact that the Nationaal Songfestival could not be broadcast due to industrial action, also that the title and lyrics of the winning song were changed twice before the Eurovision final.

However, a dispute between Nederlandse Televisie Stichting (NTS) and the members of its orchestra had led to the latter declaring strike action, so the selection was postponed.

Annie Palmen, who previously won the 1960 Nationaal Songfestival was set to perform three songs; "Kijk, daar is de zon", "Geen ander", and "Hoor je mij".

On 8 February, Annie Palmen first presented and performed "Een speeldoos" on the Rudi Carrell Show.

[4] On the night of the final Palmen performed second in the running order, following the United Kingdom and preceding Germany.