Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS) internally selected Saskia and Serge as its representatives for the Eurovision Song Contest 1971; it is widely thought that this was done in response to the 1970 national final in which the couple's song "Spinnewiel" was placed runner-up by the juries despite being the overwhelming favourite of the Dutch public.

Saskia and Serge performed six songs and the winner was chosen by postcard voting; again it is believed that this method was employed so that there could be no complaints that the public's choice had been overruled by a handful of jury members.

Saskia's performance was hampered by a microphone problem on the opening lines of the song, where her voice was inaudible and the audience and television viewers heard loud audio feedback.

Each participating broadcaster appointed two jury members, one below the age of 25 and the other above, who voted by giving between one and five points to each song, except that representing their own country.

All jury members were colocated at the venue in Dublin, and were brought on stage during the voting sequence to present their points.