Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest 1973

The Netherlands was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 1973 with the song "De oude muzikant", written by Pierre Kartner, and performed by Ben Cramer.

The Dutch participating broadcaster, Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS), selected its entry through a national final, after having previously selected the performer internally.

The Netherlands was considered one of the most contemporary-minded countries when it came to choosing Eurovision entries, so the choice in 1973 of a stylistically and lyrically very old-fashioned song, which would not have sounded out of place in a 1950s contest, was widely regarded as rather strange.

[1] On the night of the final Cramer performed 13th in the running order, following Sweden and preceding Ireland.

At the close of voting "De oude muzikant" had received 69 points, placing the Netherlands 14th of the 17 entries.