Today we received the sad news that Dries Holten passed away on April 15. Dries is better known as Andres, who achieved great fame as half of the duo Sandra & Andres. The duo got together in 1966 and sang together until 1975. After that Andres continued as half of the duo Rosy & Andres, and in the early eighties with Debbie & Andres. In 1969 Andres also had a solo hit in the Netherlands, “Zij is verliefd op een frikandel”.
In 1972 Sandra & Andres participated in the Eurovision Song Contest for the Netherlands and reached fourth place. Four years later, Rosy & Andres also took part in the national final with the song “I was born to love”. The duo did not win.
Eurovision 2026
🇫🇷 artist: Monroe will represent France with “Regarde!”
Monroe will represent France at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. France Télévisions announced on Friday 6 March that the 17-year-old singer has been selected for Vienna with the song Regarde !. The title translates as “Look!” and is presented as a song with a universal message about love. According to the official announcement, France wants to highlight the richness of its musical culture through this entry, combining elements of opera, musicals and contemporary pop. Regarde ! was composed by Fred Savio, Fredie Marche and Violin Phonix. Eurovision’s official website describes Violin Phonix as the most popular French violin duo of their generation. The song was written as a heartfelt plea and a hymn to love, built on the idea that love remains a shared language despite differences and struggles. That message appears to be central to the French concept for Vienna. Monroe may be only 17, but she already has a solid musical background. She came to wider public attention in 2025 when she won Prodiges. That is the flagship talent show of France Télévisions. Her victory there brought her national recognition and confirmed her status as one of the country’s emerging young performers. Monroe grew up between France and the United States in a family where music played an important role. She started with singing and piano at an early age. Monroe further developed her skills through choir work, musicals and classical training. Her influences range from Cecilia Bartoli to Céline Dion, showing a broad musical taste. After a debut album that was praised for its elegance and musical richness, Monroe now takes the next step in her career. With Regarde !, France has chosen a young artist with a clear artistic identity and an entry meant to underline both emotion and diversity on the Eurovision stage in Vienna this May.
March 6, 2026
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