 In the weeks leading up to the contest , the Netherlands was considered by the bookmakers to be one of the countries most likely to qualify for the final . In the first of two Eurovision semi @-@ finals " Calm After the Storm " came first of the sixteen participating countries , securing its place among the twenty @-@ five other countries in the final . In the Netherlands fifty @-@ fifth Eurovision appearance on 10 May , " Calm After the Storm " finished in second place , receiving 238 points and full marks from eight countries . This was the Netherlands best finish in the contest since 1975 . 
