Michelle Courtens is a Dutch singer and cellist who gained prominence representing the Netherlands in the 2001 Eurovision Song Contest with the track Out on My Own. A graduate of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, she has maintained a diverse career in music, theatre, and bands like EinsteinBarbie. She is known for her ability to integrate vocal performance with instrumental expertise on cello, accordion, and bass guitar.
Earning 84 total points in the 2001 Nationaal Songfestival, Michelle Courtens secured her spot to represent the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest. This performance of the track Out on My Own marked a significant moment in her early career, establishing her presence in the Dutch music scene through a blend of vocal performance and instrumental expertise.
Early Training and Education
Born in 1981 in Venray, Courtens engaged with music instruction during her childhood. She began violin studies at four years old and transitioned to the cello at age seven. She later pursued formal music education at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, where she enrolled in 1998 to study light music vocals. By 2003, she completed her degree with distinction, specialising in both jazz vocals and cello before advancing to master's level studies.
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The 2001 Eurovision Song Contest saw Courtens perform barefoot while seated, ultimately placing 18th out of 23 countries with 16 points. Despite the final placement, her entry Out on My Own achieved commercial success at home. In March 2001, the track reached ninth position on the Dutch Top 40 and tenth on the Single Top 100, marking it as the highest-charting Dutch Eurovision entry of that time.
Professional Versatility
Following her Eurovision appearance, Courtens released the single Coming Up Roses in 2002. Her portfolio expanded into theatrical work and collaborative performance. In 2014, she appeared in the Dutch-language musical productions Chess and Waanzinnig gedroomd. Her collaborative credits include performances with Jim Bakkum, Ellen ten Damme, and Marlayne. She also holds membership in the band EinsteinBarbie, providing both vocals and cello, and has performed with the band of Sjors van der Panne playing cello, accordion, and bass guitar.
Additional Projects
Beyond her primary musical projects, she composed the theme song for the 2009 Femme van het Jaar election. This event was hosted by the FemFusion foundation, which identifies influential Dutch lesbians. In her personal life, Courtens married her partner Carlijn on 16 September 2006.
Fast facts
- Born: 1981, Venray, Netherlands
- Education: Conservatorium van Amsterdam
- Eurovision placement: 18th in 2001
- Instruments: Cello, voice, accordion, bass guitar
- Marriage: Carlijn, 16 September 2006
- Notable band membership: EinsteinBarbie
- Nationality: Kingdom of the Netherlands
Questions readers ask
What song did Michelle Courtens perform at Eurovision?
She performed the alternative pop song Out on My Own.
What academic distinction did she receive in 2003?
She graduated from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam with distinction in jazz vocals and cello.
Which musical instruments does she play professionally?
She performs as a singer and cellist, and she also plays accordion and bass guitar.
Achievements
- Instruments: cello and voice
