Trijntje Oosterhuis, Dutch singer-songwriter

Judith Katrijntje "Trijntje" Oosterhuis, widely recognized by her stage name Trijntje Oosterhuis (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈjydɪt (kaː)ˈtrɛiɲcə ˈʔoːstərɦœys]), born on 5 February 1973, is an esteemed Dutch singer and songwriter whose powerful voice and versatile musicality have significantly impacted the Dutch music scene for decades. Her career, marked by a blend of pop, soul, and jazz, demonstrates a remarkable evolution from band beginnings to a successful solo career and international recognition.

Early Career: The Genesis of Total Touch

Trijntje Oosterhuis embarked on her musical journey in 1990, co-founding the highly influential band Total Touch with her talented brother, Tjeerd Oosterhuis. This duo quickly rose to prominence in the Netherlands, becoming a seminal act in the Dutch R&B, soul, and funk genres. Tjeerd Oosterhuis often served as the primary songwriter and producer for the group, crafting sophisticated, catchy tunes that showcased Trijntje's exceptional vocal range and soulful delivery. Total Touch released several hit singles and albums, solidifying their status as one of the most exciting acts of the 1990s and laying a robust foundation for Trijntje's future solo endeavors.

Solo Success and Diverse Repertoire

Following the significant success of Total Touch, Trijntje Oosterhuis transitioned into a solo career, further cementing her reputation as one of the Netherlands' premier vocalists. Her solo work explored a broader musical landscape, delving deeper into jazz, soul, and contemporary pop. She is renowned for her collaborations with international legends, including the legendary composer Burt Bacharach, with whom she performed and recorded, earning critical acclaim for her interpretations of his timeless compositions. Her solo discography boasts numerous successful albums, showcasing her ability to seamlessly navigate various genres while maintaining a distinctive vocal signature marked by warmth, control, and emotional depth. Albums such as 'Trijntje Oosterhuis' (1999), 'See You As I Do' (2005), and 'We Are One' (2009) with the Metropole Orkest highlight her artistic versatility and enduring appeal.

Eurovision Song Contest 2015: A Unique Experience

In 2015, Trijntje Oosterhuis proudly represented the Netherlands in the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest held in Vienna, Austria. She performed the introspective and contemporary pop ballad "Walk Along," a song notably co-written by her fellow Dutch singer-songwriter Anouk, who herself had achieved success at Eurovision in 2013 with "Birds." Despite high hopes, Trijntje's participation saw her place fourteenth in the highly competitive first semi-final, accumulating 33 points, which unfortunately was not enough to qualify for the grand final. However, her appearance certainly made a memorable impression, albeit for an unexpected reason.

The Barbara Dex Award Explained

Beyond the contest's main results, Trijntje Oosterhuis was notably awarded the Barbara Dex Award for 2015. This particular accolade is an unofficial, fan-voted prize given annually to the artist deemed to be the "worst dressed" at the Eurovision Song Contest. It was named after Belgian singer Barbara Dex, whose self-designed, notably ill-fitting pale green dress at the 1993 contest became legendary. While often seen as a tongue-in-cheek recognition, the award highlights memorable or unconventional fashion choices on the Eurovision stage. Trijntje received the award for her bold, deep blue jumpsuit with a daring neckline, an outfit that garnered significant discussion and, ultimately, this unique fan-voted distinction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trijntje Oosterhuis

When was Trijntje Oosterhuis born?

Trijntje Oosterhuis was born on February 5, 1973.

What band did Trijntje Oosterhuis form before her solo career?

She formed the successful R&B/soul band Total Touch in 1990 with her brother Tjeerd Oosterhuis.

Which song did Trijntje Oosterhuis perform at Eurovision 2015?

She performed the song "Walk Along" at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015, which was co-written by Anouk.

What is the Barbara Dex Award?

The Barbara Dex Award is an unofficial, fan-voted prize given annually at the Eurovision Song Contest to the artist considered to be the "worst dressed" or to have the most memorable and unconventional outfit. Trijntje Oosterhuis won it in 2015 for her striking blue jumpsuit.

What musical genres does Trijntje Oosterhuis typically perform?

Trijntje Oosterhuis is known for her versatility across pop, soul, and jazz, with notable collaborations in the jazz world.