How Joost Klein achieved his Big Dream of Eurovision and then got Disqualified (documentary)

Summary

Yost’s journey from a YouTuber to an internationally recognized artist is a tale of perseverance and passion. Despite a troubled upbringing, his creativity thrived, leading him to explore various artistic mediums including music, video making, and writing. His dream of performing at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024 became a reality, only for it to be abruptly shattered due to a controversial incident during the press conference. While disqualified, Yost’s popularity soared, and his story sparked widespread support across Europe, proving that even setbacks can lead to greater opportunities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Yost's journey from a YouTuber to a celebrated international artist shows his evolution from a creative child to a mainstream musician.
• 😀 Yost faced a tough upbringing with the challenges of his father's illness, his mother's health issues, and struggles at school, yet he used creativity to cope.
• 😀 His early exposure to the Eurovision Song Contest and his ambition to perform on that stage were significant motivations from a young age.
• 😀 Yost began his YouTube career in 2008, making videos of dance routines and remixes under the name DJ Sandwich Man, despite limited early success.
• 😀 After the passing of his father and a troubled relationship with his mother, Yost turned to creative outlets, including writing and producing YouTube skits and music.
• 😀 Despite early struggles, Yost's popularity grew, culminating in him reaching 100,000 subscribers by 2016, a milestone that solidified his YouTube presence.
• 😀 Yost transitioned from YouTube videos to music, releasing hip-hop tracks and collaborating with producers and other Dutch YouTubers, leading to his early success in the music industry.
• 😀 By 2024, Yost's dream of participating in the Eurovision Song Contest became a reality when he was chosen to represent the Netherlands, teasing his song and garnering strong public support.
• 😀 Although he faced disqualification from Eurovision 2024 after a controversial incident, Yost's journey was still widely praised, with fans and industry figures voicing support against the EBU's decision.
• 😀 Yost's music, humor, and unique style helped him build a dedicated fanbase across the Netherlands, Belgium, and beyond, even drawing attention from international artists and performers.

Q & A

How did Yost start his career on the internet?

Yost began his online journey by creating videos on YouTube in 2008, where he made remixes and danced to songs, such as his first video where he danced to 'Canadian Idiot' by 'Weird Al' Yankovic.

What was the personal impact of Yost's father’s cancer diagnosis on his life?

Yost's father’s cancer diagnosis was a difficult time for him, but it also led to positive experiences, like a trip to Disneyland, Florida, and his father’s writing of a book. It also marked a period where Yost dealt with his emotions through creativity.

What role did YouTube play in Yost's early career development?

YouTube helped Yost connect with a wider audience beyond his friends. After uploading a parody video that gained attention, he started gaining recognition for his creativity, which opened doors for him to audition for group channels and collaborate with other YouTubers.

How did Yost's relationship with his family affect his creative work?

Yost’s difficult relationship with his mother, including her health struggles, deeply influenced his creative work. He channeled his pain and emotions into poetry, music, and videos, and shared his personal life with his viewers, which helped him build a loyal audience.

What was the significance of the 'MCO' character in Yost's career?

The 'MCO' character was Yost's first music-related project, which began as a documentary but later evolved into music releases. This marked the beginning of his interest in music production, which became a central part of his career.

What was the impact of Yost's collaboration with the YouTube group NLG?

Yost’s collaboration with NLG led to a significant increase in his exposure. His series 'Off Crackling,' where he reviewed and played random games, became a hit with viewers, helping him grow his fan base and attract positive feedback despite occasional negative comments.

How did Yost handle the decline in interest from YouTube viewers?

Yost became frustrated with the focus on content for views rather than personal passion. He even made a diss track criticizing the YouTube scene for being fake and driven by money, which reflected his disillusionment with the platform's culture.

What was Yost's major breakthrough in music and how did it impact his career?

Yost's major breakthrough came when he reached 10,000 subscribers and began collaborating with other popular Dutch YouTubers. His music career also flourished, with a release under the pseudonym 'Dulving,' and performances at major events, establishing him as a serious artist.

What led to Yost's disqualification from the Eurovision Song Contest 2024?

Yost was disqualified from the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 after a minor incident during the press conference following the semi-finals. He made a threatening gesture towards a camerawoman after repeatedly asking to stop filming, which violated the EBU's zero-tolerance policy.

How did the public react to Yost's disqualification from Eurovision?

The public reacted strongly in support of Yost, with many fans, contestants, and even juries expressing frustration over his disqualification. His case sparked a wave of solidarity, with people across Europe voicing their opinions against the decision.