The Netherlands was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 1981 with the song "Het is een wonder", composed by Cees de Wit, with lyrics by Bart van de Laar, and performed by Linda Williams. The Dutch participating broadcaster, Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS), selected its entry through a national final.

Before Eurovision

Nationaal Songfestival 1981

Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS) held the national final at the Theater Zuidplein in Rotterdam, hosted by Fred Oster and Elles Berger. Five acts took part performing two songs each and voting was by 12 regional juries, who each had 10 points to divide between the songs. Previous Dutch entrant Ben Cramer and future representative Maribelle were among the acts taking part. "Het is een wonder" was the only song to receive votes from every jury and emerged the winner by a 7-point margin.

At Eurovision

On the night of the final Williams performed 11th in the running order, following and preceding. At the close of voting "Het is een wonder" had received 51 points from 12 countries, placing the Netherlands 9th of the 20 entries. The Dutch jury awarded its 12 points to contest winners the. The Dutch conductor at the contest was Rogier van Otterloo.

Voting