The Netherlands was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 1982 with the song "", composed by Dick Bakker, with lyrics by Liselore Gerritsen, and performed by Bill van Dijk. The Dutch participating broadcaster, (NOS), selected its entry through a national final. The song and performer were chosen independently of each other at the national final.

Although "" performed poorly at Eurovision and was forgotten immediately after, "", which had finished second in the Dutch national final, was picked up by British record producer Tim Friese-Greene, recorded in English (as "Fantasy Island") by the group Tight Fit, and became a top 5 hit in the UK and also a chart success in Ireland.

Before Eurovision

1982 (NOS) held the national final at the Circustheater in Scheveningen, hosted by the 1969 Eurovision winner Lenny Kuhr. It consisted of three acts and three songs, with each act performing each song, giving nine performances in total. Firstly, a seven-member jury, which included former Eurovision entrants Ben Cramer and Getty Kaspers (lead singer of Teach-In), each chose their favourite song; then the choice of performer was made by 12 regional juries who each had 10 points to divide between the artists.

+ Song selection – 24 February 1982 Song Points Place 1"Pierement"03 2"Jij en ik"41 3"Fantasie eiland"32 + Artist selection – 24 February 1982 Artist Points Place 1Bill van Dijk651 2Bonnie St. Claire302 3The Millionaires253

At Eurovision On the night of the final van Dijk performed 16th in the running order, following and preceding . At the close of voting "" had received just 8 points, placing the Netherlands 16th of the 18 entries, ahead only of and . The Dutch jury awarded its 12 points to .

The contest was broadcast on , with commentary by Pim Jacobs.

The Dutch conductor at the contest was Rogier van Otterloo.

Voting

+ Points awarded to the Netherlands Score Country 12 points 10 points 8 points 7 points 6 points 5 points 4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point

+ Points awarded by the Netherlands Score Country 12 points 10 points 8 points 7 points 6 points 5 points 4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point

References