Criticism was voiced by Kartner's role in the Dutch national selection, amongst them Eric van Tijn, writer of two former Eurovision entries: "Vrede", performed by Ruth Jacott at the 1993 Contest, and "Hemel en aarde", performed by Edsilia Rombley at the 1998 Contest, who voiced his opinion that "Kartner has written some fantastic songs in the past, but that's way too long ago, if you ask me."