Ralf Mackenbach: A Junior Eurovision Winner Reflects on Fame and Family Support
Ralf Mackenbach, the winner of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest with “Click Clack,” remembers the initial audition process as a especially vulnerable time. “I can still remember the sharp looks of the jury. I think that’s when you are at your most vulnerable,” he shares, recalling the pre-competition nerves that gradually subsided as the contest progressed. “So much happens in between, wich helps your self-confidence.”
Mackenbach and his dance team approached the competition with a simple goal: to enjoy themselves. “We thought: we’ll see where we get.” This relaxed attitude proved accomplished, leading to a first-place victory and a sudden surge into the public eye. “The real hectic only started after that,” he explains.
The immediate aftermath of winning was overwhelming. “You promptly have a full voicemail box of people who like your act and ask if you are still looking for a manager,” Mackenbach recounts. He credits his parents and a supportive team for navigating this period effectively. “I was very lucky. They shielded me and tackled everything together with a team.”
The transition to fame presented challenges,particularly adjusting to a loss of privacy. “You are suddenly thrown into the public eye from high school. You have to get used to cameras,but also to giving up some privacy.” A period of “Ralf madness” ensued, taking roughly a year for him to adjust.
Mackenbach attributes his ability to cope with the attention to a strong family foundation. “All credit to my parents. They motivated me in a healthy way.” growing up with two older brothers also instilled a sense of discipline. “I didn’t really have a chance to ‘walk next to my shoes’. I have two older brothers, so if I ever walked out of line, I would be kicked back on my ankles,” he says with a laugh.
Despite finding the attention from fans both wonderful and sometimes bizarre – “I thought it was crazy that people pay money to see you, but also tough to realize” – Mackenbach emphasizes the importance of authenticity. “You just find out that it’s best if you stay true to yourself,” he shares. “You don’t have to be nicer, or extra or subdued.”
Looking back, mackenbach expresses gratitude for the support system that allowed him to experience the whirlwind of Junior Eurovision in a positive way. Though his tap shoes are now tucked away, his performance of “Click Clack” remains a memorable moment in Junior Eurovision history.
Today, Ralf Mackenbach lives in Switzerland and works as a nuclear physicist, a testament to a life beyond the stage. He shares further details about his journey and current life in a full interview.