The group was formed in 2005 by Dutch singers Gordon, René Froger and Gerard Joling. In 2008, Joling was replaced by Jeroen van der Boom.\r The (De) Toppers were announced as the representatives of their country in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 in Moscow, Russia with the song "Shine".[1] They competed in the second semi-final but failed to reach the final.\r Shortly after Eurovision in 2009, Gordon left The (De) Toppers. However, on December 2 it was announced that both Gerard Joling and Gordon will return to The (De) Toppers. They performed in May 2010.