Marco Borsato Returns to TV Amid Mixed Reactions and Future Concert Plans

Dutch singer Marco Borsato is returning to television via the Belgian streaming service VTM GO+ and Videoland, marking his first major screen appearance following his acquittal in a high-profile sex crimes case.

The comeback takes place within the program Sergio in Italië, a series featuring chef Sergio Herman filmed in Tuscany. The return is structured across two different types of broadcasts. One is a previously recorded episode from 2021 that the broadcaster originally decided not to air due to the legal situation surrounding the singer at that time.

In addition to the archived footage, the series includes a recently recorded conversation in which the 59-year-old singer reflects on his period away from the public eye. These broadcasts are scheduled to be made available on Wednesday evenings.

A Strategic Return to the Public Eye

The nature of the comeback has drawn varied reactions from media critics. Some observers have described the move as a soft comeback achieved through a culinary back door, suggesting the cooking show format provides a less confrontational environment than a traditional talk show. Other critics, including columnist Angela de Jong, have characterized the approach as cowardly, though she noted that Borsato will likely still be able to sell out large venues in the future.

View this post on Instagram about Borsato, Eppo van Nispen

Despite the criticism, figures within the Dutch cultural sector have defended the singer’s right to return. Eppo van Nispen tot Sevenaer, the director of Beeld & Geluid, stated that the outcome of the legal proceedings must be respected.

Als iemand ook nog eens in hoger beroep wordt vrijgesproken, dan is die persoon ook daadwerkelijk vrij om te gaan, te staan en te zeggen wat hij of zij wil.

Eppo van Nispen tot Sevenaer, Director of Beeld & Geluid

Borsato himself echoed this sentiment regarding the legal process, stating, Als iemand wordt vrijgesproken, is hij vrij om te gaan en staan waar hij wil.

Familial Reconciliation at Ziggo Dome

The television return follows a significant public display of reconciliation between Borsato and his former wife, Leontine Ruiters. On March 23, 2026, the pair appeared together at the Ziggo Dome for the Herinneringen Top 50 Concert, an event dedicated to Alzheimer Nederland.

During the event, their 23-year-old daughter, Jada Borsato, performed one of her father’s most recognized hits, Rood. The performance culminated in a visible moment of unity, as Marco, 59, and Leontine, 58, were seen singing along and embracing. This public interaction is viewed as a transition from their previous romantic partnership into a supportive alliance focused on their children and mutual recovery following years of public turmoil.

Sources close to the couple indicate that this reconciliation is a cautious exploration of mutual understanding, occurring largely away from the headlines to avoid the pressures of public scrutiny.

Industry Outlook and Future Appearances

While the current focus is on the streaming broadcasts in Belgium and the Netherlands, there are already indications of larger-scale professional interest. According to reporting from VRT, Borsato has indicated in a recent interview that the Sportpaleis has already been in contact with him.

This suggests that the singer is looking beyond the soft comeback of the culinary series and is considering a return to major live performances. This trajectory aligns with the views of royal expert Justine Marcella, who described the singer’s return to the public sphere as a logical step following his legal acquittal.