“6,000 Girls Screaming, Gold Records Flying, and a 15-Year-Old Heartthrob Trying Not to Fall in Love — The Untold Chaos and Charm of The Osmonds’ Wild 1973 Arrival in Holland!”

Introduction:

When the Osmonds stepped back onto Dutch soil, they expected a warm reception—but nothing could have prepared them for the wave of excitement waiting just beyond the stage lights. Only a few years earlier, the group had performed in Holland to a polite audience of parents who weren’t quite sure what to make of the energetic young American performers in front of them. Outside the venue, not a single fan waited. This time, everything was different.

As the show opened and the music swelled, the host welcomed the brothers with a knowing smile. “You look relaxed and unharmed,” he teased, “but you don’t yet know what’s waiting for you tonight.” What awaited them was astonishing: 6,000 Dutch girls, all cheering, all eager, all swept up in Osmond fever—a far cry from the last time the brothers were in Holland.

The evening became even more memorable when the host recalled a bold prediction he had once made: that “Crazy Horses” would hit number one. The DJs doubted him, and even the audience seemed skeptical at the time. But he was right. Now, with real pride, he presented the band with a stunning collection of Gold Records, each one a testament to their international success.

One by one, Donny, Merrill, Alan, Wayne, and Jay accepted their awards, smiling into the cameras as the crowd roared. Even little Jimmy—though without a record of his own this year—was promised his award in the near future. The moment was crowned with a heartfelt nod to Marie Osmond, who at the time was conquering the American charts, holding the number one spot in both pop and country categories.

But the magic of the night wasn’t limited to trophies. After the presentations, Donny Osmond took a seat for a candid interview that revealed the thoughtful young man behind the global phenomenon. At 15, nearly 16, Donny spoke with honesty and charm about life on the road, long-distance schooling, and the unique closeness of the Osmond family. Dating, he admitted with a shy grin, would have to wait until his next birthday.

He talked about his love for water skiing, surfing, horseback riding on the family ranch in Utah, and his admiration for artists like Elton John and The Rolling Stones. Despite the whirlwind of fame, Donny remained grounded. “People say I miss being around kids my own age,” he reflected. “Maybe I do—but I gain so many other things. Who else gets to travel the world like this?”

Above all, he emphasized the bond that holds the Osmonds together. They travel as a team, supported by nine siblings currently on the road and two already married. Their parents remain at the center of it all—managing schedules, mending costumes, and ensuring their children never feel homesick, even on the other side of the world.

As the night drew to a close, Donny offered a simple, heartfelt message to the fans watching at home: “I’m really happy to be back in Holland… it’s so beautiful here.”

And judging by the thunderous applause that followed, Holland was equally happy to have the Osmonds back.

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