Barbara Schöneberger has captivated audiences as the host of Stefan Raab's 'Chefsache ESC,' where the German entry for the Eurovision Song Contest is being selected. Known for her vibrant and eye-catching wardrobe, Schöneberger surprised fans by opting for more subdued black attire during the initial shows.
The first show, held on February 14, set the tone for the pre-selection process, with Schöneberger presenting herself elegantly. She paired her classic black dress with matching black high heels, diverging from her typical colorful fashion statements. The change sparked lively discussions among viewers, with one commenting, "Raab und Schöneberger in seriösen Outfits. Das ist nicht meine Chefsache!" (Raab and Schöneberger in serious outfits. That's not my business) on social media.
Memorable moments unfolded as she interacted with the jury, which comprised Yvonne Catterfeld, Elton, and guest juror Johannes Oerding. Notably, Schöneberger couldn't resist throwing playful jabs at the jury, reminding everyone of her sharp wit and engaging hosting style. A humorous exchange occurred when she introduced Elton as part of the 'high-profile jury,' jokingly noting, "Elton ist auch dabei" (Elton is also here), drawing laughter from the audience.
The performances were the highlight of the evening, showcasing eleven contestants vying for a chance to represent Germany at Eurovision. Among them, some artists brought forth energetic displays, captivating both the audience and the jurors. Notably, the standout performances led to memorable reactions, tracking the pulse of the audience’s approval through their engagement on platforms like x.com.
"Barbara Schöneberger sieht richtig gut aus!" (Barbara Schöneberger looks really good!), exclaimed another viewer online, emphasizing her successful adaptation of style for the occasion. Many comments flattered her elegance, prompting others to wonder if Raab had influenced her decision-making about her wardrobe choices. "Hat Raab Barbara verboten, sich crazy anzuziehen?" (Did Raab forbid Barbara from dressing crazy?), one viewer quipped, sparking conversations around her outfit choices.
The following night, February 15, continued this thread of dialogue by maintaining the understated elegance trend, as seen with Schöneberger’s choice of black trousers and a chic top for the second show. This outfit featured one shoulder exposed, adorned with a large bow, showcasing her ability to still keep it fashionable yet classy.
Despite the mixed reactions to her style change, she received compliments from many for her sophisticated looks. One social media user exclaimed on Instagram, "Sie sehen toll aus!" (You look great!), showcasing her ability to adapt her fashion sense for the show’s theme without losing her touch.
Meanwhile, the performances sparked lively discussions among the jury as well. After Cloudy June's performance, Raab praised her, stating, "Du hast Popstar-Charakter" (You have popstar character), showcasing the kind of insights the jury provided as they critiqued the contestants.
Elton made headlines with his humorous commentary too, especially after The Great Leslie's ska-punk rendition of Coldplay’s "Fix You." Elton remarked, "Eure Ska-Punk-Version war sensationell" (Your ska-punk version was sensational), highlighting not just the contestants' skills but also the playful atmosphere of the show.
Overall, Barbara Schöneberger's transition from her typical bold fashion choices to elegant simplicity has elicited much curiosity. Some online commenters have openly expressed through various platforms their desire for her to return to her vibrant wardrobe, making the show as visually captivating as its performances. Yet, her fresh approach has clearly made waves, with many praising her for taking risks. One user remarked, "Ich finde es auch sehr sympathisch, dass die Schöneberger den Raab gerne mal abwürgt" (I find it very pleasant how Schöneberger likes to cut Raab off), illustrating her engaging hosting dynamics.
With the show's success—garnering 2.14 million viewers for the first episode—Raab's strategic vision for the 'Chefsache ESC' is undeniably gaining traction. He stated, "Wir haben ja niemanden rausgeworfen, das ist keine Casting-Show," assuring contestants and viewers it is all about finding the right act for Eurovision, not merely competition. This dynamic, paired with Schöneberger’s charm and wit, continues to make 'Chefsache ESC' one of the most talked-about events this season.