Germany is gearing up for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 with excitement surrounding its pre-selection process. Under the watchful eye of television legend Stefan Raab, the search for Germany's representative is underway, as he and his panel of judges sift through the creativity and talent of 14 hopeful acts vying for the coveted chance to shine on the international stage.
The preliminary rounds took place recently, culminating on March 1, 2025, when the semifinal of "Chefsache ESC 2025" aired on RTL and ARD. This explosive show featured memorable performances, fostering both suspense and enthusiasm, as audiences voted to determine which artists would progress to the final phase.
Amongst the acts making waves was Moss Kena, the 27-year-old British singer-songwriter now residing in Berlin. Displaying his flair for stage presence and emotional delivery, Kena’s stirring ballad “Nothing Can Stop Love” deeply impressed the judges. "Ich hatte Gänsehaut," praised Raab, reflecting on Kena's impactful performance, which many believe holds potential for international acclaim.
On the other side of the spectrum, JULIKA, hailing from Düsseldorf, presented her poignant song “Empress.” Known for her emotional connectivity, she aims to move audiences with her raw sincerity. Yvonne Catterfeld, another juror, exclaimed, "Ich weiß, wenn du singst, kann nichts passieren," underscoring her confidence in JULIKA's powerful abilities.
Benjamin Braatz, hailing from Hagen, infused the stage with nostalgic tones harkening back to the 1970s with his song “Like You Love Me”. His engaging performance caught the appreciation of Raab, who noted, "Mir gefällt die Komposition und die Melodie sehr gut." Braatz's style, reminiscent of greats like Elton John, seeks to echo long after the performance ends, aiming to capture the hearts of listeners beyond the contest.
The energetic alternative pop band COSBY from Munich brought its own flair with “I'm Still Here,” aiming to combine authentic emotion with upbeat rhythms. They represent the dynamic sound of modern Germany, carrying the torch for contemporary artistic expression alongside their emotional backing.
Abor & Tynna, the sibling duo from Vienna, are also making headlines with their catchy song “Baller.” With their musical roots stemming from classical training, they have embraced contemporary pop, showcasing the hybridization of genres. Raab expressed his enthusiasm, deeming it "Ein Supersong," indicating their serious shot at representing Germany.
The middle ages meet modernity with Feuerschwanz, whose vibrant performance of “Knightclub” promises to be both entertaining and engaging. Raab likened it to "ein Spektakel, das reinknallt," indicating the group's dynamic presence is sure to electrify audiences. This group seeks to break through typical competition norms with their unique sound and humorous approach.
Among the finalists, LYZA's heartfelt performance of “Lovers On Mars” captured the attention of the audience, with Raab commending her for hitting the right chords. "Du hast das Ding reingenagelt wie eine Eins, das erreicht viele Menschen," he stated, alluding to her broad appeal.
Another act to watch for is The Great Leslie, combining British and German influences. Their modern indie sound aims to represent Germany’s diversity and dynamism. The band emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration across cultures, reflecting the true essence of the Eurovision spirit.
With the unique mix of musical offerings from disco-infused melodies to heartfelt ballads, the pre-selection for Germany's Eurovision Song Contest entry promises to be one of the year’s most exciting competitions. All roads lead to the final showdown on March 1, wherein fans will choose their representative who will carry the flag for Germany at the Eurovision stage.
With such diverse talents at play, not just the music but the stories and emotions behind each act will build anticipation as audiences await the thrilling culmination of talent and creativity at ESC 2025. It's clear this year's selection process will not only showcase the power of music but mark Germany’s bid to reclaim its position on the Eurovision leaderboard.