The Chefsache ESC 2025, Germany's entry selection for the Eurovision Song Contest, has reached its semifinal stage, determining which acts will compete for the chance to represent the country. Nine out of the fourteen participating artists have successfully secured their spot in the final, scheduled for Saturday, March 1.
Judging the semifinal were prominent members of the jury: Stefan Raab, Yvonne Catterfeld, Elton, and guest judge Max Giesinger. They evaluated performances and selected those deemed ready to shine on the larger European stage. This year, the competition has attracted significant attention, with 3,281 applicants whittled down to 24 acts through rigorous rounds.
The ninth semifinalists, who will vie for the coveted Eurovision spot, are:
- Moss Kena – "Nothing Can Stop Love"
- JULIKA – "Empress"
- Benjamin Braatz – "Like You Love Me"
- Cosby – "I’m Still Here"
- Abor & Tynna – "Baller"
- Feuerschwanz – "Knightclub"
- LEONORA – "This Bliss"
- LYZA – "Lovers On Mars"
- The Great Leslie – "These Days"
Regrettably, five acts did not advance to the final:
- Cage – "Golden Hour"
- Cloudy June – "If Jesus Saw What We Did Last Night"
- JALN – "weg von dir"
- From Fall to Spring – "Take the Pain Away"
- Jonathan Henrich – "Golden Child"
Throughout this exciting selection process, performances ranged from original songs to covers, making for varied and enthusiastic displays of talent. Notably, the semifinal on February 22 allowed contestants to showcase their potential ESC entries for the first time.
The final show will be broadcast live on March 1 at 8:15 PM on ARD, and viewers can expect high-energy performances and passionate displays from the finalists. The anticipation builds as Germany seeks to reclaim its place among Europe’s best musical acts.
Stefan Raab, the main figure behind the selections, expressed high hopes for success, stating, "I want to win. That’s the only thing I’m interested in. I’m not aiming for second place. It’s all or nothing." His statements highlight the seriousness with which the competition is approached, aiming for Germany to bring home the win at Eurovision 2025.
The format of this year’s selection includes each initial round judged solely by the jury. Only the public will determine which act earns the right to represent Germany during the final, adding to the excitement and suspense surrounding the event.
This year's applicants included artists from diverse backgrounds and genres, showcasing the richness of German musical talent. The competition aims to promote not only established acts but also new and promising talents, with 20% of submissions coming from bands.
The event is not merely about the music; it’s about national pride and the opportunity for artists to showcase their craft to Europe. The broad participation can be seen as Germany's commitment to enriching its cultural narrative through music.
All performances will be presented barrier-free, with options for subtitles and audio description, ensuring inclusivity for all viewers. This initiative reflects the growing awareness and efforts toward accessibility within the arts, which is gaining recognition across various platforms.
Fans of the Eurovision Song Contest are encouraged to engage with the competition, both by following the live broadcasts and by sharing their thoughts and predictions online. Social media can often amplify the excitement, especially as viewers rally behind their favorite acts.
To stay updated and not miss any performances, viewers are invited to tune in to the final showdown on March 1, as the contestants pour their hearts out, aiming for the dreams of glory on the international stage.
With the pressure mounting and hopes high, which act will manage to capture the hearts of both the jury and the public? The stage is set for what promises to be an unforgettable finale to Chefsache ESC 2025!