As the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 approaches, discussions swirl around Germany's entry, particularly concerning the performance of the duo Abor and Tynna. Their song, "Baller," has created a divide among fans and critics, primarily due to allegations of using Auto-Tune and engaging in lip-syncing during the pre-selection stage.
Critics have raised concerns about whether Tynna's use of Auto-Tune violates the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) rules. According to established regulations, Auto-Tune can be used as an effect, but it must not enhance the singing quality. On the other hand, lip-syncing is strictly forbidden. During the German pre-selection finals, Tynna used Auto-Tune in the chorus, which led many to believe that the performance was live—this perception could be considered a breach of the contest's rules.
The pressure on Abor and Tynna is intensifying, especially as they prepare for the upcoming contest in Basel, scheduled for May 17, 2025. The German broadcaster NDR has confirmed that their submission adheres to the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) guidelines. An NDR spokesperson communicated to the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung, stating, "The NDR has submitted the German ESC entry in compliance with EBU regulations." This affirmation includes a commitment that Tynna will not lip-sync while using the Auto-Tune effect.
Interestingly, in a bid to explain the pre-selection issues, Tynna and the WDR attributed her reliance on lip-syncing to a cold. This revelation leaves fans speculating: will Tynna stick to her compliance in Basel?
In what might seem like an ultimatum, regulatory breaches in the final could lead to disqualification for the duo. Hence, they must choose between using Auto-Tune without lip-syncing or delivering an entirely live performance. With ramifications for not adhering to the rules looming, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The current climate surrounding Germany’s contributions to the Eurovision is bleak; fans have noted a long-standing struggle for the country to secure favorable rankings. Lena Meyer-Landrut’s victory in 2010 remains a fond memory for many, with Michael Schulte’s fourth-place finish in 2018 providing a brief glimmer of hope. However, since then, Germany’s results have consistently landed it near the bottom of the rankings, leaving many disillusioned.
Stefan Raab, a renowned television personality in Germany, is attempting to change this persistent downturn by becoming directly involved in selecting the nation’s entry for the contest once more. He orchestrated the search through a show titled "Chefsache ESC 2025." Over 3,281 applications flooded in, from which Raab and his team carefully selected 24 acts to compete. The top nine finalists battled it out in a grand finale on March 1, 2025, where Abor and Tynna emerged victorious with their song "Baller." While the official Eurovision Instagram account has confirmed their selection, the reception on social media has been anything but unanimous.
Responses are varied. Some fans have expressed enthusiasm, claiming, "Germany is back!" and "Deserved victory!" While others are far less optimistic, posting comments such as, "0 points" and "Germany will be at the bottom again," reflecting a more cynical view toward the country’s chances.
The dissent does not stop there; platforms like TikTok reveal a similar narrative of negativity, with comments lamenting the duo's performance and calling it one of the worst they’ve experienced. One user shared, "I’ve never heard such a bad performance. Europe will laugh at us," a sentiment echoed by many. The combination of emotional critique and humor adds to the growing pressure on the performers.
While fans wrestle with their opinions, it's essential to recognize that the stakes are high. The upcoming performance in Basel on May 17 will not only determine Abor and Tynna's fate in the competition but could also set a precedent for how Germany's entries are viewed moving forward.
This year, the Eurovision Song Contest will see a new mascot named Lumo, although the design has drawn criticism—as it appears fans are just as discontent with Lumo as they are with this year's entry. The disgruntled reactions to Lumo alongside the mixed feelings towards "Baller" reflect an overarching unease about Germany’s competitive spirit at the Eurovision this year.
In conclusion, as Abor and Tynna prepare, they walk a tightrope between fulfilling fan expectations, adhering to ESC rules, and delivering a performance that can bring Germany back to the forefront of the competition. The excitement and uncertainty surrounding the duo's performance highlight the enduring charm of the Eurovision Song Contest, a stage where creativity meets scrutiny. As we eagerly await the conclusions to be drawn in Basel, one thing is for sure: the spotlight will be on Germany, and it remains to be seen whether they will rise to the occasion or once again fall short of expectations.
