Stefan Raab, the legendary entertainment figure, has made waves with his return to the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) scene through the selection process for the German representative at the upcoming ESC 2025, aiming to restore Germany's success on the international stage. Hosted by Barbara Schöneberger, the latest episode of "Chefsache ESC 2025" showcased the semifinalists vying for the coveted spot, attracting impressive viewer ratings.
On February 22, during the semifinals on RTL, nine acts were selected from the 14 semifinalists, showcasing diverse musical styles, from hard rock to emotional ballads. The audience was captivated by the performances, with up to 2.29 million viewers tuning in, representing 8.5% of the market share. Notably, the show attracted 16.2% of those aged 14 to 49, securing it the primetime spot right after the news.
The atmosphere during the performances was electric, as each singer and band brought their unique style to the stage. Yvonne Catterfeld, one of the jurors, found herself emotionally moved by the heartfelt performance of the band COSBY with their song "I'm Still Here". Catterfeld shed tears, and Raab praised the performance, noting its emotional depth, which helped propel them to the final.
The semifinal included standout performances such as Moss Kena’s strong ballad "Nothing Can Stop Love", which left both Raab and the audience spellbound. Raab exclaimed, "It’s almost too good for the ESC!" emphasizing Kena’s ability to resonate with viewers. On the other hand, acts like From Fall To Spring, known for their heavy crossover rock style, did not make it to the final but received accolades for their performance at the Wacken Open Air festival.
Julika's enigmatic performance of "Empress" earned her praise from the jury, including Raab who declared her performance to have "100% credibility". The mixture of captivating visuals and powerful vocals left jurors impressed, securing her place among the nine finalists.
Feuerschwanz took the stage with their high-energy track "Knightclub", infused with humor and exuberance, indicative of their medieval rock genre. Although considered unconventional for the ESC, they managed to charm both the audience and the jury, securing their chance to compete for the ESC title.
Other notable mentions included the jazzy pop act Leonora and the energetic duo Abor & Tynna, whose dance-friendly track "Baller" was also highlighted for its appeal to the TikTok generation. Their song was hailed as modern and catchy, making them finalists.
The show faced its share of criticism on social media, with fans expressing dissatisfaction over the eliminated acts, particularly From Fall To Spring. Some critics argued the jury, including Giesinger, lacked the courage to send the more eclectic bands forward.
With the finale set for March 1, the voting will shift entirely to the fans, leaving behind the jury's influence. This change has been met with enthusiasm, as fans hope to champion the acts they resonate with the most. Raab himself acknowledged the weight of the final decision-making, saying, "We don't throw anyone out. We only take those who continue with us."
Despite mixed reviews, the varied performances highlighted the immense talent across genres, representing the rich German music scene. Raab’s expert guidance appears to have revitalized interest and excitement toward the competition, reminding audiences of his enduring impact on the Eurovision platform.
Looking forward, Raab emphasized the ultimate goal: to bring Germany back to the top of the ESC rankings. With engaging performances, promising talent, and the viewer’s choice looming, the future looks bright for Germany’s participation at the ESC 2025. Fans eagerly await the final decision on who will represent them at the prestigious event, set to take place on May 17 in Basel.