Pre-decision for ESC with Stefan Raab: These nine musicians have made it to the finale - ESC's initial decision concerning Stefan Raab: These nine artists advance to the final round.
On the 17th of May, Basel will host the Eurovision Song Contest, with Stefan Raab aiming to secure a win for Germany. After a grueling semi-final, Raab and his jury team selected the final nine contenders, each vying for the ticket to represent Germany in the grand event. The pressure was immense as 14 candidates competed in "Chefsache ESC 2025," leaving Raab and his team with challenging decisions.
Each contestant exhibited exceptional talent, with their performances receiving acclaim from the jury. Hitting the perfect notes was no longer the primary focus; the jury evaluated each candidate based on their potential to appeal to a European audience. "Whatever embodies the taste of viewers across Europe is our ultimate goal," stated Raab.
Feuerschwanz: The Medieval Enticement
The medieval rock band, Feuerschwanz, introduced their track "Knightclub" – a song revolving around wild-living knights in the nightlife. Their sparking guitars and vibrant armor costumes offered an entertaining spectacle, even leaving Raab in awe. However, the jury wrestled with whether this unconventional act was fitting for Eurovision's grand stage. Yvonne Catterfeld mused, "Is it too outlandish? Or perhaps it's precisely what Eurovision needs?" Ultimately, the jury decided in favor of the Nuremberg band, who would advance to the final showdown.
Emotional Performances
Early in the competition, the alternative pop group, COSBY, secured their spot in the finals with their powerful track "I'm Still Here." This deeply emotional song, dedicated to late singer Marie Kobylka's father, left the jury deeply moved, including Catterfeld, who shed tears during the performance. Raab celebrated the talented group, stating, "We've got too many outstanding candidates here today – enough for three years of Eurovision contests."
Pop-soul singer JALN delivered a flawless performance with her track "Weg von dir," a reckoning with past love. Despite their captivating performance, a consensus amongst the jury members was that the song lacked the lasting impact required for Eurovision success. As for the nu-metal band From Fall To Spring, they impressed the jury with their performance. However, the jury pondered whether their unique sound would resonate with the Eurovision audience.
The Lasting Impact of Stefan Raab's Dedication
Stefan Raab has been an integral part of Eurovision since 1998, contributing to six entries. He performs with an unwavering seriousness, offering criticism for performances that is exacting but fair. During performances, he diligently notes down the acts' strengths and weaknesses, often continuing to jot down observations even after being asked for his opinion. Raab acknowledged the use of an elaborate points system to evaluate the contestants, with six candidates already qualified based on their performances for the final showdown.
The Talented Shortlist
Moss Kena, a British singer residing in Berlin, captivated the jury with her performance of "Nothing Can Stop Love." Elton praised her rendition, calling it "almost too good for Eurovision" – an opinion shared by her fellow jurors. Pop-rap duo Abor & Tynna also gained praise for their track "Baller." Raab deemed it the competition's "most youthful" song, while Giesinger predicted that it would "go viral on TikTok." Benjamin Braatz, the young German singer-songwriter with a resemblance to Olaf Scholz, also impressed the jury with his gentle love ballad, garnering an instant playlist addition from Max Giesinger.
The indie band The Great Leslie was also included in the finals, with their music being compared to Franz Ferdinand. Three artists who go by only their first names – Lyza, Julika, and Leonora – rounded out the final 9, with the jury acknowledging the talent within this diverse and promising lineup.
In light of his extensive experience in Eurovision, Stefan Raab's critique was highly regarded by the contestants, often leading to detailed notes during performances. With a smile, Raab admitted that he kept jotting down observations even when asked for his opinion, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the contest.
Given Germany's strong history in Eurovision, the pressure on Raab and his team was monumental as they selected the final nine contenders. Some acts, like the unconventional Feuerschwanz, challenged traditional Eurovision norms, leaving the jury in a split decision about their suitability for the grand stage.
Probably due to their exceptional talent and emotional performances, both COSBY and JALN secured their spots in the final showdown. Their music resonated deeply with the jury, although the latter's song was questioned for its potential to appeal to a European audience. This year, Germany's Eurovision representation was as diverse as ever, with acts from various genres making the shortlist.
