It’s the revamped national final that Germany is counting on to help it avoid the bottom for the third year in a row. Now German broadcaster ARD has revealed more details about Unser Song 2017. And there’s a chance for international viewers to have their say in who wins.

In a Facebook event invitation, the official German Eurovision site has shared more information about the national final.

At the national final on 9 February, each of the five competing artists will perform three songs: one cover version to demonstrate their performance ability and two new songs, specifically written as potential Eurovision entries.

While the show will feature an expert panel who will offer critiques of the performances, the winner will be determined by German public vote alone. But there’s a way that international fans can get involved.

Eurovision Vibes

International viewers will be able to vote for their favourite songs in a poll. Votes are cast via a new feature in the official Eurovision app called Eurovision Vibes.

On Wednesday 9 February, the day before the live final of Unser Song, all 15 songs will be made available on the app. From that evening, voting via the app will be open and will run until the near the end of the grand final.

The results of the poll won’t count towards the final result, but they will be revealed on the show. The poll will give German televoters an idea of which acts might appeal most to the wider Eurovision audience.

Last month the broadcaster revealed the five artists who would be competing at Unser Song 2017. They are Axel Feige, Felicia Lu Kürbiß, Helene Nissen, Levina and Yosefin Buohler. Yosefin replaced Sadi, who was forced to withdraw from the competition for personal reasons.

Germany hasn’t had the best of luck in recent years. Despite winning in 2010 with Lena’s “Satellite”, Germany has recently been placing down the wrong end of the scoreboard. In the last two Eurovisions, Germany has placed dead last, and even suffered the indignity of nil points in 2015.

The revamped format of Unser Song 2017 aims to match talented newcomers with songs written especially with Eurovision in mind.

What do you think? Will you vote for your favourites? Do you think the poll will help German viewers vote? Have your say below!

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LightvsDarkness
LightvsDarkness
7 years ago

Germany always delivers even with bad results. This looks like children eurovision based on the picture, is it because Jamie Lee participated last year? Goodluck Germany

Zebb
Zebb
7 years ago

Can I just notice that in photo from above they all look like it’s a 90’s teen tv-series announce 🙂

I like the way how is this running so far, looks like a recipe-list how to well-craft… a song 🙂

Justin K.
Justin K.
7 years ago

I think the cover round gives the act an opportunity to showcase performance ability while using a song most people will know. Depending on rearrangements, vocal ability, song choice, etc., this gives the voting public the ability to see what kind of style they’re aiming for (e.g. remixing any previous Eurovision song to a different arrangement or style altogether), and may potentially help with the ultimate decision of artist and song; if they can’t sing a cover version well, then that might count against them in the end. I’m glad they’re doing two additional songs each, though! I hope ARD… Read more »

Pheonix
Pheonix
7 years ago

Big effort from ARD/NDR this year and very wise not to add the advance poll to the final score, when it’s all about the live.

AngieP
AngieP
7 years ago

Germany has decided to take it a little more seriously this year I believe! Considering the fact that international viewers can also participate! In this way they can see which song appeals to a wider range of people (like the international jury in Sweden or Finland). They give voice outside their country, because all Europe will actually vote in May! However, I am confused about the songs. A cover and two songs which can be considered a Eurovision entry? Do we really need so many songs? I’m afraid I’ll be lost while watching the final. Nevertheless, good luck to Germany.… Read more »

an esc fan
an esc fan
7 years ago

I’ve read the lyrics of both songs, and seem good, but I wonder if they are so open minded, why they could not forgive Sadi, because I’m sure he quit because it was suggested to him to do so.

Alex
Alex
7 years ago

Wrong: On Wednesday**** 9 ****February, ….
Right: On Wednesday **** 8 **** February

I’m not glad about our format of choosing an act.
Some of the artists revealed their interpretation/style of music. We can expect the songs in the versions electro-pop / pop-rock and as well some blues..

an esc fan
an esc fan
7 years ago

What cover can Lena sing? It can be confusing, just give the right song to the right person.

cheesecake
cheesecake
7 years ago

A cover round? Seriously, Germany?

Branko
Branko
7 years ago

German ESC Song is either called Perfect Life or Wildfire

Mario = Legend
Mario = Legend
7 years ago

PP-

Ummm I don’t know if you missed the memo but Sadi is out of the contest. 🙂

E.Scott
E.Scott
7 years ago

Its been a shame for germany the last few years. Their songs have in no way been the worst in the final but i think they fall mid way in peoples rankings and noone is casing a vote to their 13th favourite. Thus polarizing songs that really apeal to a small number sneak past them on the score board. Hopefully one of these songs have what it takes to stand out

Dom
Dom
7 years ago

The cover round seems very unnecessary. It would be more interesting to hear everyone singing the actual songs. Who cares if they can sing a nice cover? Anyway, I’m excited for the songs.

fikri
fikri
7 years ago

their approach of revealing who the world loves before the german voters can vote is quite brilliant. i love it.

Toby
Toby
7 years ago

I all depends on the two songs that will be presented really. I think they all have potential, I mean, the procedure reminds me of Belgium last year and look where Laura landed! I think there is potential, but NDR is always so weak with staging and I hatet he cover round because the normal audience that dont vote one day before will never hear all versions of the two songs which is a pity. NDR has to consider a Melodifestivalen version for ESC. We have such great artists here 🙁 But I think sending someone completely unknown is a… Read more »

PP
PP
7 years ago

Only with Sadi they have some chance for good placement

PP
PP
7 years ago

Not good idea. They try to be Spain 2007 when all singer sang all songs

Thomas
Thomas
7 years ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4MHSZ2MGFs

Hey ! Switzerland’s Freschta gave her song a lil more umph! I certainly hope both Switzerland and germany can do well! Its a good thing that Austria Germany and Switzerland are in the same Semi. ((Even tho they don’t vote very often for each other.))