He’s been documenting his efforts to get to the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Germany since last June, posting a series of videos on TikTok and Instagram under the banner, “How to make ein Musikvideo.” And today NDR made it clear all that effort wasn’t done in vain. It’s confirmed that Jendrik Sigwart will sing for Germany at Eurovision 2021 in Rotterdam.
But the 26-year-old wasn’t chosen simply because he’s amusing on social media. The Hamburg-born singer overcame some serious competition, winning over two independent juries in Germany’s multi-stage selection process. You’ll have to wait a bit longer for his song title and music video. The song premieres on February 25 at 17:50 and 19:56 p.m. on ARD’s public television channel Das Erste.
Jendrik Sigwart will sing for Germany at Eurovision 2021
Speaking to NDR, Jendrik couldn’t hold back his enthusiasm, as he seems to have typed his thoughts out in all caps.
“I am really looking forward to performing for Germany at the ESC,” he says. “OKAY – I JUST CAN’T STAY SERIOUS ABOUT THIS. HEY, EVERYONE, I AM REALLY GOING TO THE ESC. THIS IS A DREAM COME TRUE! Holla, die Waldfee.” (Apparently that’s slang for very excited).
He’s also rather amused that this is really happening. Shortly after the announcement, he shared a snap from the music video which shows him sitting on a sofa surrounded by his supporting cast. He captioned it: “lol this is going to be watched by more people than expected.”
As you can tell, he likes to keep it real, as Germany’s Head of Delegation Alexandra Wolfslast confirmed. “Jendrik is totally authentic, has fantastic charisma and incredible entertainment qualities,” she says. “It was not surprising that he convinced the ESC juries. We are very happy that he will be representing Germany.”
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Who is Jendrik Sigwart?
The second of four children, Jendrik learned to play piano and violin as a kid. After high school he enrolled in the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences where he studied musical theatre and appeared in shows like “Hairspray”, “La Cage aux Folles” and “Berlin, Berlin”. Throughout his time there he wrote songs on his favourite instrument — the ukelele.
Naturally his love of performance had to be put on hold after coronavirus hit, shutting theatres and other performance spaces. So instead of taking to the stage, this bleach blonde wonder set about producing his Eurovision song and making the music video — an elaborate and amusing process he documented on social media.
As you can tell in the IGTV post above, the video is going to be colourful and over-the-top with a quirky do-it-yourself vibe. Among other things, Jendrik sourced and purchased 18 old washing machines to create a laundromat set. There are also a dozen gorgeous cakes, some of which are smashed and others which are placed into said washing machines. Talk about clean eating! He’s also seen scrubbing toilets, perhaps paving the way for some scatological humour, and unboxing packages of the bright powder used during Holi, the Festival of Colours. Get ready for an explosion, y’all! There is also a woman dressed as The Middle Finger, because why not?
German web site ESC-Kompakt, which has its ears on the ground in Deutschland, suggests the song will be a cross between Stefan Raab and Daði Freyr — so mixing German humour with geek-chic appeal.
As you’ll recall, the German selection process is very German. Once again NDR placed the selection of the entry in the hands of experts. Two independent juries determined who would sing in Rotterdam: a “Eurovision Jury” composed of 100 people from all over the country (who are thought to have predictive power based on their musical tastes) and an international jury of experts that includes 20 music professionals. In a multi-stage process, these two juries have evaluated both the artists and the songs.
You can follow Jendrik on both TikTok and Instagram under the handle @mynameis_jendrik.
What do you think of Jendrik’s video tease? Does this inspire confidence in what he’ll bring? Do you hope the song will go heavy on the ukulele? Let us know in the comments box below!
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Also, the ukulele is an interesting choice for a Eurovision entry. I believe it may be the first entry that is played on an ukulele for the contest, so that alone intrigues me.
Gianluca?
None of the songs chosen by now are ESC winners, like by far. Just saying because people already start to compare Jendrick (without a song) with The Roop and Dadi and Little big. Discoteque by the Roop is massively overrated…it wont even reach top 5. No catchy melody in that song whatsoever. Dadi has to deliver but it is always difficult to come close to a masterpiece (think about things).. I am excited, though. Little big was not a winner last year and it wont be this year…fun but too silly for being a winner. The jury will put it… Read more »
I predict this won’t age well.
Lol, you were right
Never any middle ground with Germany. Always either really great or really awful.
Let’s see what category this one falls into.
So, you think S!sters and Ben Dolic are in the same league? Child…
I’ll be a Karen and ask whether there are some German trolls downvoting numerous comments. It looks unnatural but who knows.
im not german but i just downvoted you
Okay!
A lot better choice comparing to last year
I don’t know why but I have a feeling that song gonna be sh*tty. Like someone have already stated Cake to Bake 2.0. I hope I’m wrong.
The little comment of the spirit animal rubs me the wrong way since I know some Indigenous people online (and spirit animal is more than a quirky descriptor), but otherwise he is pretty interesting. I hope at worst it is a translation quirk in the video and he would know better, and I can’t wait to see his entry
I understand where you’re coming from, but saying you “know some Indigenous people online” does not make you authoratitive on the world’s wide variety of Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, who are not monolothic and have vastly different cultures and worldviews. Not all Aboriginal groups believe in the concept of a spirit animal – and it’s good to not perpetuate the idea that they do. Spiritual connection to animals exists as a loose concept across contexts and cultures and some flexibility should be allowed for this, especially outside of the US where these things have become understandably so fraught. You’re right to point… Read more »
That is a good point. Thanks for informing me as such. As I said, it is a minor thing I not picked and generally Jendrik is an okay guy who could rep Germany well.
The Indigenous friends comment was uncalled for though.
I want to add that I didn’t downvote you. I think it’s good that you care, it’s just important to be balanced and fair. If you’re really passionate about Indigenous rights, put that to good use by volunteering or — if it’s possible for you — think about a career in law, research or the charity sector.
It’s interesting that the article mentions that his song will be similar to Dadi Freyr because he was obviously a huge favorite last year and everyone is expecting that his song this year will be as good as or even better. If Jendrik’s song is indeed similar to Dadi Freyr and is also strong I imagine they might eat into each other’s votes.
This reality attests to my largely downvoted comment supporting Dadi for holding back his release until mid March — other delegations certainly have taken note of how phenonmenally popular Iceland were, and they want some of that too.
If we send “mainstream pop”, people are complaining. Now we have an “artsy, funny guy” and again complaining xD
I’m happy!
Also: THE SEAGULL HONEY 😀 😀 😉 😉
Sorry but you’re the first to complain and criticize the others countries man.
Drag her, sis.
he’s a total cutie i hope his song is good
you should get out more …
your name is my response
He playing the ukelele in the beginning of his presentation video gives me Manel Navarro vibes, and that’s not a good thing. Also, he’s trying too hard to sound/look funny and that could be annoying. I don’t know, I’m the relaxed/quiet type, this kind of hyperkinetic, overtalking person usually get on my nerves.
I’d say you are less relaxed/quiet and more rude/judgmental judging by your comments and the display you make of them.
amen
Honestly, what a hateful and condescending bunch of uneducated hunamoids you are! You don’t really love this contest if you are not willing to embrace the new faces and make stars out of them. Quit your nagging and negativity and show the cute guy some love!
He’s radiating that cringy Tik Tok kid vibe that I instantly hate. Honestly don’t even care about the song. The artist is enough for me.
Hahahahaha, I agree.
I like him! Can’t wait for the song.
Mr. Wonderful is gonna represent Germany this year… We will wait for the song. TOO intense in that video.
Clearly they are going for the quirky pop personality that Lithuania, Russia and Iceland are bringing….but in a cute boy package. This bodes well for France as so many competing countries seem to be going after similar tastes. Salvador’s win can partly be attributed to how unique his song was compared to the other finalists as the only traditional and classic composition.
Ahahahaha France will not win sweetie
Lol yeah the same thing people said for the Jesc and Voilà they won, so….
The fact the votes are split between Lithuania, Iceland and Russia (in the case Little Big is going to represent them, as it hasn’t been announced yet) doesn’t mean France will collect enough votes to win. Personally, I don’t think it’s the kind of song that would get a landslide of votes. Comparisons with Sobral are pointless, because his win can be attributed to many factors, not only the song. Yes, the song was unique in some way, but his personality (he looked vulnerable and he was suffering of an illness too) and the fact Portugal was the eternal outsider… Read more »
Yeah, though you gotta admit that France also hasn’t won in almost 45 years and their song IS unique, so that will probably play well with the juries (although I was surprised that in their own national final, she didn’t score so well with them). Anyways, I mostly agree, I think it’s not that likely France will win, though definitely not impossible. However, if KEiiNO wins for Norway and The Roop for Lithuania, I would say both of them and France are a strong contendor to win. And that doesn’t even count in the songs by Iceland and Russia! Guys,… Read more »
Fingers crossed that the roop win tonight.
However, France will likely have a competitor with a similar type of song (ballad/low tempo song in French) with Switzerland and Gjon’s Tears.
Not sure he will bring that type of song this time, and I’ve read there might be Albanian language in it, so let’s see
That’s why I put “likely” ;). We can be surprised of course.
For some reason, he makes me think of a gender flipped JoJo Siwa, Even though I barely know that celebrity. The most I’ve seen of her was lemon’s impression of her in the snatch game episode for Canada’s drag race
There is an article about his unfortunate passing
Judging by the videos, the best case I could imagine would be for the song to be a crossbreed between Gianluca Bezzina and Pollapönk. Enjoyable, yet nowhere near the Top 10.
How doesn’t remember him?
The ukelele thing is so cringeworthy…
Cake To Bake 2.0?
Jendrik is a genius . Exciting times
I don’t like the fact people are already displeased with this news just because he is not Ben Dolic. He hasn’t even released his song yet, give the guy a chance…
I mean, give him some credit for actually being from Germany.
This could be something spectacular and memorable! Don’t know what to expect but it’s exciting!
OFF TOPIC – Örs Siklósi (the lead singer of AWS / 2018 Hungary ) has passed away from leukemia 🙁
R.I.P
Oh no. Country with so much unique music (best techno scene, original pop scene, strong rock projects) and so many big stars. We should have Söhne Mannheims, Xavier Naidoo, Avantasia, Unheilig, so many and big great artists in ESC and they are still choosing no name young people, who are almost every year at the bottom of the scoring board. Why?
Firstly: No Xavier Naidoo, no matter where. No ESC, no radio etc.
Then: What is the advantage to use famous artists? Maybe a few thousand dudes know the artists, who are well known in Germany, so it wont make any difference. Who knew Duncan Laurence? Who knew Netta? (I can continue.) Who is the last artist who was well known, that won Eurovision?
We shouldn’t have Xavier because he is an awful human being.
They almost had Xavier but, you know, he’s plain awful reportedly and he was quickly let go after some major criticism.
Sadly you just listed all the boring artists xD Unheilig had their time, they are so outdated. Avantasis is too special. Söhne Mannheims are boring as hell and Xavier Naidoo should never again get any platform on television. Better someone one new who gets his chance to suprise than one popular artist who can only lose.
Because Cascada served you so well?
Germany should send Xavier Naidoo as soon as the UK sends Gary Glitter.
Because you are an absolute idiot
Why not giving Ben Dolic another chance? But okay I give him the benefit of the doubt.
Because Ben Dolic didnt want to participate this year. Its as simple as it is.
He said he was too busy
Have you been following the news all this time or are you just an idiot?
Well excuse me… As a nurse I have had a very busy period due to Corona. So instead of you might thinking… looking after the patients with that terrible virus was a bit more important than following the news about eurovision! And next time if you call someone an idiot, take a good look at yourself first…
I don’t think this will be novelty – I can easily see this song as something like Malta 2013 with just less wholesome and more comedic staging. People shouldn’t reserve last place for Germany just yet…
just a tad annoying…
I’m not too convinced by this at the moment. Although Ben Dolic was Slovene, he should’ve been picked over this dude
Whaddaya mean „ALTHOUGH BD was slovene“? Is being slovene a disadvantige to you?!?!?
Not all all. Germany has the biggest music industry in Europe though, so they have plenty of singers to choose from without borrowing singers and songwriters from other countries
But Ben didn’t want to return. It was his choice. He can’t be picked if he didnt even want to be picked so what are you on about?
I think the UK fans liked him the best knowing they may not come last this year.
Let’s wait for the song and performance. Everything until then does not really interest me very much.
How many songs has he published yet?
I’m starting to get the feeling that Germany doesn’t want to win at all or doesn’t want to get a good place and doesn’t even try….
And I feel sorry for the other artists who having a good song but might not be in the final and then having to see a place in the final given away like that…I can imagine what kind of song it will be from Germany! 🙁
But for now I’m calming down a bit, because we don’t know yet how the song will be like in the end -I’m not expecting a big masterpiece!!
I‘ve just read Jedward and saw the picture of him really looking similar to them what really really shocked me for a sec. lol
That’s certainly a unique choice from Germany, and clearly capturing what’s big now. I will reserve judgement but I have no idea what to expect – exciting! This does feel like a risk from Germany in comparison to some of their more pedestrian entries 🙂
I am disappointed because they hyped the artist and portrayed him/her as a famous artist that fans will be excited about…. how can we be excited about someone we don’t know?
Anyway, i have positive vibes. He seems to be talented and really fun! I am sure the song will be interesting matched with a strong staging (since it won based on that as well). Please use some German lyrics in the song, sick of English entries representing Germany all the time.
Everything they have posted of him so far looks super-annoying and squarely in the trying-too-hard category. It is not as if ESC will be lacking entries in the “endearing wacko” category this year. What amazes me more is how super-positive commenters are about anything any country announces.
Maybe his song will be amazing and he will change my first impression. We’ll see.
yes same opinion, I mean do we really need another “Dadi” when we have Dadi, Little Big, the Roop + x.. in esc? Don’t think so.
Exactly my thoughts. On the one hand, if they are really willing to go with german instead of english (even though i doubt it) I am willing to see this as a plus. On the other hand, once again they pick someone with no experience whatsoever, so that’s a minus.
“if they are really willing to go with german instead of english”
Ha haha ha.. ha.. I like your Humor. Greetings from Germany
This song is even linked in this post 😉
We in The Netherlands didn’t know Duncan Laurence before he was chosen to go to Eurovision, so yet unknown names doesn’t matter if you have the talent!
that is true.. but still I don’t like Yendrik’s style of music nor aesthetic…
Is that true though? Duncan was amazing singing live in London the year beforehand? I don’t know about his home country, but surely the broadcaster noticed him for a reason?
He had good connections with Ilse deLange so het got kinda lucky at the selection part. I think if you want to get chosen by AVROTROS for eurovision it all revolves around connections. Trijntje Oosterhuis was one of the best friends of Anouk, Douwe Bob was the winner of one of their TV channels competitions, 3JS were visible in a lot of avrotros TV programs +appealed to their traditional viewers, OG3NE’s dad is an influential record producer
Netta was basically anonymous here in Israel before she slayed us all with her first performance on The Next Star
So yea, anything can happen 🙂
Duncan went from small town boy to superstar
Superstar? Yes, he’s like Michael Jackson or Paul McCartney!!! LOL
Nobody knows him outside the Eurovision fans bubble.
you are pathetic
He’s definitely got fame in the netherlands now receiving lots of radio time for all his song releases and he’d be recognized by almost everybody on the street. Also arcade has 180 million Spotify streams.
I heard arcade on the radio a million times and I live in Canada…
I feel like Germany has slipped back into the “who gives a damn” category that the UK & Ireland have also been in for many years. Even though last years song from Germany was awesome, the performer had zero charisma or stage presence. I know I am in the minority but Wadde Hadde whatever that song was called is one of my all time worst songs in Eurovision, so the Stefan Raab reference has me worried.
I’m afraid you’re spot on. It feels like they really don’t bother anymore.
‘Wadde hadde dudde da’, however, was kind of brilliant. And if alone for the moment Stefan Raab shouted ‘Watch this!’, only for his female dancers to tear off their clothes in the next second. Really took the piss out of trick costumes and the ever-popular over-sexualization of women at Eurovision (or in mainstream pop in general).
Whatever your view of Dolic, “Violent Thing” was always going to be a hard act to follow. This boy just looks annoying bless him and any references to Malta 2013 make me switch right off. Destiny however has the scope to improve on last year. Thank goodness for all the returnees not sure I could cope with 20 Dadis!
a german singer with a happy song sung in german. I think that’s great and I’m sure it will represent Germany positively
Well if this isn’t a disappointment. Like it may surprise me and I’ll like it, but there seriously isn’t any need for 2 dadis in one year. And also like is there seriously not established artists in Germany who want to do esc, I’m not talking famous, but at least artists that have an album or something, something that actually represents the German music scene and is not a nobody or a newcomer with a song composed by foreign people (even tho I loved Violent Thing).. I’m so disappointed I can’t even express it. The song from him is kinda… Read more »
and it gets even worse, in the music video there’s a muslim woman, a gay man, a black woman, a woman in a hot dog costume.. not saying there is anything wrong with them, but it’s such a cliche.. I’m seriously already done with this act.. I PRAY THAT I’M WRONG, but I feel like this might be even worse than Levina..
Ah yes, diversity is now a cliche. Good to know.
Yes because they were picked based on their race and religion. I hate when people fill their music videos or even in series where they put a gay character in just to please the gays.. i find it boring and not original, I’m bi and I really don’t care about my representation in the media, one bi character per year is fine. Like diversity in my opinion comes in characters, talents, personalities and not in races, sexualities or sex.
If you’re bi and happy with literally one piece of representation a year, then I am so so sad for you.
It is saddening. Erasmus, even if you don’t care personally about your own representation, at least try to care for others.
I’m bi and have the same opinion. Representation doesn’t matter and I think it’s actually counterproductive. The LGBT community is so welcoming and caring… until you contradict them, then they reveal themselves to be as toxic as homophobes…
I—how can representation be counter-productive???? In literally what way????? It’s the delusion for me
These people should stay invisible. Somebody should tell them that they’re annoying Erasmus and they’re lucky he even lets them exist.
Fact is not every ethnic/gender community or minority needs to be ‘represented’ in every music video that is released… It’s as ridiculous as pretending there must be a LGTB character in every movie!!!
You need to educate yourself, whether you’re bi or not. It’s an idiotic, ridiculous, and hurtful position to suggest that a historically-oppressed community is toxic for taking pride in itself and wanting to be fairly represented in society.
If you have such intolerant and nasty views of the world, and of LGBT people in particular, you haven’t been paying attention to the ethos of Eurovision, which is made better when we can all share the stage and a love of music respective of all the differences and similarities that make human beings so special and one.
As someone who frequently wears hot dog costumes, I felt seen and appreciated by that woman’s inclusion.
The replies in this not knowing what is going on in the music video absolutely send me (it’s people expressing their anger at others being bigoted and arseholes instead of letting people live btw)
Oh and representation matters. I’m glad yous feel like you don’t need it, so happy for you. But it’s not just important for so many others, it also shapes, influences and improves the majority’s views on underrepresented groups of people, it normalises their existence and helps people to be less prejudiced.
He’s as if you take Ben Dolic and inject him with Rock M. Sakura’s vomit. Weird? Yes. Annoying? Yes. Exciting? Also yes. Meme Lord? Also yes!
Aw. I expected Rammstein or Indonesian singer Petrus Mahendra to represent Germany this year, but I get this lesser-known singer singing for his country in Rotterdam. But I think he’s as cool as Ben Dolic and I’m waiting for his song release on the 25th.
He gave me the last place vibes idk
Yes, as a French fan, he gives me Twin Twin vibes… (and it’s not a good thing).
I actually liked Twin Twin, though. But, yeah, they were just trying too hard and got punished for that. I feel like he is as well.
More Manel Navarro vibes…
And his haircut gives me 2012 Jedward vibes.
0 idea of what to expect.
Negative 2, lol
Oh no, Germany is not taking the contest seriously… again! Another Last place contender. Damn, lessons never lerned…
Far more charismatic than Mr. Dolic to be honest. Never heard of him either though. And I’m German too 😉
EDIT: Just watched to “How to make ein Musikvideo” clip and damn!! I LOVE HIM ALREADY! lol
I just did it too and now I am really excited. He’s so creative, cool and likeable
You know what… this guy has a likable face and we need some acts pushing comedy / lighthearted content as well. Some of my unexpected favorites tend to be on a comedic side. 🙂
Can we dare to hope hearing at least some lines in German language after 9 (14 from Germany) years as well?
Did you just say that the Trackshittaz sang in German? 😉
Just kidding 😉 but yes, I wonder if he sings in German but I don’t think so.