Hallo Deutschland! Tonight we were given the 14th song of 2024’s Eurovision season, courtesy of Germany. Their entry has been chosen by the national final Das Deutsche Finale, hosted by Barbara Schöneberger.
And now the show is over, we can finally say that Isaak will be going to Malmö with his entry “Always On The Run”! The brilliant vocialist really brought his A-Game, and managed to win the show from 3rd in the running order – often deemed an unlucky slot.
Special guests tonight included Germany’s participant from 1972 and 1984 Mary Roos, and all-time icon and Eurovision darling, Austria’s 2014 winner Conchita Wurst.
Germany will be hoping to improve their fortunes at Eurovision. No country has ever come in last place 3 contests running – however after picking up the ‘wooden spoon’ in both 2022 and 2023, Germany would get this unenviable record should they fail to get up the scorebaord this year. Who should they have picked? What were the performances like?
Live commentary on Das Deutsche Finale below…
Das Deutsche Finale 2024 – Live Discussion
So after a delayed start to the show tonight, we are finally starting at 10:20pm…and you thought you needed coffee for Sanremo?
So who are the early possible winners? Well according to the bookies, and more importantly all you wonderful Wiwibloggs readers, the favourite going in is “Oh Boy” by Ryk. The emotional and extremely atmospheric ballad is powerful, and Ryk has proven before at a German national final that he can sing!
Will he win this time around? Or is “Oh Boy” more of an “oh no”? Other favourites include Bodine Monet with “Tears Like Rain”, and “Forever Strong” by Max Mutzke. Both are much more typical pop songs, and maybe more typical of a German entry at Eurovision.
Then there are brilliant vocals from the likes of Isaak, and German schlager from Marie Reim. There’s some great choices here.
You can see more about the songs and some rehearsal snaps HERE.
Right, let’s get into this, shall we?
Welcome to Das Deutsche Finale 2024
Time for the show to begin! And let’s just say I understand juuust enough German to know Barbara was making jokes about recent results. I believe she said “friends, let’s be optimistic!”. Well, they’ll need to be, Germany need (urgently) to improve things; will they pick the right song to get them away from 26th place?
1. NinetyNine – “Love On A Budget”
We see NinetyNine (called so because of his birth year) in a simple white shirt, black trouser get-up. His background consists of photos of couples together. Admittedly it’s nothing remarkable by the time we get to the first chorus. Moving further past this we get generic city backdrops, and into a guitar solo later into the song. It’s incredibly sweet, and thoroughly enjoyable. NinetyNine is charismatic… it’s not one for Eurovision though – not even with that too-short solo.
2. Leona – “Undream You”
Twenty year old Leona talks a lot about this being her dream in her postcard. After our first performance this is truly delightful, taking a totally different tone. It’s quite dreamy though the graphics of her own face appearing on and off in the background aren’t fitting with the song. When it focusses on just Leona though, it’s genuinely lovely. Her vocal is perfect for this song; a song that sounds like it belongs in a sad romantic movie montage. “Undream You” is simple but really effective. I’m a fan of this one actually – I wasn’t particularly before tonight. She gets a full standing ovation from the crowd, deservedly.
I know this isn’t song related but they just brought out a birthday cake with more pyro than your average Eurovision staging. It is one of the special guest’s 31st birthday… Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!
3. Isaak – “Always On The Run”
Isaak seems to be inspired by Rag N Bone Man in his postcard, which makes sense with that vocal indeed. He has nailed this performance, and gives Michael Rice vibes with the flawless nature of it with his abilities. But also the lack of staging provided by the show doesn’t help give it any impact whatsoever. A shame, because he genuinely is brilliant. I just don’t see this particularly thriving in the results tonight, but he definitely deserves some love. I hope he doesn’t get left behind.
(Update from after the show: YAY! He didn’t get left behind!)
4. Galant – “Katze”
Yet another song about cats in this year’s national final season. We see Galant in front of a whole bunch of vintage TVs and red lighting. Almost no references to cats though weirdly? Only in the song – but not even some cat ears. Barbara had an intense pair on before the song started so we’ll forgive the broadcaster. This was great and fun for one minute. Just a bit ‘meh’ by the time we’ve got to the bridge – though I have to admit both members of Galant are extremely engaging. It’s maybe just a bit too chill and minimalist for Malmö. Much like Leona, the crowd give a standing ovation for Gallant – they LOVE this one.
5. Floryan – “Scars”
Floryan was the winner of the wild-card slot in Das Deutsche Finale, chosen via the show ‘Ich Will Zum ESC!’, and is introduced tonight by the queen of Eurovision, Conchita Wurst. Floryan looks incredible in his black suit with plenty of glittery elements. If I’m totally honest, the emotion of the occasion is clearly affecting him more than the other acts, but it’s very endearing. “Scars” is a slow and simple ballad, but clearly means a lot to Floryan. The chorus gives us the empowering line “My scars are beautiful” repeated. Another huge reaction from the crowd tonight, and a lovely moment from our Wild Card.
6. Bodine Monet – “Tears Like Rain”
Bodine has got some lovely staging, giving us nature and a touch of the boho-hippy vibe, but make it fashion. The vocals throughout are marvellous, her range is fabulous. It’s light and sweet, with a pyro curtain even at the end! She really endears herself to the camera, and brings the sunshine to all watching it. I just wonder if it would get lost in Eurovision? I do think it would get them far away from their fate of the last two years though. Floral and delightful, well done Bodine. Not bad at all.
7. Ryk – “Oh Boy”
Time for the big favourite. Not going to lie, I’ve been anxious for this because this could easily be a Top 10 for Germany if they were to choose it. We open with some light on Ryk’s face, much like Sennek’s Lisbon performance, but this is much more effective, and creates atmosphere. The build to the chorus gives us the payoff we need, as the dreamy nature is gorgeous when we get there. Needless to say Ryk is PERFECT vocally, and really doing “Oh Boy” justice. The broadcaster have given him almost no staging past the lighting moment at the beginning though…! Some songs don’t need it though, this is pretty. It’s stunning, it’s powerful, it’s the right choice for Germany in my humble opinion. Standing ovation received, of COURSE.
8. Marie Reim – “Naiv”
Marie is bringing German Schlager to the show tonight, with “Naiv”. Her mother represented Germany before in Eurovision, and she is wearing her dress tonight! This one is rather beloved by Eurofans as it’s giving quality camp Melfest vibes – something they’re missing slightly in ACTUAL Melfest this year a little (I know, I know, I’m sorry!!). Marie is really fun to watch, and is one of only two acts so far to get adequate staging. Plenty of dancers and more on the screens to boot, and a dramatic wide staircase. Marie will have to be far less static if she were to go to Eurovision with this however. Her presence isn’t quite as thrilling as one would expect for a song like this.
9. Max Mutzke – “Forever Strong”
Well, the show has really bigged Max up here, with glowing recommendations and recaps of when he came 8th in Eurovision 2004 with “Can’t Wait Until Tonight”. I can’t help but think this slower and simpler song was an interesting way to round the show out. Maybe his success in Germany allowed him the premium slot. If I’m being totally honest, it reminds me of The UK’s ‘You Decide’ national final of days gone by. And as a Brit…that isn’t the biggest compliment I can give. Still, he performs it very well. Judging by the crowd reaction it could still win.
Results – Das Deutsche Finale 2024
OK, time for results! Get ready everyone – who is representing Germany at Eurovision 2024? Let’s do this!
International Juries
A very surprising result from international juries. Isaak was fantastic, so it’s no surprise to see him succeeding here, though I don’t know how many of us guessed he’d win the juries! I’m delighted for him though.
The big shock here is to see Ryk down in 5th – to say Twitter is outraged is putting it lightly. Eurofans online aren’t exactly thrilled. Bodine in 3rd is also a negative for the Eurovision fans, she was beloved by many and was top of the Eurovision Scoreboard app ranking before the show.
The points translated in 12, 10, 8 points etc are in brackets
Full jury count below:
Isaak – 74 points (12)
Max Mutzke – 55 points (10)
Bodine Monet – 55 points (8)
Galant – 52 points (6)
Ryk – 51 points (5)
Marie Reim – 40 points (4)
NinetyNine – 37 points (3)
Leona – 36 points (2)
Floryan – 8 points (1)
Televote Result
After a DEFINITELY LIVE Abba medley from Barbara and the participants, we now move onto the televote. Let’s find out the total result. Gosh this is nail-biting. In order of least to most, here are the televote points:
Isaak – 12 points
Max Mutzke – 10 points
Ryk – 8 points
Marie Reim – 6 points
Galant – 5 points
Bodine Monet – 4 points
Ninetynine – 3 points
Floryan – 2 points
Leona – 1 point
This now only leaves us to see what these points combined give us and crown the winner…and the winner iiiiiis…
Combined and Overall Result
Isaak – 24 Points
Max Mutzke – 20 points
Ryk – 13 points
Bodine Monet – 12 points
Galant – 11 points
Marie Reim – 10 points
NinetyNine – 6 points
Leona – 3 points
Floryan – 3 points
With the two sets of points added together, our victor is Isaak! Congratulations Isaak, you have won the German ticket to the Eurovision Song Contest, and will go to Malmö with “Always On The Run”! He won the show convincingly with both the international juries and the televote. This will surely give him a huge confidence boost going to Sweden, as a unanimous winner.
How do you think Isaak will do at Eurovision 2024 for Germany? Will “Always On The Run” get Germany out of their rut and onto the left-hand side of the scoreboard? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
It has been forever since I last heard a song sung so beautifully like Ryk did “Oh Boy”.
As a German I say: Germany should withdraw from Eurovision at least one or even two years and stop co-financing it. For Eurovision you need to have a competitive mindset. Stefan Raab had a competitive mindset and understood what it needs to be successful. Germany is not motivated to really send something competitive to Eurovision. You can see the missing motivation already in the pre-selection process and the really boring shows they do to choose the Eurovision act.
The mindset is completely missing.
Germany 3,5/12 – my heart is bleeding for Ryk…
Honestly this is exactly what the german public loves. The guy next door. No staging, no style, big voice and radio-friendly song. It will end last again but it represents the german music taste which is fine I guess. Their taste is just not compatible with the rest of Europe.
I don’t think it’s about compatibility, exactly; there’s popular music like this all over the world. It’s more like Germany (usually) plays it so safe that no one will ever remember them. Nothing stands out. It’s a generically decent song, but it won’t be anyone’s favourite, and middle of the pack songs get the same zero points as last place.
I like it. Reminds my about disney films from my childhood. I don’t get why people are so skeptical about it. This guy has huge voice.
Deutschland will never learn.
Absolutely !
I feel bad for Isaak. I think he’s not going to have a tremendous ESC experience because the fandom will blame him for Ryk not being sent. Don’t blame him, because Isaak did his part. Blame the broadcaster for not providing him proper staging and styling. If they wanted to be competitive, they should’ve and could’ve gone internal and picked Ryk (just as they went internal in 2020 for Ben Doli?). I think, moving forward, this will be a better strategy for Germany. The UK and Spain learned from their mistakes, maybe Germany will follow.
I watched the show on tv.
Wasnt very overexcited by one of the acts or the show.
Tho it was nice and entertaining experience.
The winning song of Isaak didnt leave a big impact on me. Its nice and ok.
Congrats to him and his team.
I hope he and his team will create a good act in which he can showcase his vocals and shine more.
Viel Erfolg Deutschland
This song will make history, but not for the right reasons. I think this will be a third consecutive last place for Germany, especially as all the other automatic qualifiers are bringing their A-game this year.
I’m so sorry that Blood & Glitter got bottom: 1st, because it was undeserved and 2nd, because Germany tries to adapt by sending something “ok for Eurovision”, and that’s exactly the worst of the mistakes in Eurovision.
He’s bringing that Michael Rice, James Bowman realness!
another last place in the grand final
You deserve what is coming, Germany. You are unable to select a good song.
It’s a good song (so I can’t get the hate that almost everyone gives about this song) but Ryk could have reached the top 10 for Germany. For me this song is very listenable, more than France, Slovenia, Luxembourg etc. song but it will finish sadly in the last 6, hopefully not in the last place again. It’s a good song but Ryk or Bodine could have reached the top 10 for Germany. For me this song is very listenable, more than France, Slovenia, Luxembourg etc. songs but it will finish sadly in the last 6, hopefully not in the… Read more »
Completely agree with everything you have said. I’m not 100 percent sure how this won over ryk or bodine to be honest, but it can’t be only blamed on the German public as the international juries also picked him ???? it seems Germany are stuck in the same rut the uk had been in for the last decade or more, they select good songs, singers with the emphasis on radio friendly songs Or what they think would do well in the charts, when really Eurovision is all about individualism, representing your own countries culture and creating a memorable stage presence… Read more »
Sure, Isaak doesn’t have the looks and experience of a Marco Mengoni, but his voice is great. Music wise for me this song feels too much of a pre-programmed computer with a lot emphasis at the drums. And then the act /performance, this looked more like a selection show of a talent programme then the best Germany TV has to offer. What guidance is given to the candidates? Outfit, stage design (lightning) and performance, camera work? Let’s just hope Germany wil help Isaak with a good creative team to make this performance more unique, authentic and interesting.
I think German broadcaster should internally choose its representative and create a song written with the help of Swedish and German songwriters. National final format generally ends up bottom-5 songs at the grand final. In normal circumstances; this song can’t even reach to the grand final.
no more dull internal selections, also no more swedish composed entries in the contest
Then we got “I don’t feel hate”
Congratulations for another bottom-5 result for Germany; you are consistent in choosing songs which would end up bottom-5 :/
Zero charisma and mediocre song. Sorry Germany.
I’m expecting a top5 composed of Ukraine, France, Italy, Armenia if they send Malena, and… Israel (unfortunately we all know that’s happening)
I think LADANIVA (based in France, but the singer is armenian) will be the ESC act for Armenia,
Don´t forget Norway in this list and Ireland could really be a surprise.
With Keiino that would have been a possible outcome.
I can’t see how a song eliminated in the semi can reach Top-5 in the final. I mean Ireland (pun intended :))
France’s song is also average and boring.
Agree but it’s the only ballad so the jury might hype it up
Italy, Ukraine and Israels to
I don’t think Israel will do too well sadly even if the song is amazing as a lot of people have said they will either boycott Israel or refuse to vote for them. Sadly it’s human nature to have a opinion on something even if politics shouldn’t be a deciding factor in a song contest that’s ambition is to unify and bring people together.
Winner of Eurovision 2024 is Kaarija -Ruoska. That song would have wiped the floor with everything this year. Plus staging
By the initial reaction of Eurovision fans I definitely believe Isaak is highly underrated this year (similarly to other entries which won against the public’s favorite). I think the song has great potential for powerful staging especially from the 2:06 mark. The song is also very commercially appealing being reminiscent of Rag m bone style. Vocally, Isaak also delivered a very strong performance. I think Eurovision fans are still stuck on the hype that song like Cha Cha Cha left behind last year and I can see this song standing out especially with a good staging and if Isaak let’s… Read more »
Yes, honestly Eurofans have a bias towards novelty this year it seems. Can’t something just be well done?
Resambles UK’s James Newman, gives me Embers vibes. This is screaming for 0 points, I think last place in the grand final is now locked for Germany…
James Newman didn’t win a public selection with both international jury and public vote support. It’s easy to say Germany is bound for last place since that’s what happens so often and since the fan favorite didn’t win, but this is their strongest vocalist since 2018 and nobody expected what happened that year.
It’s a tough voting system. Ryk just got four jury points less than Max (51 to 55), but ends up with half the number of placement points (5 to 10). We knew then he could not win.
Slovenia 11/12
Italy 10/12
Norway 9,5/12
France 9/12
Ireland 8/12
Luxembourg 7,5/12
Latvia 7/12
Ukraine 6,5/12
Spain 5/12
Czechia 4/12
Malta 3,5/12
Germany 3/12
Albania 2/12
Finland 1/12
Isn´t a good choice for the big stage. Another Bottom 5 is guaranteed, I fear. Germany has to change the broadcaster !
Isaak was, from the performances of the night, the clear winner imo. Everything else was just okay whilst he was good. A radio friendly neat little package. Its not reinventing the wheel, but from the songs we have so far this is in my top 3 as Czechia, Malta, Finland, Slovenia, Luxembourg and Albania are worse songs, France and Latvia give me nothing and Ireland, Spain and Italy really aren’t my type of thing.So overall a weak year so far (for me) but with more than 20 songs left to be chosen there is still hope for a strong final… Read more »
I’m expectin for it to be on the lower right quadrant of the final table.
Nothing much
Germany are the champions of generic and average.
That’s true for almost everything in Germany
no
i like Germany, i myself watch a lot of german tv shows from Netherlands, usually on RTL or ZDF
this entry is kensington meets rag’n’bone man, also a bit similar to a recent DSDS winner Jan Henrik’s Never Not Try (same raw edgy vocals, only here with Isaak, more uptempo)
Oh dear
Oh boy.
When I saw all the negative comments (classic Eurovision fans) I expected to hear a bad entry…
That song is actually quite nice! The chorus is fun and catchy, he’s got a great voice, definitely needs a decent staging, but the potential is there.
Will he end up last? There’s always a chance, but why are we hating on this entry?
Look, the song is really nice, well-produced and I can see myself listening to it. It’s more of a general “that’s not a Eurovision song” feeling, you know? And Germany doesn’t have a good track record when it comes to staging, so I don’t know how this’ll turn out.
Fully agree. The dude can sing – he sounds even better in the reprise, which he sang full heartedly all the way through without getting the slightest but distracted by everyone else joining on stage. And that hook is catchy as hell.
I tuned it with no expectations, as the German final is usually a poor one (for my standards). BUT
This year it was different. Most of the songs were quite good and well performed. So, that was a pleasant surprise.
Regarding the winning song, yes, it’s a good one (perhaps the best option among the 10 songs), not sure if the song will stand out in the final. I am afraid it’s a bit generic, radio friendly but not standing out among 25 other songs.
Good luck Germany!
Waking up this morning, opening the My Eurovision Scoreboard app and looking at the iverall ranking by fans… People have lost their minds.
I agree that Ryk would have been a great winner, he was my favorite by far too. But Germany being 13th on 14, really? People may not like it but I objectively can see 4 songs that are worse than this… Czechia and Finland are placed higher and I simply can’t unemderstand that.
Imo Isaak is far from being bad and deserves better than that.
A bad song is always going to place better than a generic mediocre one. And Finland has a bad song, not a mediocre one.
Germany could’ve got the the 12 points from the Netherlands..Could’ve.. ?
they will still get 12 from Netherlands, pure Kensington vibes in this bop
i have good faith in a amazing jury score for Isaak
yass, great winner
amazing bop, runananahey nananahey, so current
Germany 3/12 – another lost year….
As more and more songs are revealed, it appears that this is the weakest Eurovision year in the last decade. Boring songs that are not exciting at all. Only Israel or Sweden will be able to save this year.
It’s the same every year… wait until all the songs are out!
I totally disagree. There are few great songs. So far this is a Norway vs Italy affair. Israel will get a big “booooo” for the obvious reasons no matter the song. so dont count them at all.
This is the best Eurovision contest of the 20’s. We have 3 potential winners already (France, Norway and Italy) in the first 13 songs and a lot of musical diversity.
2023 was Finland versus Sweden from the beginning.
2022 was the worst contest since at least 2011, but Ukraine had at least the song which deserved to win.
2021 was Maneskin’s year, but a weird year since many of the returning 2020 contestants, just chose a worse song than 2020 (Israel, Lithuania, Latvia, Australia).
2020 would have been a very good year if it actually took place.
Last Year was weak! Only Sweden and Finland were remembered.
This is the most rigged thing I’ve ever seen. Shame on you NDR.
Let’s hope for Zorja ??
no shame at all, fantastic result, keep up the good work NDR
NDR thank you for the great show and a fabulous winner.
I really don’t understand why broadcasters feel the need to involve international juries.
So, this is a surprise. I didn’t expect Isaak to win, to be honest. I can’t really say I like the song, cause that would be a lie. Never the less I wish Isaak all the best.
It’s a nice, radio friendly song. Verses are really good but feel that chorus is a bit messy. Still think it’s a bottom five candidate, will need a good jury vote otherwise
100% with you. The song is good, radio friendly. He performs well. But I am afraid it won’t stand out in the final. But again it’s a good choice for Germany (unlike all the years after Michael Sulte).
There were far better choices in my opinion but oh well you do you Germany.
Based of the song: Bodine and Ryk were better options (though I prefer Isaak).
Based of the full package of the song, singing and performance: No, definitely not.
He’s cute. It’s gonna be a top 10. It’s not gonna winn, Italy or Ukraine gonna winn again, because it’s EBUs little darlings
I love Always On The Run, it’s one of my favorite pre-season songs, but what you say is too optimistic and very unlikely.
I can understand why Ryk didn’t do that well at the NF despite having the best song of the line up (though I prefer Isaak) and being the fan favorite of Germans before the show started. The things he did wrong from my experience: – He had closed eyes 80% of the time which caused him to not being able to connect with the audience as much as he wanted to. Closing your eyes itself is fine, but he did it far too much. – Look at his arm movements. The only things he does is timing the tempo of… Read more »
Should’ve put the word fat in quotes, because they aren’t necessarily fat, just overweight.
Who decides if someone is ‘overweight’?
The Body Mass Index. Though Isaak is probably slighty above the healthy weight of his height. He is not fat. Even if he was, he shouldn’t feel/be ashamed for it.
That’s also a reason why I wanted to quote fat, because people in the comments were shaming Isaak.
Agree with 99% of your comments but I find the expression “fat people” a bit degrading. Just a matter of wording, otherwise I agree with everything. Not seeing this song stand out unless he gives an even more solid performance (vocally, emotionally, etc). Candidate for Bottom-5 I am afraid but let’s wait and see.
As I said in my other comments, fat was meant to be quoted It is indeed degrading.
Because there were other people calling him fat while he isn’t fat.
Yeah, no worries 😉
Thank you for saying that Gojo because I also noticed the lack of connection Ryk had with the camera. It’s a schoolchild’s error. You need to look at the people who you want to vote with you. It isn’t hard.
What happened, that the majority of people started getting incredible nasty and toxic in the comments on everything related to the german selection?
Being absolutely disrespectful making fun of the artist, too.
Do you think the result gives you permission to write any rubbish you can? Keep it classy. Its “United by Music” and not “My favourite didn’t win, lets write hate comments”.
Good luck and much fun for Isaac in May. He totally nailed it vocally. I hope for a memorable staging and maaaybe some shuffle peeformance being on the run. (Still dreaming and hoping).
Based take. I don’t know why this doesn’t have more upvotes.
Eurovision should come to an end, world is in a very sad situation we don’t need show that still bring plastic barbies, erotic crazies, pretend melancholy on stage. Waste of money and the show will make people drinking and drunk all over the europe even the world over poverty so sad. I am sorry but it’s true
Oh, you mean like all sports and entertainment events?
Don’t be silly. We need something uplifting in these times especially.
The only thing that’s true is that you are a troll who’s trying to ruin something that people like with their whole hearts. Sorry, it’s true. It makes me sad, actually. I hope you’ll find something to love like we did. Good luck.
Not very eurovisionary, Eurovisionary
That was fair. 🙂
What ?!!! I am speechless. I go to bed after Ryk’s performance confident he will win and then this happens. Germany can’t be left alone 2 minutes without making bad decisions. What a facepalm moment.
Wish it were just 2 minutes. Was more like an hour of mediocre broadcasting after Ryks performance
i’m starting to give up on u germany 🙁
Congrats, Isaak! I admit I didn’t think he could win, that I’m the only one who loves his song, but I’m glad I was wrong. Deserving winner – I will vote for him in May.
i can trust my eyes and also my ears and in this combination i have a winner.
it is the cat! 🙂