Like a “Ghost” emerging from the “Black Smoke“, German broadcasters NDR and ARD are ready to stop the country’s run of last-place finishes at Eurovision.
On Wednesday they revealed plans for the latest version of their national selection for Eurovision – Unser Song 2017. The final will take place on February 9.
Showing just how seriously they are taking this, they’ve already revealed the jury and it includes their last winner and two-time participant Lena. (She who bought new underwear dyed blue).
Unser Song 2017: Format & Changes
After coming last two years in a row, Germany are ready to reclaim their glory and are positioning Eurovision as a “national task”.
The application period has now opened on a specific Unser Song portal, running until the middle of November. The rules say that any solo artist can apply. Crucially, there’s a specific message that they’re looking for “young artists” for 2017. A panel of music professionals will then decide which 30 candidates have what it takes to become the next German Eurovision star.
After that officials will choose just five artists for the national final.
This is where Lena will make her mark. She will be joined on the jury by one of Germany’s most successful singers, Tim Bendzko (who previously won the Bundesvision Song Contest). Rounding out the jury is entertainer Florian Silbereisen, boyfriend of pop-schlager diva Helene Fischer. The jury will only pass comments, though. Televoters alone will decide who gets the German ticket to Kyiv.
But the broadcasters want the people — and not just Germans — to voice their thoughts, too. No matter where you come from, everybody will have their say through the official Eurovision app. Comments and votes will be shown during the live show, to give the German viewers a European view.
It’s also been confirmed that Barbara Schöneberger will host the final once again. Let’s hope that she doesn’t have to declare a new winner on the spot this time!
It’s not only about the artists. And Germany are taking great care to find the right song for them to take to Ukraine.
National and international authors and composers have been contacted to write modern and catchy songs, especially for Eurovision. Music experts will then match the best five songs to the five hopefuls.
ARD are confident that they “could earn another Top 10-placing” with their new selection. Let’s hope!
Germany clearly wants to slay this year. Do you think their new selection format will help them get back on the left side of the scoreboard? Or do you anticipate more disappointment for Germany? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Maybe five songs for the final is too little, but it still sounds promising.
I like Jamie Lee more than Lena, so their ranks are inexplicable for me.
Where is Roman Lob, he had that attitude that he’s not trying too hard and it worked.
I personally thought Lena won the last time she sang at Eurovision. I think she has what it takes to help Germany win next year!!
I really want Germany to do well… but I also would like to see them come last again just because I can’t think of any country having been last three times in a row.
It’s compleatly down to what 5 songs make it to the final choice. I think Lena should have a say in it from the word go!
It was great to finally have a UK selection again this year unfortunately the selection was uninspiring.
So it’s the selection before the selection that counts.
The only hope for Germany is for Stefan Raab to return from his retirement and get in charge of the artist search and promotion.
Stefan Raab will also be involved as producer. Finally some good decisions from my country…
I was hoping Lena would sing for Germany one more time.
She is the best Germany have ever sent!
Well lets hope they will not come last again
@ninasublatti Yaaas honey i think you should work for ndr your ideas are wonderful…NOT
Well, great idea @ninasublatti
Why not do it for France as well, TWIN TWIN and Lisa Angell, that will surely give them a win ……
Lol. Two acts that finished last duetting? This is the worst idea ever LOLOLOL